JENNIFER HERRERA |210SA CONTRIBUTOR Coffee, omelets and free Wi-Fi, oh my. Casa Chiapas, which calls itself a unique coffeehouse and more, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you frequent Southtown, you're familiar with the old Espuma coffeehouse and the bookstore that was located next door. Since Espuma's closure, Casa Chiapas has taken residence and has continued on with the same spirit of the former coffeehouse. Open for nearly a year, Casa Chiapas has already gained the attention of the roller derby team Blazin' Banditas (the team hosted a meet-and-greet there) and local musician Laura Marie (she's quickly becoming a First Friday staple) as well as a slew of artsy followers. Other benefits at the coffeehouse include free Wi-Fi and jewelry, clothing and art available for purchase.

WHAT: Casa Chiapas, (210) 224-2606; casachiapassa.net or myspace.com/casachiapas

WHERE: 928 S. Alamo

HOURS: 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday

TASTE SENSATION: Not only does Casa Chiapas offer coffee but also plenty of healthy food choices including ham with jalapeño jack cheese panini, broccoli and cheese soup and veggie wraps. The panini's are great, although they may not be filling for some. But that's OK when you have a selection of desserts including chocolate cake, ice cream and lemon bars. The lemon bars are a must; they'll seriously have you craving more. If you're an early riser, stop in for a breakfast of traditional dishes such as chilaquiles, machacados and Chiapas-style omelets with tomatoes, onions and green peppers.

TUMS-WORTHY: If you're in a rush, you might want to steer clear of Casa Chiapas. Although the service is great, you might have to wait awhile to get it. However, games are provided throughout the restaurant as well as newspapers, magazines and fliers for Southtown events. Also, some of the dishes on the menu weren't available at the time we dined at the restaurant; this might have been a one-time deal, but if it wasn't, it might be a turnoff for those salivating  for a dish that doesn't exist.

THE 210 TAKE: If you're into having a quiet meal overlooking the center of the Southtown scene, this place is for you. The food is impeccable, the service (when you can get it) and the atmosphere are amazing. Imagine sitting at your grandmother's house and eating a home-cooked meal (but only if Grandma cooked food sans lard and other fattening products). It must also be noted that the servers and management of Casa Chiapas are incredibly friendly, striking up conversation with most, if not all, of the patrons who come in. Stop by Casa Chiapas and experience it for yourself.

Jennifer Herrera | 210SA contributor