Lucio's

Don't let the name deceive you, this isn't a tiny coffee place with a drive through window or anything like that. Express was first owned by Ling (who now owns Cedarling, which is the old Express building), and she had a lot of great homemade Chinese food on the menu. Then, a man Joey and I love, Lucio Macias, bought it from her, and added Mexican food to the menu. All along, it had American diner classics too. People new to Quincy are a little throttled by the menu, saying it doesn't know what kind of restaurant it is, but knowing the history helps.

If you're wanting Chinese, get the chow mein. They make it to order in a big wok with homemade stock, and big tasty udon noodles. I recommend the beef chow mein - add garlic. I've blown several people's minds by recommending it. It's all Joey wants to get there now.

For Mexican, get whatever you want - it's all good, with some minor imperfections. The taco salad is especially monstrous, but could use some ranch dressing. They serve some pretty good salsa with their chips but the bean dip they've been putting out lately could use some ingredients besides just beans (at least that's what it tastes like). The bacon-wrapped shrimp is probably the best thing I've had on that menu.

For American, I love their burgers. They have a unique, spiraly bun with cornmeal on it that is amazing for some reason, and they serve it with "fancy sauce" (basically mayo mixed with ketchup - I always get extra) that goes great with their curly fries.

Food comes out fast and at a great price. And Lucio always greets us with a wave and a smile!