It's not often that an event, by its very existence, gives the lie to two powerful stereotypes about a place. But in a city known for neither its happy hours nor its tacos, Bella Luna's Taco Happy Hour does just that.

Let's be clear. There are no five-cent beers at this happy hour, no discounted shots named after infamous sexual acts. But there are tacos. Four different kinds, all prepared on fresh corn tortillas, all for three bucks or less.

Head chef Omar Ramirez has worked at Bella Luna for almost three years. A Southern California native with a refined taco palate, Ramirez had long wanted to bring tacos to Boston, and, in particular, to his neighborhood, Jamaica Plain. He had two rules: Make the tacos good and make them cheap.

"My whole idea is affordable food," Ramirez said. "If I can work my food costs so people can have a good time for three hours, one night [a week], that's what I'm all about."

With Taco Happy Hour, he has succeeded. For around eight dollars, Bostonist had three varieties of tacos. The tortillas were fresh, dense, and warm. In a word, perfect. While the black bean and shrimp tacos were both charming and hearty, like comfort food, the lobster tacos deserve particular praise. The taco was basic: Lettuce, scallions, and a chipotle cream that flirted with, but never overwhelmed, the sea taste of the lobster. The result was smoky, rich, sharp, and complicated. Served with a margarita--prepared with a house-made sour mix--the experience was some next level stuff.

But, lobster tacos? Ramirez explained that Californians eat them, too--they prefer baby lobster tail out West--so it's not exactly a nod to the Bay State. But Bostonist isn't complaining. Where else are you going to get a serving of lobster for three bucks in the Hub?

Taco Happy Hour will happen every Wednesday during the Fall from 5pm-8pm at Bella Luna and the Milky Way, 403 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain.

Post and photo contributed by Rick Sawyer.