Step into a Gabriel Garcia Marquez novel at this Northwest Side Colombian cafe. Papagayo birds, colorful lanterns, clay jugs and thatched roof eaves create an aura of magical realism.

But what's truly authentic at Sabor a Cafe is the food. Start with the empanadas stuffed with meat and rice ($1.50) or the corn cake with sausage ($3.99). Then graduate to the grilled meats, which are delicious and affordable. If you're ravenously hungry, order the char-grilled chicken breast, steak and sausage, served with potatoes and fried plantains for $18, or hone your taste buds on the Creole flank steak, sirloin steak or chicken or beef skewers (just $7.50).

Marta recommends the Bandeja Paisa, the traditional Columbian plate served with rice, beans, steak, sausage, a fried egg, corncakes and sweet plantains, for $15. Top off your meal with the rice pudding or the sweet plantain with guava and cheese in the middle.

Sabor a Cafe features live music on the weekend: romantic bolero ballads on Fridays and hip moving salsa by Angel de Cuba y su Cuarteto on Saturdays. Bring a date and put yourself in the mood with a cocktail. Marta makes her mojito with a stick of potent sugar cain, and Sabor a Cafe's liquor cabinet includes Columbian firewater and Ron Viejo de Caldas. Salud!

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Jacob Wheeler