McKinley Park, being as starved as it is for a quality cafe, welcomes this new chef-led contender, dishing bistro-worthy crepe and omelet-led breakfasts at South Side working-class prices ($2-$7), dressed in tin-ceiling and sun flowered, whistle-stop charm.

Though complete with wifi and a full line of espresso and coffee options, 35th Street is all family and date friendly, rather than creative chill. So more curly haired kids fumbling fruit cups, than laptop warriors. But they’re decadent fruit cups, drizzled in sweet cream sauce. Or in their parents' case, sided up to a shallot, avocado and sauteed mushroom Arizona omelet.

Lunch is less trafficked, but the full fleet of paninis and wraps ($5-$7.50) should not be ignored, catching some sun-dried tomato and avocado tortilla treatment. Likewise for the daily soup special, featuring steals on options like pablano-roasted, caldo de res ($2.50-$3.50). But we’re not going to elaborate on the brick-sized hunks of Italian bread pudding, because there are only so many pieces.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Gavin Paul