As cars merge onto nearby I-94 and others race down Damen Avenue, customers at the Bucktown Beanery chill out to soothing classical and indie rock music while lounging in comfy blue chairs. The serious people here—you know, the ones who work on their laptops all day long (free wi-fi!)—sit either at the high counter by the north-facing window or on one of the regular-size wooden tables. Small, hanging blue lights and a large silver food display case are just a few of the other elegant touches that lend a classy ambiance to the place.
Don't feel like working? Check out the little newspaper clippings with pasted-on speech bubbles for a nice diversion. Step up to the counter for an excellent breakfast deal: a veggie, ham or Canadian bacon concoction with egg and cheese comes on either a bagel, wrap, ciabatta or croissant for only $3.65. Pair that with a cup of coffee ($1.55–$1.80) and you've got breakfast for about $5. Lunch is a little pricier, with tuna or chicken salad sandwiches for about $5.99 and salads for about the same price.
Average cost: <$10
Centerstage Reviewer: Alicia Eler
