Even the most savvy Chicagoans may be unfamiliar with the Avondale neighborhood, an area that sits between the much more popular Logan Square and Irving Park communities, because for the most part it's a quiet residential hood. But with Curio Cafe calling Avondale home, that may quickly change.

This sunny cafe is truly a neighborhood gem, serving mostly organic, fair trade and free-range breakfast and lunch at unbelievably reasonable prices. Start the day off with tasty items like the signature plato tipico ($7.95), two eggs cooked to order, refried beans, sauce, plantains, avocado, cheese and sour cream, a tribute to the Guatemalan heritage of the owners. For lunch there's a variety of soups (generally four specialties like cream of carrot alongside daily offerings), salads or a yummy sandwich like the veggie ($5.75) made with squash, portabella, onion, peppers and goat cheese. The menu changes seasonally, but staple items like bagels, pancakes and omelets are always available.

The staff is friendly and genuinely seem to appreciate your business. Everything is made to order at Curio, so service can be pretty slow, but just avoid stopping in when you're in a time crunch and you'll be fine. Curio is also kid-friendly and perfect for the hip, urban parent. There's a kids' menu, a play area with cool toys, organic candy, hormone-free milk and a huge chalkboard that many artistically inclined adults would have problems resisting if it wasn't low to the ground for little ones.

For now, Curio is only open until 3 p.m., so those who don't call Avondale home will most likely have to brave the weekend crowds. Have one meal at this colorful cafe, though, and you may find yourself allowing extra time in your morning commute to make a stop here.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Maya Henderson