Formerly: Easily outclassing most of its Logan Square neighbors in menu as well as looks, this sunbeam-filled breakfast-and-lunch gem easily pleases the palate. One dish in particular is completely out of the park. An immediate house favorite, the "Logan" berry sour cream pancakes ($6.95) come stuffed with imported lingonberries, then plated up with honey butter and homemade apple cherry compote on the side (regulars know the best way to eat the sliver thin pancakes is smothered in butter and then dunked in the compote).

Other home-style breakfast standouts include thick-cut French toast, simply prepared with just a powdered sugar topping and served with apple-smoked bacon, sausage or ham; and the Texas-style country fried steak, dished up alongside two eggs and smothered in rich mushroom gravy, with a side of onion-filled, chunky fried potatoes ($7.95).

Around lunchtime, the folks rave about the huge chopped cobb salad brimming with real blue cheese ($8.50) and the Mediterranean sub ($7.25), a thick slab of country bread, chock full of roasted vegetables, prosciutto, fresh basil, tangy goat cheese, pesto spread and a tasty olive caper cruda. All sandwiches, including the perfectly grilled, half-pound patty melt, a fresh grilled Ahi tuna steak (with homemade tartar sauce) and a delicious old-fashioned albacore tuna melt on toasted marble rye ($7.25) come with hand cut potato wedges, potato salad or coleslaw.

Small touches like the hand-roasted Caffe Umbria coffee from Seattle and the spa-like cucumber-infused table water make breakfast a treat. Come lunchtime, when the sun is pouring in and lighting up the vibrant jungle-green walls, there’s no hotter spot in Chicago.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Misty Tosh