Liberty welcomes anyone out wandering the Loop, but it doesn't have to look too far beyond the Board of Trade for its customers. Maybe the Financial District folks across the street frequent this spot because they know a little something about numbers. The traditional coffee and tea drinks here certainly fall on the cheaper side, with cappuccino for around $3 and regular coffee costing $1.65 to $1.95.

With "coffee" and "tea" both getting a nod in its name, it should come as no surprise that Liberty focuses on both libations. It specializes in homemade Chai tea and offers blends like cocoa spice and mother-to-be, which mixes raspberry and peppermint black teas to calm tummy problems and maintain water balance. Several iced teas are brewed fresh daily, including honey ginseng and mandarin green.

Aside from selling pre-packaged smoothies, Liberty also offers freshly made ones for just a tad more than $4. Choose from peaches, blueberries, raspberries, mangoes and bananas to start, and then mix in liquids like apple juice or soy milk. Milk shakes come in mocha, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and cinnamon ($3.75). If you're in the mood for a mid-workday snack, you can pick from a variety of granola bars, biscotti, cookies and brownies.

Be warned: If you aren't really looking for Liberty, chances are you'll walk right by it. This little spot doesn't have its own storefront; it shares one with Alonti Deli.

Centerstage Reviewer: Christy Bonstell