Stuff yourself full of pasta, designed the way you like it, at Mangia Fresca, a new Italian cafe/lunch counter that opened in early 2009 in Bridgeport.

Just steps from the Halsted Orange Line stop, it's a great place to order takeout on your way to the Sox game. Owner Paul Impallaria has also installed a couple flat-screen televisions, along with a dozen tables, where you can watch the first inning if you're running late.

You can be the boss and create your own pasta meal for just $4.99. Choices include angel hair, linguine, spaghetti, mostaccioli, rigatoni, bowtie and fettucine, with marinara, vodka, arrabiata, aglio & olio, alfredo, meat sauce or pesto. Add sausage, chicken, meatballs, shrimp, salmon or fresh veggies for a few bucks more.

Mangia Fresca serves a variety of paninis, sandwiches and burgers ranging in price from $3-$9. Impallaria says his original breaded steak is the most popular, and brick oven pizza will be here soon. The place also offers complete catering for family parties, office events and business meetings.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Jacob Wheeler