Unwilling to risk traveling to Cuba and running afoul of the United States government’s noose-around-the-neck embargo? No worries: you can taste some of the fruits of the forbidden island in deep Logan Square, where the delicious Sandwich Cubano is served hot off the press and the tasty milkshakes include exotic Caribbean fruit such as guayaba, guanabana and mango.

Señor Pan, which opened in May 2008, offers very reasonable prices, and Faisal has included his mother’s recipes on the menu (she still lives in Guantanamera, Cuba, and runs a tienda out of her home). You’ll pay no more than $7 for a sandwich or $13 for the family-size Señor Pan Especial. Add a side order — the ham croquettes, plantain chips with garlic sauce or Cuban tamales cost between $2.50 and $3.50 — or treat yourself to a flan or guava and cheese pastry ($1.50-$2.75) for dessert. Señor Pan closes early (7 p.m. on most days, 5 p.m. on Sundays), but for an early dinner, feast on the Bandeja Señor Pan sampler plate ($12.95) or one of the beef, pork or chicken platos for $9. No liquor is served here, but bring a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer.

The smokestacks in the distance may suggest industrial Logan Square, but the photos inside Señor Pan of the seaside malecón and vintage automobiles rolling through Havana Vieja will warm you up. Come early in the morning for your Café Cubano and talk beisbol with the neighborhood viejitos, or stop by on Sundays and enjoy the live Latin jazz or Cuban bolero folk music. Faisal offers wireless Internet access and hopes to bring in artists and build a patio in front of the restaurant as the weather warms.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Jacob Wheeler