Jenny Urban doesn't mess around. After working as a chef instructor for the homeless at Inspiration Cafe and the Greater Food Depository, and opening Café Too, an out branch of the former, Urban and her partner, Monique Urban, decided to give it a go on their own.

Located on a strip of Irving Park not far from Southport Avenue and bustling Andersonville, Urban Cafe's brightly painted interior reflects the owners' good vibes and do-it-yourself attitude (everything is made from scratch), while the menu works toward all-enclusivity. Varied lunch and dinner options cater to the meat-eater, vegetarian or vegan, with diverse offerings including beer-battered onion rings, shrimp salad, grilled portabella burger and tofu stir-fry. Brunch might beat dinner with goodies like Nutella-stuffed French toast, which is Texas toast filled with Nutella. (Apparently Texans and the French do mix.)

Because the café operates with a quick casual counter service option instead of hiring wait staff, the Urbans are able to keep menu item prices lower than usual. And with free WiFi and a BYOB option (because what would be better than a cold one paired with those beer-battered onion rings?), Urban Cafe works it both at night and during the day. It also offers a kid-friendly atmosphere with solutions for keeping the little ones occupied: a kids table full of My Little Ponies, building blocks and other play toys. The Urbans also host an open mike and live music. Stay tuned.

Centerstage Reviewer: Alicia Eler