A Cuban-inspired cafe with tasty pressed sandwiches, coffee and assorted pastries, Cafecito is the place where a person can stop, contemplate the meaning of life or reminisce about things gone by while listening to Cuban jazz, then head back out without a care in the world.

A constant flow of people comes through the door, each staring at the menu posted in large, silver picture frames above the register. Most of the customers are young, possibly visitors from other countries, which is no surprise. Hostelling International Chicago is next door and its inhabitants are no doubt looking for a cheap portable meal, or a place to sit and talk before heading out to explore the city. A plasma TV shows the images of popular television shows, but the sound is all music.

A large glass case displays pastries and food—a turtle brownie for $2.25 or a slice of cheesecake for $3.50—while an open service area lets people see the activity in the kitchen. The Cuban pressed sandwiches have something to offer at any time of day, whether the appetite is for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Breakfast is served from 6-11 a.m. Try the jamon con huevos ($3.50), made from bacon or ham, eggs and cheese, or the huevos completo ($4.50) made with steak, ham, eggs, cheese and grilled onions. For lunch or dinner, the Cubano pressed sandwich ($4.99) made with roasted pork, ham, swiss, pickles and mustard, can satisfy any appetite. If you need a little more, add to the sandwich a 16-ounce drink and a bag of chips for $1.49, or a 16-ounce soft drink and a cafe salad for $2.85. But whatever is ordered, it feels like it comes with a side of respite.

Centerstage Reviewer: Sam Barrett