The sign on the door of Bucktown Beanery proudly declares it's under new management, but even if you miss it, an employee might very well proudly let you know about the new, more attentive owner. Most of the changes are the kind workers love but which aren't readily apparent to even regular customers: broken things get fixed, out of stock items get replenished - basically, the nuts and bolts of a successful business.

Which is good news, because Bucktown Beanery is a solid neighborhood coffeehouse. As the northernmost shop on the Bucktown stretch of Damen Avenue, the place avoids the hustle and bustle of the 'hood farther south, and the calm, combined with friendly service, is the perfect place to take advantage of free wi-fi and a good cup of Metropolis coffee.

More noticeable changes include the paring down of the menu. Informal market research (i.e. people never buy the stuff) will do away with items like the turkey burger and the pastrami sandwich. Even if there's more extensive editing, there will still be plenty to choose from as the list of affordable sandwiches and wraps is currently crammed onto four separate chalkboards. Breakfast selections, soups, salads and baked goods from Dinkel's and Bleeding Heart Bakery round out the food options. You can wet your whistle with a standard array of coffee drinks, teas, bottled beverages, smoothies and a special or two.

The room itself is fairly small, with a few tables by the espresso machine and cushioned chairs and a couch in the more open front area. Above shelves housing board games and books sits a TV tuned to the U, the presence of which is a bit strange, but the sound is kept off so it shouldn't interfere with your work or the softly-playing music (you can expect news in the morning).

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Alexander Hough