Popular with Northwestern students and locals alike, this casual cafe and take-out spot serves up hot and cold sandwiches, specialty pizzas, hearty pastas, salads and soups. Try the margherita pizza, made with pesto, fresh basil, plum tomatoes, toasted pine nuts and mozzarella for $5.25, or the kuyperelli pizza, a wheat crust version with fresh basil and tomato sauce. Sandwiches range from roasted veggie on ciabatta and pesto chicken to an Italian sausage philly and baked grinders. Extras include jambalaya and chili, served with cornbread muffins and non-fat yogurt shakes. All menu items are priced under $6.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Shelly Burton