Pouring out everything you'd expect from an independent coffee shop, Coffee Chicago borders the cliche: The caffeinated staff is fun and friendly; the crowd is mostly young and hip, piling in to study, read or chat; and the setting is your basic coffee shop blend of cute, cozy and cool.

The menu is what saves it from the ho-hum norm. With a length that most small shops cannot match, the menu offers everything from soups and smoothies to a fully loaded case of baked goodies. More substantial grub includes oatmeal, PB&J, calzones and a taco/pizza puff creation. It's joined, of course, by a dozen coffee, espresso and tea drinks and a huge selection of whole bean coffee. But the coolest thing (literally) about the menu is the ice cream. With more than 16 flavors to choose from, you can get yours in the form of cup, cone, float or shake.

Head over on the weekends and you'll find a lazy crowd lingering over coffee and free wi-fi. Or join Coffee Chicago Fridays at 8 p.m. for the epitome of all coffee shop cliches: open mic night.

Centerstage Reviewer: Ashley Hamilton