Remember kickstands, those metal rods on bikes that were commonplace before the fixed gear trend? At Kickstand Espresso Bar, owned by Noble Tree Coffee & Tea and Dollop Coffee Co. owners Philip Tadros and Dan Weiss, Lakeview residents have a new place to park it and reminisce about bikes of yore.

Kickstand lives in a former currency exchange, located in the one-block zone separating the former punk-haven strip inspired by The Alley to the west, and the phallic rainbow structures of Boystown to the east. An array of high wooden tables and chairs cover the inside of the cafe, and two counters line the inside of street-facing windows. Five non-functional vintage clocks located above the front door remind patrons to stop worrying about the time.

Like their sister cafes, Kickstand offers Metropolis Coffee, and pies, salads and sandwiches imported directly from Southport Grocery. On the east-facing wall, the heart of the coffee shop: an espresso bar fashioned out of old soda crates. Two rusted vintage bikes hang on the wall behind the espresso bar, floating amongst a collection of rotating works from local artists (such as Homeless Cop).

Indie alert: There is a Starbucks located at Clark and Belmont, just kitty corner from Kickstand. Keep your fingers crossed that the Seattle coffee giant won't eat little Kickstand alive.

Centerstage Reviewer: Alicia Eler