There's a fine line between retro-hip and retro-kitsch. The first finds a balance of retro pieces mixed with modern comforts; the latter usually means polyester overkill and unsightly orange hues. Mojoe's Cafe Lounge manages to perfect retro charm with the modern-day soundtrack of indie rock.

The bright sky-blue walls are accented by mustard drapes with sparkly, gold trim. Roscoe Village locals and hipsters from nearby neighborhoods fill the mismatched, vinyl-upholstered chairs and Formica tables from the '70s. As if to say, "yes, we have coffee," a massive latte cup the size of a small child sits in the front window. Colorful quilted pillows scattered around it offer the perfect place to relax with some of Mojoe's reading material: a stack of local magazines, The Onion and Calvin and Hobbs anthologies. Vintage coffee carafes line a shelf, and framed black and white cartoon strips decorate the walls. Jars of complimentary dog treats rest atop a small table next to a fridge stocked with Snapple and milk.

Mojoe's brews Intelligentsia coffee ($2 for a large) and has a full espresso drink menu. Except for a daily quiche special, the food is limited primarily to pastries from Little Miss Muffin, bagels, cookies and Rice Krispy treats, all of which cost about $1—the price you might have expected to pay in 1972. Wi-fi is free, too.

Centerstage Reviewer: Dana Kavan