Avondale

FRIENDLY FEEL | Neighborhood has plenty of tasty offerings for regular folks

Logan Square's neighbor to the north sure has the "neighbor" part down. This welcoming 'hood puts on no airs, though it has plenty to brag about: While Avondale isn't high-heeled enough to support a slew of boutiques, its bakeries, bars and restaurants are known beyond its boundaries.

If Avondale is new to you, start your urban exploration at the Belmont/California/ Elston intersection, where you can talk city politics along a diner counter, sip on Belgian beers or take home a no-sugar-added banana cream pie that makes cheating on that diet a little more justifiable.

Kuma's Corner

2900 W. Belmont

(773) 604-8769

www.kumascorner.com

If you've ever wanted to have a conversation about Black Sabbath with your mother, Kuma's is the place to broach the subject. Just don't expect her to utter Ozzy's name; she'll more likely be raving about this true neighborhood bar and grill's famed burgers. Heavy metal-inspired names front a massive half-pound of beef on a pretzel roll; the Iron Maiden comes topped with avocado, cherry peppers, pepper jack and chipotle mayo. But don't let the metalhead menu make you think Kuma's is anything but open-armed. You'll want to sample its star-studded beer menu on a Thursday night, when all Belgian brews are $2 off.

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Friday; 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m. Saturday; noon-midnight Sunday

Bulldog Bakery

3207 N. Elston

(773) 539-9781

www.bulldogbakery.net

An old currency exchange may seem a funny place for a bakery, but a few white chocolate cherry cookies later, you're bound to exchange the slimness of your hips for some sugary satisfaction. The storefront eschews fluff for utility: a marble counter and refrigerated case display Danishes and croissants, fresh-baked banana bread and pastel-colored cupcakes. All items are kosher under CRC supervision, and you can special order everything from chocolate chunk cheesecake to a vanilla buttercream birthday cake in no-sugar-added versions.

Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; closed Monday

Clara and James Restaurant

3159 N. California

(773) 539-3020

Narrow and long as a diner should be, the hottest seats are the kelly-green stools along the white-tiled counter, where you're sure to be called "sweetie" by the coffee-pouring waitress. Breakfast is served through the afternoon. The hash browns are touted as the best in town, and get the royal treatment via the $4.50 Hobo, which covers them in cheese and two eggs. Inexpensive standards like patty melts and Denver omelets join the less-expected chop suey on the menu.

Hours: 5 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 5 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday; 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday

MoJoe's Hot House

2849 W. Belmont

(773) 596-5637

No corner is left unkitschified at this chipper coffeehouse: Magnets, postcards and a large image of Queen Elizabeth's head clutter the mustard-color metal cabinets, on top of which sit an impressive collection of percolators. There's plenty of Intelligentsia coffee being brewed in the form of the MoJoe, a blend of espresso and coffee, and flavored cafe au laits. With its old vinyl chairs and cup and saucer chandeliers, this coffee haven has considered every detail. Cases in point: quiche of the day, giant Rice Krispie treats, regular live music and a bona fide book-lending library.

Hours: 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

Carnicerias Guanajuato 3

3140 N. California

(773) 267-7739

The in-house taqueria at this Mexican grocery is the stuff of tucked-away legends. One look at the absolutely giant mound of meat being pushed around the flat grill will convince you that you need a carne asada taco, stat. And at $1.75, you might need more than one. Simply dressed with chopped cilantro and onion, each tortilla comes stuffed with grilled meat that's bound to pour out the ends as you try to salvage each bite.

Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily

Kate Schwartz is a local free-lance writer.