For inhabitants of Edgewater endlessly waiting for a cool and classy place to eat and hang out, the wait is over; Uncommon Ground on Devon (from the couple that brought you the semi-famous Uncommon Ground in Wrigleyville, Helen and Mike Cameron) opened in early December 2007. This restaurant and coffee shop, as well as music entertainment hub, is eco-friendly to the extreme: The rooftop (which will be used as a garden for herbs and produce in warmer months) has solar-thermal panels and the wood tabletops you eat off of were made using reclaimed wood from Jackson Park.

The interior is at once homey and serene, with brick walls, a fireplace and three separate rooms (a bar room with stools, cushioned chairs and a couch; a dining room in the middle; and a back room with a small stage for various musical performances produced by ex-HotHouse program director, David Chavez).

The only aspect of this establishment that might give you pause is, well, the all-organic, locally produced and family farmed food isn't cheap. Not even close. Breakfast costs a minimum of $7 and a maximum of $15 and lunch and dinner are a little bit worse—and that's not even including the potential $8 press coffee (or, if you're looking for something with more kick, one of the many martinis from the extensive drink menu). It's too bad, because with just a few more moderately priced food and drink options, this place could be perfect.

Centerstage Reviewer: Benjamin Andrew Moore