Ask Frohman's employees if there were any concerns about copyright or intellectual property issues when the spot took the name of a character from the film "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," and they will swear they don't know. Clearly, they have enough to worry about: proclaiming yourself the 'sausage King of Chicago,' and then living up to the title is no small task. This Humboldt Park eatery is making every effort to ensure it's not seen as a pretender to the throne.

In the meantime, Frohman's is a beautiful spot to plot a coup. The exposed brick surrounds modern furniture, as well as the rescued sign from former hipster hot spot Filter. The art deco bar seems to extend impossibly into the distance of the under-lit space. A small stage in the back corner promises future spoken word and artsy anti-folk performances.

It must be said that, for the time being, Frohman's is more of a cafe-prince with sausage-king aspirations. The menu is fully printed, yet not fully available, and the presence of almost any given item on any given day is a toss-up. Luckily, some of the simpler dishes are in full effect here, and are tasty enough to make up for the wait. Pastries and coffees, with an emphasis on local and family-owned suppliers, are available now, and the kitchen has no problem whipping up some of the easier dishes: A cheese sandwich is surprisingly impressive and under $4. Sides are fun, too: tater tots, mac and cheese and even Bugles are all under $2. Vegetarians are catered to as well, and there are a decent amount of options prepared on a grill that's specially dedicated to meat-free foods.

Frohman's has a ways to go before it can compete for the encased-meats monarchy, but it's on the way. In this case, the revolution can be fueled by the Radioactive, a ridiculous six-shot chocolate and caramel latte. For now, that will have to do; Frohman's is BYOB.

Centerstage Reviewer: Bill Burman