Since they opened their new Rogers Park location in September 2008, the Middle Eastern-flavored Alhambra Cafe serves up the desserts, pastries and coffee drinks at the same caliber as its moniker. Named after the Alhambra Palace built in 14th Century southern Spain, the European-style café is decorated with ornate furniture and fancy gold-encrusted objects — a nice getaway without hopping on a plane.

And an added bonus: This café is independently owned, something that's becoming somewhat of an anomaly as Starbucks takes one too many street corners.

Adding to the charming interior, the outdoor patio welcomes cafe-hopping visitors with a plethora of tables right next to a grass-filled outdoor area. Yep, it's hard to say no to outdoor eating. Inside, patrons can enjoy free wifi, a nice view of the gold-encrusted Rancilio espresso machine, handsome wooden tables and patterned fabric-covered chairs all in a periwinkle blue room.

Violins are propped up on the wall and wood floors provide a nice compliment to the handsome interior space. But beware: this place is closed Fridays, which is strange for a centrally located cafe in a nice neighborhood.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Alicia Eler