Under the Umbrella Café and Bakery

Under the Umbrella is a perfect modern neighborhood café, successfully combining the best of last century charm and new millennium multi-tasking. During the weekdays you're likely to spot work-at-home types from Congress Park getting comfortable with the café's free wi-fi, a pastry and a latte. On weekends it's filled with fast friends meeting up for brunch and a chat, young children in tow and creating fantasy worlds out of the toys provided by the café.

It's not hard to find a good cup of coffee any more; not with a Starbucks or an independent coffee shop appearing what seems like every three blocks. But freshly baked pastries, made in-house? That's a little more rare, but fortunately the specialty of Under the Umbrella. Muffins and cinnamon rolls, coffee cake and lemon bars: the bakery creates delicious treats that are both fresh and affordable.

For a healthier bite, try one of the café's fantastic fresh sandwiches or soups, even pair it with a crispy salad. Follow it up with a congratulatory slice of pie or a big, soft cookie; Under the Umbrella is a bakery after all. Try to eat in-house, if possible; the café's to-go boxes are made of Styrofoam. One word on the coffee: it's locally roasted by Pablo's Coffee, so by buying from Under the Umbrella you're helping two local businesses at once.