The northern part of Bay View is in full-on renaissance mode, with successful businesses like Lulu, Highbury Pub, Harry W. Schwartz, Hi-Fi and Stone Creek Coffee (among others) anchoring the neighborhood. A little farther south and east, though, it's been more slow-going. You've got your Palm Tavern, Lee's Lounge and The Groove quietly going about their business -- and now the Anodyne Café, 2920 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., can throw its hat into the ring. For under-caffeinated Bay Viewers, that's a good thing.

It's only been open for a few weeks, and Tuesday morning I stopped in for the first time. It still feels really new -- a little spartan and maybe even a bit cavernous. It lacks the hominess of its Brady Street counterpart, though I have faith it'll get there.

Fortunately, the coffee was good and strong, and the staff was friendly and inviting. It has a small but tasty menu, and you can tell that regulars are slowing starting to flock to the simple but clean corner storefront.

At the very least, it offered a nice, change of pace from the Starbucks on the corner of KK and Oklahoma. As it comes into its own, I'm confident that the café will become a welcome part of the neighborhood. And to Anodyne, I say just that: welcome -- here's another former East Sider who's glad you're here.

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