It may be hard to see through the current mess of the Pacific Avenue streetscape construction project between South 7th and South 9th streets, but if you look close enough, you will see a sign of hope through the rubble. Cafe Vincero, an Italian cafe and coffee house, is projected to open in early July.

With a menu that will include Italian Lavazza coffee, wood fire pizza, housemade lasagna, ravioli and gnocchi, as well as imported breads, Owner Kevin Cornwell is bringing some serious Italian flavor to downtown.

But that's not all. Perhaps the most exciting feature of Cafe Vincero is 24 hour dining on Fridays and Saturdays, something Tacoma is severely lacking. "We will be open on Friday and Saturday night, all night, to give local patrons a place to go for a few hours to either sober up or just relax for a bit after a night out with friends," said Cornwell.

He plans to run a limited, small plate menu after 10 or 11 p.m., anticipating diners at that time of night will be "more snacky than ready for a full on meal." Sounds about right.

CAFE VINCERO, opening early July, 714 Pacific Ave., Tacoma