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I'm almost afraid to tell you this.

See, the North Valley space that houses a hip — although limited — little cafe called the Green Room has a history.

Here's what has me worried: For the longest time, it was a restaurant called Grandma's. That place was packed every morning — especially Sundays. Then, mysteriously, it became Carrie's.

One day, the entire building was empty. Eventually, with a renovation, the space became Paloma's, a tea-and-cucumber-sandwiches kind of place that also sold antiques and teapots. But it wouldn't last long, in spite of the owner's best intentions.

Today, it's the Green Room, which marries a penchant for cool cafe offerings with art ambitions. The walls and corners act as displays for interesting — and, in many cases, fabulous — modern art, all by local artists and all for sale.

The kitchen, meanwhile, is stocked with cool wraps (tuna, chicken or veggie), Wolfe's bagels, burritos, salads and a handful of other neat sandwiches, all for under $8. It's a small list, but it's a good one.

My pick: an off-menu specialty, two red-chile-and-pork tamales smothered with the Green Room's homemade green chile stew ($5). It's a filling and tasty combination I didn't expect to like so well. For one thing, it's a red-green (Christmas) fusion I hadn't considered. For another, it was nearly 100 degrees outside when I stopped by.

Trust me: It works.

Let's just hope the Green Room works in that space.

Cheap Eats highlights delicious items around town that cost $8 or less.