Family Fun: Taste of Love Bakery (and Playroom!)

“Oooh, Mom! I want one of those!”

We woke up this morning, slightly chagrined, to a 40° morning. Normally, in the middle of May, this wouldn’t be an optimal way to start the day, but today I quickly shrugged it off. Why? Because my at-home kids and I were planning to visit Taste of Love Bakery for the first time and it sounded like the perfect place to spend a chilly morning.

And it was. Here’s why: first of all, the coffee ($1-$2) and baked goods available will bring on that cozy feeling. My kids immediately decided on doughnuts (big ones for only a buck!) and I chose a dreamy salted caramel cupcake ($2) with caramel filling and buttercream frosting.

Then, once we had purchased our treats, we carried them into this fabled playroom I had only heard tell of – and found such a pleasant surprise! I wasn’t expecting the play kitchen, complete with shopping cart and faux food. I wasn’t expecting a small climber and slide. I marveled at the brand new basket of coloring and activity books, and was very impressed with the selection of reading material that spanned a wide range of ages. The shelves held puzzles, games and toys for infants.

When I talked to the ladies at the bakery counter, it made perfect sense that the bakery would be so child-friendly; the owner has two kids herself ages 5 and 7. She understands how important it is for parents to be able to sit down for a few minutes (there are tables right in the playroom) and relax or chat while their kids are safely entertained.

Taste of Love Bakery will make a welcome addition to our growing list of kid-friendliest Twin Cities coffee shops & cafes! Visit them at 870 Dodd Rd, West St. Paul. They’re open 7am – 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays & Saturdays and until 6 every other night except Sunday, when the bakery is closed. The current selection of treats is not posted online, but the best-sellers are usually fresh and ready and the rest of the goodies change with the seasons.