Cozy and Kid-Friendly Cafes on the Eastside
Whether it’s a snack and caffeine pit stop in the middle of a fun day, a morning “sweet treat” run with my daughter, or a “no one slept, let’s treat ourselves with breakfast and coffee at the cafe up the street” kind of morning, we love a good, family-friendly cafe around here. And we have so many good ones on the Eastside! Go forth and caffeinate.
Meem’s Cafe at Coreander’s Children’s Bookshoppe
Nestled behind the adorable children’s bookstore in Grosse Pointe Park, Meem’s Cafe serves up coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and ice cream (year round)! Bonus tip: during Thursday morning story time, they feature fresh baked goods from Le Rouge Bakery up the street (call ahead to confirm if you’re really looking forward to these, as availability does vary). In addition to the gorgeously cozy interior, there’s a connected patio and garden to lounge in during the warmer months. The cafe is open whenever the bookstore is.
15118 Kercheval Avenue, Grosse Pointe Park
The Congregation
Located in the historic church in Detroit’s Boston-Edison District, The Congregation is a beautiful place to cozy up with a Detroit Fog and a sweet treat while your little one plays with the toys, puzzles, and books located toward the back of the cafe. They also have an expansive outdoor area, and host a variety of fun markets and meet ups year round. Check out their website and socials for their upcoming offerings.
9321 Rosa Parks Blvd., Detroit
Stella Good Coffee in The Fisher Building
With a small footprint, this sweet cafe packs a punch in the form of great coffee and tea, packaged snacks, a sparkling water packed to-go cooler, and a wall full of gifts and trinkets to peruse while you wait. One other amazing feature? It’s location inside the stunning Fisher Building, and is a perfect place to grab a drink and a snack before you get your Mom Walk in with your pals. Especially in the colder months, the expansive hallways are a great option to get some steps in (and to let your early walker toddle around).
3011 W Grand Blvd, Detroit
Cafe Prince
Another gem with a relatively small footprint, Cafe Prince in Core City is a perfect spot to grab a delicious drink and a nutritious snack. I got the refreshing Holy Water and a sweet ricotta toast that I’ll be dreaming about for the foreseeable future. There is also a great open space just outside the cafe where the kids can run and play (one of the super kind employees happily told me). Know before you go – there is no bathroom inside of Cafe Prince. There is one for patrons to use in the next building over, but plan ahead if you need to!
4884 Grand River, Detroit
Cafe 1923
If you’re looking for a place to sprawl out a bit, head to Cafe 1923 in Hamtramck. With multiple rooms, a variety of hard and soft seating, plus coffee, tea, cider, smoothies, and multiple snack options, Cafe 1923 is giving “sweet, weekend family morning at the local cafe” vibes. I stopped in on a weekday, and the remote work crowd was in full force (understandably), but – as with any place – as long as your respectful, I think it’s a great family option.
2287 Holbrook, Hamtramck
Kitab Cafe & Bookstore
A hop, skip, and a jump away from Cafe 1923 is Kitab Cafe & Bookstore, serving up delicious coffee (including lattes and cold brew on tap!), tea, hot chocolate, and made to order sandwiches. The bookstore is a part of the cafe, and features books for both adults and children. This happy little spot is a perfect pit stop if you’re out exploring Hamtramck, the nearby North End, or even The Heidelberg Project, which is only a 12 minute drive away.
2727 Holbrook, Hamtramck
Cafe Noir
Self-described as a “charming French-themed café in Detroit’s North End serving exquisite pastries, sandwiches, and exceptional coffee,” Cafe Noir is a sweet little stop if you’re in the area (or even just passing through, maybe for a playdate at Voigt Park?). One super fun aspect of this cafe is the brightly painted “tunnel” seating pods outside – a great option for the warmer weather. In addition to tasty pastries, their cold case also features some local packaged foods, and farm fresh eggs if that’s your gig!
9405 John R Street, Detroit
POST Cafe
POST has my heart for many reasons. A local shop offering an exquisite selection of handmade goods, host of many a hands-on workshop, and of course, a fantastic little cafe behind the main store. Formerly home to Honey Dirt Coffee, The POST Cafe is the perfect spot for a morning meet up with your Mom (or Dad) Friends (and this is exactly what I saw on my first time visiting). With a variety of hard and soft seating plus tasty drinks, it’s a great place to pop in for a little visit (plus you can grab that baby shower card you’ve been meaning to pick up and haven’t yet on your way out… just me?).
14500 Kercheval, Detroit
EOS Cafe and Coffee House
Let’s head north a bit, up to EOS Cafe and Coffee House in SCS. I love EOS because I came here crying after dropping my daughter off at her first day of preschool and the barista didn’t judge me one bit. But I really love EOS because it’s a spacious, vibey, plants-hanging-from-the-ceiling, good old fashioned coffee house. Offering coffee, tea, smoothies, and delicious sandwiches (breakfast sandwiches served all day!), this spot is such a classic, and is located right on Jefferson. They also occasionally have live music offered, because, of course.
30625 Jefferson Ave. St. Clair Shores
Black Cat Coffee
I love downtown Mount Clemens. Like, love Downtown Mount Clemens. And if you find yourself there, enjoying antique shops, boutiques, or the Discovery Center, pop in to grab a cup at Black Cat Coffee. With plenty of room for a stroller and your kids’ pile of winter gear (ask me, I tried), Black Cat Coffee is warm, spacious, and super welcoming spot in a great, central location. They also offer small bites and sandwiches in their cold case.
55 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens
Honorable Mention: Clementine’s Pastries
Okay, I’m including Clementine’s Pastries on here as an honorable mention, because it’s not necessarily a cafe – though they do offer brewed coffee – and, with a wall full of (stunning, local, and handmade) breakables, I don’t know if I would list it as somewhere that’s perfect to take your very little one to. But, oh my goodness it’s such a sweet little pastry shop, and it’s right next to Black Cat Coffee. So, if you’re posted up over there, leave the littles with your partner or your friend and pop in for a fresh baked good (or five).
57 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens
Have you tried any of these? Or did I miss one of your family-friendly favorites? Let me know in the comments!
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