Just Opened: Kaffeeklatsch in Lake City

Looking for another family friendly Seattle bakery? Sharing a scone or grabbing a coffee with kids in tow is easy in Seattle neighborhoods with established independent bakeries. Think Besalu in Ballard, Dahlia in Belltown, and Macrina in Queen Anne. But what about Lake City, an area long deprived of cafe/bakery culture?

Luckily, there’s the new and fabulous Kaffeeklatsch. This new neighbor is co-owned by Annette Heide-Jessen, the former manager of the venerable Columbia City Bakery, and its in-house treats are made by baker Brian Hensley.

The storefront that houses Kaffeeklatsch was gutted and built up from the studs. It’s a clean, bright new space, and the focus on German pastries gives the shop its own spin. It’s family friendly by design, with one section of the shop serving as a designated play area with toys, a chalkboard and pint-sized seating. The bakery is open and airy, with a lively din and plenty of room for strollers and gear. Coffee is made with care from Seattle Coffee Works beans.

Kaffeeklatsch serves up scratch-made and seriously tasty German pastries mixed with classic favorites. Think banana bread and triple ginger cookies alongside pillowy German pretzels and Bienenstich—or bee sting cake—a vanilla pastry with cream filling topped with honey and almonds. Or try a generous slice of berry Blechkuchen, a buttery pastry with fresh raspberries melted into layers of dough.

The staff is friendly and encourages parents groups to meet at the shop. Try the breakfast sandwich and drip coffee special weekday mornings, or take the family for a leisurely weekend snack.

—Sara Billups