A pastry at Baby Bries. Photo courtesy of Baby Bries.

There’s nothing like a great local cafe, where patrons can nibble tasty bites, sip fresh-brewed coffee and enjoy a brief respite from their lives. At Baby Brie’s, a family-owned cafe in the Towles Court neighborhood, Sarasotans can take refuge in a cozy and welcoming setting.

Husband and wife Sarah and Cory Kukral opened Baby Brie’s in 2022, naming the restaurant after their young daughter, who they’d nicknamed Baby Brie. “The name was a fun play on words,” says Sarah. Like the cafe’s name, its location holds a special place in the family’s hearts. The Key West-style building evokes Old Florida, with a delightful wraparound porch, garden patio and bright and tropical interior. “You forget that you’re in the city,” she adds.

The menu features a wide variety of tasty and healthy selections, as well as locally roasted coffee. They offer quinoa bowls, salads and a light breakfast. Delectable brunch favorites like french toast, egg platters and Belgian waffles are crowd favorites. Sandwiches are also popular choices. “The Baby Bella is our bestselling sandwich, topped with grilled eggplant, pesto, baby bella mushrooms, roasted red peppers and mozzarella on artisan sourdough.” Those looking to go green will enjoy the Apple Cranberry Salad, featuring fresh greens, crispy bacon, dried cranberries, blue cheese, candied pecans and fresh sliced apples. It’s served with raspberry walnut vinaigrette, and guests can add their choice of protein.

Baby Brie’s pastries and baked goods draw in customers with a sweet tooth. Sarah raves about the almond and chocolate scones baked in-house, and taste like an Almond Joy candy. Pair a scone with one of the cafe’s signature coffees, such as the Nutter Fluffer Latte, made with marshmallow and peanut butter flavoring, or the Caribbean Getaway Latte, infused with caramel and coconut. Both options can be made hot or iced. The Chocolate Covered Orange Frappe satisfies sugar cravings while providing a refreshing break from the Florida heat.

With its idyllic garden setting and scrumptious fare, Baby Brie’s has become a community staple. “We just want guests to relax, feel like they’re on a little getaway and waste the time away.”

Baby Brie’s, 1938 Adams Lane, Sarasota, babybries.com.

A pastry at Baby Bries. Photo courtesy of Baby Bries.