Need a change of scenery and a new place to study and hang out? Check out McMinnville’s newest cafe located on SE Baker Street.
Owner Fon Khunsamart recently opened Baker St Cafe just a month ago in hopes of bringing new food joys to McMinnvillle and to create a community around their customers.
Khunsamart grew up in Thailand, involved in the food industry. Her parents owned restaurants and were street vendors. Growing up around this, Khunsamart knew the food industry was for her.
“I have a passion to share what I love,” Khunsamart said. “We do it with our heart (here).”
Baker St Cafe’s wide, open windows allow an abundance of natural light in the shop, setting the mood for a relaxing afternoon. The large windows also make people watching easier, as you can watch the passing cars drive by with time. The minimalist design is complemented by the flower wall in the back of the shop with a quote saying “You are exactly where you need to be.”.
The shop serves boba teas, classic coffee, smoothies, breakfast, lunch, dinner and bakery items. The bakery items consist of cheese danishes, cookies and rice krispy treats among others. Their other food items include breakfast sandwiches, pasta marinara, potstickers and egg-fried rice, just to name a few.
“Everything is made in-house,” Khunsamart said. “My husband bakes all the pastries.”
The combination of fulfilling food, equally as satisfying coffee and aesthetic interior design makes Baker Street Cafe a must check out for local college students.
Gracie Wells, a Linfield senior, tried Baker St Cafe for the first time and had a positive experience. Wells ordered the cinnamon roll and brown sugar boba.
“It was so good,” Wells said. “I was worried at first when I didn’t see it on the menu because it’s the most universal boba drink there is. The cinnamon roll was amazing, the frosting was very balanced, compared to other cinnamon rolls that are too sweet.”
Likewise, Alexander Aguilar-Navarro who was accompanying Wells shared similar thoughts. Aguilar-Navarro ordered the vanilla latte, triple chocolate brownie and the egg omelete.
“My favorite thing was the entire meal,” Aguilar-Navarro said while laughing. “The huge takeaway is the latte, unlike every other coffee place, it’s the first place that didn’t mess up our coffee. It was the perfect temperature and flavor. This place beats (all other coffee shops in town).”
For Khunsamart, sharing with the community something she loves is her goal.
“This cafe isn’t just a dream, but we want to inspire others to do what they love,” Khunsamart said.
*Baker Street Cafe is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
