Smash Cake is a kids' paradise. The walls at this new Lincoln Park cafe are painted with flowers and funky prints of squirrels, ducks wearing baker hats and relief pitchers with crazy moustaches. Buckets of toys and slinkies await just inside the door. Better yet, the long wooden tables are just high enough for children, and the spools of paper towel at one end are all the encouragement they'll need to draw and make a colorful mess.

Smash Cake is owned by the people who brought you Bleeding Heart Bakery and features the same baked goods to go with java drinks by Metropolis Coffee Co.

Try the smashed cake balls — because kid food is encouraged here. Smash Cake will host occasional reading hours for children, and your elementary school can rent the entire cafe on weekends. This spot is ideal for a young birthday parties. Let them decorate cupcakes or shortbread cookies ... let them have their cake and eat it too!

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Jacob Wheeler