West Side Perk — Restaurant in Bloomington

It's a cute shop, and it's a NEIGHBORHOOD shop! This is important to me in a world full of chain establishments. It's a small place, but it's out of the way enough such that crowding isn't a problem. If it ever gets really popular, they'll have a hard time seating a large group. But, what they do have for seating is warm, inviting, and comfortable. The layout is chopped up, which I live because it offers more privacy - visually and audibly. There is a little "family room" corner with comfy leather chairs and side tables. There is also a cozy gas fireplace in the corner, though I haven't seen it lit yet.

The coffee is good, very good. I haven't had any of the "fancy" drinks yet, but the coffee draws me in. I went in there today with my daughter Siri, 2. The owner (pretty sure it was the owner) was in there and took the time to stop over and bring puzzles and books to Siri. Siri sat nicely in her big leather lounge chair next to mine and played with the assortment of kids books, puzzles, and toys while I caught up on what Jeff Bridges is doing via the Esquire magazine in the stack of stuff to read.

Siri and I read books, played Pickup Sticks, and a played a few rounds of Connect 4 on the rug in front of the fireplace! Try that at your local "Chain" coffee shop!

Oh, they have a drive-thru too... nice if you want a fast cup o' Jo for your commute. This spot used to be a small bank, then it was a Seattle Sutton's. Now, I think the coffee shop will bring new life into this staple strip mall (Don Ho Chinese, Zeke's, and Scoops Ice Cream...

I have enjoyed the coffee at West Side Perk, but have only used the drive-thru. I have found it convenient and I like to support local, female-owned businesses However, when I complained that the "sprinkle of cinnamon" I had asked for was delivered on several occasions as about a teaspoon of cinnamon glop in the bottom of my cup, the owner told me that I should get my coffee elsewhere as I "could not be pleased." (Apparently most people who ask for cinnamon want a teaspoon of it congealed in the bottom of the cup??) The next time I was in, she presented me with "her research about cinnamon", which said it would not dissolve in water; completely missing the point that it was just Too Much Cinnamon. Although the employees are friendly and helpful, the owner was rude and offensive and appeared unable to take any criticism of her business's service whatsoever. At her request, I will not be going back, nor will anyone that I know and talk with. This is one business owner with a...

West Side Perk is on my “happy place” list! Great coffee, great ambiance, great service, and a great place to meet and chat with people. Their goodies are amazing, their indoor space is always comfortably dark, quiet, and laid back—and 100% clean. They also have outdoor seating so you can walk over with the dog and chill on their bistro tables. I absolutely love that they feature a rotating schedule of local fine artists’ paintings (for sale), and it’s always first quality: no “poured paint” or craftsy stuff, actual fine art that’s well-lit. West Side Perk is a hole-in-the-wall gem, a local, homey shop. Their drive-through is fast, too, when you’re on-the-go. Right off Old Shakopee Road (North side) near the...