New Coffee Shop In Jersey City Has Kids' Play Area. See The Menu.

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Giovanni and Dominique Bove were visiting Italy with their young daughter a few years ago when the restaurant owner noticed them struggling to keep the toddler busy. He pushed aside a drape and voila -- a play area, so mom and dad could eat in peace.

The couple wanted to re-create that aspect in their own café.

(Do you know of a restaurant opening or closing in North Jersey? Let Patch know so we can include it.)

Call Me Mia, a creative coffee shop in downtown Jersey City, opened right before summer. They serve up coffee and chai drinks, European pastries, and more, and there's an interactive space for kids to play in the back.

Giovanni gave Patch a tour during the recent "Nerdy Neighborhood Walk" in Jersey City, in which several quirky businesses undertook promotions so customers could get to know their area of downtown, away from the waterfront.

At Call Me Mia, there's space to rest, write, sip something warm, and try unique pastries, such as an Argentinian croissant.

One of the popular drinks, Giovanni said, was the caramel latte, sweet and smooth (pictured above).

In the back, there's space to sit and work, and the kids' play area has unique items such as a play coffee shop.

The trend of coffee shops with play areas has been taking root in Hoboken and Jersey City, where cafés like The Hive and Cafe Dream Vista also feature play zones.

Giovanni said allowing a child to play even for a short time gives parents a break. He said that he has seen it help his wife when she's busy.

"She just needs that 10 seconds," he said.

Besides a unique menu, Call Me Mia boasts vintage decor and a cozy vibe, even though the space is big enough to bring a few friends.

Because the Boves had extra space in the back, there's also a salon one can access through the shop. Below, Giovanni slides the door open.

The beverage menu:

Call Me Mia is located at 363 Second St.

Learn more about Call Me Mia here.

Opening a restaurant in Jersey City or Hoboken? Let Patch know. And you can find out more about the recent Nerdy Walk here.

.

Opening a restaurant in Jersey City or Hoboken? Let Patch know. And you can find out more about the recent Nerdy Walk here.