Bites Nearby: A Bakery, Cafe and Coffeehouse Rolled Into One

Having difficulties deciding where to grab a bite to eat in Wauwatosa? Don't know where to turn for a good sandwich, a scrumptious Italian dish or a fantastic pizza? That's where Patch comes in. Each week, the Wauwatosa Patch finds a great restaurant or cafe nearby that's worth checking out. Here is this week's pick:

Before opening its doors in 1995, owner, Merry Turner, was looking for a  kitchen to produce the homemade bakery items she was marketing through area groceries.

What she found was a cozy storefront in the Hyde Park district at Wells and 68th streets, and she couldn't resist opening a small cafe to offer her high-quality pastries to the public. Since then, she has added expresso drinks, soup, quiche and croissant sandwiches.

Customers have the option to eat in the cafe, at sidewalk tables in season, to place orders over the telephone or take out prepared orders.

La Tarte specializes in edibles for the discriminating taste buds. They use fine ingredients and homemade cooking and baking techniques.

Some of the bakery items they offer include Grandma Patty's pre-crust pies in flavors such as Granny Apple, Door County Cherry, Cranberry Walnut, Peach Blueberry and three versions of pumpkin. They also offer other baked goods such as cookies, Turtle or Tropical Key Lime bars and tortes.

La Tarte also offers gift boxes to the general public and corporations, and will prepare custom orders.

Address: 6742 W. Wells St., Wauwatosa

Phone: 414-456-0995

Website: LaTarte.com

Hours: Mon – Fri, 7am – 5:30pm, Sat, 8am – 3pm, Sun., closed