Feeling newly free take my work laptop to a coffee shop again, I headed on over to Twisted Pastries in Superior. Everything from the décor to the unicorn cupcakes felt creative, local and inviting.

To make it extra homey, there was a dancing barista and a small discount on every order in honor of the owner’s birthday.

I ordered the bricklayer panini, which came out layered with roast beef, melted Colby cheese, onions and banana peppers. It tasted savory with a zing, perfectly crunchy on the outside and melty on the inside.

Twisted Pastries’ sandwiches come with a pickle and your choice of original or salt and vinegar kettle chips. I went with the latter, which added a complementary crunchy bite.

The pastry counter was something to behold, with cupcakes in chocolate and raspberry cheesecake, vanilla unicorn and strawberry shortcake. Donuts covered in yellow frosting and mini marshmallows. Dipped Oreos, bars and cinnamon rolls. And you can order cupcake flavors of cherry malt, pink champagne orange and beer butter.

It’s the Willy Wonka’s of baked goods.

I was additionally impressed by their gluten-free options: scones in three flavors, macarons and three kinds of cupcakes. I went with the red velvet, which was perfectly squishy, tiny sprinkles atop a mound of not-too-sweet frosting.

There was a steady flow throughout the hours I was there — people of all ages grabbing a coffee or a sandwich or ordering something after sizing up the sweets display.

I sat in a comfy, high-backed booth by the window, a great view for people-watching on Tower. Upbeat music playing overhead, the bustle of a coffee shop and delightful eats — it was a joyous re-introduction to working in the world once again.

Twisted Pastries

1418 Tower Ave Suite 2, Superior

715-394-2207

twistedpastriescoffeehouse.com