If you've ever wondered what 1800 or so cookie jars would look like all gathered together, there's a restaurant in St. Paul that can answer that for you. The Sweet Shoppe is a casual small-town restaurant with hearty food, mouthwatering freshly baked goods...and walls lined with hundreds and hundreds of cookie jars of every size, shape, and description.

You could never accuse the Sweet Shoppe of false advertising. The awning out front proclaims it is "The Cookie Jar Place," and that's exactly what you'll see when you walk in: cookie jars as far as the eye can see.

Sweet Shoppe started off in a tiny space that could only seat 12 patrons. Over the years, the restaurant has grown to accommodate much larger crowds. And, of course, many more cookie jars.

It's hard to pin down a number when you're talking about this massive collection because it continues to grow and grow and grow. In mid-2020, the count was at just over 1,700.

You know how some people will read a book or a newspaper while they wait for their order to be brought out? At Sweet Shoppe, you'll most likely spend those minutes examining the unique jars that range from traditional to truly weird.

But the cookie jars aren't the only reason to stop in. This is, after all, the Sweet Shoppe, and it really lives up to the name. The fresh baked goods are out of this world. From donuts to fresh bread to melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls and sticky buns, the bakery case is always full of delicious delights.

You can also get an espresso drink from the Coffee Corner to pair with your sweet treat. We can't think of a more perfect combination. The restaurant also takes special orders for baked goods with advance notice.

Other delights like homemade fudge will tickle your sweet tooth as well. You may find yourself coming back time and time again to sample a bit of everything.

But this adorable restaurant is no one-trick pony. In addition to the incredible sweets, there's an impressively large menu of breakfast and lunch items.

Waffles and omelets are the highlights of the breakfast menu, while lunch brings such delights as burgers, sandwiches, and wraps.

There's a daily salad bar; you can add a visit to it onto your meal or order it on its own if you're not feeling like a big lunch.

There's also a buffet serving all kinds of home cooking, including some of the yummiest soups you'll ever eat.

The Sweet Shoppe is a popular local spot for gatherings, including anniversary and birthday celebrations. The space is large enough to fit your whole party but small enough that you'll feel utterly charmed by the quaint small-town feel.

If you keep an eye on the restaurant's social media, you can see when there will be special dinners and other celebrations that are open to the public. Stop on in for a cookie, a piece of pie, or a whole meal - no matter what you order, you'll be back for more.

Whether you come for the food or to witness the enormous cookie jar collection, there's no way not to fall in love with this exceptionally sweet small-town restaurant. Keep up with current goings-on by visiting the Sweet Shoppe's website or Facebook page.