Buena Gente Cuban Bakery — Restaurant in Decatur

If you’re stepping into Buena Gente Cuban Bakery expecting some generic puff pastry with ground beef, ay mi amor, you’re not ready. This isn’t just any empanada shop—it’s a little slice of Cuba in the heart of Decatur, and it delivers con sabor y corazón.

Let’s talk about the empanada de carne. Yes, it has green olives. And if that surprises you, then baby, you clearly never had a Cuban abuela’s picadillo. This isn’t fusion. This is tradition. That salty tang of olive against the seasoned ground beef? Puro fuego. The spinach empanada? Don’t sleep on it—it’s rich, layered with flavor, and honestly could turn a carnivore into a believer.

Now, the coconut pastelito deserves its own moment. Sweet, but not cloying. Light, but satisfying. It hits that perfect balance that makes you say, “ok, just one more,” three pastelitos later. The batido de trigo? Whew. It tastes like something your imaginary Tía Celia would have made with love and a dash of nostalgia. Creamy, comforting, and that tiny hint of salt? That’s la magia Cubana right there.

Let’s not forget the tostada—buttery, crisped to perfection, and begging to be dunked in café. Speaking of which: the colada is not for the weak. It’s strong, proud, and ready to wake you up faster than any motivational quote on a Monday morning. If you’re not prepared for the punch of authentic Cuban espresso, you better sit this one out, mi niña.

Beyond the food, the vibe is everything. Friendly faces, ventanita-style charm, and that unique Miami-meets-Decatur flavor. If you don’t know how to support small businesses or you expect mass-produced pastries from the freezer aisle of El Presidente Supermarket, then please—más pastelitos y croquetas pa’ los que sí apreciamos la cultura.

This place is 10/10. No complaints. No substitutions. Just love, flavor, and hustle packed into every bite. During my entire pregnancy, Buena Gente satisfied cravings I didn’t even know I had🥲🙏🏽and I’d happily wait in line any day just to see what’s left.

To the owners and team: thank you. You’re doing something special. Keep killing it. And hey—consider opening a spot in South Atlanta. Los queremos por aquí también.

Una fan fiel, una cubana de corazón, y una...

Food was incredible, but it took over 20 minutes to get a sandwich from placing an order. Bottom line is you should go, but order ahead if you can.

I showed up around 2pm on a Saturday and there were a few people sitting outside but didn't seem slammed. I was disappointed that their bakery case was completely wiped out. I had hoped to try the croquetas but was told the only thing they had left was a single chicken empenada (and the sandwiches which are made to order, obviously). I snatched that Empenada and ate it while waiting for my sandwich...it was amazing. The shredded chicken filling was flavorful and moist (but not wet) and the pastry was crisp and puffy, but not greasy at all.

Finally the sandwich came. I opted for the classic Cubano as it was my first time. As it took so long, I couldn't wait to get home and ended up eating it in the car. It was so good. My memories of Kool Korners are distant by now but this must be as good if not better than those sandwiches were. Certainly the best cuban I've had around Atlanta in recent years.

I want to give them 3 stars because of the slowness but the food was so good that I can't. I find it puzzling that they are so slow though, since this apparently used to be a good truck. I can't imagine waiting like that on a lunch break. I also give them a slight ding on the limited hours. Hopefully they expand those when it makes sense (and stock the bakery case better) because apparently my biggest gripe is that I can't get enough of this amazing...

Upon entry, the bakery is super clean, bright, inviting, and airy. I was pleased that they require masks to enter. There are tables outside to dine al fresco. The baked goods and other food items are nicely displayed and the sales staff is friendly and helpful. I ordered the ham croquetas, chicken croquetas, beef empanadas, and Swiss cheese and spinach empanadas, guava pasties, and quesitos. The croquetas were excellent, these were enjoyed by adults and children alike. The beef empanadas were excellent....dough was well cooked and meat was flavorful. I didn’t try the spinach ones so will comment on those the next time. The quesitos were fresh and also very flavorful.

I came into the bakery on Saturday around 1120am and asked if they had Cuban bread for sale. They indicated that they were out already....on Saturday, you have to arrive by 9 AM to assure that you can get bread as it sells out right away. That was a little disappointing as I would think a bakery should have bread available for more than 15-30 minutes each day. Perhaps this is something they could work on as it represents lost business or a missed opportunity.

One more thing, they also sell Malta and pineapple soda....both were a nice accompaniment to the empanadas. Glad they are a new local business as Caribbean Latino bakeries are in short supply in the Atlanta area. Hope they stay around...