Old Europe Coffee and Desserts Bridgeway Station — Restaurant in Mauldin

Very over rated. I have now visited three times hoping for an improved experience each time. I once again left disappointed. My favorite pastry is an almond croissant. Two visits they still had some. One visit settled for a chocolate croissant as they make a limited run of croissants.

When asked to have heated slightly the delicate pastures are put in a microwave 🥴 , removing all of the bakery crispiness that makes for a fine French pastry and leaving the center a soppy mess. The chocolate croissant looked like it had been left out in the rain. My companion likened its flavor and texture to a donut.

Tried a mocha on two occasions. Both times they were bitter and a bit oily. Hardly any mocha or chocolate flavor or tones. The second trip I just had a plain coffee. Better, but not world class.

All three trips the place was empty or nearly so. One friendly young woman manages all orders and fills drink requests. She seems somewhat experienced, but does not seem to have a lot to work with.

Net: There are far better places for coffee, and better places for pastries. The ambiance of Bridgeway is interesting but the actual shop is boring with loud hard surfaces. Does not seem to be a dog friendly place. No water bowls or any other sign pets are welcome on the outdoor sidewalk seating area.

Perhaps will try the other Old Europe shop in Greenville. Sure hope that one has a proper pastry oven for...

We frequently visit both locations in downtown and Bridgeway and recently visit the Bridgeway location more because it's closer to home. It's actually been our favorite dessert place for a while because they offer a good selection of GF options and we just like going there to enjoy some coffee and desserts after a meal.

We went there last night and were shockingly disgusted with what we saw in the cookie display case. There were at least 20 dead gnats surrounding all the baked goods and I actually let the cashier know once I saw it after I had ordered our desserts from the dessert/cakes display case. We stayed for about 30 mins and they still had not been cleaned or taken care of by the time we left and there was only 1 other customer that came in during our time there.

Honestly, if we had not paid for our desserts already -- we would have walked out because it was so gross to see that and just to think about if the gnats laid eggs on the cookies/pastries in the display case & feeling bad for anyone who purchased the cookies from that display...

I am sorry to write this but, feel I must. I am in the customer service business as well and know when someone writes a review they are motivated by either a great or poor experience, however this isa bit of both. This place is super convenient as I live on the property, one the perks of living here, even rewards member. The food is always great and here comes the but..... But the service is lacking over time the staff has become ruder by their actions or lack there of in response to the customers. They always used to be so friendly, today in particular they made me feel like I was bothering them. I was down twice, first time my pastries were Put in a bag and not a box so they stuck together and that was $12 then later went down for sparkling water and had to wait on the young lady who was not busy but in a bad mood to get them another 6 bucks. Convenience does not trump service. I will give another try someday hopefully the young lady behind the counter will be in a...