Essenhaus Bakery — Restaurant in Middlebury

I heard this restaurant had 'really great' food and so we stopped when traveling through. Wow was I disappointed. Most of the vegetables tasted like they came from a big can. I am gluten-free and I ordered the roast beef, mashed potatoes and baby carrots. The roast beef was really pot roast (not sliced carved beef) and both the pot roast and potatoes were heavily salted (i swear i will not be able to remove my rings tomorrow). I ordered directly from the kitchen as I was told this was best for gluten free items but for the same price ($18), I could have gotten the buffet which had those same exact items and additional 'gluten-free' items on it. I ordered tea snd it came from a mix/concentrate (not freshly brewed from tea leaves) or at least it sure didnt taste natural. My husband picked up peaches and they had heavy syrup so I assume those were canned too. A few positives..the waitress was lovely and attentive and she made me a special coconut cream pie without the crust. It was pretty good but not really homemade ...tasted like premade pudding with whipcream. I am from a big city where food is clean and freshly made. This place definitely does not serve anything clean, healthy and even worse...its tastes institutional. I can't believe how many people were there with the food being so mediocre. I definitely would not return. Nice place to see (pretty) and...

Friendliest place on earth to visit and get your grub on !The super pleasant atmosphere from the time you open the door until you take your first bite of one of their tastier than tasty treats! Breads 🍞 of all sorts, pumpkin, carrot, cranberry, 🥕 & then there's the rolls...as far as the eyes can see those fluffy tasty dinner rolls 😋 and you definitely need to take some home for the freezer. They are great for your dinner table. You'll run into the cooler of the coolest sauces and dips, cheese, cranberries, cabbage and I can't remember the rest lol. There's noodles...yessss, oodles & oodles of noodles! Freshly made Amish noodles for your soups, casseroles or other side dish. Then head over to the jams, jellies & chocolate section...if you dare ! I believe it's divided up in sections from Yum to YUMMIEST 😋...AND. there's a fresh bakery which smells surround you as you shop.. comforting, soothing smells that will bring back childhood memories to all of us. Don't be afraid to ask for a sample since the most friendly staff here is very willing to accommodate the most curious of palates. I'll admit it was quite a ride for me but 💯% worth it.. I'm definitely going back &...

Love this spot. Variety is amazing. You'll love it but have a hard time choosing what yummy treat to get.

Generally the baked items are insanely good, but had to ding the food one star because it's overpriced IMHO. If I were on vacation there I'd consider it a splurge and just bite the bullet. It's not as outrageous as Disney Resort pricing, and the food is so much better, but as a local I don't feel I can afford to go as often as I would like because of the higher prices. Too bad. So we only go a handful of times a year.

Like how the Bakery feels more modern and updated. We don't eat at the rest of Essenhaus because it's so outdated and feels a bit run down. Wish it were more modern...