National Bakery & Deli | East – Milwaukee — Restaurant in Milwaukee

It's hard to rate this bakery, generally the items are well made. The issue I have and almost always have, is the staff. I once went there to pick up a cake that looked like it was decorated by a two-year-old. After much frustration they finally admitted that the cake decorator did not do it, it was one of the couter help people who decorated it. They promptly refunded my money

Last week I ordered a dozen donuts and 6 danish by phone. I had a cab driver pick them up for me, what I got was 6 donuts two each of 3 kinds & 6 danish. I called to complain and was told that they just filled the order according to the way the order was taken, they did apologize supposedly the girl on the phone was new.

This morning I went in, Rather than to place my order by phone. There was one other person in the store ordering 3 dozen makes donuts 1 person on the phone handling a complaint, apparently the woman on the phone had been overcharged. I heard them refund $8 to the callers credit card. Instead of helping me when she finally got off the phone she went to help the person close the boxes for the man ordering the 3 dozen donuts. I explain that I had a cab waiting and asked to be taken care of, she had been told previously that I was waiting to pick up a coffee cake but that didn't seem to faze her at. Instead of getting that coffee cake for me she chose for some reason to ignore me. When I asked if she could take care of me as I had a cab waiting she told me "we help each other here 1st" In addition she was loud & indifferent towards me, telling me harshly to "go to the register she'll be there in a minute" I ggain reminded her I had a cab waiting for me. I guess 3 was the charm because at that point she refused to give me the amount that I owed and said I had to wait for someone else to take my money.

I should also mention that I had a loaf of banana bread in my hand that I took from the table I asked the counter girl if the bread was fresh she said "it was brought out this morning" I said does that mean it was made this morning? She grabbed the bread from my hand looked at it and said "no it was made Saturday."

In truth the bakery is good, They sell a lot of day old stuff but if you get their donuts and bread that's generally fresh. I would never step foot in that place again if there was another bakery with in 3 miles of me. I go there because I don't drive. I have spoken to the owners and they do seem concerned about their staff's inconsiderate manner however that seems to be the only kind of people who work the counter,

I would recommend going anywhere else if you don't need...

I've been going to this location for about 6 years and counting. Every single time I go in, the staff is so kind and patient with customers. Those of us who know what we want and wait behind those that don't and also those of us who get to the counter and suddenly want everything.

The ham is perfect. Sliced thin and on their kaiser rolls is a dream.

Donuts - great variety. Something for everyone.

Paczki is really good. Order ahead if possible to ensure you're able to get exactly what you want.

The Bread - I've had their beer bread, egg bread, white bread, Vienna bread, and the little garlic crouton things...all amazing.

Cakes - I've picked up cakes here in the past for birthdays at work and they are perfectly delightful and available in a pinch the day of. We loved the Vanilla Cake with color sprinkles in the front case. Which I noticed they usually have available from what I can tell.

I honestly think there is nothing they could have that I...

This is the only place I go for my cakes. Their prices are way lower than the quality you get for them. The best, moistest cakes I've ever had, and they never fail to have a cake ready for me by the next day when I've forgotten to place my order sooner. Talked to Mandy on the phone, and she is one of the nicest people I've talked to at any business. People these days are just not friendly anymore. The price I paid for a 1/4 inch sheet cake (which feeds about 12-16 people) is unbelievable. This time I ordered an inscribed carrot cake with actual cream cheese frosting, which is usually a lot more expensive than a regular cake, but I've ordered those too, are they're still pretty fantastic. If you're looking for a good old fashioned bakery made cake, and not a store bought one, this should be your...