Bernice's Bakery — Restaurant in Missoula

Good pastries and espresso Edit: I originally rated 5 stars but would give it zero after my last visit. I ordered "2 shots of espresso over ice in a 12 ounce cup". The cashier/barista said "no problem" and got to work. I naively waited, thinking I was about to receive the drink I had ordered, paid for and tipped almost 2 bucks. So silly of me. For I did not anticipate that I was wrong for ordering a drink and paying. You see, at Bernices Bakery they have a very strict but unsaid rule about espresso, ice and cups larger than 4 ounces. I had a feeling I had committed a faux pax when the thimble sized cup with espresso and one lonely ice cube was placed I front of me.

So here's the secret rule that was quickly mumbled in my general, but not specific direction. With eyes averted I was I i informed that I was not allowed to have my espresso in a 12 ounce cup with ice. Oh no, that is an absolute a no no here at Bernices Bakery and Authoritarian Coffee shop. "Why?" some of the, clearly dim bulb, readers of this review might wonder. I have it on the oath of the Manager themselves (well, relayed to me by an employee while hiding in the back kitchen) that one would dare to put cream and sugar in their espresso, therefore creating with magic, an iced Latte! Which is absolutely NOT offered as an option due to the obviously nefarious nature of the drink. Poised and ready to drain the coffers of the owners hard earned half and half investments. Though it is on display, only a fool or a coffee drinker would think to desecrate the holiness of the container labeled "half and half " by putting it in their espresso.

I was thankfully informed that, even though I enjoy a splash of cow juice in my cuppa, I would be doing no such thing in Bernices Bakery and Espresso Nazi deniers Orwellian Anti-Individualism Haberdashery and Dream Crusher. For under the decree of her highness and manager of all things espresso; No one is allowed to alter their espresso in anyway, unless approved by Misses Manager, stamped in triplicate and filed in the deepest reaches of the known space and time continuum. Which never happens as the more informed reader will obviously know.

Alas, here I am, simply a man. A man uneducated in the ways of the espresso gods. I beseech you, God Almighty and Ruler of All, Yaweh, and perhaps most commonly known as, "Bernices Bakery and Extra Oppresive Espresso commander and chief in charge of Denying Espresso Enjoyment" forgive me for daring to fly to close to the sun and allowing myself to imagine an espresso poured over ice in a 12 ounce cup and splashed with the sacred and invaluable cream product that is Half and Half. I realized my sins and left in shame, unable to allow myself to disgrace the espresso and croissant, I had just paid for, by even looking in their direction, let alone continuing to imagine consuming them. We all knew. I had made the most egregious and profane request possible. And I know now that I shall pay the price of my ignorance. But before I do that I had one more mission to accomplish. I slowly gathered myself together, picking up the broken pieces of my former confidence and hubris, and stepped through the door marked "Black Coffee " and approached the waiting barista. "Double espresso on ice in a 12 ounce cup please " I heard myself say out loud to my absolute terror and shame. But the gods decided to shine on this man's wretched eternal soul today. For I was granted the holiest of holies, the chalice of life and all that Is. A cup, with ice, and Espresso. You win this time Black Coffee. But be tread lightly, for we all know that serving your customers a quality product in a manner that they will enjoy is a wide path leading straight to the depths of Hades, ruination and...

I have been a loyal Bernice’s bakery customer for over 25 years, and I have been thoroughly disappointed since the new ownership. Christine and Marco Littig used to own Bernice’s and it was a delight to shop there. Their cakes were amazing! The service was excellent! And, the staff was inviting and friendly!

Under the new ownership, I was told that they now require a minimum of 48 hours for any cake orders. If you call and try to place an order 42 hours in advance, good luck! They wont make you a cake. I can understand that, I guess if that’s their policy, but that never would have happened when the Littig’s ran the bakery. They required a 24 hour notice, and if you were in a pinch, Christine would have made sure that your cake was ready when you needed it.

Three days ago, I tried ordering a cake 5 days in advance and I was told that they weren’t taking any more orders on cakes to be picked up this Saturday. I have never heard of a bakery turning down orders with 5 days advance notice. Keep in mind, it is the beginning of September; not the height of the holiday rush. So, I have decided to take my business elsewhere...

I have enjoyed Bernice's Bakery my whole life, so when I got my last sugar cookie it was pretty disappointing. I understand the price going up with the costof eggs and everything, but to reduce the size so much it changes the flavor on top of that is stingy. The cookies are now, including the frosting, just a little thicker than two quarters. I weigh out my food to count my calories, this is a common treat I have it memorized. Usually I eat half at a time, now I can have a little more than 3/4th. As a comunity, we shouldn't behave like the big corporations. I would gladly pay a little more, but pick one or the other. This cookie tastes like flour, (so it won't break being so thin I'm sure) it's just not the same. Why not make them the same as before, sell them for $4?? It would be terrible to lose the last nice sugar cookies. I send these to people as a fancy gift, people...