Bakery & Cafe Nonies — Restaurant in North Utica

PLEASE READ FOR FULL UPDATED REVIEW WITH RESPONSE TO THE OWNER AT THE END.

The food was great, but the way we were treated made us never want to come back.

We visited a few times during our trip, me, my husband, and our two small children. As a family of color, we immediately felt out of place. We were never greeted, even though white customers were greeted warmly. We received stares, eye rolls, and whispers each time we walked in. It was uncomfortable and disheartening.

On our first visit, we sat near the counter and overheard two employees talking loudly and negatively about a new coworker. The next day, we realized the person they were criticizing was a young Black woman, which made it even more upsetting. It confirmed that this place not only treats customers of color differently but also seems to foster a toxic, discriminatory work environment.

Even when we left a tip during our second visit, it felt like that was the only thing that earned us a basic thank you. That says a lot.

We came back more than once to give it a fair chance, but each time, we were met with the same unwelcoming energy. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone who isn’t white. It was clear they didn’t want us there, and that’s not something anyone should have to experience, especially when you're just trying to enjoy a meal with your family!

UPDATE IN RESPONSE TO THE OWNER: Your response only proves my point. It was unprofessional and defensive. Instead of taking accountability or even acknowledging how my family felt, you chose to call it “assumptions.” What we experienced wasn’t imagined. It was how we were treated. Ignored, stared at, and made to feel like we didn’t belong, while white customers were welcomed with warmth.

That is how racism shows up. It’s not always loud. Sometimes it’s in the way people look at you, avoid you, or make you feel like your presence is a problem.

We never bashed your food. It was actually really good. But the service and how we were treated is what matters. Especially when I’m teaching my children to be kind, empathetic, and warm. When people don’t show that back to us, it’s not only disappointing, it’s something I have to explain to my kids. That it’s not okay. That you don’t treat people that way.

You say I should have spoken to management, but how was I supposed to feel comfortable doing that when your employees barely wanted to speak to us in the first place? We were one of the very few families of color who walked into your shop, and the fact that you knew exactly which employees I was referring to shows that you know exactly who we are. You chose to ignore that.

Kindness should not be optional. Not ever, and especially not in the times we’re living in. If you can’t treat everyone with respect and warmth in a business that serves the public, then yes, your team should be held accountable.

I shared our experience so other families of color know exactly what kind of environment they’re walking into. I hope this teaches your business something. I truly hope others are treated better going forward.

Because we deserve better, and I hope this leads to reflection and better...

Nonie’s prepared one of the finest sandwiches I’ve ever been fortunate enough to try. And not just of the breakfast sandwich variety, I mean of any and all types of sandwich, be it hot, cold, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

The croissant bun had a flaky and crisp exterior, yet was moist and spongy on the inside. Plus it did an excellent job retaining all the filling’s natural au jus, and having ordered the meat lovers croissant let’s just say there was au jus aplenty. Not to mention their sandwiches come with a side of freshly prepared tater tots making Nonie’s an incredible way to start the day.

Now a great dish is but half the experience, and all too often those that prepare a quality dish can fall short in, or overlook aspects of, the establishment’s ambiance and decor. This could not be further from the truth with regards to the Bakery & Cafe Nonies. With a prominent outdoor patio and gazebo seating area that complements a set of warm and inviting interior dining rooms and nooks, there’s several different atmospheres available for one to...

Heads up the kitchen closes half hour before closing time. We got there on Sunday at 2:33. They close at 3:00 but refused to serve us anything but appetizers. The woman with the bouffant hairdo was also rude. I entered, smiled and said hello and she didn’t smile back and just said “the kitchen is closed” in an unfriendly tone. Kinda blew me away that they wouldn’t slap together a couple of sandwiches just because of 3 minutes. And if that really was absolutely necessary, it could have been done with a better customer service attitude. Went down to Bruce & Ollie’s instead and had one of the best decaf americanos we’ve had in ages, plus great salad and sandwiches. With a absolutely lovely customer service and outside seating (check around the back if the front is full or you want a quieter spot). I hate leaving bad reviews, so I’m going to hop on and give those guys a good review to balance out the karma ;). But I hope this helps someone else, since it wasn’t obvious on Google that they have this whole kitchen closing half hour before...