The Artisan Bite — Restaurant in Pembroke Pines

AN ABSOLUTE MUST!! This is a small spot run by a baker who is incredibly passionate about his craft and you will taste that passion in every bite. His first location in the Yellow Green market in Hollywood has been a success and after sampling various baked goods today, I can honestly say that we are very lucky that he has decided to open a second location in his own neighborhood, West Pines...

My husband and I were running errands this morning and saw the small banner on Pines Blvd. announcing that this bakery was now open (they have literally been open a week and a half), so we decided to give it a try. We each ordered a latte (hubby had a double), shared a piece of carmelized onion quiche, and my husband had a pecan muffin. Everything was so delicious! After a nice chat with the owner/baker Max, we bought a loaf of sourdough bread and a piece of almond cake for later (the almond cake recipe has been in his family for a century!). The sourdough had a perfect thick crust and soft center and the almond cake (a small Bundt cake drizzled with icing) was moist, flavorful, and slightly sweet. Amazing! Max does not cut corners. He doesn't buy almond flour for his cake; he grinds the almonds himself because he understands that every step in the process of creating food is critical to the outcome. He has gluten free items and bread as well as a variety of muffins, vegan options, and other treats. Everything is made simply with quality ingredients and like I said before, passion. Please go out and support that in our neighborhood; we need more local artisans and restaurants like this...

I passed by this bite-sized café and gourmet bakery umpteen times and always in a hurry, so I never stopped to go inside. While tucked between a hair salon and another business, they don’t have drive-thru service, but limited indoor seating is available.

I was delighted with the variety of offerings. They are a tad busy but not more than any popular coffee house would be. As I waited, I took a look-see through their fresh-baked breads and pastries and my decision came easy.

The spinach pastelito [pastry] was flaky and creamy—best I’ve ever had! I also bought an egg & cheese pocket, a banana & walnut muffin and a cinnamon roll to go. My latte was just right with a heart design that made my morning! I also really liked the added touch with the pretty string on my box. They didn’t have to do that but I’m so glad they did!

This place is impeccable and I noticed many of those in line ordered breads and baked goods without perusing the bakery case or the menu. Customer retention speaks volumes!

Their quiet ambiance, good service, and moderate prices, makes this a great place to frequent when in the area and I will make it a...

As for the response I just received from the owner to my review about not having change at the time and the inconvenience, the reasoning was not the lack of change the reason that was mentioned was that the owner did not allow it. The owner apparently doesn’t take bills over 20$ so you stand in line which takes FOREVER because they have a child usually working ALONE (ringing up each customer, making the coffee and getting the food prepared). One customers coffee can take minutes to make let alone grab the food needed and ring them up. So the line moves slow!! I will never come here again. No sign posted for the legal tender accepted and just waisted 20 minutes of my time BEFORE WORK. It’s not the girls fault but “her boss said so” this place needs to be ran by someone else who actually cares about their customers. As far as pride taken I think that might be an over statement. It’s the lack of customer service that makes this...