Sweet Elena's Bakery & Café — Restaurant in Sand City

Went there yesterday based on Google reviews. I don't live in the area. The chocolate almond croissant may be the best I've ever had anywhere! I could develop a serious addiction to this buttery, flaky, crunchy on the edges, chocolate and almond paste loaded delicacy. This will be my go to bakery every time I'm nearby and need a croissant fix. Nice, relaxed ambience despite being in an industrial area and a friendly staff. Just try it. You will not be disappointed.

Update 7/3/23 ... After several visits I continue to believe that Sweet Elena's is one of the best bakeries on the planet! I picked up a freshly made peach pie today to have for tomorrow's 4th of July holiday desert. It was right out of the oven and I had to drive 20 minutes back to my son's house with the lid of the box open for it to cool. Good thing I didn't have a fork or I probably would have pulled over and taken a taste or two or three. The aroma was unbelievable. Their ham and cheese quiche and breakfast croissant sandwiches are delicious as well. They also participate in a few farmer's markets in the area on weekends. Schedule is on their website and so are photos of much of what they do.

Update: I just can't say enough about Sweet Elena's. Consistently exceptional pastries , pies, quiche and other yummy items using the highest quality ingredients and made with pride. You just can't go wrong with anything you order and once you've been here you become a patron for life! The staff is wonderful, friendly and enjoys doing what they do. You can...

Since my last review, l've given Sweet Elena's another try and explored more of their pastry offerings beyond the lemon and strawberry rhubarb tarts. Their pain au chocolat might be the best in the area--perfectly balanced and satisfying without being too flaky. The quiches are also flavorful and well-seasoned, though I personally wish they had a bit more crust. That said, my concerns about the coffee and service remain. Each visit, the staff feels a bit unapproachable--interactions are bland and rarely met with a smile. Nothing needs to be overly cheerful, but a little friendliness would go a long way. This morning (Sunday at 8 a.m.), it wasn't very busy. The customer ahead of me ordered two cappuccinos, and one staff member went to prep a to-go order for another guest. After I ordered, two more customers came in and stood quietly waiting. A quick "We'll be right with you--feel free to try the samples" would've been a nice touch. Also, if you're offering samples, a small sign noting what they are would be helpful. Now for my biggest gripe: the lattes always feel half full, even when I ask for no foam. It happened again today. At $5.75 plus $2 for an extra shot-nearly $9-1 expect a full drink. Most local spots deliver better consistency ano value. Bottom line: Sweet Elena's shines with its pastries (especially the pain au chocolat), but I wouldn't go out of my way for the coffee. Worth a visit for baked goods, but keep your expectations in check when it comes to drinks...

it was super busy when i went around 10am on a Sunday, which makes sense, so there was a bit of a wait. there were only two people working though, and they definitely were on top of everything and went as fast as they could, and were very sweet! i got a big assortment of everything, from danishes to croissants to quiches to bread pudding, and my whole family really enjoyed it all! there were many compliments on the gluten free spinach/cheese quiche and the almond croissant, but all items were very delicious. i also got a raspberry mocha and it was SO good, much better than ive had anywhere else, which means I guess I have to keep coming back to make it a regular spot! one thing to note: by the time I got there at 10am, all the breakfast sandwiches were sold out, so go early if...