Stevedore Bakery — Restaurant in Savannah

Overall, it was quite an uncomfortable and disappointing experience in which I received 2 wrong items. We came in early today - before 8am and were the only people in the store - so there’s no excuse for what we got. It was unfortunate because I truly was looking forward to trying this bakery (I had even looked into it before traveling here to Savannah and it was one of the things I was looking forward to.) As someone who has worked in various coffee shops and customer service roles and has visited many bakeries and cafes - a customer shouldn’t have to work so hard to figure out what a shop is offering, nor should they receive so many wrong items. 1/2 of our entire order was wrong!

To start, the coffee was good, but the cashier got my size wrong! After asking for what sizes they have (I didn’t see it displayed anywhere - which I think they should to make it an easier/more smooth process for ordering). I had asked for a 16oz hot latte with vanilla bean. She clarified I asked for vanilla bean I said yes. Upon receiving my coffee - I got a 12oz (When I asked - I was told that’s what I got rang up for instead of what I had asked for). They didn’t do anything to rectify the situation, didn’t apologize either and kinda just walked away after the somewhat awkward exchange.

The order taker was also not very friendly or welcoming, almost disinterested and disengaged/ a kind of what are you asking me for energy.

While ordering - I noticed they didn’t have chocolate croissants in the case, but they had gotten a new batch (placed on the area behind the cashier). I asked if I would be able to get one and she just said no (which is fine - but I think in terms of customer service it would be helpful to say something along the lines of “they have to set a bit - we’re trying to sell what we have in the case first, these are for pre-orders, etc.”) So, I just got the butter croissant instead!

I had ordered a cheese danish as well. When I got home - I opened my box to this (see image included). This danish wasn’t even in the case - what was in the case was the cheese danishes - so I’m not sure how I ended up with this strawberry one? It was good, but very sweet and not what I wanted/ordered.

We also ordered the sourdough country loaf. We didn’t see a slicer and already felt like we were bothering the cashier by even ordering - so we didn’t ask if we were able to get it sliced. I do feel like as a shop - you should have your order taker offer it as a service from the get go after the initial ordering of the loaf! Example: “Great - would you like your loaf sliced?”

The loaf and butter croissant tasted amazing flavor wise and the texture on the inside was great! The pastries themselves are good - but there is room for a lot of improvement here for the actual service given - that would have made this a way better experience. I was expecting to stop here each morning for my extended weekend trip - but after this experience - I’ve decided to pass on the rest...

Stevedore is strangest bakery I’ve ever been to, and not in a good way. First, good luck trying to even get into the bakery if you’re not strong - seriously. The door weighs a ton and I see people struggle with it all the time. So, if you’re in any way differently-abled, it’ll be hard. Second, I’ve always been met by staff who seem like they don’t want to work there and don’t want to take your order. Why choose a service job if you don’t want to interact with people? Plus their food is way too expensive - $6 for a croissant… I think my last straw was when I asked for an ice water (like I always do) and it’s always filled by the barista. Today, I stand waiting for my ice water for 10 min and never get it. So I ask them if I can just have an ice water whenever they’re available - it’ll take 3 seconds right? The way they reacted was if I was seriously inconveniencing them. They told me there’s water in a pitcher on the table. Right, but there’s no ice in it. I just paid $6 for a croissant, can I please have some ice in my water? They gave me ice but lo and behold, the water pitcher on the table was either empty or I couldn’t figure out how to work the nozzle. So I walked away with a cup of ice because I’ve already inconvenienced them enough. I’ll...

We came in at close on Saturday, February 25th. There was a young African- American female with long hair working, who immediately greeted us in the most friendly manner. I apologized for coming in a couple minutes before close, and she said it was no bother. She proceeded to show us a tray with all of the goodies that were left giving suggestions to each of my four daughters. She then took the time to heat up our treats while her co-worker made my oldest daughter an iced coffee. We went outside to try all of our items, and a moment later when she came out to lock up the doors she checked on us to make sure everything was okay. I have found it very rare in Savannah to get service this excellent at any time, but to get it when employees are trying to close up a store makes it even more special. We will definitely be return customers, and will bring all of our friends and out of town guests here.

As far as the reviews complaining about the prices, they've clearly never been to a real bakery. The portions were huge, the food was delicious, and the...