Hartford Baking Company — Restaurant in South Windsor

I’ve been going to this South Windsor location of HBC since the first day they opened their doors a couple of months ago. This is the best cafe you’re going to find in South Windsor.

There are many corporate options in town, including tons of Starbucks locations. There are also over priced “hipster, trendy” spots you could check out like Birdhouse Coffee Co just down the road. All inferior choices. HBC South Windsor appears committed primarily to quality over optics.

Before you walk in, there’s an awesome real wood fire pit just outside, typically smoldering. The smell is awesome and reminiscent of a Vermont coffee shop. As you walk in, the decor is simple, with photos of their pastries as well as signage detailing their commitment to fresh ingredients. There’s nothing “showy” about the interior. One table sits in the middle of the cafe filled with espresso beans to go, day old bread reduced in price (still amazing), and other small treats. The remainder of the cafe is filled with comfortable seating, both tables and couches.

I’ve tried many of their pastry options including their cookies, cakes, fanciers, croissants, bagels, and sandwiches. Everything is hand made and delicious. Many times when you order a sandwich at a standard restaurant, the bread is secondary, almost a non factor- a vehicle just for the other ingredients. Not here. When you order any of their sandwiches, including the incredible Cuban, you’re getting it made on bread with tons of flavor. Not to be missed.

I’m not one to try various latte flavors, but many of their fancy ones look quite good. I stick to my triple to quad shot small iced latte. They use superior quality espresso. It’s comparable to the best lattes I’ve had anywhere in the country - including major cities like New York, Chicago and LA.

I’ve gotten to know the staff well. Theyre all really nice, humble, down to earth people. Check them out, you wont be...

I went there to try out this location vs the other locations I have been to. The wait time to order was average, and front cashier seemed pleasant, prices match upscale fare/ demographic.

Made my order, waited 6-7 minutes before being told they were out of ham... this was 11:30am... How you run out of a main ingredient, and why did it take so long to know you were out.. (also the person ordering before and after me had to have their orders changed because they were out of other items). I let them modify my order, double up on other ingredents...

Waited another 10mins to receive my order, which was (1) prepped item, (1) baked item from the case.

The sandwich was salty, bread was sad and lacked flavor. It was like subway bread... the sandwich should have been pressed or "panini'ed" but it was just soft and spongy. It sad when panera chain restaurant makes a sandwich 3x better.

For the cost, I expected elevated... What I received was worse than fast-food.

The wait time seemed a bit much... back of house had people standing around chit-chatting or being catty. Only the female black employee at front of house seem to try to sddress customer needs.

Short and long... Stick to their whole baked breads and pre baked items from the front case... stay away from their...

Ordered two breakfast sandwiches and two coffees online for pickup. Both sandwiches (bacon, egg, cheese and sausage, egg, cheese) were delicious. Bacon, sausage, eggs all well cooked and flavorful. Served on a brioche roll, but many other bread options you can choose, some at an extra cost. Yes, an extra $2.99 to sub for a bagel is too pricey, but I thought the bun was more than satisfying and still quite a filling sandwich. Many other toppings like avocado, etc. available for an extra charge. $8.99 for the bacon sandwich, $9.99 for the sausage sandwich - so not cheap, but was a very satisfying breakfast. Also tried a regular coffee which was good, and splurged for a large golden milk latte with oatmilk. It was flavorful but not sweet...a nice warm-up on a cold morning. I find the prices comparable to other similar coffee shops/bakeries in the area, and food good enough that I'll...