Shayna Bs By The Sea — Restaurant in Westbrook

So I will provide a review as a whole life Meat-Asaurus and as a new 4 month Vegan. I went to Shayna B's after it moved and expanded its offerings in Westbrook. My first time, as a Meat-Asaurus, I ordered the breakfast sandwich - which over the years has been my addiction-go-to item. When I finished I thanked cook and server Susan for having an egg sandwich on the menu "for us meat eaters." I will always remember her smile and her answer "there were no eggs in the sandwich - we are a completely vegan restaurant, but glad you liked it!" Oh and the bagel was gluten free...

Whether you are a meater eater or vegan, need gluten-free or have a food allergy Owner Christine Reed has provided the shoreline with a vegan/gluten free bakery and cafe eatery oasis. While the foods-to-go, smoothies, soups, nachos, personal pizzas, sandwiches, wraps, and specials would be enough - there is the 20-30 foot long glassed bakery case filled with an assortment of yummy delights.

The food is fresh, tasty, the portions are perfect and the soups are out of this world. The vegan lasagna in the to-go case was a delicious next day lunch at work.

Preordering from the bakery is important around the holidays - we just put Christine's creations out for family/friends and don't even bother saying they are vegan anymore!

The cafe is large and is defined by 1. the "front area" with food ordering and baked goods, an assortment of local vendor's items for sale, and comfortable metal seating for eating - on weekends there is usually a music group (1-3 persons) playing for a few hours; 2. the back area provides additional space to eat on more ornate wooden/shore inspired tables and seats, and wall art from children who have come to eat over the year. This area is also used for larger parties.

In response to a negative review left on service - This is not a sit and serve place - you order, you relax and food is brought to you. At times - like many places - they are short staffed so your fresh, homemade, vegan gluten-free food takes a little longer......

This place is both a complete gem of a find place! With any travel I get to take I’m looking for places with vegan options, and this place had both vegan and gluten free options because it’s completely dedicated to that! The entire spot is all vegan and gluten free! The staff there is absolutely amazing!! We spoke with I believe her name was Kristine when we first got there. She was so kind and nice - her and the entire staff working that day just truly went above and beyond with customer service and just genuine connection and conversation. I had the seasonal patter which included a vegan omelette loaded with fresh veggies, breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit (pineapple and strawberry) and pancakes. Again all gluten free and vegan and it was phenomenal! My favorite thing and one of the hardest things to give up going vegan is finding great breakfast alternatives. This meal scratched that itch perfectly. The pancakes had that homemade taste in a great way with that light crisp around the edges, the omelet tastes like a classic egg omelette and the potatoes stood alone with their seasoning alone.

Then I did a what I’m calling a “sugar flight” lol where I got one of some of the sweet treats that I wanted to try (loaded cookie dough cupcake, chocolate peanut butter swirl cupcake, fudge brownie, pumpkin spice cake slice and their version of a peppermint patty cake bomb). They all were great in their own unique ways but the ones that stood out as my favs were the chocolate pb cupcake, peppermint patty cake bomb and fudge brownie! I got a free chocolate chip cookie (since it was my birthday) and like a common theme with other sweet treats they’ve managed to really nail the classic tastes of the originals while being gluten free! Top notch!

All in all if you’re in the area and looking for truly outstanding vegan and gluten free food...

My interaction with the young lady that assist me in placing an order for a "diabetic" friend's very special 94th birthday, was pleasant and helpful. She assured me that their bakery made sugar free cakes and that our Chocolate Birthday cake would definitely be moist and "chocolate" tasting. The order was placed a week in advance to give them ample time to prepare and bake fresh a chocolate birthday cake, in time for our special event. Price was never part of the conversation. I left the establishment, assured that the product would exceed my expectations. Hence, it was with some level of pride that I offered this specially prepared cake to the guest of honor. The presentation of the 9 inch, 2 layer cake was most ordinary, but to my dismay, it felt stale with harden white edges, difficult to break through with a fork, and if you succeeded, even the layers would break down in chunks. The icing had a similar texture and feel. This cake could only qualify for the trash. Even our thoughtful guests tried to find acceptable excuses for their lack of appetite. Though the cost was never a factor to make our celebrant feel special, after disbursing $69.14, one would expect a very different experience. This bakery/cafe offers specialty food, gluten free and vegan which we have not sampled, but based on our experience, we will not venture to do so. ONE STAR IS TOO MUCH -- So do yourself a favor...