customer service was horrible. Hot chocolate was disgusting. Owner was very rude and unprofessional. The pastries were okay but nothing special. I would not recommend this bakery. Terrible experience.l read more

I forgot how much I love the macarons from Essence! Before the stay at home order, my husband had a business trip to Phoenix and he surprised me with Essence's macarons when he returned. Essence was the first place I ever tried macarons when we lived in Phoenix, and is it still one of the best I ever had. Their macarons are huge and filled with so much flavor. I like all their flavors but I'm specifically partial to chocolate and vanilla. I wish they shipped their macarons around the country because I'd love to enjoy Essence in the DC area. read more

I had previously posted a review of my 2 times eating here and the restaurant went through yelp to have it removed and used the fact that I had referenced service during a pandemic as a reason. There are so many other places that still delivered EXCELLENT service during these difficult times, this place however WAS NOT one of them. Rather than reach out to me and ask what they could have done better or take the review and use real customer feedback to improve their service and see if I could amend it or even pull it down myself so here I am again to repost. It just goes to show they have no idea what good customer service is. The employees here are rude, don't seem concerned with retaining business and are more concerned with their rules. There was no inside dining allowed at the time. Everything was to go only and they required you to wait outside if you wanted to enjoy your coffee while you wait. Long wait times for your order and they still messed up things. Some of the pastries were good but overall there are so many better breakfast locations that are better than this place. I don't think I'll ever go back and give them any of my business. Some of their service flaws were basic flaws of service. Like greeting your customers and making them feel welcome in your establishment and getting their order correct are customer service 101 and this place lacked that completely. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Email from moderators where they removed my original review due to mentioning the pandemic - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Decided to drop in to this little bakery on a Friday around 10:15 am. The inside is very cute and I believe it would be a great place to catch up at with a friend. There were three people in line in front of me but I didn't wait long. The employee that helped me was very kind. I came in to order a bunch of crescents for a bachelorette party as well as a ham and cheese croissant like round pastry as well as a lemon macaron. The croissants went over really well with the girls at the bachelorette party and I very much recommend that others get them too! (I never tried them so I can't comment on the flavor) The ham and cheese croissant pastry (I don't recall the exact name of the pastry). The pastry itself had a really good crunch on the outside but the inside of the pastry was slightly dry / over baked. The cheese was mushy and soft at the bottom but absolutely delicious! I wish there was more ham, there was only one small piece which was pushed to the side of the pastry so I only got one bite with the ham. The lemon macaron is really the reason for the lower review. The macarons are larger than most macarons usually are. The macaron was very very chewy and there was a large amount of filling which I believe would have been great as a cupcake filling but honestly, in combination with the chewy macaron shell, it ended up just being gross. The smaller macarons may be worth trying but the normal sized macarons are not! read more

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It's been a while since buying food here. Long line, items sold out, and exasperated staff. Dishes were not cleaned off the tables. The Hoevos was really good, but they didn't have the potato pancake. Had a baguette instead. The croissants were good. Missed all the fancy pastries they used to have. Macaroons look like they are made by kindergartners. They were perfection before. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Eggs huevos with bagguette. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The spinach quiche was very good. So good I wanted more. Serving size is small. I ordered to go. Very nice atmosphere. Cashiers are ok.

Location; right on Indian School and 38th Street! For this trip I was meeting several people for a breakfast meeting! Space was available - but gets busy. Food; My dish was the "Signature Brioche French Toast" might tasty - split if going with someone - as could not finish mine. I would high recommend trying. Service; The place is a walk up and order and your food is delivered to your table. Make sure to grab your water before you sit down. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I've been wanting to try their pastries for a little bit however I had no luck on a Sunday afternoon. I guess this place is so popular that they sell out fast. I settled for a quiche and it was so delicious. I can only imagine how their pastries taste. I will definitely come back earlier next time. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Individual Quiche Lorraine Breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

We have been here a handful of times. In our recent visit we decided we are going to look for a new spot as the last time we were here the service was below par. I'm sorry but the employees here do not provide a friendly and welcoming service. I got a chocolate macaroon this time around and I honestly feel that the price for the quality was not on par. I've had better macaroons at a more reasonable price that actually taste fresh. I do not recommend this place, that's my personal experience and opinion. read more

SO incredibly delicious!!! The kitchen clearly knows what it is doing, and the bakery is amazingly good. This is one of the best finds in Phoenix!! read more

How have I never reviewed this place? I've been going here off and on for over a decade, since it was located in Tempe. Best pastries you'll find anywhere in Phoenix, IF you're looking for authentic French stuff. The rest of the food is fantastic as well; I've never eaten anything here that wasn't delicious. Warning about that "French drinking chocolate": it's deadly. Delicious, but it's so rich, it's hard to finish the whole thing. and it's not big. read more

Good pastries coffee is ok. The brunette girl working the counter can smile more and be more helpful.

I didn't even get the chance to eat here. I was hopeful as their menu and reviews looked amazing. Upon my arrival, I noticed there was only one person behind the counter so I lined up behind the couple she was helping. After about 5 minutes, a gentleman opened another register and instead of calling me, who had been waiting for about 5 minutes, he started helping someone who had just walked in. I notice this is a common occurrence in Phoenix and every time it happens it's a European American overlooking me to help another European American so it feels quite upsetting. Anyway, instead of asking for my to-go order and pastries, I simply walked out and will never walk back into this establishment as I'm tired of trying to support businesses that don't support me. read more

This bakery is such a gem and my absolute favorite place to get pastries in Phoenix! The pastries are all beautifully made and there are always rotating new options. The deluxe chocolate croissant is a staple but some of my new favorites are the cardamom bun and the rosemary croissant. I aways look forward to stopping by here for a treat. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The food and service are always great. I think they have the best croissants in Scottsdale.

I previously left a 5-star review because this is my go-to bakery/coffee place on my way to work. I stop here 3 days a week like clockwork Wednesday-Friday and often bring clients here because I love the croissants and breakfast. This morning I'm sure (I hope) was out of the ordinary, as the gentleman behind the counter was a complete jerk. His attitude, demeanor and the way he speaks to people was completely unprofessional, regardless if he's overwhelmed or not. I was in line to order, and there was at least 8 people behind me. He tried to help someone behind me first, until I approached the counter first. I was on the phone with my mom, and asked her to give me a second to place my order and his response was that I needed to hang up the phone before he'll allow me to place the order. I'm sorry, but what? I understand if I'm talking and ordering at the same time, but I was not, and I already put my call on hold to place the order, so his annoyance was not appreciated or even understood at this point. Then, when I continued to place my order, he had to ask me to repeat my order 3 times, with an attitude like I was somehow inconveniencing him by ordering and rude to me because he wouldn't hear over the crowd. Maybe if he would be a little more patience, and concentrate on the order being placed, then nothing would have been lost in translation, because at this point I'm never coming back because of 1 negative experience. There was an elder couple sitting next to me who commented on his demeanor as well. If someone can't handle a busy rush, then maybe he's in the wrong job. You don't treat people like shit because you're restaurant is busy, and you certainly don't treat customers like this. read more

I rarely write comments but I have to hand it to the staff.. typical older "Karen" type is ordering and reaching her hands behind and above the glass pastry case and he politely asked her to please keep her hands back and she said "don't be so rude" and started being frankly obnoxious and telling him how she was a nurse for 40 plus years and how she knows (I'm sure everything).. to the staff member. I just got to meet the owner she brought out my lunch special.. the staff was awesome and so was the owner are just lovely and the food looks amazing. There's even a little refrigerator with some pre made salads and such read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Menu board and the pastries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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First time visiting. The pastries are very good. The breakfast we tried was ok but what made the experience uncomfortable was the lady taking our order. She seemed upset at having to be there. Also the seating is uncomfortable and it seemed the AC was off. read more

Best croissant I've had outside of Paris. Safety measure are being taken super seriously at this place-they even have you use a glove to touch the credit card machine and toss it after-not the most environmentally friendly thing-it'd be better if they sprayed and wiped it down but-at least they're taking covid seriously which is important in a food place. I got the chocolate croissant and the pistachio for my husband. If you reheat in the microwave do like 10-15 seconds! I did 30 and it got too hot! The flavour was awesome and the crunch of the pastry was perfection. It was like 4 $ per pastry-which is a lot but they were really good. I'd pay it again. I'm hoping to try the macaroons next! read more

I come here on occasion (when I have a morning meeting and need a treat) and they never disappoint!! If you follow them on Instagram you'll learn a lot about the baker and she's really incredible too! Great menu, delicious coffee, and always the kindest employees! Their lunch menu is also something serious - I haven't had the chance to try it yet but if it's as good as their breakfast I can only assume its fantastic! They had a petition out for reproductive freedom today too Essence is awesome!! read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Best lattes around the phoenix area - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Have not had their macaroons in a long long time so I ordered about 10 huge ones and 6 mini ones and a couple quiches. Cannot wait to eat! They provide a glove for touching the card keypad. Hand sanitizer available. read more

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I have nothing but love for this place and Chef. I needed a great baguette and remembered Essence is just up the street from me. CALL AHEAD and reserve that baguette because they go fast. I grabbed a Macaron on the way out.... Ooh-la-la! So good. Disregard any negative comments you might see here; those peeps were going to have a bad day with or without visiting Essence. read more

We love essence!! The sipping chocolate is incredible and the food tastes authentic, home made, and of quality ingredients. My wife is obsessed with their mashed potato cake and the homemade jam! I, personally, adore the pot pie. Their eggs are delicious as well! Such a cozy place to unwind and spend time with loved ones. Service is fast and friendly! read more

As a local, Essence is a go-to for breakfast and for treats to bring to others' homes as gifts (like the macaroons!)

Wish I would have purchased more We tried Essence Bakery for the very 1st time, as I have read so many positive reviews about this bakery and was excited to try this place. On this visit we ordered the chocolate croissant, Almond Croissant, and lemon macaroon and everything was excellent. The croissants were flakey and buttery and the lemon macaroon was the best I've ever had. I wish I would have bought more than one. If you're in the area stop by, you wont be disappointed. read more

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WOW! Found this place from a segment of Arizona Highways. What a delightful surprise! We had the chocolate almond croissants as well as chocolate croissants and a sample box of the macaroons. Try this amazing bakery cafe, it will not disappoint. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Sample box macaroons Chocolate croissant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

THE BEST BAKERY IN PHOENIX!!! I love their breakfast but their pastries and macaroons and some of the best I have had. Get a vanilla croissant, you'll thank me later! read more

I'm pretty sure Essence has the best croissants in town. I have become a bit of a Phoenix croissant connoisseur. I love the croissants at Proof bakery and J&L patisserie, but something about the croissants at Essence puts them over the top. Maybe it is the unique flavors - aside from the usual plain, chocolate, and almond, I have also ordered an olive oil swirl croissant, zaatar swirl croissant, oreo croissant, and pumpkin spice croissant there. And they have all been amazing! If you love croissants, check out Essence. You won't be sorry! read more

We had the breakfast sandwich and the essence scrambled eggs! Wow they were super delicious. We also had the passion fruit croissant and the fruit Danish! Everything was to die for... would had eaten more if their system was working but because it was cash only I was limited read more

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Love the pastries but charged 4.75 for an 8 oz glass of chocolate almond milk and completely missed the order of regular milk for my other child. More expensive then any croissants. I had asked for hot chocolate and they said "we aren't making hot chocolate now". The back of house was doing great work but they make you feel unwelcome in front of house. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - 4.75 for small kids glass of chocolate almond milk - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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The picture of their Cuban sandwich from their website and a picture of my actual sandwich which was burned I took a bite to see if it tasted burned or not and it did. The price on the website is $14.95 but they charged me two dollars more when I arrived to pick up my order. I had to wait for another couple in front of me which didn't bother me but when it was my turn she told me to wait because she wanted to go make coffee and I was just there to pick up a to go order so I told her that so she reluctantly help me yet whispered to her coworker which was extremely rude. Very disappointing sandwich and rude service. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I've been coming to Essence since they were located in Tempe so I can tell you that the food still taste consistently amazing after so many years. You can't go wrong with the butter croissant which is pretty the same as getting a croissant in Paris. My go to breakfast here is the "Big Breakfast" and the quiche. I come here a lot of mornings for coffee and pastry to go. If you are dining in, the food does take a while to come out but it's well worth it! read more

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We went there for breakfast and ordered their special which was a version of avocado toast. The sign stated that it comes with a fried egg on top. When we got ours, while it's technically a version of a fried egg, they were over easy at best. My girlfriend does not like a runny yoke so simply asked that they either completely fry the egg or scramble it as yoke had gotten all over the plate and toast. We were then told that the chef would fry the egg but reuse everything on the plate. This was unsatisfactory given the yoke everywhere. We then asked that our money for that item be refunded. We were then told the chef refused that request as well as they do all their fried eggs over easy (seems like something the should state instead of assuming everyone would just know). Can't say I've ever had something like this happen before so I decided that after taking one bite of mine we would just leave and I'd dispute the charge. Needless to say we will never be back. So many great breakfast places within a mile of this pretentious place that I can't imagine they'll be around that much longer anyway. read more

This is a favorite neighborhood spot. I've been a customer since the original Tempe location. I'm disappointed to see several critical comments on here for a beloved cafe. People sure are bitchy and nitpicking. I digress.... Essence is popular so if you want to sample their prized desserts get there early and try a weekday. They close by 2pm so keep in mind. Sign up for weekly email updates. You can also call to purchase desserts in advance. I've done that many times. Staff can be busy in peak hours but they've always been kind and gracious. They've had loyal staff for years. Cost of food has been going up with ongoing pandemic and Essence prides itself using local farms and organic products. I've always respected that and although lower pricing would be nice I get it. The menu offers weekly specials and special desserts and breads on weekends including to go items. All delicious!!! It's a small operation so when items are out, they're out. It's a unique cafe that I'm so happy is nearby my home in Phoenix. I don't go often out to restaurants in general since pandemic started, but Essence never fails to make my tummy and heart happy when I visit. I also love that it's not pretentious and has local art and lovely garden in parking lot. I always bring guests here. PS. Love their fresh soups, breads, salads, croissants, macarons, potato cake, baked veggies, egg sandwiches, little dessert boxes, etc. It's all excellent! Enjoy and please be nice to local small businesses. They're trying hard to make quality food. read more

I always try to get here as early as I can because I want to snag all the good stuff and parking sucks! Such amazing pastries, probably one of the best I've had in the valley. Haven't tried breakfast here yet but will be back :) read more

The macaroons were amazing! This will be my new place for macaroons. Baked perfectly. The cookies were disappointing and I tried a few. Good place to work and I would like to try their food next time too. read more

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, here is a picture of our stash that we picked up this morning. We're in town visiting the family for the holidays and heard nothing but great things about this place and it did not disappoint. Definitely worth checking out. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Great pastry options and they all tasted delicious! I tried a pistachio croissant and a strawberry creme macron (but I forgot to take a picture). I also got 4 different flavors of macrons for my family and they all loved those as well. 10/10 would recommend! read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Macrons - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Essence has been on my radar for quite some time now and to my surprise it had much more to offer then expected! I had an iced caramel latte and it was delicious, they make their syrups in house which is awesome! I ordered pastries to go and they were great too. The restaurant itself is really nice & cozy, I'll definitely be back! read more

Great espresso and super cute atmosphere to study in! I got a large iced oat milk latte with an extra shot (my go to at a new coffee shop) and it was amazing! The espresso has a decadent chocolatey flavor! The inside seating area is great for studying/working. I will definitely be here again. The food also looks amazing I did not get anything but from what people around me were ordering it looked amazing! Great and kind customer service! The chef also seemed to know regulars and which was wholesome to see! The only downfall is no wifi. 10/10 read more