02/28/09

Good morning noshes

by scarabaracs

I just grabbed a large decaf latte, two ham and gruyere croissants, a chocolate croissant, and a sour cherry biscotti. The latte was terrific--great flavor (not insipid), very hot (but not scalding). The biscotti was not my favorite; a bit sweet. The chocolate croissant was very good and the ham and cheese croissants were honestly, out of this world! Fresh, crispy layers, buttery goodness. What a great way to start the day. I usually enjoy Sweet Melissa's pastries, but have had some mediocre experiences. And I don't recommend their lunches. But this to-go breakfast was wonderful. I know they've had mixed reviews on the service, but I always have found the counter service to be good, and the girl who served me this morning was cheerful, pleasant, and efficient.

02/07/09

Underwhelming

by sweets509

I live in the area and after reading so many good reviews about this place, I finally went today for brunch. My cafe au lait was lukewarm, my croissant didn't taste very fresh (even though they claim to bake daily) and it took them a long time for my order to arrive. Even worst, my date's order didn't come at the same time and he had to wait some more. The waitstaff was nice, but a little flaky and not very attentive - I had to flag someone down a couple of times before someone saw me. Needless to say, I was completely disappointed and I will not be coming back.

• Pros: Cute decor, lively crowd
• Cons: Staff was not very attentive, baked goods not fresh

01/19/09

Won't go there again!

by pippigourmet

Stopped by Sweet Melissa's on Court Street last weekend for an after dinner tea and dessert and was very disappointed. The almond croissant was inedible, dry and very stale. I was willing to overlook that and ask for another dessert, but then my tea arrived and I noticed that the teapot and cup were both dirty with accumulated residue. I then informed the waitress of this and told her I would pay her a tip for her trouble but not for the items given the circumstances. She was so rude and unapologetic that I just left shaking my head at how clueless they have become.

When Sweet Melissa first opened the items were fresh and the place was well-run. It has always been pricey but then you didn't mind because all the pastries and desserts were absolutely delicious and unique to the neighborhood. I hope the owner takes note of how far the service and quality of their merchandise has fallen and that she takes action to reverse it because I can't imagine that customers will continue to frequent it under those circumstances.

• Pros: I honestly can't come up with one
• Cons: Desserts are old, poor non-attentive service, dirty

04/22/08

Not so hot

by zima66thstreet

Not up to the hype. Not very fresh and the staff is rude. This is true of the Park Slope location as well.

• Pros: When fresh the baked goods are fine
• Cons: Not always fresh and the service is pretentious and rude

04/03/08

Okay treats, but the service stinks...

by Honeybun1

Treats are okay, not the best I've ever had. Sometimes I feel like they aren't that fresh. The service is horrible, at least in Starbucks they sometimes try to force a smile and serve you quickly.

01/07/08

Try it, you'll hate it

by sarah14582

Although i gave sweet melissa more then one chance, i have been disappointed every time i go. The service is so poor, i almost left before the food arrived. It would be nice if they were more attentive to the customers then in the conversations they are engaged in with one another. When the food finally arrived, it seems like it could have potentially been good, but the fact that it was obviously more then two to three days old cut my appetite. I first ordered a sour cherry clafoutis, with two chestnut honey madelienes. Like i said, both a disaster and very over priced. Although Melissa calls herself a top pastry chef, i can say that with my own culinary experience that this is an extremely poorly run business, that is not clean and definitely needs new employees.

• Pros: the location??
• Cons: everything else

10/06/07

Amazing Food, Amazing Atmosphere, Amazing Place!!

by cparkles00

Went in and service was punctual. Love the environment/atmosphere, very homey and comfortable, good interior design. They have a beautiful outdoor patio, and nice seating inside. Staff is accomodating with party size. Nice, friendly staff members. Ordered soup du jour (carrot ginger) and was blown away, delicious! Ordered the filet mignon sandwich, the homemade condiments were soooo good, and the sandwich was amazing! Most sandiwches come with side salads, wish they sold their homemade dressing! Also was impressed with coffees and teas. Dessert!! Amazing! I ordered the cheesecake, my friends ordered the banana cream pie, and the bread pudding, which was the best dessert by far! Overall, I love this restaurant and will go back often. The only hang up is that its slightly pricey (not expensive, but not an everyday eatery). Worth it!! Love it!!

02/04/07

I'm sorry to have to do this but...

by kawaiicat7

Sweet Melissa's linzer tarts - though touted as being something to truly marvel at - fall very very short of mediocre.

I realize they don't have the Southern Restaurant chain La Madeleine up here, but let me tell you - *they* know how to make linzer tarts! Sweet Melissa's tarts are pointless, they have no interplay, no excitement, inspire no happiness. For some that are a bit better, try Marquet Patisserie down the street - which has a much cuter atmosphere and excellent chai tea and cookies.

If you are intent upon going to Sweet Melissa, stick to the Vanilla Cappuccino and a subtle but lovely honey chestnut maccaroon.

For some truly excellent linzer tortes try Shalamar Diner in Queens, NY at Austin St and 63rd. Or head on down to the South and get some linzer tortes by people at La Madeleine who know how to bake them up right ;)

• Pros: Amusing waiters at times, good macaroon...
• Cons: way over hyped linzer torte, bad petite forts as well and blah coffee

01/24/07

Sweetness

by 11231fan

I had a fantastic experience at Sweet Melissa last week! The pastries were to-die-for (esp. the Chocolate Almond croissant), and the staff was super-friendly. And it's such a cozy space in the winter for tea. Loved it!

11/03/06

Love sweets but don't like people

by gio1972

I love sweets there, especially banana chocolate pudding, which is amazing, but the people serving us are horrible. Today I asked a piece of pudding and she cut one out of the whole with the knife, which did not look clean. When she tried to place the cake in the container, she was about to drop (it actually touched the counter) but she tried to serve that one to me, so I said "I need a new one". It is just a shame why they can have a bit more educated people there to serve. At the end, it is service industry they are in.

• Pros: food (sweats)
• Cons: service, expensive