Gourmet Bakery & Deli

For residents of Flushing, Queens, finding a reliable local spot that serves up both fresh baked goods and a hearty deli sandwich is a true convenience. Gourmet Bakery & Deli, located on Metropolitan Avenue, aims to be just that place. It’s a business that, like many in New York, has a mixed reputation, with some customers having a fantastic experience while others leave feeling disappointed. This duality is a common feature of local establishments that are part of the daily fabric of a neighborhood. For some, it's the go-to spot for a specific, beloved item, like a pretzel roll, while for others, a single negative experience can overshadow any positives. This article is designed to provide a balanced and factual overview for local New Yorkers who are considering a visit. We’ll delve into the specific offerings, the convenient location, and the key highlights and lowlights that are reflected in real customer reviews. It's a look at a place that has a loyal following for some items but also has room for improvement in other areas, providing a nuanced perspective that is essential for making an informed decision about where to spend your money and time.

Gourmet Bakery & Deli is located at 96-15 Metropolitan Ave, Flushing, NY 11375, USA. This address places it in a prime spot on a well-known thoroughfare in Queens. Metropolitan Avenue is a bustling and highly trafficked street, making the bakery and deli easily accessible for those who are either walking, driving, or taking public transit. The location is a significant advantage for locals in the surrounding neighborhoods, as it’s a convenient stop for a quick breakfast, lunch, or to pick up some baked goods. Its position on a major avenue means it is part of a larger commercial ecosystem, allowing customers to easily integrate a visit into their daily errands. The accessibility of the location is one of its undeniable strengths, ensuring that it is a practical option for a wide array of residents. The surrounding neighborhood is filled with a diverse community, and a business that serves as both a bakery and a deli can cater to a variety of tastes and needs, making it a valuable asset to the area.

Gourmet Bakery & Deli offers a wide range of services that combine traditional baked goods with a full-service deli menu. The offerings are designed to cater to both the morning coffee and pastry crowd and those looking for a satisfying lunch.

• Bakery Selections: The bakery side of the business is a key feature. A customer review highlights a standout product: "They make the best pretzel rolls that I've ever had here! I go here anytime that u ever need them. Their regular rolls are also amazing." This positive feedback points to a strong reputation for specific baked items. The bakery also offers a "very good Bakery selection," suggesting a variety of other breads, pastries, and treats are available.
• Deli Counter: The deli portion of the business provides a range of cold cuts, cheeses, and sandwiches. The review mentions a "nice deli selection," indicating that there are plenty of options for building a custom sandwich or purchasing deli meats and cheeses.
• Beverage Options: The establishment offers a "decent drink selection," which includes various coffees and teas. However, there is a significant point of concern related to this, as a customer review details a negative experience with a Thai iced tea.
• Customer Service: The staff is described as "very friendly" and able to "speak English decently," which is a positive note on the overall service experience. They are also noted for being able to handle larger orders, as one customer mentioned having no issues ordering "more than 10 pretzel rolls."
• Microwaved Food: A key detail from a negative review mentions that a Spanish feta sandwich was microwaved, which the customer found disappointing. This suggests that some food preparation methods may not meet all customers' expectations, particularly those who prefer toasted or grilled options.

Gourmet Bakery & Deli has several features and highlights that are important for locals to consider. These points paint a picture of a business with both notable strengths and clear weaknesses.

• The Pretzel Rolls: This is a major highlight. The rave review about the pretzel rolls and "regular rolls" suggests that this is the bakery's signature item and a reason why many customers are loyal patrons. This is a crucial piece of information for anyone in the area looking for a top-tier baked good.
• Friendly Staff: The positive comments about the "very friendly" staff and their ability to handle orders efficiently are a significant feature. Good service is a cornerstone of a positive experience and helps build a loyal customer base.
• Medical Condition Warning: A very serious highlight, or rather a cautionary note, comes from the negative review regarding the Thai iced tea. A customer with a hiatal hernia was misinformed by a staff member that the drink had no caffeine, leading to a severe medical reaction. This is an extremely important piece of information for anyone with a medical condition or dietary restriction. It underscores the need for staff to be knowledgeable about the products they sell, especially when it comes to ingredients.
• Inconsistent Food Preparation: The comment about the microwaved Spanish feta is a factual highlight of a potential inconsistency in food quality and preparation methods. This is an important detail for customers who have specific preferences for how their food is prepared and may prefer a toaster or grill over a microwave.

For those who wish to contact or visit Gourmet Bakery & Deli, here is the essential information:

Address: 96-15 Metropolitan Ave, Flushing, NY 11375, USA

Phone: (718) 793-0534

This information is vital for locals who want to place an order, inquire about specific products, or ask questions about ingredients before a visit.

In conclusion, Gourmet Bakery & Deli in Flushing is a place that is suitable for locals who are looking for a specific, high-quality baked good and who appreciate a friendly staff. Its reputation for having "the best pretzel rolls" makes it a must-try for anyone who enjoys that particular item. The deli counter and other bakery selections provide plenty of variety for a quick and satisfying meal. However, it is imperative for locals to be aware of the serious issues raised in customer reviews, particularly the dangerous misinformation about ingredients for those with medical conditions and the potential for disappointing food preparation methods like microwaving. While the staff is praised for being friendly and accommodating, this does not negate the need for a higher level of care and knowledge, especially when it comes to customer health. Therefore, while it may be a fantastic spot for a simple, pre-made pastry or a familiar roll, it is crucial for customers with any dietary or medical concerns to double-check ingredients themselves. It's a classic case of a local business with a loyal following for its star products, but with significant room for improvement in other areas.

Gourmet Bakery & Deli

96-15 Metropolitan Ave, Flushing, NY 11375, USA