Essencia Bakery

Just so we’re clear, the surgical masks you’re required to wear inside this bakery are useless as per CDC. It’s company policy to wear one, the kind employee says. Based on what science are you covering your face with a useless mask? But hey, please don’t use your common sense and logic; those went out the door 2 years ago. While some European countries have stopped asking people to mask up, US is far behind. Few people challenge the “science” of masks and even fewer try to think for themselves. It’s okay, I guess - as Bill Maher said, we don’t like to think here in America. So I won’t be coming into the bakery anymore, will not support this local business. I’m sure they’ll be fine though, plenty of people will continue to comply, comply, comply. Sleep well…

Wow! We were hesitant to try this spot after having come one afternoon and seeing empty shelves. Should have realized that meant things were so good that they sold out early. Definitely recommend getting their early to get your pick. Coffees great, love the berry scones, nectarine and strawberry/rhubarb tartine, chocolate croissant, ham and cheese croissant, orange raisin roll, white chocolate cardamom cookie, chocolate chip cookie, and when i first posted this review the kouign amann was a heavenly soft and lightly sweet croissantlike delicacy but they must have changed their recipe and it’s now collapsed looking (compared to what it used to look like) and really thick crunchy outside bordering on burnt (would love for them to go back to that original recipe as it was hands down the favorite thing on the menu). Mushroom breakfast sandwich is good too - bread on it is pretty perfect. We are regulars here now.

Wonderful service, delicious treats, exceptional quality, and a real, creamy cappuccino (NOT a watered down drive-thru version). I recommend bringing a book and sipping your espresso from a mug. Old world, crusty breads; delicate, flakey pastries; so many treats to take home for later. Such a surprising gem for downtown Yakima!

The double fudge brownie is fantastic once it has warmed up, so is the orange olive cake and beehive. Unfortunately, 5 of the 6 macron were a hard cracker than the light crunchy exterior and soft interior of the traditional French pastry. The canele was closer to a flan texture once you get through the crust. Definitely worth a visit to try the other items.