Mado Bakery and Cafe

Description: French bakery and cafe in Rock Hill, SC serving the Charlotte area. Everything is made from scratch in house. Menu includes traditional French pastries like tarts, choux, and entremets, along with viennoiseries such as croissants, pain au chocolat, and almond croissants. Artisan breads include sourdough baguettes, brioche, and savory loaves made with traditional French flour. Espresso drinks, flavored lattes, and cold-pressed French juices also available. Dine-in and takeout.

Comments: A French bakery that, to me, feels closer to authentic French pastries than our beloved Charlotte staple, Amélie's. The croissants, in particular, are incredibly buttery, flaky, and just downright good. No cinnamon rolls, but to be fair, they’re not a traditional French pastry. They’re staying authentic, and I respect that. You can read the story of the business here, it's owned by a West African couple that lived in France for years before moving stateside.

The space has a rustic aesthetic, featuring a fireplace and a massive vault door that I can only assume was once part of a bank. Now, it houses a pair of couches and a coffee table. An interesting touch for sure. Compared to Charlotte’s more ritzy, modern cafés, this one feels refreshingly down-to-earth, in the best way possible.