The 7 Must-Try Baked Goods At Mattie Lou's Cafe And Bakery: Asheville's New Pastry Powerhouse

As of December 2025, Mattie Lou's Cafe and Bakery has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the North Asheville food scene, inheriting a legacy and quickly forging its own path with exceptional baked goods and a heartfelt community presence. This isn't just another coffee shop; it's a destination for some of the best laminated pastries, massive biscuits, and freshly-made breakfast items in Western North Carolina, often selling out before noon on busy days.

Located in the beloved former space of the legendary Geraldine’s Bakery, Mattie Lou's is the brainchild of pastry chef Mattie Grey. Her dedication to quality, from the flaky croissants to the expertly brewed coffee, has earned the cafe rave reviews and a loyal following in a remarkably short time. If you're planning a visit to Asheville, understanding the menu's highlights and the cafe's history is essential for the ultimate experience.

Proprietor Profile: The Visionary Behind Mattie Lou's

The success of Mattie Lou's Cafe and Bakery is intrinsically tied to its sole proprietor, baker, and pastry chef, Mattie Grey. While the cafe carries the name "Mattie Lou's," it is Grey's vision and hands-on approach that define the establishment.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• Name: Mattie Grey (often affectionately referred to as Mattie Lou by patrons).
• Role: Sole Proprietor, Head Baker, Pastry Chef, and often the Counter Person.
• Location: Asheville, North Carolina.
• Cafe Address: 840 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804 (Former Geraldine's Bakery space).
• Opening Date: Opened around November 13th, following the closure of Geraldine's Bakery in late 2022.
• Specialty: Highly-rated for laminated pastries, unique breakfast buns, and inventive breakfast plates.
• Business Ethos: Focuses on fresh, high-quality baked goods, often selling out early due to high demand.

Grey’s decision to open Mattie Lou's came after the closure of the long-standing Asheville institution, Geraldine's Bakery. Stepping into such an iconic space was a challenge, but Grey quickly made it her own, bringing a fresh perspective while maintaining the neighborhood's demand for exceptional baked goods and a welcoming atmosphere.

The 7 Essential Menu Items You Must Try

Mattie Lou's menu is a rotating showcase of seasonal ingredients and classic techniques, but several items have achieved legendary status among Asheville locals and visitors. These are the pastries and plates that regularly sell out and define the cafe's reputation for excellence.

1. The Cardamom Breakfast Bun

Often cited as a dream-worthy pastry, the Cardamom Breakfast Bun is arguably Mattie Lou's signature item. This laminated pastry is known for its delicate layers, rich butter flavor, and a perfectly balanced, aromatic spice profile from the cardamom. It’s a sophisticated twist on a morning roll and a must-order for any first-time visitor.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

2. Laminated Pastries (Croissants)

The cafe is renowned for its mastery of laminated doughs. The classic croissants are described as some of the best in Asheville, boasting an incredible flakiness and a deep, buttery flavor that is the hallmark of expertly crafted pastry. Look for seasonal variations and savory options as well.

3. Massive Biscuits

For those seeking a hearty, Southern-inspired breakfast, the massive biscuits are a standout. They are frequently mentioned in rave reviews for their size, fluffiness, and perfect texture, making them ideal for a simple butter and jam pairing or a full breakfast sandwich.

4. Fresh Blueberry Muffins and Morning Buns

While the more elaborate pastries get attention, the classic Blueberry Muffins and Morning Buns are everyday favorites. They exemplify the cafe's commitment to using fresh ingredients and providing comforting, high-quality baked essentials.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

5. Breakfast Tacos and Migas

In a recent menu update, Mattie Lou's introduced breakfast tacos and migas, which have been met with immediate enthusiasm. These savory options provide a delicious, fresh alternative to the sweet pastries and demonstrate the kitchen’s versatility beyond traditional baking. The migas, in particular, are noted for being delicious and fresh.

6. The Cookies

Even the humble cookie is elevated here. Patrons have described the cookies as "easily the best cookies I've ever had in Asheville," noting a perfect balance of texture and flavor that makes them irresistible.

7. Full Espresso Menu

No great bakery is complete without great coffee. Mattie Lou's offers a full espresso menu, utilizing high-quality beans from Cooperative Coffee Roasters. This partnership ensures that every latte, cappuccino, and drip coffee perfectly complements the rich, buttery pastries.

Topical Authority: Mattie Lou's Place in the Asheville Food Ecosystem

Mattie Lou's Cafe and Bakery is more than a local spot; it represents a significant transition and evolution in the Asheville culinary landscape. Its location at 840 Merrimon Ave carries a weight of history, as it was the former home of Geraldine's Bakery, an Asheville fixture that closed after Tropical Storm Helene.

The cafe has successfully navigated the challenge of replacing a beloved institution by focusing on a few key differentiators:

• Freshness and Quality: The dedication to selling out early is a testament to the focus on fresh, daily-made goods. This high turnover ensures that everything served is at its peak quality.
• Specialized Pastry Skills: Mattie Grey’s expertise in laminated pastries—the croissants, morning buns, and cardamom bun—sets a high bar, appealing to serious pastry enthusiasts in the area.
• Community Connection: Mattie Grey is known for being very nice and genuinely appreciative of the community support, fostering a welcoming and supportive cafe environment.
• Strategic Sourcing: By partnering with local suppliers like Cooperative Coffee Roasters, Mattie Lou's integrates itself into the broader regional food ecosystem, enhancing the quality of its offerings.

The cafe’s rapid success and consistent high praise in reviews, some of which are dated as recently as 2025, confirm its status as a vital, thriving business. It is a clear example of a new venture honoring a location's history while infusing it with a fresh, modern, and highly skilled approach to baking.

Planning Your Visit: Tips for the Best Experience

Given the cafe’s popularity and tendency to sell out of popular items, a little planning can ensure you get to try the best of what Mattie Lou's has to offer.

• Arrive Early: To guarantee you get a Cardamom Breakfast Bun or a massive biscuit, it is highly recommended to visit earlier in the morning. The bakery has been known to sell out of all baked goods by noon.
• Check for Specials: The menu often features seasonal specials and new items, such as the recently added breakfast tacos and migas. Keep an eye out for these unique offerings.
• Location: The cafe is conveniently located in the North Asheville neighborhood, making it a perfect stop before exploring other local attractions or heading out on a scenic Blue Ridge Parkway drive.
• Coffee Pairing: Don't skip the coffee. The espresso drinks, made with beans from Cooperative Coffee Roasters, are the perfect complement to the rich pastries.

Mattie Lou's Cafe and Bakery is a testament to the power of passionate, high-quality baking. It has successfully transitioned from a highly anticipated newcomer to a well-loved staple, solidifying its position as a must-visit spot for anyone seeking the finest pastries and breakfast fare in Asheville, North Carolina.