My wife, daughter, and I went to La Dolce today. We have been anxiously awaiting the opening since we saw the paper covered window touting “La Dolce, A Gourmet Bakery, Coffee & Tea Bar”. I know this is what the sign said because I was so excited that a place that proclaimed this information would be an awesome addition to downtown Aiken. I’m not sure what they had to do to prep the place for the conversion from a children's clothing store to (let’s be honest) a place that sales loose leaf tea and has less than tasty baked goods. However from the looks of the inside it was not a place that has an inviting atmosphere. The service was not very warm and neither was the coffee they kept in the two carafes in the corner across from the register. Your options are regular and decaf. We also got a chocolate croissant that looked more like a baguette baker’s mistake with a little chocolate drizzled on top. This was by far the worst “bakery purchased” item I have ever tasted. It tasted like Pillsbury biscuit dough rolled over 3 Hershey’s chocolate squares. Nothing flakey about it at all. I had about 2 and a half bites and had to throw it away. I would have requested a refund on everything had we not gotten it to go. As I said before my wife and I WERE very excited that La Dolce was going to open based on the sign they had before they opened but this place is nothing like they advertised. We have been to several Coffee and Tea Bars and this place should not be classified as such. Keep it simple and call it what it is. The Tea Room. They apparently do wedding consulting in the back and from the looks of it maybe photography too. Not sure because it’s not very clear when you walk in. Their hours are short too. They’re only open until 3pm Monday - Saturday. Just another thing that proves that they are not a Coffee and Tea Bar. I’m telling you the hours because if you look at their web page you won’t find them listed anywhere.

This bakery has the best and softest chocolate chip cookies that are just the right size - delicious! I couldn't resist buying one when I picked up a cake I ordered. Everyone who had a piece at my niece's birthday party loved it so you can be sure we will be back! The atmosphere was very inviting and I plan to return with friends to try some of their loose leaf tea and try a different one of their soft cookies.