Some of the best bites in Florida hide behind small doors on busy streets, and you only find them when you follow your nose. I expected a quick coffee stop and walked away with a paper bag full of pastries that shattered into golden flakes with every bite.
The line outside should have been my first clue that something special was going on inside. If you love buttery layers, a little morning adventure, and treats that taste like someone truly cared, keep reading.
A Tiny Bakeshop on North Orange Avenue
Blink while driving up North Orange Avenue and you might roll right past it. Buttermilk Bakery sits at 1198 N Orange Ave in Winter Park, a compact storefront that looks modest from the road but draws a steady stream of pastry lovers from all over Central Florida.
At its heart, the spot is a cozy, family-owned bakeshop. The menu leans toward American and French cafe fare, with a wide lineup of sweet and savory pastries, light bites, and weekend brunch plates that keep people coming back.
Croissants are the real headline here. They come up more than anything else when visitors talk about the place, and after one bite it is easy to see why the buttery, layered pastries have earned such a loyal following.
Winter Park itself sits just north of Orlando in Orange County, known for its tree-lined streets and relaxed small-city pace. The bakery fits that mood well, offering a quiet, neighborhood-style morning ritual rather than a flashy tourist attraction.
Travelers have found it while staying in Orlando, and one visitor from Jacksonville discovered it while hunting online for the best dough in the state. Another regular drives all the way from Melbourne on the Space Coast.
That kind of devotion says a lot about a shop this small.
Phil and the Family Behind the Butter
Every great bakery has a person whose name regulars say with real warmth. At Buttermilk, that name is Phil, the baker who leads the team and whose care shows up in the food.
Longtime fans describe his cooking as something closer to art than a simple breakfast. One family who moved away from Orlando still has Buttermilk pastries delivered when relatives visit, which tells you how hard it is to find a replacement.
The bakery is described as family-owned, and that small-scale spirit is easy to feel. A visitor years ago called it a great little mom-and-pop bakery, and that description still suits the shop today.
Passion is a word that pops up again and again. Guests say it is obvious the team loves what they do, and that shows in details like even sweetness, fresh ingredients, and pastries that look almost too pretty to eat.
Rustic Charm in a Snug Space
Step inside and you will notice two things right away: the smell and the size. The scent of warm butter hits first, and then you realize the room fits only about six people at a time.
Visitors describe the decor as rustic and bright, with cute touches that make the small space feel welcoming. Guests have also mentioned how neat and clean the shop stays, even on busy mornings.
Because the interior is so compact, the line often spills out the door and onto the sidewalk. Rather than a problem, many people see that line as a good sign, proof that they found the right place.
The ordering setup runs smoothly, though. Regulars praise the efficient system for stopping in, choosing pastries, and heading out, and prices are clearly displayed so there are no surprises at the register.
The glass display case is the star of the room. Rows of croissants, tarts, pop tarts, and buns sit ready, and choosing just one can feel like the hardest decision of your morning.
Layers You Can Hear
Listen closely when you tear one open. A properly laminated croissant crackles, and the ones at Buttermilk have a reputation for doing exactly that.
Lamination is the slow process of folding butter into dough over and over, creating dozens of thin layers. When those layers bake, the butter releases steam and puffs the dough into that airy, honeycomb center pastry fans love.
Guests rave about the result. One visitor described the puff pastry as light and buttery, with tons of layers that flake and turn crispy, while others simply call everything flaky, buttery, and perfectly baked.
Flaky pastries get mentioned constantly in conversations about the shop. A traveler even joked that the team could teach a masterclass in making carbs magical, which may be the highest compliment a baker can get.
What stands out is balance. The croissants are rich without feeling heavy, and the savory versions come across as well seasoned but not too salty or overdressed.
If you have only ever eaten grocery store croissants, the difference will surprise you. Expect a shower of crumbs on your shirt, a crisp outer shell, and a soft, tender middle that pulls apart in delicate strands.
Grab extra napkins. You will need them.
Savory Croissants Worth the Detour
Savory fans, this is your moment. Buttermilk takes its croissant dough in bold directions, and the stuffed versions are some of the most talked-about items on the menu.
The mortadella hot honey croissant has won over plenty of hearts. One group of friends ordered an assortment and said the table went completely quiet while they ate, which is its own kind of praise.
Turkey and Brie shows up in more than one form. Guests have enjoyed a turkey Brie croissant with caramelized onions, and another version with bacon, turkey, Brie, and fig that arrived generously filled.
One small note from a visitor: the fig in that pastry sat mostly in the center instead of spreading throughout. It did not stop the guest from enjoying it, but it is worth knowing if you like every bite evenly balanced.
The everything bagel croissant is another fan pick, described as super flaky and full of flavor. There is also a tomato and cheese croissant for anyone who wants something simpler.
Portions lean generous. One hearty eater spent about $15 and had snacks from lunch through dinner, which makes a savory croissant a smart move for a light meal on the go.
Savory pastries in general come up often, so do not skip this side of the case.
Almond, Chocolate, and the Mighty Kouign Amann
Sweet tooth calling? The sweet side of the laminated lineup might be even harder to resist than the savory one.
The almond croissant earns loyal fans, with one guest calling it so delicious that it shared top billing with her favorite treat of the day. Chocolate croissants are also a popular grab, and one visitor ordered two in a single trip.
Then there is the kouign amann, a pastry that deserves a quick introduction. Pronounced roughly like queen ah-mahn, it comes from Brittany in northern France, and the name means butter cake in the Breton language.
It is made with laminated dough layered with sugar, so the outside bakes into a caramelized, crackly shell. Several visitors single it out, and it is a great pick if you like a little crunch with your butter.
The morning bun is another standout. Guests describe it as flaky and light, finished with a dusting of what tastes like apple cinnamon sugar, and one longtime fan called it extremely fresh and baked just right.
Across all of these, people keep praising the same quality. The pastries taste sweet but never overly sugary, so you can enjoy one without feeling like you just ate a candy bar.
Homemade Pop Tarts With a Florida Twist
Remember the foil-wrapped toaster pastries from childhood? Buttermilk’s pop tarts are the grown-up, handmade version, and they rank among the most mentioned treats at the shop.
The guava cheese pop tart is a perfect fit for Florida. Guava and cream cheese is a beloved pairing in Cuban bakeries across the state, and one visitor described this version as balanced and fresh.
That flavor choice gives the bakery a little local personality. It blends a French-style pastry approach with a combination many Floridians grew up eating, especially in South Florida and Tampa.
Danishes deserve attention too. One guest tried an apricot Earl Grey Danish and loved how perfectly flaky the layers were, even though the tea flavor came through only lightly.
That kind of creative pairing shows up often. A visitor noted that Buttermilk goes beyond the typical croissant and pastry flavors, which keeps the display case interesting from week to week.
Pop tarts filled with cheese and chocolate have also delighted longtime fans, including one family who has pastries delivered whenever relatives come to visit.
If you only try one thing that feels uniquely Buttermilk, a pop tart is a strong choice. It is playful, nostalgic, and very hard to share.
Donuts, Monkey Bread, and Other Happy Detours
Croissants may steal the spotlight, but the supporting cast is just as fun. Some visitors come for the layers and leave obsessed with something completely different.
Brioche donuts are a favorite. One guest called hers absolutely amazing, and another, who admitted she was not much of a pastry person, was shocked at how light the donut felt.
Monkey bread also gets plenty of love. It is a pull-apart treat made of small dough pieces baked together, and one visitor put it at the very top of her list.
Scones and rolls round things out nicely. A peach scone and a bread pudding cinnamon roll impressed one guest with their crunchy outsides, soft centers, and just-right sweetness.
Tastes vary, of course. One guest found the classic cinnamon roll leaned citrusy with cream cheese icing, which was not her style, though she guessed it would be someone else’s favorite.
Cookies are worth a look too. A peanut butter cookie won praise for being soft yet firm and not too sweet, and the chocolate cookie earned a thumbs up as well.
A blueberry muffin, lavender lemon tart, and fresh bread have also made appearances, so there is truly something for every kind of snacker.
Rotating Specials and a Beloved Weekend Brunch
Here is a tip regulars share freely: always check the specials. One weekend visitor said the specials are always worth getting, and the menu is known to change.
Her go-to is the khachapuri pastry. Khachapuri is a cheese-filled bread from the country of Georgia, often shaped like a little boat, and she says it has never let her down.
Quiche is another frequent favorite and comes up regularly in conversations about the bakery. It makes a filling, savory option for anyone who wants something beyond a pastry.
Brunch has its own fan club. The line on weekends is famous, and one regular said there is a reason it is always there.
A first-time visitor who came for a pastry returned later just for brunch and ended up even more impressed. Everything tasted fresh, and the portions felt just right, making it a perfect fit for anyone craving a classic New American brunch.
Because offerings rotate, no two visits have to look the same. That makes Buttermilk a great weekend habit, the kind of place where you can try something new each time while still grabbing your old favorite.
Consistency seems to hold steady through the changes, too. As one fan put it, the food stays reliable and delicious visit after visit.
Cold Brew, Batch Coffee, and Something to Sip
Butter needs a sidekick, and Buttermilk has you covered. The bakery serves coffee, teas, and juices, so you can build a full breakfast without making a second stop.
Cold brew gets glowing praise. One visitor called it superb, and another described it as having a nice, rich flavor, which is exactly what you want on a warm Central Florida morning.
If you prefer something hot, the batch brew is a simple, solid choice. A guest who went that route said the coffee was good and paired nicely with a peach scone and cinnamon roll.
Tea drinkers and juice fans are not left out either. Those options make the bakery friendly for kids and for anyone who skips caffeine.
A smart pairing strategy helps. Rich, buttery croissants and pop tarts go well with a smooth cold brew, while lighter scones and muffins shine next to a cup of tea.
One guest even suggested that a dipping sauce might pair nicely with the savory croissants for those who love sauces. It is a fun idea, though the pastries stand strong on their own.
However you sip it, a drink in one hand and a flaky pastry in the other is the ideal way to enjoy a slow Winter Park morning.
Sidewalk Tables and Porch-Side Mornings
Picture this: a warm Florida breeze, a paper bag of pastries, and a little table on the sidewalk. That is the whole dining room at Buttermilk, and plenty of guests love it that way.
There is no indoor seating. Instead, you will find tables along the sidewalk out front and a few more on the side porch, and visitors often describe the setup as cute and enjoyable.
On mild mornings, especially during the winter and spring high season, the outdoor setting feels like a perk. It suits snowbirds, visiting family, and locals who enjoy starting the day outside.
Summer is a different story. One guest visiting on a 90-degree day wished for an indoor spot to eat, so during the hottest months, taking your pastries to go might be the more comfortable plan.
The vibe works for all sorts of people. Friend groups share assortments, solo visitors treat themselves, and a traveler once brought a box to brunch with friends and their little ones, where the goodies were a huge hit.
Staff generally earn warm words for friendly, fast, and knowledgeable service with a smile. Guests also appreciate helpful answers when they cannot decide.
Casual, relaxed, and unfussy, it is a spot where nobody minds a few crumbs.
Hours, Parking, and Beating the Sellout
Timing matters more here than at most bakeries. Buttermilk keeps short hours, and the best pastries can disappear well before closing.
The shop is open Wednesday through Friday from 8 am to 2 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan around those days.
Arriving early is the golden rule. One visitor who showed up around noon found that most of the pastries she wanted were already sold out, and another guest noted the mornings get busy fast.
Parking is fairly easy once you know the options. There is limited street parking out front, plus a lot behind the building, which guests say makes getting in and out simple.
Prices feel fair for the quality. Visitors describe the bakery as moderately priced with prices clearly displayed, and one first-timer spent about $15 on enough treats to last from lunch to dinner.
A quick practical tip: glance inside your bag before you leave. One longtime customer received an overbaked croissant with a takeout order, so a fast check can save any disappointment at home.
For questions, call +1 321-422-4015 or visit buttermilk-bakery.com. The address again is 1198 N Orange Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789.
Why the Line Keeps Forming
Some places earn their buzz slowly, one flaky croissant at a time. Buttermilk Bakery feels like one of those rare finds that actually lives up to the chatter.
The appeal is simple. You get carefully laminated croissants with real layers, creative flavors like guava cheese and mortadella hot honey, and a family-owned warmth that big chains cannot copy.
It is not perfect for every situation. Seating is outdoors only, the room is tight, and popular items can sell out by midday, so a little planning goes a long way.
Still, the rewards outweigh the small hurdles. Visitors have driven from Jacksonville and Melbourne, travelers go out of their way while staying in Orlando, and even self-described non-pastry people walk away converted.
For Florida readers who love uncovering a modest little shop that overdelivers, this one belongs on your list. It is affordable, charming, and deeply satisfying without any fuss.
So set an early alarm on a Wednesday or a weekend morning. Grab a coffee, pick a croissant or three, find a sidewalk table, and let the flakes fall where they may.
Chances are you will be planning your next visit before you finish the last bite.
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