Cornelio's Bakery

Cornelio's Bakery is a hidden gem in Hendersonville, offering a delightful fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine and mouthwatering baked goods. Despite the potential language barrier for non-Spanish speakers, the menu is well worth exploring.

The bakery's selection of beautifully decorated cakes, delicious breads, and an assortment of pastries, donuts, and cookies are all made in-house and appeal to anyone who loves baked goods, regardless of their familiarity with Mexican bakeries. These treats are priced reasonably, allowing customers to indulge without breaking the bank.

Cornelio's Bakery goes beyond its reputation as a bakery, boasting a vast selection of food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The standout menu items include the Torta Mixe, a massive sandwich on fresh, house-made bread, featuring a mouthwatering combination of bacon, steak, avocado, cheese, chipotle sauce, mayonnaise, lettuce, peppers, and onions. The tacos, ranging from classic options like asada (steak), carnitas/pastor (pork), pollo (chicken), and chorizo (sausage) to more adventurous choices like barbacoa (beef), lengua (tongue), cabeza (beef cheek), and tripa (tripe), are all delicious and can be customized with a variety of toppings and salsas.

For those following a keto diet, the Alambres, a platter of meat, peppers, onions, and tons of cheese and bacon served with corn tortillas, make for a satisfying low-carb meal. The Huaraches, open-faced tacos on a thicker, more doughy tortilla with a thin spread of black bean sauce, topped with crema, queso fresco, and lettuce, are also a must-try.

The most extravagant item on the menu is the "La Especial," a massive flank steak served on top of a tortilla crust "pizza" with refried beans paste instead of tomato sauce. Accompanied by lettuce, avocado, tomato, and delicious Oaxacan cheese, this dish can be further elevated by adding roasted crickets (chapulines) for a truly adventurous culinary experience.

The inviting atmosphere at Cornelio's Bakery, with the aroma of freshly baked goods and the soothing sounds of Mexican music, creates a welcoming environment. The friendly staff, despite potential language barriers, are attentive and ensure a pleasant dining experience, whether you choose to dine-in or opt for takeout.

Overall, Cornelio's Bakery is a hidden gem that should not be missed by anyone seeking a delightful fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine and irresistible baked goods. Whether you're a fan of Mexican food or simply appreciate quality, handcrafted fare, this bakery is a must-visit destination in Hendersonville.