Here today, gone tomorrow

Now this is strange. Sweden House, the place I just reviewed yesterday, has already closed its doors! No wonder they had no potatoes, and the service was definitively lacking. Hopefully this cheerful space with its lovely deck will be back in action in one form or another soon as it is a gem of a location. I have 'closed' locations now cluttering my sidebar reference, so expect some pruning soon.

View lunch

Dad and I meandered to Tiburon a recent sunny day to visit Sweden House for something other than breakfast. It had been quite awhile since the last visit, and I hoped that the service had improved.

As we went in the door, I noticed the case usually brimming with pastries was fairly empty. I thought it may be because it was a weekday, and it is likely that the business gets more of a weekend crowd.

After waiting awhile without greeting, I took the initiative to find someone to help us. The wait staff indicated we could choose inside or out, so we chose the lovely deck. There was a sign warning us to watch our food, otherwise a hungry bird may abscond with it.

Dad ordered a Croque Monsieur with mixed green salad after being told that the indicated choice of potato salad was not available. The wait staff said there were no potatoes that day. Dad liked it but he thought the bread was too crunchy.

I started with the clam chowder. The menu had no warning that it contained bacon, and although it was a flavorful cup, I would not have knowingly ordered a dish with bacon in it.

I had an appetizer as my main, the crab cakes. It came with some mixed green salad, jicama straws and fresh orange bits as well. The crab cakes were so bread-filled that the taste of crab was barely distinguishable. Also the menu mentioned that it comes with remoulade sauce, and it was not there. It took a very long time to get some after I brought the discrepancy to the attention of the wait staff.

Wanting to have something positive to say after this rather disappointing visit in terms of service and food, we decided to have dessert. Dad went for the black forest cake, which he thought was the best cake he'd had in awhile.

I have always had a soft spot for their princess cake, and I got the last slice left in their case. It did not disappoint. If you want a beautiful view and a luscious pastry, and not have concern for the time, this is a lovely place to visit.

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 0
Noncritical: 0
Last inspected: 3/8/2009

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Previously reviewed:
October 28, 2006

Swedish Sunshine. Today Dad and I ventured over to Tiburon to enjoy breakfast at Sweden House Bakery & Cafe. It's an old favorite, but had been fraught with such service problems that I hadn't been there in awhile. It is a very casual dining place, wooden tables aside the display cabinets full of the most luscious Swedish pastries and cakes. There is a narrow aisle between the cases and tables going all the way back to the door out to the deck. The deck is usually filled first as it is pleasant and has a nice view of the harbor. The waiters have to squeeze past people up and down the narrow aisle, which I think has been part of the service issue. However, today service was friendly and prompt. Which encourages me to go back again soon.



I enjoyed Gordon's special, which is basically an egg, bacon, lettuce and tomato on a flaky fresh croissant. It was accompanied by a few slices of crisp cucumber. It was quite good, as usual.


Dad went all out and had the Swedish pancakes, and ordered a scrambled egg on the side (not pictured). Each pancake had a berry filling - marionberry, blueberry and lingonberry preserves. Fresh bananas, cantaloupe and pineapple adorned the top, along with some creme fraiche. Dad tested and approved! (and every last drop was gone). Definitely a lovely place to have a casual breakfast.