Athena Greek Cafe & Bakery

- Garden State Plaza Blvd, Paramus, NJ 07652

Introduction / Overview: Your Slice of Greece in Paramus

For New Jersey residents, especially those navigating the bustling Bergen County shopping scene, finding a moment of authentic, delicious indulgence is a treat. Athena Greek Cafe & Bakery offers exactly that—a genuine taste of the Mediterranean conveniently located in the heart of Paramus. This establishment is a dedicated **Bakery** that specializes in traditional Greek flavors, creating a rich and memorable culinary experience.

The moment you step in, you'll be greeted by the irresistible scent of spices, honey, and freshly baked dough. As one delighted customer noted, the **warm aroma of freshly baked baklava and spanakopita fills the air**, immediately transporting you to a cozy, authentic Greek setting. While the core offering is **Bakery** items, Athena also serves as a cafe, offering satisfying options that extend beyond just sweets, making it a perfect spot for a **Quick visit** during a busy day.

This spot has become a local favorite for those craving genuine Greek pastries and savory bites. From the delicate, honey-drenched phyllo of **Baklava** to the rich, cheesy layers of **Tiropita** (Cheese Pie), Athena is committed to top-notch quality and authentic recipes. It’s the ideal destination in New Jersey for shoppers, locals, and anyone looking to grab a quick, flavorful snack, a delightful dessert, or a coffee to power through the day.

Location and Accessibility: The Convenience of Garden State Plaza

The location of Athena Greek Cafe & Bakery offers supreme convenience for shoppers and residents in Paramus and the surrounding areas. You can find this delightful spot at: Garden State Plaza Blvd, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA.

Being situated within the **Garden State Plaza** complex is a significant advantage, providing easy access to those already visiting the area for retail therapy or work. This location ensures high foot traffic and excellent visibility.

The restaurant also prioritizes ease of access for all patrons, reflecting a necessary commitment for any modern New Jersey business:

• Wheelchair Accessibility: The premises include a **Wheelchair accessible entrance** and nearby **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**, making it inclusive and easy to visit for everyone.
• Parking: Customers benefit from the extensive, readily available **Parking** provided by the Garden State Plaza, eliminating the hassle of searching for a spot.

Its placement within one of New Jersey's most popular shopping centers makes Athena the perfect oasis to pause, refuel, and enjoy a genuine Mediterranean break.

Services Offered: Takeout and Quick Service

Athena Greek Cafe & Bakery focuses on providing high-quality food with an emphasis on speed and convenience, catering primarily to customers on the move:

• **Takeout:** The primary service option is **Takeout**, allowing customers to quickly grab their desired pastries, pies, sandwiches, and drinks to enjoy elsewhere—perfect for busy shoppers or professionals.
• **Quick Visit Focus:** The planning category is centered around a **Quick visit**, indicating that the service is streamlined and efficient, ideal for a fast, delicious break without lengthy wait times.
• **Savory and Sweet Ordering:** Patrons can order items from all sections of the menu, including **Cakes**, **Pastries**, **Wraps**, and savory **Items** like **Mediterranean Pie** and **Spinach Pie**, for convenient consumption.
• **Payment Flexibility:** Accepts a variety of modern payment methods, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**, ensuring a fast and hassle-free transaction.

Features / Highlights: Authentic Greek Flavors and Handmade Treats

Athena Greek Cafe & Bakery distinguishes itself with a menu full of authentic, high-quality Greek and Mediterranean delights that are a genuine draw for local New Jersey diners:

• **Signature Greek Sweets:** The heart of the bakery lies in its authentic Greek desserts. Highlights include the flaky, honey-drenched **Baklava**, the moist **Ravani** (semolina cake), and the unique **Orange Cake**. These are the must-try items that capture the essence of traditional Greek baking.
• **Savory Mediterranean Pies:** For lunch or a snack, the savory pies are highly praised. The **tiropita** (Cheese Pie) is described by customers as "cheesy perfection." Other authentic choices include **Spinach Pie** (**Spanakopita**) and the **Mediterranean Pie**, offering filling and flavorful options.
• **Handmade and Gourmet Items:** The bakery emphasizes quality, offering specialties like the **Handmade Dubai Chocolate** and scratch-made drinks such as **Homemade Lemonade** and **Homemade Strawberry Lemonade**.
• **Cafe Offerings:** The cafe side ensures you can pair your treat perfectly. They offer **Coffee** and are praised for their **Greek coffee**, which is described as "rich and perfectly brewed," providing that essential caffeine kick.
• **Sandwich and Wrap Options:** To serve those looking for a full meal, the menu includes quick **Wraps** (like the **Tuna Wrap** and **Turkey Wrap**) and **Sandwiches** (like the **Fresh Mozzarella Sandwich**), perfect for a substantial lunch in the plaza.
• **Welcoming Staff:** Customers consistently note that the **staff were friendly and welcoming**, which significantly enhances the "cozy, authentic vibe" and makes the experience pleasant.

Contact Information

Ready to stop by for a sweet or savory break? You can find Athena Greek Cafe & Bakery at the following location:

Address: Garden State Plaza Blvd, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA

What is Worth Choosing: An Authentic Taste of the Aegean

Why should Paramus locals and New Jersey visitors choose **Athena Greek Cafe & Bakery** for their next sweet or savory craving? It offers a specialized, high-quality experience that stands out in a crowded market.

**Authenticity and Quality:** The most compelling reason is the genuine, high-quality Greek fare. While many places offer generic sweets, Athena delivers traditional items like **Baklava** and **Spanakopita** that taste authentically made, capturing the flavors of the Aegean. Customers rave about the "flaky, honey-drenched pastry that melted in my mouth," affirming the bakery's dedication to traditional recipes and superior taste. This is the spot to visit when you're **craving a taste of Greece with top-notch quality**.

**The Perfect Pairing:** Athena excels at combining the best of the bakery and cafe worlds. Whether you pair a slice of **Orange Cake** with a rich **Greek coffee** or a **Cheese Pie** with their refreshing **Homemade Lemonade**, the menu is designed for perfect complementary flavors. Although one review mentioned a bad experience with a hot cappuccino, the praise for the authentic Greek coffee and the homemade beverages suggests these are the specialties worth ordering.

**Convenience and Atmosphere:** The combination of a highly accessible location within **Garden State Plaza**, coupled with an efficient **Takeout** service model and a friendly, welcoming staff, makes Athena a stress-free and rewarding stop. It’s ideal for grabbing a substantial, unique lunch or simply treating yourself to an expertly crafted pastry. For New Jersey residents, Athena Greek Cafe & Bakery is not just a bakery; it’s a delightful, convenient portal to the best of Mediterranean baking.

Athena Greek Cafe & Bakery

Garden State Plaza Blvd, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA