I have driven past Napoleon Bakery about 870 times and never given it a second glance until the other day, when upon the urging of my friend Steve, we stopped in.
The facade of the building looks a bit Disney-esque, like a candy "shoppe" in Fantasyland circa 1970. Clapboard covered windows, flower filled window boxes, and a cheesy orange and pink color scheme complete Napoleon's look, two stories of homemade goodness on an otherwise desolate stretch of Dixie Highway.
One thing we need more of around here are old-fashioned markets. Think Joseph's Classic Market without the high prices and clean cut corporate look. Joints that make everything from scratch. These places are a bit rough around the edges. You may have to seek them out. Napoleon is one of those spots. Family run for 30 years, it is a classic Spanish bakery and deli (I always assumed it was Latin, or French) turning out some real deal home made stuff.
If you are a fan of tapas, the classic Spanish small plates, you have to get in here. In Spain, folks have mastered the art of the social hour. Every day, it is basically required that you make your way over to your favorite watering hole after work, where the owners have thoughtfully laid out a delectable spread of snacks that will keep you there downing cava and Estrella Damm beer until 8pm or so, when you will eventually make your way to dinner (the Spanish eat fashionably late dinners, typically 10pm or later).
Napoleon Bakery is located at 6619 South Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach. Call 561-588-6295.