Toastique — Restaurant in Alexandria

I want to like this place... they make good food, but their customer service is horrific and the prices are over the top. I've been holding off writing a review for some time to let the place develop a bit. Our visit today (12/19/2020) was the straw that broke the camel's back.

We've been going here somewhat regularly since they opened (prepandemic) and the service is typically slow. Today was the first time we've been since the pandemic and it's gotten worse. The employees don't seem to care about customers much and are a bit stand-offish. My guess is they're underpaid and under trained.

On our visit today, the front area where coffee is "served" was a giant mess and had a shared spoon for the sugar for all customers...STILL. The coffee is self serve from a pump carafe. In the heights of a prolonged era of germ safety, why is this the method? One of the employees had her mask down under her nose. So if you have concerns over health safety this isn't your place. Despite these things, my wife was hungry and we decided to roll the dice because we have a loyalty card we've gotten stamped enough times for a free item. When we presented it, they refused to honor it!!

Between the prices, service, and lack of safety protocol, we will not be...

The servers and staff are unaware of the ingredients being used! Do not go here if you’re vegetarian/vegan or have any allergies.

My husband is deathly allergic to ALL nuts except almonds. The server confirmed (3 times) that the regular granola ONLY has almonds. He checked with the kitchen staff too and confirmed that the granola ONLY has almonds, no other nuts.

My husband took a bite of the granola and his tongue started itching and he felt his throat swell up. I ran to the front counter and asked again, “does this only have almonds” and the server confirms yes. I asked to look at the granola and the granola was visibly filled with walnuts.

After calling this out to the server he 1) had the audacity to argue 2) did not apologize 3) did not offer a refund for the mistake. He was rude, argumentative and incompetent.

A senior staff member from the kitchen eventually apologized.

If you’re charging $15 for toast, in a prime location like old town Alexandria - hire competent staff that can use their EYES. Hire staff that can acknowledge when a life threatening mistake has been made. My husband couldn’t breathe and was visibly choking after taking a bite...

Very Disappointed with the Service. As a regular customer, I’m truly disappointed with my recent experience at Toastique. The service has taken a serious dip. The person who took my order was rude and unwelcoming—definitely not the kind of attitude you'd expect when you're spending your time and money somewhere you’ve supported regularly.

I ordered a hot mocha and ended up waiting 30 minutes, only to receive a cold one. After such a long wait, getting the wrong order is incredibly frustrating. This shows a real lack of attention and care, especially since I clearly asked for a hot drink.

It’s also not the first time I've noticed how rushed and inattentive the staff can be when taking orders. It’s really disappointing to see that customer service seems to be going downhill. I hope management takes this feedback seriously, because I’d love to continue supporting Toastique—but not if this is the...