Rockman Coffee + Bakeshop — Restaurant in Austin

While it seems the team has resolved the workflow issues from the first week to prevent a long line from forming around the building and ensuring there are still pastries available after 10am, there are still several things that could be improved to ensure customers are leaving satisfied.

As most of the sub-4 star reviews have stated, the 20% auto-grat has got to go. It makes everyone uncomfortable, and it's so unnecessary for counter service. The menu pricing is already incredibly high for what you're getting, and this has very obviously been a turn off for so many people who won't be returning. Build goodwill and favor with your customers, and they'll tip as they see fit.

The team who built the space out did a great job with the design and aesthetic — it's a vibe.

Now for the product, which the entire business' success rides on... Today was my 2nd visit, and between both visits, I've tried the rip n dip white sesame seed bagel with loaded lox schmear, sourdough chocolate chip cookie, "Brookie", and yum yum cake. My partner tried the vanilla glazed croissant and the Kouign Amann. I really enjoyed the rip n dip bagel with loaded lox schmear the most — this is what I'd come back for and is the most reasonably priced / best value in my opinion. I'm not a bagel person and typically find them dry and hard to bite into, so I loved the concept of ripping them and dipping them in the schmear (which I could honestly eat every day). I also enjoyed the "Brookie" and its rich, chocolatey decadence, but I use quotes because I don't believe this is a true Brookie — it's a brownie with what I believe were peanut butter chips inside, and to me, a true Brookie is part brownie, part chocolate chip cookie. Just because it's in the shape of a cookie doesn't make it one. The sourdough chocolate chip cookie was good in the bites that had the chocolate, and I appreciate the addition of flake sea salt, but it wasn't stellar by any means. Unfortunately, I really did not enjoy the yum yum cake. To me, it was lacking moisture and flavor, and if it's going to be your take on a coffee crumb cake, I think the cinnamon swirl should be more pronounced in each bite. While my partner enjoyed the Kouign Amann, he really didn't like the vanilla glazed croissant. Similar to other people's reviews, it felt stale and crunchy vs fresh and flaky. This was really surprising to me, as the owner is known for her laminated pastries. I've been wanting to try the churro croissant most of all, but it sounds like this one is the first to sell out each day. If it's anything like the other croissants, it may be the filling that saves it rather than the base croissant standing on its own.

Overall, I think the highest priority item for the team to improve the customer experience is removing the 20% auto-grat ASAP and using it as a lesson learned, since it caused so many poor reviews that could've otherwise been 3-4 stars. The other big one is figuring out the croissants if those are going to be your star menu items — they should be phenomenal for the price & Rockman reputation,...

This place is amazing. I came specifically for the pastries and stayed for the vibes. The aesthetics of the establishment is everything I want from a pastry shop - to make me feel like a mysterious character in a cool indie film. And the playlist was top notch jam after jam. The coffee was so good. I got a flat white that was probably the best I've had in Austin. Compared to Cosmic and Radio, the pricing was more than fair. Not to mention it didn't take a million years for me to get the coffee after ordering it (considering it was opening weekend and the place was packed, I was pleasantly surprised). The pastries are something else. Here is my individual review of each: Ham cheese mustard croissant: savory, crispy, filling, probably will order for like an afternoon pick me up Strawberry cheesecake croissant: upset that it's a weekend special because I could truly eat one of these everyday of the week for the rest of my life. It was flakey and buttery in everyway a croissant should be. The dried strawberries were the perfect amount of tangy contrasted with the sweetness of the cheesecake filling. I would marry this croissant. The everything bagel with French onion dip smear: wow wow wow wow wow. The smear has grilled onion pieces in it and I licked the 3 oz cup clean with my fingers after I was finished. I can't wait to buy the 8 oz smear for a whole week of deliciousness. Kouign amann: I've never heard of this type of pastry before, but after doing my research on the owner and how they essentially introduced this pastry to Austin, I had to get it. I got the regular one and it blew my mind. It was light and crispy, yet full of flavor.

I truly don't understand the reviews complaining about the 20% gratuity that was added on because I don't mind supporting the back of house people and the business itself. If you're going to be going out to eat, regardless of the time of day you should be tipping 20%. And before you say "in this economy?" yes. Also the quality of the food and coffee that I got deserved at the minimum a 20% gratuity tip. Another thing I keep seeing in the reviews is about the parking. It's East 7th street in Austin, Texas. Get real about finding parking anywhere downtown that doesn't make you pay. Don't be surprised when you park in a designated spot that states 15 minute parking and then you get a ticket for parking in that spot when you were there for more than 15 minutes.

The staff was also excellent and knew what they were doing. I didn't feel rushed even though there was a huge line behind me and I felt like the flow of traffic of people was perfectly timed. I can't wait to go again (tomorrow) and I will definitely be getting bagels for the week and...

FINALLY!

Austin we have a bakery that is comparable to elite ones you’d find in Los Angeles or New York.

On weekends get in line by 8:30 and you’ll get first dibs on whatever you want. Ignore the dumb reviews about parking there’s TONS of free street parking. It’s your own fault if you park in a lot where you’re not supposed to. Will you have to walk a little if you park in a neighborhood? Probably but just think of it as earning all the killer pastries you’re about to consume. My tip? Park by Flat Track coffee, there’s tons of free street parking and just walk up.

On this trip we got the apple almond croissant, cacio e pepe croissant, ham & cheese croissant, pb & j cookie, halva chocolate chip cookie, everything bagel with garlic cream cheese, and churro croissant. Everything was amazing! The lamination on these croissants is stellar, and the flavors mind blowing. It’s also cool you can see the bakers doing their thing through the window.

Chef Amanda Rockman is pastry Jesus as far as I’m concerned, and Austin has zero clue how damn lucky we are to have her. Her skill, creativity, kindness, and desire to bring something cool like this to Austin is so wonderful. I want to buy her a beer.

In addition hiring one of Austin’s best kept secrets, Kelly Hill, was also a rockstar move by Amanda. Kelly has been in this city for years rocking it at Uppercrust, South Congress Hotel, Swedish Hill, & Saddle Up so odds are you know her! Talk about an all-star line up. Plus Kelly is just rad, get to know her Austin.

The entire staff was quick, friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. The line moved quickly and it was a great experience. There is a 20% auto gratuity but they tell you up front and it can be removed, you won’t see an additional tip screen. What’s cool is everyone, even the bakers in the back, get to share in the tips. They aren’t hiding anything and if you don’t want to do it they’re cool with it! People need to take a deep breath and chill the f out.

10 out 10 experience

Amanda you should be damn proud of yourself. Austin...