la Madeleine — Restaurant in Columbia

La Madeleine French Bakery & Café is a gem in an over saturated market of brunch options. The brunch menu is very simple and offers a variety of options to customize. We ordered the Belgian and Strawberry Waffles, Croissant with eggs over easy, Egg White Omelette with spinach, onions, green onions, tomatoes, parmesan and a few desserts to-go. When we arrived parking near the restaurant was limited. So we parked in an adjoining restaurant’s parking lot which isn’t bad but a sure sign that the restaurant was extremely busy. Once inside we grabbed a menu and were quickly greeted by a host who took our order and gave us a wooden number for our table. We walked down a short rail with our trays which sort of reminded me of my time in grade school. Along this rail, there was a glass display of potato cakes, quiche, warm croissants, and beverages. At the end of the rail, we were met by another associate who retrieved our order from the wooden number in order to pay. Here is where it becomes a bit underwhelming, trying to navigate through tight spaces after placing our order only to realize there were no indoor seats available. A family in front of us opted to sit outside, which would have been fine if it wasn’t raining. Luckily, a couple was kind enough to offer us their seat and even offered to clean the table for us. An associate ran over quickly to clean the table and refused to let the couple lift a finger which was admirable. We waited for approximately 25 minutes for our order to arrive which is not usually problematic. But if I’m waiting 25 minutes for simple menu options that lack complexity, I expect the entrees to be hot and to arrive at the same time. The waffles arrived first, a few minutes later the croissant and eggs over easy and ten minutes later a crepe which was returned because it was not a part of our order. While waiting for the egg white omelette you can imagine that our waffles and croissant with egg over easy began to become cold. The omelette was good but not noteworthy, the waffles were sweet almost as if they were coated with a sugar glaze, the croissant with eggs over easy was great. After we completed our meal, an associate came over swiftly to clean our tables. I’m not sure if it was a hint that it was time to leave or that the staff were trying to take a faster more efficient approach to cleaning for guests. The dessert was heavenly. We ordered the fruit tart, apple cinnamon muffin, coconut cream cake and chocolate almond croissant. I will revisit La Madeleine later in the morning to avoid the brunch rush (we arrived at 10:30 am). At around 11:35, the restaurant calmed down a bit to the point where you could visibly see table...

Not the La Madeleine I used to know/go to. It truly is a shame. I went today after not having been in four - five years. Back then, a server would politely greet you at your table and take your order. Now, you order your food at a counter via a cashier (who was rude) and your food is brought out to you. It felt like a cafeteria, having to get your own coffee, water and silverware- okay, fine. That's different.

But the food. The food I received was disappointing. The hashbrown/potato that came with the French breakfast was burnt and tasted like nothing but grease. I couldn't even finish it, and didn't want to. The eggs tasted bland and fake, and looked fake or like something that had been microwaved. Even the croissant looked burnt and didn't taste appetizing. I had ordered a trio berry waffle with the French breakfast and when it came out, there were hardly any berries on it- or whipped cream, and the waffle itself tasted like it was half-cooked (there was a heavy doughy texture/consistency). It was, overall, a disappointing experience.

La Madeleine had once been one of my favorite places to go for breakfast- truly. But it was because the customer experience was beautiful since the customer service given was kind (and PROFESSIONAL)- and because the food was delicious and flavorful. None of that was there today, and it is so sad. La Madeleine, for all intents and purposes now seems like "everyone else" who is trying to fit in and make money (ie., "a quick buck")- like the Panera Breads and Chili's, etc. with "Rewards programs" and identical websites, and cheap (but over-priced) tasting food--- except, La Madeleine has French pastries--- which, albeit not surprising--- ARE good.

So, if you want delicious pastries and baked goods- come here. Or go to Tous les Jour. But for breakfast? Eh. It was only a reminder as to why I need to get my own waffle maker, and instead of spending my money to eat out where the food is haphazardly/lazily made- I'll be spending more time cooking breakfast at home where I can actually have flavor, and a true generous portion of berries on top of a completely cooked waffle, and I can make my own whipped cream.

It is SO sad to see what La Madeleine has turned into. Really. And another one...

Giving 1 star only because there isn’t an option for 0 stars. My friend and I visited La Madeleine in Columbia, MD for the first time on 11/5/2024. When we walked in it wasn’t clear if we were supposed to seat ourselves or wait for a hostess. Although there were several staff members behind the counter no one greeted us or volunteered to help us so we went up to the girl behind the dessert counter and was rudely advised that we ordered with her then seated ourselves. The menu on the wall didn’t show all the items I had seen online so when I asked about the breakfast items she rudely pointed behind us without any verbal instructions as to what she was pointing at. When we asked what we were supposed to be looking at she again pointed and said “the menu” in an annoyed voice. We finally realized she was pointing to a hanging menu holder. After we placed our order she had the audacity to ask for a tip. I wish things got better from here but it just got worse. Staff from the back kitchen brought my friend’s quiche out before we even had an opportunity to sit down and rudely asked where we wanted it & she dropped the quiche on the table we chose. Dropped not placed. My friend’s quiche and my Country French breakfast came out quickly but we soon realized it was because everything had been pre cooked so our dishes were luke warm to cold. Then when we asked where the silverware and napkins were the staff just pointed without any directions. The same happened when I asked where the butter & jam was. Every single employee working there answered any questions we had by rudely pointing in a general direction like they were all mute. And we weren’t the only ones they “served” in this manner. They treated the gentleman sitting at the table next to us and the family sitting in the additional dining area the same way. At least they’re consistent and equal in their rude treatment of customers. We definitely won’t be going back or recommending this place to anyone.

I would advise the owners to place cameras inside the restaurant so they can monitor staff because if customers continue to be treated this way your...