la Madeleine — Restaurant in Dallas

was very disappointed with my experience at this location. The service was poor and did not meet even the most basic expectations for customer care. What made it even worse was the fact that they expect customers to leave a tip, despite the fact that this is a self service setup. Customers are already paying very high prices because this is inside the airport, and yet we are still asked to leave gratuity as if we were receiving full service dining.

It feels inappropriate and unfair to pressure people into tipping when there is no real service being provided beyond handing over the food. Airport meals are already expensive, and instead of making the experience smoother for travelers who are often stressed and in a hurry, the system here only adds more frustration.

Overall, I believe this policy of asking for tips in a self service environment should be removed. Travelers deserve fair treatment, reasonable prices, and respectful service. Unfortunately, this experience was the opposit overpriced, poor quality service, and an unnecessary push for tips. I will not recommend this location to others and hope management reconsiders how they handle...

As someone who’s eaten in airports all over the country, I’ve learned to manage expectations—but this was just plain bad.

I stopped by during a short layover, drawn in by the promise of Southern-style eats. I asked the cashier if the quiches were any good and freshly made. She told me they were a best seller and said she was putting mine in the oven to crisp the top for a nice crunch. That sounded hopeful, so I ordered the Quiche Lorraine.

Well, once I got on my flight and took a bite, the disappointment set in quick. It was bland beyond belief—no flavor, no sign of cheese or bacon, and the egg was curdled. The top wasn’t crisp at all, just rubbery, and the crust was hard and overbaked. Not a single bite reminded me of the Southern comfort food I’d been craving.

I really wanted this to be a little bright spot in my travel day, but instead I felt let down and honestly, a bit taken advantage of. I don’t expect perfection at an airport café, but I do expect edible—and this missed the...

Update: Not much has changed. A few days before Thanksgiving, and of course the airport was bustling with travelers. This location only has a few tables, and there was a long line. Yet two employees from here, and two employees from Starbucks seemed not to notice as they sat at the largest table and chatted while the line grew longer and there was no place to sit.

I love La Madeleine, but this location seems to have management issues. You would think an airport location would understand that the customers need to get their food quickly, but at this location no one seemed to be in any hurry - especially the cook. After waiting for my breakfast for 15 minutes, I asked if it would be ready any time soon because I had a plane to catch. They acted offended that I asked, and the cook actually started moving slower (if that was possible) and glared at me the whole time she was finally cooking my omelet. If you have a plane to catch, this is not a choice you...