85°C Bakery Cafe - Edmonds — Restaurant in Edmonds

First time at this location was when they first opened. Business was good, lots of items were available, service was fast, and I thought they had good potential.

Since then, we've returned a few times. They do a few things quite well, such as the egg tarts with cheese topping. However, they always seem to be out of the most popular items, and just have the less popular items around. While it appears they continue to bring out freshly baked items, the new stuff are still the less popular items.

It seems to be a management issue, that they really ought to reduce the number of different items they bake, so they can make more of the popular breads. We're really tired of going all the way there, only to walk out of there without purchasing anything. This has happened too many times. You can really tell this is happening to others too, as you always see people looking disappointed and talk about just getting something they weren't interested in because what they wanted was out.

Make more of the stuff people want to buy, less of the stuff people don't, and business...

I've heard of the place, and wanted to visit. So when I saw one nearby I decided to drop in. The baked goods were delicious, but a little soft for my taste. I asked about their espresso, and the person taking my order (very friendly and helpful, BTW) was a bit confused, and asked if I just wanted a shot of espresso. She told me they could do just a shot if I wanted and I asked if it was any good. She started answering and I rationalized that since it's not on the menu, it's probably not good. Places that make good espresso won't hide it.

I opted to get the oolong milk tea (hot) because it sounded good. It wasn't. The aroma and flavor were very reminiscent of boiled seaweed. I've never encountered that before, so I googled it to see if it was maybe something expected, but all signs point to that being a sign of extremely poorly made tea. I couldn't even bring myself to drink it. I ended up pouring it out in the parking lot.

I recommend not getting any of their hot drinks, based on...

Came in yesterday around 3. It wasn't very crowded. Customer service is BAD and RUDE. My money will be better spent elsewhere. Waited to pay at the front for 20 mins or so with a toddler who was about to have a meltdown. The short girl said she will be with me shortly and then walked over to the coffee machine. Played with the toddler, walked around the store and she was still not done. Went back in line and waited with the crying kid and she was still standing at the coffee machine. The taller girl who stood next to the short one was helping a customer but when she walked away from the register she could've at least acknowledge the customers with a nod or a smile. A guy walked by and I shouted... hello, anyone? No respond from all 3 of them! He walked by again and disappeared behind the door. Wanted to buy some pastries and was about to order a cake but I walked out. Not going to take any BS customer service like that. This franchise...