Batch Bakehouse — Restaurant in Madison

I never expected to be writing a negative review on what was once one of our favorite locally owned Madison businesses. That being said, I certainly never expected to be treated so horribly by an employee at Batch Bakehouse. The abusive behavior has now occurred multiple times and always by the same employee. After the third occurrence, I am sadly writing this review. My family and I have been patronizing Batch for many, many years. With the exception of one employee, we have enjoyed wonderful customer service. When I have the unfortunate luck of having this person wait on me, I am first greeted with a glare. When I attempt to greet the person there is no reply, only a continued, impatient glare. The first couple of times, I simply let it go thinking perhaps the individual was having a bad day. At this point, I am convinced beyond doubt that this is an intensely unhappy person who harbors great disdain for their job, their life, people (possibly just women) or some combination. My last visit to the bakery, I approached the counter, raised my hand to waive and verbally greet the person – the person looked directly at me and you guessed it, said nothing and glared. I ordered several items and between each the person said in a rude tone “is that it?”. There was no “thank you”, no politeness, only abusive tone and body language. My items were set down next to the register where the person snapped, “she’ll finish ringing you up.” The person then (and here’s the move that speaks volumes) turned to the next customer (a man) and cheerfully greeted them. I felt sick. I explained to the woman at the register that I didn’t understand why I was always treated so abusively by that specific employee; that this has happened numerous times, and questioned if there was some discriminatory reason for it. She offered little help only to state that she was, in fact, the manager and flatly apologized that this had happened to me. The abusive employee noticed that I was talking to her and quickly came over to offer a hollow apology along with an excuse that conveyed I was to blame before rushing away. The last thing I said to the woman at the register was that sadly I may not be back again, she very flippantly replied, “Oh...you’ll be back.” Well, I haven’t been back since and was so disgusted over the latest round of abuse, threw the purchased baked goods away when I arrived home. They simply were no longer appetizing. Batch had been a place of true joy to visit. One person does make a difference, for better and...

Hope the money spent on a gift card which I returned after arriving at my wits end w BB was donated as requested. Likely never know.

03.11.21 Another attempt to use the gift card(s) has met another obstacle. I attempted to order via email as the website instructs, but did not receive a reply in time for the order window..too busy to fulfill the request I was told. A tough problem to have amidst a pandemic that put both of my previous foodservice employers out-of-business. I returned both cards(purchased & provided) and asked for any/all balances be donated to their own favorite cause. IMO the GC program here is a liability.

An Update03.05.21**The gift card was made right and then some. It didn't happen smoothly. Despite ME, being short in some communication (sorry Z), the interactions were positive. I took down a full baguette by myself with spaghetti last night and it was delicious. I changed to 4-stars because it is still The Best Bakery in Madison, period. I can't go 5 though, because the GC isn't available for use online, which makes it feel clunky and limited when I want to place an order, but have to email. Can NOT recommend GC's here.

An Update2.13.21* An eGift card was purchased for me at Christmas. I received an email confirmation of the purchase. I did NOT receive an eGift card or # and the purchaser does not have any record of it either. Have not been able to get much response from BB. I have contacted them via web form, and a couple of calls. One email reply said help is on the way. Nuthun'. I Love! this bakery's goods so I'm leaving 2-stars. But, doing business with them since covid has been a - - challenge. I get it, it's tough. As for the $25 spent on a gift for me, well mom - - tough. As for my baked goods appetite - - tough. BB, I don't think I'll be back - - tough. End Update*

In my not-so-humble opinion, this is Madison's premier bakery, no contest. Fantastic traditional / old world / rustic breads. And the treats! The service has always been...

OK where do i even start... we purchased the little pecan pie, key lime pie and a couple of the small cookies. HOLY WOW!!!! These are hands 👏 down 👇 the BEST pastries i have ever had. While eating these seconds after purchasing (still in the store) my sister was making weird orgasm faces because it tasted just that good. No.. im not exaggerating she was making all the faces. The staff was so sweet they gave us complimentary cupcakes, one for each of us. I saved mine to enjoy when i arrived home after a two hour drive. It did melt a little bit but when i ate it, i absolutely died of happiness, came back to life, ate the rest and died again. Sorry in advance for those that hate this word but this was the most MOIST cupcake i have ever shoved in my mouth. The fluffiest, most flavorful, and absolutely decadent cupcake i have ever tried. It was the chocolate peanut butter one. I highly recommend. 10/10 in my book. I will drive two hours back just for this bakery. The only thing that went wrong was that i didn't order one of everything. My mistake. I've learned my lesson.

Thank you for excellent food...