Fresh Baguette — Restaurant in Maryland

I splurged on pastries today (more than I intended because I couldn’t resist the raspberry tart and they only had one full sized tart left and no minis) and I would say it was a worthwhile purchase. I got 4 mini pastries, 3 full sized canelé (I thought they were mini too, oops), and an individual raspberry tart for just under $28! There’s other overpriced places in Bethesda where I’d spend the same amount of money for a small sandwich, a small side, and a small drink.

As someone who isn’t a big chocolate fan, the chocolate filled mini eclair and salted caramel chocolate tart were delicious! They weren’t too sweet, there was a slight hint of bitterness, and the chocolate flavor was a little more subtle. The black forest macaron was pretty and well made but I thought the flavor was okay. It did taste a lot like one of those chocolates with the cherry flavored goo in the middle. I haven’t tried the raspberry tart yet but I’m sure I’ll love it! I’m happy I discovered this place and will be glad to come back again one day and recommend...

Understaffed and overwhelmed. I used to love Fresh Baguette until today when I saw how owners treated their employees on the 10th Anniversary. FB only had one poor guy taking care of the long line of customers and one poor guy making sandwiches. Owners didn't add staff for the crush to get a free baguette; owners didn't show up to any of their stores for their 10th Anniversary - seemingly no longer invested or engaged - let alone help out. Absolutely no prep for the 10th anniversary, e.g., didn't increase inventory (by 11 am items were already low), didn't premake sandwiches, no additional staffing, nothing. I hope, but doubt, today's staff got time and a half. Think owners shared today's $$$$ windfall with their employees, particularly longer serving staff? As soon as you paid and got your free baguette, you got an email pushing for a good review. Just bad business...

Disappointed. While not I’m not French, I grew up in France and a good croissant brings back a flood of beautiful memories. My wife and I ordered a croque monsieur, quiche lorraine, and a plain croissant. You can’t get much more traditional French than that. While authentic in taste, the quality was more like what you’d get in a train station or airport in France. The croque monsieur was dry. Maybe because of the reheating process. The crust of the quiche lorraine was good, but the quiche itself was a bit dry. The croissant, not as flaky or buttery as I like. I will say the espresso macchiato was good. Again, the food tasted authentic, just not the quality that I’m used to from a French bakery. I have heard their baguettes are amazing and may try that later. We went on a Sunday, so not sure if the day of the week makes...