Paris Baguette — Restaurant in McNair

Sandwiches and salads are pre-prepared and refrigerated; the rest is fresher, in cabinets with sliding doors. Take a tray, add waxed paper, grab tongs, and go down the cases. When you get to the register, they'll heat items up if you'd like; pack to-gos in nice boxes, take your drink order.

It's a nice place to go with friends or by yourself, to be social or to work on your laptop or just daydream. It's clean and has a lot of seating. The loudest visit was midday on a Saturday mid-December: packed, with lines. Other than that crazy day, the daytime staff has been friendlier and more helpful than the evening staff.

Our favorite items so far: Harvest Chicken Salad Sandwich (not too much mayo; good flavor). Tropical Crunch Salad (beets and nuts, I think?). Almond croissant (a large triangle with generous almonds on top and a nice, not too sweet almondy filling). Pre-prepared peanut crumb "bread" (looks like a large roll). Pineapple Brulee Pastry (basically a pineapple Danish - yum!). Crab (could use a bit more filling, but very tasty) and curried potato croquettes (both heated!). Sweet rice donut (nice red bean mochi filling and tastes good enough that I'd have one again, but is disappointingly mostly hollow and empty - needs a lot more filling). Veggie Goat Cheese Pizzetta. Broccoli Cheddar Quiche. Cherry & Greek Yogurt Danish. The rooibos and other teas we've tried, while too hot, have tasted nice. Tea shouldn't be as hot as coffee.

Not as thrilled with: Seasonal pumpkin Danish (wasn't bad, but I preferred the flavor and texture (and color) of those at Old Town Coffee in Herndon). Chocolate croissant (not enough chocolate; somewhat dry). Pain au chocolat (see previous; just a different shape and size). Whole Red Bean Bread tasted nice; could use a lot more red bean.

Most disappointing pastry: the expensive Chocolate Supreme Croissant. With that name and the chocolate coating, we were expecting all chocolate, which it was not. A very dense, tuna fish-can-sized-and-shaped, plain pastry coated in chocolate, with just a little chocolate filling. Was also a little dry and not that memorable in flavor.

Why three stars rather than four? The experience of late. Read on...

We've been visiting sporadically since they opened, both occasionally during the day and after an evening weeknight class (this location closes at 10; those evenings, we usually get there around 9:15-9:30ish). Early on, everything was pretty plentiful - there were a few things sold out by evening, as might be expected, but still many options both savory and sweet. We had some very nice late-evening "dates", sharing a pastry or slice of cake or two, tea for each of us, and hanging out to catch up. In more recent visits, there have been fewer and fewer options left in the evening - with very little left in the cabinet that has mostly savory options (the few that are left get moved to the usually-sweet cabinet).

On our most recent visit, the one I gave three stars to, I arrived just after 9pm (to wait for the person to finish their class and come join me). There were very few options left in the main case, almost none of them savory, and most of the chairs were already up on the tables. Several of the prepackaged pastry options were gone. It was very off-putting, both to have so few choices and to walk into what looked from the parking lot was an establishment about to close for the night. It was even worse than our previous visit, on a Friday or Saturday night, when it had been similarly depleted but at least the chairs were still out. This visit, my other half asked me to just bring home the one or two items they liked of what was left; they didn't want to spend time in that environment.

If you're open until X time, be open until then. Prepare enough fresh items later in the day to have a selection for customers until you close. If you're going to have seriously reduced options after Y time, post that somewhere - online; on the door. Don't say you're open and then look and act like customers...

Paris Baguette has become one of my favorite spots for authentic, high-quality baked goods and breakfast. Whether I’m dining in or placing an online order, the experience is consistently excellent. The quality of their products really stands out — you can taste the freshness and care that goes into every item. From buttery croissants and soft, flaky pastries to their creative sandwiches and cakes, everything feels thoughtfully made.

What I love most is that every visit feels like a small escape — the moment you walk in, you're greeted by the aroma of freshly baked bread and coffee. The display cases are always filled with a beautiful variety of pastries, breads, and desserts, each one looking like it was made with real pride. I’ve never had a stale bite or felt like anything was sitting out too long — they clearly prioritize freshness and authenticity, and it shows.

Their breakfast options are fantastic — light yet satisfying, and perfect for a quick morning stop or a relaxed start to the day. Their egg sandwiches, fruit cups, and pastries are my go-tos. And for lunch, the baguette sandwiches are flavorful, balanced, and feel much healthier than fast food. I’ve also stopped by just for coffee and dessert in the afternoon, and the vibe is just right — quiet music, clean seating, and a calming atmosphere that makes you want to stay a bit longer.

The staff is always friendly and welcoming. Whether it’s a quick hello, a recommendation, or just a warm smile, they make the whole experience even more enjoyable. It’s clear that customer service is part of their culture, not just an afterthought.

The ambiance is cozy and inviting — it strikes that perfect balance between casual and elegant. It’s a great spot to meet a friend, get some work done, or just take a quiet moment for yourself.

All in all, Paris Baguette continues to impress with its consistency, quality, and atmosphere. Whether you’re popping in for a quick pastry and coffee or planning to sit and enjoy a full meal, it’s a place that never disappoints.

Absolutely...

Zero considerations for customers and rudeness of staff...everything else was good to be honest. ..my issue that they place broccoli quiche and Hawaiian quiche in the same tray one type on the left col. of the tray, the other type on the right side col., they had the sign on the left for the broccoli and apparently there was another sign on the other side (i.. first of all, you don't put vegetarian and pork/ other meat items in the same tray, who does that!!!, both types really really looked the same ... second, its really confusing how they placed the bakery items, reading the sign in the left ( it was the first sign you read as you move down the aisle), and I just quickly grabbed one quiche thinking it's broccoli and went shopping for other items for my kids.. I was very frustrated since I started eating one bite to discover it's not the correct one, so I went back to the shelf to understand what happened, then I went to the person at the cashier ( didn't get his name but he was a young man with tattoo on his arm)...and politely explained what happened, asked if I can get the broccoli one as a courtesy, since it was organized in a really confusing way and I picked the wrong one. He responded with rudeness that we can't give you another one unless you pay, not only that, he lectured me on how much time they spend to make them, and said this is the way we display them, not even interested in hearing my feedback. I actually didn't bother to ask for a manager, and just left (my order was about $80 of pastries/drinks (family of 5) plus tips, so buying another quiche wouldn't be the end of the world for me, but why should I spend another dollar in a place where they really didn't care.. To the owner of this place, if you think $4 or $5 for the replacement quiche will make your business grow, I wish you good luck. I will still go to Paris Baguette but not this...