Blue Heron Bakery — Restaurant in Olympia

I really want to like this place. Each time we go in the service is spotty. The staff just looks like it's a bother to even help you. No one offers a smile or even to knowledge you half the time and for whatever reason, don't order a espresso drink you'll be there for a very long while (and they wont look happy to make it for you). They also just use the cheap sugary syrups for their drinks and no white chocolate powder. Don't bother asking them to get it you'll just get a dirty look.

Went in to the covered area of their new location with our dog as we walk up to from the communities surrounding it. The dog water was full of garbage and cig butts. So we dumped it out and threw away the garbage and went in to ask for a clean one. They looked at us like we were crazy. So my wife took the initiative and said 'So should I just put it in the bus tub then?' Counter girl just apathetically and annoyingly said yeah that's a good idea. Then we asked for a new bowl or something to put out for the hot dogs. They look annoyed and just kind of looked at us without a word , so we pushed a little and asked again and the owner(??) who was making a pizza was like "I would but I'm cooking" and the cashier just look blankly and annoyed (there was no one behind us and it was pretty much empty)

The bakery just feels like an after thought junk laying everywhere and in the windows outside as you look through, unkempt outside area, no dog hooks or place for leash up. Apathetic employees and oddly slow service even at slow times with a limited fast food type menu.

I've worked as a chef in restaurants all my life and I just don't understand the level of apathy and lack of urgency the employees hold. Do they hate there job? Did no one teach them how to be friendly and accommodating to customers?

Even there menu is kind of half baked (pardon the pun) there is no reason they couldn't be cranking out really nice full breakfasts and lunches with that kitchen. Just hire a seasoned chef / cook to build some really nice menu items and systems, full meals not just simple half baked croissant and egg sandwiches.

Recipes are ok, but not really my thing for what I have tried. They seem to use Whole wheat dough for everything and it comes across as overly dry to me. Maybe just my preference.

I've opened and turned around many successful restaurants and catering operations through out my carrier. This location and name recognition should have lines out the door. Just needs a skilled Chef and Manager to show them how and put systems in place and up their...

My partner and I are visiting Olympia for a few days and we’re considering moving out here. We went to the Blue Heron Bakery today (for the first time) because of their gluten free options. The front counter associates were very friendly and polite, but the person working in the kitchen was incredibly rude.

I asked the front counter associate what sandwich was popular (because it was our first time), and what kind of bread people usually get the sandwich made with. I took her suggestions, and while she was writing down my order, the cook (tall, thin, erratic) saw the order and immediately started showing signs of irritation and rage while the other bakers in the back were looking at him and me while laughing and smiling. He threw his gloves in the trash and hastily put a new pair on while exclaiming to his front counter associate that “It’s just gonna fall out!” I suppose referring to the inside of the sandwich? He was slamming his hands on the cooking station and slamming open and close different food compartments at the station.

At this point I realized all this commotion was about me, and the way I ordered our lunch (as suggested by the employee). I told the front counter associate that I’ll take whatever is “easiest to make” because I didn’t want to further irritate this very erratic man. His front counter associates seemed so uncomfortable while this was going on, but also as if it was a normal occurrence.

We asked for our food to go because we felt very uncomfortable, and when the cook brought out one of the to go meals, he said “I wasn’t trying to be a bit**” and then tried explaining to me which bread is easiest to make the sandwich on. Sir, I don’t care?! I didn’t come for a bread lesson. If you don’t want to make it that way, then don’t offer it that way. He offered to remake it on the “proper” bread but I declined. We waited for my partner’s food and left. When he brought out the second meal, he unapologetically and nervously said “sorry” as he was walking away. We ended up throwing our food away because we didn’t feel comfortable eating it.

I understand that customers are irritating as hell, I truly get it. But he could’ve at least talked his smack when I left the counter instead of doing it in front of me (while not addressing me).

Such a bummer, because their mission is great....

We found out about this place from our local health food store in Tacoma that carries their awesome bread. So while we were visiting the Capitol in Olympia, we though we would check them out. Big mistake.

The only reason I am giving them 2 stars is because they did have a good selection of baked goods stocked. And when there was a problem with our lunch we ordered being out of stock (at 12:15), the chef came out to talk with me about options to replace. He saved the whole experience for me and I thank him for his courtesy.

The Pros: Well stocked shelves of yummy breads, granolas, and treats of varying flavours. A small menu to choose from of a good variety of sandwiches, salads, soup. The chef who was kind and courteous and a very good singer.

The Cons: The cashier and barista were too busy talking about their kids "hot teacher", who had come in before us apparently. We stood at the counter to order lunch and pay for our baked goods for 3 minutes before they acknowledged that a customer was standing in front of them. The cashier rang up our baked goods and went back to talking with the barista about whether the teacher was flirting with her or not. Had to ask if we could order lunch or not (at 12:15). Ordered a coffee and it was made wrong while they continued to talk about someone's messy divorce and the barista's aura...