Magnolia Dessert Bar & Coffee — Restaurant in Vienna

As a devoted patron for years, Magnolia's has been more than just a coffee shop for me and my loved ones; it's been a source of warmth, comfort, and delightful culinary experiences. I've spent countless cherished hours and resources at your establishment, creating lasting memories amidst the charming ambiance you offer.

However, I am compelled to bring to your attention an unsettling incident that occurred during my most recent visit, which has, unfortunately, tainted my perception of Magnolia's. The gravity of the situation compels me to share a detailed account with you, in hopes that it will catalyze improvements to your customer service.

Over time, I've noticed a slight decline in service quality at your cafe, a sentiment echoed by previous customers as well. Despite this, the allure of your delightful food and the familiar setting kept me returning. However, my experience last night was markedly different and deeply troubling.

After wrapping up our Spring semester, my girlfriend and I decided to celebrate our achievements at your cafe. The evening began ordinarily, but we soon noticed an unusual service pattern - three different servers were attending to us. This lack of a single point of contact was confusing, but we chose not to let it affect our evening. We enjoyed our meals and paid our $37 check, opting not to leave a tip given the fragmented service and our tight financial situation, as we both are part-time working students.

As we were preparing to leave, a server from your café approached our vehicle in the parking lot. From the moment I rolled down the window, her tone was confrontational and aggressive. She questioned our decision to not leave a tip, and despite my attempts to explain our financial constraints and the confusion caused by multiple servers, she repeatedly cut me off, not allowing me to finish my explanations.

Her language was harsh and inappropriate. She resorted to yelling and offensive remarks, some of which were personal attacks. Being a server myself for three years at a local restaurant, I understand the challenges of the job, but this level of disrespect was entirely uncalled for. The incident escalated to the point where she made disparaging comments, suggesting we “should go to hell,” which was shocking and unacceptable.

Her behavior was not only a breach of basic courtesy but also caused my girlfriend significant distress. Our special night, intended to be a celebration of our academic achievements, ended in discomfort and upset.

I share this experience not out of bitterness but in the hope that you will take appropriate measures to prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future. Until such corrective action is taken, it's with regret that I must reconsider my patronage and urge those within my network to do the same.

I trust you will give this matter the attention it deserves, and I am confident that you will make the necessary improvements to ensure a better experience for your future patrons.

Thank you for taking the time to read about our experience. I hope this feedback contributes to a more positive dining experience for your...

I enjoyed the place, and would go there for desserts again. I don't think I'd go there solely for the entrees, but I did like them. But go for the desserts. First, I'll note that other reviews have mentioned slow and horrible service. I went on Saturday at 9:30am and Monday at 12:15pm and the service was fine. Second, I'll note that parking can be limited. I recommend parking in the small lot right before Magnolia, where the green/off-white optometrist sign is. Here's more detail: The crispy strawberry and custard crepe was good. It was big. I'm used to soft crepes that I'd eat like a pancake, but this one I ate like an ice cream cone. They had a strawberry cake that I don't see on the online menu. It was good, though to me it was unremarkable. I'd eat it and like it, but I wouldn't seek it out. The mushroom garlic and parmesan muffin was okay, but I don't like savory muffins, so I'm not a good judge. I personally wouldn't get it again. I think of muffins as a sweet thing. The ham and cheese croissant was good but once again unremarkable. I'd eat it, I'd like it, but I don't know if I'd go to Magnolia vs another place for the croissant. The hot chocolate was okay. One thing I noted, and if the owners are reading, I hope they take note: the hot cocoa was served in a glass jar cup thing that was annoying to hold because I could feel the heat through the glass. The honey toast strawberry pocky was also good, though expensive at $14.79. It can definitely serve 2 and maybe serve 3. I liked the lightness of the toast vs a brownie sundae or something. At first I didn't like the kinda crusty honey toast exterior, but then I started to use it like a cone for the ice cream, and I didn't mind it. And the inside was fluffy and good. Overall, it was refreshing. Now for the two lunch/dinner entrees. The crispy red duck curry was good. They have 20 pieces of duck, so portions were not a worry. The duck skin was crispy and the inside was tender. Though after a while in the curry, it was less crispy. The pork and Chinese sausage thing that I don't see on the online menu was okay, though my mom didn't like the sauce over it. I didn't mind and I liked it. But one again I'll repeat, don't go there for the entrees. They're a decent bonus or alternative if you're hungry, but only go here if you plan on getting...

Living in Thailand for a long time already I can say this place offers a very authentic Thai cafe and restaurant experience. Yes down to the service and plate presentation. Expect the same level service in Thailand during peak hours. That said just come here with plenty of time and just mingle and you will have a good time. Pretend you're on vacation in Thailand not in gotta have it yesterday VA lol. For example I waited 3 hours to get seated then 1 more hour to get my food at a one michelin star street food restaurant in Thailand... However the food was worth it... Here waiting more than 25 mins for food is not worth it.

The food was somewhat okay. coffee, tea, drinks and desserts were great but those are hard to mess up. Wish their green chili sauce was spicier. More garlic/chilli less sugar. A little bit less rice and it would have been on the spot for me. The rice was too soggy and it looked like a large white mass on certain parts as if it's been cooked then reheated hours later. I can cook better plain white Thai Jasmine rice at home...

I would say go for the desserts, coffee and drinks. Skip the food until it improves. Much better options for Thai food in the area to wait so long for good looking plates but lacking in consistency and flavor.

My advice to management is to step up and run the restaurant like any other American restaurant. Not like it would be run in Thailand (don't just deliver dishes randomly as they come out of the kitchen for example). That would alienate your audience here very quickly simply for the standard of service alone. As far as the food quality I would say it's adequate for the american palatte but for true Thai connosiours it falls short.

Also the Shibuya honey toast is too expensive. I would use less ice scream scoops (only 2) focus on the toast and lower the price to 9-10 dollars making a check 12 dollars if 18-20 tip is left. . (heard people complain it's too expensive for 15 plus tip and it is) not even after you cafe in Thailand charges that much. 6-7 bucks there for it and no need to tip. And with even the largest bingsoo at breeze costing 11.99 with no need to tip. 15 bucks is a tough sale yet again alienating...