August First Bakery & Cafe
| Address: | 149 S Champlain St, Burlington, VT 05401, USA |
| Phone: | +1 802-540-0060 |
| Site: | augustfirstvt.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 7:30AM–4PM 7:30AM–4PM 7:30AM–4PM 7:30AM–4PM 7:30AM–4PM 8AM–3PM 8AM–2PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 13
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Lucy Tran
I am from out of town and decided to drive around searching for a cafe to sit down and start on my homework. So then I ordered a latte and asked for the wifi password. The young man told me that it was a laptop free cafe but offered me additional locations that provided wifi after mentioning I was not a local. A young lady even offered to pour my coffee from the mug into the to-go cup after I found out about the laptop-free culture since I had homework that needed to be completed. Customer Service- 5 stars Kansas City has some very hipster coffee shops, but the looks of this one is very amazing. From the outside, there were chairs and places to sit-down at. It was very inviting and beautiful. It has a nice neighborhood feel to it. There is even free parking on the opposite side and it was very close to downtown (I drove around the entire downtown area in search of free parking spots for at least 20 minutes). Hint for non-locals. The inside was brilliantly laid out. So much seating was available and I have never been to a place that offered so many kinds of beautiful breads and pastries. I felt like I hit the jackpot of all. Atmosphere 5/5 The latte was a 4/5 stars. It was really milky-tasting and not much coffee-like, but it may be my own fault for ordering sit-down instead of to-go and the transfers between cups. But I definitely recommend locals & non-locals to give this place a shot. Locally owned, great atmosphere, and an abundance of different options available.
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Caroline Rose
First off, this place is doing a lot of things right. The bread is organic and fresh (not the best in town but if theres one thing Burlington is doing right its carbs), nice well-rounded menu, friendly and quick staff, etc. But my main critique, which is why I am compelled to write this is...WHY ARE YOU NOT USING MORE LOCAL FOOD?? I just dont get it. You are a "laptop-free bakery", which leads me to believe you fancy yourself a cuisine-based establishment (walls, mind you, touting "best-of" accolades and proud supporter of independent VT companies) so WHY WHY WHY, in summer, when literally the greatest tasting tomatoes are growing in everyones back yard, is there a mealy Shaws hothouse tomato from Mexico on my sandwich right now. If we werent located in a hotbed of--literally--some of the best food grown IN THE WORLD, I wouldnt be so critical. But publicizing yourself as a local, community-supporting-and-supported establishment, shame on you. If I wanted generic supermarket products on freshly baked bread Id go to Panera, which fyi, began as a "local business" called St. Louis Bread Company. Also they have internet.
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Bob Daniels
Great space, a lot of light and the food is fresh and well done. The sandwiches are pretty good as are any of the baked items, particularly the croissants. The coffee is good all around. The parking situation is to be expected of downtown Burlington. As many times I come here, however, the service is not good. The laptop free policy is its own oddity and debate (this isnt something people are doing on the west coast, regardless of the newspaper article on the policy) - however, the friendliness Burlington seems to have in its independent food industry is sadly lacking here and is replaced with an entitlement Ive seen observed from at least one other reviewer. As such, it was my last time here. If you go, try the cookies - and remember, youre doing them the favor by eating there.
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yohann rougier
Its very simple I was born and raised in France I traveled all across the U.S every year the past 10 years. You like it or not but August firsts baguette is the first one that I tried in this country that taste like home. I moved 4 blocks away from the bakery and I finished half of it on my way home, usually a struggle that you only have in France. They dont try do play the "french card" they just do it. I cant wait to try their sandwiches. This baguette makes me wanna hug the baker and say, "thank you for making me feel a little me more home in Burlington".
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Andy Newhall
The very first food establishment my family and I visited when we arrived in Burlington, VT in summer 2012. At the time, we had no idea that wed be making Burlington our home just a few months later. Therefore, August First will always hold a sentimental place for us. My wifes a pastry chef/baker by training, and Im an English major. August First is a new wave bakery with literary foundations. What more could appeal to us?! The breads and pastries are great, and delivered to local restaurants by bicycle when weather permits.
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Andrew Swift
Top of the heap for local bakeries & eateries. Famous for the no laptop policy, which keeps the restaurant quiet and social (but quaintly antiquated given the popularity of cell phones!). Staff is friendly & fast, and the Maple Scones are like a Noir villian: seductive & deadly (to your diet!). Breakfast and lunch sandwiches, amazing breads and a good coffee selection are worth the visit. Great for tourists, business visitors and locals due to the downtown, walk-friendly location. One of my favorites! Very highly recommended!!
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Christopher Boot
Made a special trip just to stop here... it was 10:30am on a Monday and they were sold-out almost everything but baguettes. We ordered some breakfast sandwiches to go since the lunch menu wasnt available and there was no seating left - place was packed! My americano tasted burnt and they didnt have any milk left for my partners latte so she had to settle for almond milk. We left feeling a little disappointed. Cool spot though and I like that they are "laptop free."
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Margi Swett
1st thing - a young man rides his bike through my neighborhood 2 days a week selling bread! How cool is that? and the bread is delicious. I won the auction at the Champlain Community Service dinner for a lunch for 20. My husband and I went down for lunch to check it out and order the lunch. I had a ham and brie sandwich with raspberry sauce - AMAZING! My husband had a salmon salad sandwich which was also incredible. All priced very reasonably.
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Andrew Wagenhofer
The "A Laptop Free Establishment" is an elitist, hippie, ridiculous, out-of-date and snobby policy. Imagine how much longer people would sit and consume if they werent shamed for being technologically engaged, and instead forced to eat and rush out! Aside from that silly sign, which we simply ignored, they have great bread and sandwiches! Cookies for dessert are a must...
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Martin Tessier
What a fantastique place! Got the opportunity to stop there during a bike ride. Staff is howsome, food is excellent ambiance is warm and welcoming. All the ingredients required for great experience are masterd ! I want to ride again next... So I can stop to your location again!
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Li Ca
Manager needs more training. After some issues ( I will not disclose at this time), he didnt handle it in an appropriate manner, nor did he hold the discussion to the level of a manager. He might be great at prepping meals, but not so great at handling issues when they arise.
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Heather L Boyd
The food was amazing and the atmosphere was so refreshing. It was a slice of heaven. Everyone is happy and friendly, its a perfect place to be on a sunny day! Tip: I actually enjoyed this but just so you are aware, this cafe is a laptop free environment.
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Jonathan Wilson
This is a place I always bring visitors. Amazing turkey sandwiches and hearty soups that help dampen the Vermont cold. No laptop policy makes it easy to get a seat and encourages conversation. Smells great. Food tends to be hyperlocal and fresh.
