Address: | 1604 N 34th St, Seattle, WA 98103, USA |
Phone: | +1 206-545-0444 |
Site: | essentialbaking.com |
Rating: | 4.5 |
Working: | 6AM–6PM 6AM–6PM 6AM–6PM 6AM–6PM 6AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM |
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A Private User
What is with Essential Bakery Cafe? Most of their food is really pretty good. But their pastries usually taste like they are day-old stuff. Ive gotten fresher Essential Bakery cinnamon rolls from the Ballard Market! And the bread -- I dont think Ive ever gotten a fresh loaf at the Cafe. Do they reserve the oldest stuff for their cafe? I would think going to the place where they are actually supposed to be baking these things, they would be FRESH!!! Ive been stopping here for lunch for years, and their soups, salads and sandwiches are usually delicious. I just wont stop for a breakfast pastry and coffee anymore. Im tired of eating dried up pastries in a bakery! Oh, and their service can be iffy, too. If you want a fast latte, this is NOT the place to go. Sometimes Im finished with whatever Im eating before the barista has even begun my coffee. And the staff have a very superior attitude, too. Whats with that? Youre too good to do your job? Maybe its just the people at the 34th Street Cafe, but I dont think Ive ever been thanked for coming in, or for spending my hard-earned money in their establishment.
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Tiffany Ban
Normally I love this place. We come here (or to the Madison location) at least once a month, but I have to say, the staff here really needs some customer service training. I ordered an omelette with cheese and avocado and received one with meat in it. When I politely told the counter staff that the order was wrong, she was really annoyed. The woman who brought out the new omelette was even more annoyed. Its not my fault you messed up. Another person in our party also received the wrong thing in her order but didnt say anything about it. I like this place because the food and coffee is usually really good but the staff here seems like the hate their lives. Will probably try to find a different regular lunch spot.
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A Private User
Great menu and unbelievable service! My brother always has his house stocked with this bread, so when I recently moved to Seattle I couldnt wait to check this place out. We ordered one of their homemade soups and a sandwich - although the place was packed, one of the staff came over and apologized profusely when my soup didnt come out right away. He then personally delivered my soup to our table and offered a free treat for our troubles. Id already purchased cookie so I declined, but I sincerely appreciated the gesture. Not to mention the soup (Moroccan Chick Pea) was fresh and delicious! I will definitely return here and bring friends.
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Chris Chris
I really like this place. I read the yelp reviews before going in and there were lots of complaints about the rudeness of the employees but the two people i dealt with today were very friendly. I was hoping to get a scone because i have had their scones from other locations and they are the best scones you can buy. I ended up getting a croissant that was great but its just a boring croissant. It has great seating and just the right amount of ambient noise. I will be going back a lot.
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A Private User
You advertise that you open at 6am. This tells the world that the services you provide will be available at 6 am. This means that if you sell breakfast sandwiches, I should be able to buy one and leave your store after 20 minutes, especially if I am only one of the few customers in the store. Do not make me skip breakfast, and leave me without lunch. I could have gotten my food at home, and not be forced to eat out of a vending machine.
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Ali Ritter
I really really want to support Essential and love them, but for some reason this particular bakery doesnt ever achieve greatness in my opinion. Bread is superb, baked goods are good, but service and prices always leaving me feeling a little short-changed. Beautiful light space to eat in, convenient to Burke Gilman Trail, parking lot, and mostly friendly staff.
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Ellany Kayce
Fabulous, delicious organic food. Excellent and quick customer services, clean bathrooms. They always allow substitutions with types of bread and condiments. I am able to go in, give my order, pay, and wait usually within 5 to 10 minutes. I usually get it to-go. One of my favorite places for meals.
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Jennifer Mohr
The atmosphere and food are fantastic, the only reason to knock off a star is the inconvenience of no espresso, but they cant really help machinery breaking down, and the storage means of silverware that, while clever, leaves me a little hesitant to just grab a spoon.
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Cyndal E
This place was awesome. My Husband and myself had a sandwich each and it was fantastic, though mine was better :) The Italian. We sat outside and had a sliver view of the water. The staff was friendly and the service was fast even though it was pretty busy!
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A Private User
You cant miss with their bread selection! We went in for a baguette but found that our only option was pugliese. We were not disappointed It was so good! Fresh and chewy! The staff are also very knowledgeable and will steer you in the right direction!
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Alyssa Kelly
Excellent food & bakery! The soups are definitely worth checking out. Good coffee. Hibiscus tea is delicious. It can get chilly in here in the winter with the two doors. Busy during lunch, but they take phone-in orders for pick up!
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Don Roberts
Fantastic pecan cinnamon roll, though $.70 more expensive than PCC price. Bummer is weak coffee, as has been for at least 3 years. That usually slows down my pecan roll habit, otherwise I would be there 3x per week!
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Liz Wilson
Nice spot for an afternoon coffee date. Meal and drink options. I found the prices to be a bit high and if I could ask for anything it would be that they add some delicious cookies and Gluten-free treats!
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Eric Stevens
Lemon curd brioche alone is worth going in for! Pastrami Ruben sandwiches are my favorite. Great cookies and coffee. Also the gluten free bread is excellent and can be bought by the loaf.
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Janis Ann
Always good food and good coffee. The quality of service is hit or miss though. Great place to pick up a picnic meal to partake at Gas Works Park which is just a short distance away.
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Natasha Hippler
I had to settle for an almond americano when their chai base was all frozen, and the coffee was incredibly disappointing. Luckily their Magic Bar did not disappoint.
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Jon Shindo
Had the Shitake sandwich and coffee for lunch. Nice, cozy decor. Friendly service. Also had the cinnamon roll which was great - the nuts make a big difference.
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Samuel Richardson
Excellent sandwiches, very tasty and made with good produces. I had the Italian sandwich which I really liked. Half sandwich was enough for a light lunch
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David Payne
Wife bought a bunch of croissants here for a class and did not get one but heard from her they was a big hit! I love their Americano coffee was good.
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Elizabeth Machmeier
I had one of the egg sandwiches, which was good but nothing out of the ordinary. Cute vibe and great staff. Also, their gluten free bread is great.
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Kevin Work
Great spot for a delicious soup/salad/sandwich combo! If youre GF, order the half sandwich w/a soup and youll get a full sandwich. Perks!
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Sandy Skoog
Waiting 25 min for a sandwich is unacceptable. Not enough help in the kitchen. Lots of order takers standing around. Wont be back.
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Eric Comeau
Great spot for lunches, or an early dinner. Good quality sandwiches, and great pastry items. Often a great people watch spot as well.