Au Bon Pain - Baltimore

Before you even think about ordering food, make sure to check in at the register. If the credit card reader is out of order, a sign will be displayed on it. However, the man with glasses seems to overlook customers, even regulars. Instead of assisting, he'll just give you a disapproving look for not following the instructions on the credit card machine. If he has trouble conveying that the machine is down, he should consider hanging signs on both the front and side doors to alert customers. When I called to inform them, I could hear him in the background scolding customers for not being able to read. A clear, visible sign at the entrance could prevent many from entering the store. It's going to be a long time before I choose to come back here.

Year after year, even throughout the pandemic, the food at Au Bon Pain has consistently been excellent. I particularly enjoy their seasonal themed sandwiches and the soups, which are also fantastic. The pastries are delectable and literally melt in your mouth, especially the cinnamon rolls, which I love. The chocolate-covered almonds are a nice treat as well. The staff are always friendly and helpful, and if you visit often enough, they'll remember your name. It's a really cozy spot to enjoy a meal, whether you choose to sit inside or outside in the courtyard. I keep returning time and again.

There were only three employees working, and they were bustling around as if they were in a race. It was clear they were overworked and frustrated, with a line of eight people waiting while only one or two were making sandwiches. A young manager occasionally walked around, but most of the time, he was sitting nearby, scrolling on his phone while customers sweated in the heat. To make matters worse, while the sandwich I had wasn't bad, I ended up with an upset stomach that evening, so I won't be returning.

I used to frequent this spot for their fully customizable salads. Since the quarantine lifted they've yet to bring me back. The bakery is an tenth of what it once was. The salad bar has been since closed. All of the sandwiches that brought me have sincebeen removed. And today, I walk in to see no soups or Mac and cheese available. My heart literally sinks with disappointmentevery time I come in. Still I come in with the hope to see what once was.

Best made sandwiches and mac n cheese. The chicken stew soup is really good also. Shame that a homeless guy was able to be sleeping at a table taking up space and not eating. Paying customers kept a wide berth from him to avoid the smell. Love thisplace. The food is great. Mostly heathy, freshly made sandwiches and salads. Great place to eat in their patio on a nice day andthe most exceptional, polite employees! The manager there pitches in wherever needed, making food, cleaning tables or at thecash register. Can't go wrong here!