Bakery Lorraine is puzzling. It has so many things going well for it, and yet so many things wrong at the same time. I come here when visiting Austin's Domain Northside while on business. It's close proximity to my worksite is really convenient. However, when you place an order online, be aware to do it at least 35 minutes in advance. Even on a weekday they give themselves a lot of cushion to prepare a sandwich.
The online ordering is supported by Square, so it's pretty easy to order but the last few times, the online ordering did not include the Domain Northside location, so I called them directly to place my order. One of the times I called a young gentleman answered the phone and it was like he had never taken a phone order before. He was fumbling and seemed to not know what was happening and seemed to go out of his way to make a spectacle on how foreign the idea of a phone order was.
Now the food- when Bakery Lorraine brings it- THEY BRING IT! That being said, there is a consistency issue. I originally stuck to ordering the Chicken Salad Croissant- which on the best of days was the GOAT as far as a Chicken Salad Croissant is concerned. The chicken was succulent, the croissant light and flaky- it was the perfect realization of that dish. I ordered this 3 times and it was magnificent! Flash forward to a month later, and I order the same dish- and it's different. It's overwhelmed with purple onions and the chicken is dry. So unfortunate- knowing they are capable of such amazing quality is a totally let down when they serve the same dish but lacking.
The bakery itself is bright and has a cute decor. But, all the times I've been in, I've never been compelled to eat here because of the obnoxiously loud pop music I hear. You would think the volume would be a bit more considerate of diners. I certainly don't want ultra-loud music if any kind blaring as I'm eating. Music can be a great enhancement to the atmosphere but the loud volume and not quite savvy music choices make it a dealbreaker for dining in. It's a French Bakery, not a nightclub.
As previously mentioned, they like a lot of cushion time-wise when placing an order online. If you go in store to place an order for a pasty, forget it. There are so many people working at this location, yet they seem to be not working in concert with one another. One time I placed an order for a pastry and the wait for other people also just ordering pastries was unnecessarily long. There were many folks behind the counter, but instead of having multiple people work the pasty case, there was only one person. It makes for a long wait when ordering something ready made.
Overall, I know Bakery Lorraine is capable of great things. But the lack of consistency and oversight on delivering a great experience is what holds it back for me. I will continue to come here, but always with the understanding that 1.) Ordering ahead will always take an unnecessarily long time, 2.) Don't bother with dining in- the ultra-loud music is a deal breaker and 3.) Expect inconsistencies. It's a gamble, but when it's good- it's exceptionally good! read more