I was really looking forward to eating here after reading so many great reviews but our experience was not good. After driving 3 hours from SoCal, we were more than ready for some yummy baked goods. Social distancing is observed and there was a short line formed outside. There is a good amount of seating outside. No indoor dining on the day we went. We placed our order of Egg in a Jar and their special, Short Rib Sandwich. I also got a shortbread cookie and a pear almond tart for later. After waiting 30 min, we checked on our food and were told we were next. After an additional 15 min passed, we inquired again and were told it was coming. 5 min passed and we went to check again when our food was being brought out. Why it took 50 min? I don't know. I asked what happened and was given the excuse that they were down a cook. But that doesn't explain how others that arrived after us had finished eating and left before our food arrived. The server apologized and asked if she could get us something on the house. When I said coffee we were told it could only be a baked good. That struck me as odd too but I settled for another cookie. After waiting an hour, our expectations for the food were extremely high but I was disappointed. Our food was brought to the table without any utensils. After we had food and utensils, I was ready to dig in and expected hot food and a perfectly poached egg but my potatoes were warm, toast cold and egg was not runny at all. The sandwich was also just ok. Also not that hot, it came with a side salad. It was all well seasoned but after such a long wait, not satisfying. On to our desserts. The shortbread cookie was good. It had some nuts and spices that made it different from a plain shortbread. The fruit tart was a little over baked. The pastry was flaky but it tasted a little burnt and was too dry. I also complained that we only got one complimentary cookie for the two of us so they gave us a canale (because they were now out of shortbread cookies). The canale was probably the best thing we ate. It has a crispy chewy texture and not overly sweet. Overall, the food was ok but the service wasn't. And I have to add that our order was taken by the owner,Bob, and I left a tip upon ordering so I felt even more upset that our meal was overlooked and no one ever came by to check on us during the hour that we were there. Each time, we had to go inside to check in our food and ask for the extra sweet. I'd hate to think how long we would have waited if we didn't go check ourselves. read more

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We still come back from Venice beach regardless if Bob is happy. Bob was happy this time and the food was glorious 5/5

I love crusty bread, bought a gorgeous rustic loaf for avocado toast and it was definitely worth the stop. Get there in the morning cause they may run out. The Kouign-amann and sticky buns we grabbed were also very good. read more

Bob's Well Bread Bakery - Slice of bread and Kouign-amann - Bakeries Near Me - Ballard, California

Out of the way gem that gets kinda packed on the weekends. Food is next level and service is great. Has the rustic French bakery vibe with authenticity that can be borderline pretentious. Foodies will love, those who don't understand will resent the experience. read more

Loved this bakery. Breakfast choices are offered with delicious homemade goods. Every meal is served with perfect presentation. I wish I could have tried everything on the menu and in the cases. I will be back for sure. Try the everything cookie, salmon platter, granola and scones.... too scrumptiou. read more

The coffee and bread are excellent. 5 stars for the actual product. My customer service experiences at this location have been positive so far but I did have a negative experience with the owner at the other location. I really hope the owner allows the product speak for itself and perhaps hire people that are good with people to handle everything else. The staff at this location I have interacted with are very nice so I have no qualms about giving this place 5 stars since I have not had a negative experience at this location with customer service. The pastries and coffee (Stumptown coffee) are excellent. read more

Sourdough bread is very good and their signature product. Bagels are over cooked and pastries are dry and hard so I would just stick with the bread. read more

The Eggs Benedict was cold and the English muffin it came on was rock hard. My husband wanted the ham and cheese croissant but they don't heat it up for you but yet tell you it's so good warmed up, why wouldn't they offer a way to heat it up for customers to enjoy? Very disappointing read more

I haven't written a food review in a long time...this place has changed that. As my wife and I entered the establishment, looking forward to some baked goods, we were rudely turned away and told to wait outside. We went outside, and I waited. There were no signs posted as to why, and I could only guess since I saw customers inside. So I went in and asked what the heck was going on, is someone going to let me know when I can go in? One of the servers said there are several ways, but didn't really make it clear. Then someone who I can only guess may be the owner came over to explain that they are still observing social distancing. I guess that's a reasonable thing to say, but there were no signs indicating such and no other establishments in the area are observing it to that level, so it was unexpected. But he wasn't even wearing a mask. WTF? Really, if they had been nicer, I probably would have just moved on. But the whole demeanor of the place indicated that they have poor customer service skills, and I can get bread anywhere. I think I'm writing this place off...we went there once before some months ago, and while the service wasn't as bad (but still wasn't good), the food they have isn't worth having to put up with their precious attitudes. Screw 'em. read more

Poor customer experience. Owner reprimanded me and others in line for standing too close to one another. Tipping felt expected rather than earned. My order was "lost", so we spent 30 minutes waiting to find out it was never placed in the kitchen. I can't be sure but it felt like the order was intentionally stalled in the kitchen because the owner didn't like that i pushed back in the tipping policy. After discussing order status and being told that it was their mistake, there was no apology and 10 min later the food came out cold, kinda strange for an order that was just made. read more

Rude, difficult to get help for order. Owner seems put out about everything. Not great to keep local business.

Great concept. Cute place. Bomb ass cinnamon roll thingamabob.. Good coffee. Was pretty packed when we were there. Planning to go back and try lunch. Haven't been to the original one. Looks like quality all the way around. This guy should franchise these places. :) read more

Bob the owner of Bobs well Bread in Solvang or Ballard to be exact is the rudest customer service I've ever experienced from the owner himself. Rude, abrasive to myself and everyone else in line. Being an owner such as Bob never learned that good customer service is just as important as good food. He's terrible and we will never go back including others I've spoken to about my experience at this place. Good luck staying in business with the owner Bob at the helm. Terrible read more

Absoutely delightful. My girlfriends and I walked here from Los Olivos and sat out front on the patio with our dog. The chocolate almond croissant was to die for! We also got the breakfast sandwich with egg whites and turkey sausage. Even though the food speaks for itself, we also LOVED our server Robin. She was so kind, so sweet, and so great at her job. She's half the reason we go back! Wonderful customer service. Love the ambiance and the new spot in Ballard. A real treat for our valley. read more

Bob's Well Bread Bakery - Almond and chocolate croissant - Bakeries Near Me - Ballard, California

Just what the Santa Ynez Valley has needed, fresh breads! I posted the address and phone number. Looking up the new Ballard location does not tell you anything. We had to drive to Los Alamos first to get the Ballard location address. read more

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Delicious every time - no matter the location, but I quite enjoyed the Solvang location. Beautiful area, great aesthetic, and easy parking. So happy to support a local, small business with incredible fair during these strange COVID times. Thanks Bob & Staff! read more

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Well Bread is right! The food was delicious and the atmosphere was picture perfect. I think this is definitely our new favorite spot. read more

Bob's Well Bread Bakery - Almond croissant with a cappuccino - Bakeries Near Me - Ballard, California

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Delicious, a true gem. We ordered a sticky bun and lattes to start. Then had the avocado toast with pumpkin seeds and salad, homemade English muffin with turkey sausage & egg...and finally the the famous egg in toast with cherry tomatoes. Heaven... oh and they had home made dog biscuits for sale. I met the owner Bob and he was friendly and even came out to see our puggle. We will be back read more

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This was the third visit for my husband and I. Our previous trips have been to both this location a few months ago, and also to the original location in Los Alamos. Every time we've had the "pleasure" of receiving Bob at the counter. True to what so many people here have commented on - Bob, for whatever reason, simply isn't friendly. While granted I didn't obey the sign that asked people to wait outside until called in, I was welcomed in by a local who literally held the door for me and wasn't totally clear herself as to whether she was ordering or getting a water. Like previous reviewers, I was barked at by Bob to stand near the pastries when I waded in too far. Okay, sure. I was looking at your loaves for purchase, and accidentally made a mistake, but never mind. I'm not particularly inclined to buy a loaf if you're going to be rude. When it was our turn, we ordered and I made the mistake of asking the simple question of whether there were milks around the side for coffees, or if we needed to add it during the order. In typical Bob fashion, I was treated as if this was the dumbest question of all time and told I needed to do it during the order. Hot tip, Bob. Most coffee places say things like - "Would you like to add milk?" immediately after you order. You actually asked my husband when he ordered his coffee but I guess you were still annoyed at my entrance snafu. To the other reviewers on here who say he's kind to a "certain kind" of clientele - I'm not sure what that refers to. I'm a pregnant woman and my husband and I also work in the entertainment industry so if Bob is discriminating, he's maybe looking for people who specifically drive Porsches or come in literally wearing swag? The food itself is simply okay. I personally felt like the Turkey sausage in the breakfast sandwich was a step up from my memory of middle school lunch sausages. I pushed it off the sandwich and ate the egg, cheese, and English muffin without it (an upgrade). The bread is hit and miss. Sometimes there's a great texture, and others, we've received a quite hard and almost stale loaf. We've ordered a variety of food items in the past and there definitely isn't a quality consistency. On a final note, despite Bob's rudeness, he was quick to point out the tip jar for his staff as we were paying. Bob. Bobbbb... If you're going to be the face of your store, and the memory people take away, all the while being totally rude for no reason at all - then you can't ask people to tip. Tipping is what one does when they're trying to show gratitude for service. You either need to get back in the bakery and focus on the bread while someone else does the job that is almost entirely about customer service, or you need to just tip your staff as payment for how much you're costing them with your attitude. As we say in Hollywood, it's all about smoke and mirrors. And to all those who made it this far - go to The Lucky Hen Larder next time. On multiple occasions we've had great experiences and many of the local wineries carry their meats, cheeses and bread. read more

Stopped for lunch on a Monday. I had the BLT (best blt I have ever had) and my SO Frame #1 and loved it. I also ordered a sourdough loaf to go that rivals Tartine. Highly recommend making to trek out this way to enjoy lunch sitting in your trunk of their parking lot and picking up a loaf. You won't regret it! read more

Bob's Well Bread Bakery - BLT - Bakeries Near Me - Ballard, California

Had breakfast outside at Bob's Well Bread this morning. It wreaked of sewage. Turns out the parking lot is the leach field for the building's sewage. Outrageous. We left before finishing our food. Disgusting. Can't believe Ballard allows this. read more

My family and I picked up sandwiches and coffee here for the road. The sandwiches were excellent. We had ham and cheese, salami and cheese, both are pre-made but extraordinarily good. I ordered the egg, prosciutto, and cheese with baguette and it came with a small spring mix salad with shaved cheese. It was out of this world good! The warm egg over prosciutto and butter was just perfect. The salad tasted like the lettuce was just picked yesterday. What a great meal!!! The iced americano coffee was more watery than I would've liked but ok. They are super busy around lunch time with line almost out the door but service was friendly. Definitely stop by when you are nearby. read more

The bakery puts out good product but the service is poor. The owner has come to this quaint little town to apparently trade on its charm and its country hospitality in the hope that it would supplant the obvious lack of it in his business. Not surprisingly, one of the staff, a twenty-something year old dark haired man was quite rude with me the day after Thanksgiving for no other reason that I could discern than I was inconveniencing him by asking two questions. I've been here probably 10 times, I will not be back. read more

Everything positive about this place (and there are many) is completely negated by Bob's negativity. He's just plain old rude.

Starting with the positive, the bread is thick and crusty and wonderful! The wait staff is courteous and friendly. As for the negative, Bob is a rude man! Two friends and I stopped for lunch today. They were allowed to order, but he very rudely told me that I had to wait outside. I have never felt so unwelcome in a restaurant! If my friends hadn't already ordered, I would have left altogether. I know he was concerned about social distance, but he had no right to speak to a paying customer the way he did. We will not return to Rude Bob's Bakery! read more

Delicious!!!! Everything I've ever tried has been amazing -- even better than some of the pastries I've had in Paris. Bob's is definitely a treasure in our valley. read more

Incredible bakery! It is the best in the area by far... Love chatting with the owner Bob too. 10/10 everything is delicious and fresh!

Preordered per someone else's recommendation. So glad I did. By the time I got there, morning buns were sold out. Which was the best I have ever had. Pickup was a breeze. Folks working were very kind and patient. Pick up was a breeze. Also had the Sausage roll - was very flavorful. Latte was good. Would definitely recommend! read more

So happy about the new location, just wished they opened earlier during the work week for us locals who have to start work at 8 and can't grab something from there on the way! Bummer! Also they should add cold brew to their menu. Delicious nonetheless read more

Great food and a very nice location. I highly recommend the avacado toast! read more

Bob's Well Bread Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Ballard, California

I was conflicted as to why I have to give Bob's Well Bread Bakery the lowest Yelp rating possible, after all; the foods we ate there were exceptional. But after reflecting on our experience with the owner Bob Oswaks, taking our breakfast orders at his Ballard location; I felt that I will be doing the Yelp community a huge disservice if I do not do so. Bob is extremely rude and condescending - observations shared by many reviewers. He seems to prefer a specific clientele. He might as well hang a sign outside his store that says: "For Rich White People Only - Ideally People who are actors or are connected with the Entertainment Industry." Bob seems happiest in making customers who do not conform to his preferred demographics feel unwelcome. I can't for the life of me understand how Bob, prior to opening his bakery; rose to become a Marketing Executive at Sony as his LinkedIn profile proudly states. Mr. Oswaks, you've given the Marketing profession a bad rap by sending it back by at least 100 years. The breads your establishment sells are certainly "well bread" but YOU ARE NOT WELL-BRED. The next time I am in the area, I will call ahead and ask if you are in either store (Ballard or Los Alamos) so I can save myself the aggravation. read more

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Absolutely the worst service ever! I guy on the register (Bob) is grumpy and rude. So many other places to choose from in Solvang...don't waste your time coming here. read more

We stopped here after always hearing raving reviews for coffee and some pastries. The line wasn't too bad and was organized. The service was a bit lackluster...not exactly friendly. The coffee was good, definitely use quality grounds but nothing fancy. I got an English muffin which was good but I wish it was served warm and with some sort of butter or jam. We also got a loaf of bread and some cookies for our kiddos that were good. Overall they have yummy treats but I think it's a better idea to dine in than get take out. read more

Pretty great pastries. Have definitely had better croissants, but I do prefer buttery compared to Bob's sourdough croissants

The baked goods are typically tasty--delicious croissants and biscuits. The iced coffee was terrible, and the owner, Bob, has even worse customer service. He makes the majority of the patrons feel as though they are a nuisance. To be honest, it's not clear to me how he stays in business with his poor attitude. He seems to prefer a particular kind of clientele, and does his best to make others feel unwelcome. Also, keep an eye on the total you're given--I've been overcharged here. read more

I walked in yesterday around 11:45A. There was one other person ahead of me in line. A Karen appeared at the register, and asked me to go the back of line and proceeded to take the order of the gentleman who came in after I did. It was too early in the day to deal with racist BS, so I left. read more

Fancy, over priced, inefficient and rude. If I'm paying for fancy I don't expect to be treated like I'm the employee. I am the guest. Too bad because the old Ballard Store is a beautiful spot. But I won't be back. read more

Bob is so rude. It is really something to treat the people supporting your business with such an unkind attitude. We have tried multiple times hoping he was just having an off day but we are done. Note to Bob...stepping out of line to glance at the bakery case isn't a crime. No need to enforce ridiculous rules and humiliate people. Last time you ruin my breakfast. There are too many lovely nearby choices to go to. read more

This place would be my go to brunch place in town if it wasn't for the cashier/owner Bob. The layout of the ordering area is a little odd and cramped which creates some confusion when trying to line up and order. Instead of being welcoming and helpful, Bob will condescendingly tell you where to line up. As I waited in line, I noticed Bob would treat his white customers (which was most of his customers) with some charm and interest but when it came my time to order, barely made eye contact and had no interest in small talk. Not that I came for small talk, but you can obviously tell what customers he prefers. You can say I am using the "racism card" and you can easily dismiss me, but if you read through the reviews here, you'll notice a pattern. The food itself was pretty good and no complaints about the quality and presentation. I really would like to come back to this place but the owner clearly doesn't want my business nor does he seem to think he needs melanin rich customers to keep him in business. And he's probably right, place was packed, although if he treated his white customers with the same disdain as non white customers, business may take a hit. Or maybe not. Depends on your values I guess. read more

Not worth the wait! Go somewhere else that respects your time. Waisted 30 minutes of my day waiting in line because Bob got only one person at the register that also serves you your food. Come on bob it won't hurt to get a few more people working for you read more