I really wanted to like Wayward Bakery. There aren't many bakeries in the area, and when we…read morevisited, this seemed like one of the more promising options. The space itself is cute and has the feel of a neighborhood hangout, and the pastries are beautifully presented.
Unfortunately, the pastries were hit or miss. Some were nice and flaky, while others tasted a little stale. The ham and cheese croissant was served cold, which was disappointing. We also tried the strawberry danish and tomato danish, and both were pretty mid. The standout, however, was their seasonal fig and walnut danish--that one was actually really good and something I would have ordered again.
Their drink selection is also pretty limited. It was essentially coffee and hot chocolate when we visited. As more of a tea person, I was disappointed that there weren't any tea options, and they didn't have juices either.
The main reason for my low rating, though, was our interaction with the staff member who took our order. She came across as very rude and repeatedly made impatient tapping sounds while we were ordering. We were ordering quite a few items, and the interaction made me feel rushed and as though we were inconveniencing her simply by placing a larger order.
At first, I assumed she might just be having a bad day. But while we sat and ate our pastries, I watched her interact with other customers, and her demeanor was noticeably different--warm, friendly, and welcoming. That contrast made our experience even more uncomfortable. We were the only Asians in the store at the time, and while I obviously can't know what motivated her behavior, the difference in how we were treated compared with the customers who came after us left me wondering whether our race played a role.
That's a serious conclusion, and I don't make it lightly. I can only speak to what I personally observed and how the interaction made me feel. Unfortunately, it overshadowed the entire visit. Even with a couple of good pastries, I wouldn't come back.
