Loved this place! Definately got the mac and cheese
(5)
Chris D.
Criminy, this place RULES! With familial ties to and a deep love of New Orleans in my soul, I hate it when someone opens up a "Cajun" restaurant (e.g. TruOrleans) only to find superficial, blustery bologna as a veneer that covers up what's really a poor attempt to cash in on NOLA's ever-increasing popularity post-Saints SuperBowl win. Bayou Bakery is the one place in town that's authentic to the core. I've yet to experience a poor dish here. Their biscuits ripple with butter and aren't overcooked at all. Their coffees are stout but not overly loaded with chicory. The original creations made daily defy imagination: they're pumped full of a wide variety of ingredients and not the sad, tired tourist-inspired po'boys everyone's used to hearing about. There's real originality from the place's chef, who I hear is a native New Orleanian himself. The joint is comfortable but easily crowded so get there early to snag a booth or a spot on the couch. They regularly do Abita beer specials for game days too. Be careful of the bloody Mary though: it's an original recipe that's PACKED full of seafood, so it's a little tough to get down.
(5)
Caroline B.
I eat lunch there everyday and love the variety, both in terms of taste and healthiness (do you want something with a lot of greens, something with greasy meat, or both?). The music is interesting, mostly jazzy. Their lattes aren't overly sweet. They even have free wifi.
(4)
Kimberly W.
A nice small cafe serving New Orleans food. A good selection of coffee and tea. Most of the food is under $14. I love the meatballs, gumbo, blue cheese dip and their version of an Oreo. It can be very busy on the weekends.
(4)
J D.
I went for "brunch". I don't quite understand. Options were beignets, biscuits, or yogurt and granola. It was somehow packed, nonetheless. Despite limited seating, you have to go back up to the counter to get your beignets once your order is called via an obnoxious PA speaker. My friend got mediocre beignets with copious amounts of powdered sugar, which coats the tables, floor, and patrons. These are served on ridiculously tiny plates which ensure the sugar will get all over you. Also, she got a biscuit with ham that looked like the things you find in BP stations in the South. I had a $3 cafe au lait. I've been to Cafe du Monde. This is not Cafe du Monde. Luckily there were places nearby where I could get something to eat. I hate Starbucks, but sadly they had more breakfast/brunch options. Perhaps this place is better at other meals (though that is odd for a bakery/coffee shop)?
(1)
Leslie R.
Just tried it for the first time earlier after seeing a report NBC 4 about neighborhood business for Clarendon a few weeks ago......I got the Vanilla Bean with caramel icing for my hubby and the Get-to Oreo Cookie.......We wasn't feeling either one of them......it looked very good but the cupcake was dry and the cookies were to hard and didn't have that "bitter" taste like an Oreo does......Guess we will try some other treats and give them another try.
(3)
Brian G.
Muffuletta is my go to choice, delicious! A little pricey but food is great. Casual coffee shop atmosphere and very dedicated staff.
(4)
Peter O.
Terrific cafe with good coffee and fantastic house-made food. Cool & friendly staff and fast open wifi make it a favorite!
(5)
Ignatius H.
This place has the best beignets, always fresh and tasty. The breakfast sandwiches are wicked, they're served on biscuits that can be on the crumbly side but are really good. The coffee hits the spot and they also have mixed drink specials. Sweet tea is just the way I like it, not overly sweet and bottomless. I've been here three times in the past month and I'll be back more. The head chef recently competed on Food Network's Chopped. I didn't see the episode but heard about it from the bakery. Although awesome, there is room to improve service. When they're busy over weekends, they need to work on clearly announcing when an order is ready. I've been here with a few patrons and none of us could comprehend what the wait staff were announcing. When you place your order, you receive a card with a name on it (e.g. Acadia). The staff call this name when your order's ready. Clever, but a bit too clever. Instead of just calling out the name Acadia, they should say "Order for Acadia" and repeat the name. It's hard to hear order announcements over the chit chat of other diners. The WiFi doesn't work. The signal is weak and really difficult to connect to. I couldn't connect on my Android tablet the past two times I was here, nor could my friend on his iPad the other day. These are minor quibbles though.
(5)
Liz J.
Love love love this place - the powdered beignets are incredible and the biscuits are also awesome. Great place to wear sweats and have a lazy Sunday morning. The seating can be a bit of an issue but just because it's really popular.
(4)
Claudia H.
I got to eat lunch!!! I ordered the gumbo and the arm dip. The gumbo was delicious!!! This is going to be my go-to soup this winter, and the arm dip was juicy and perfect! And in a sea of overpriced Arlington restaurants, it is nice to see a well priced menu!
(4)
Aaron J.
This place is just awesome. Its a perfect spot for a date, especially if you're trying to get someone. It has a nice intimate, and "at home" feel. The staff is rather nice and friendly. For a place in the area of a VERY busy location in Arlington, its hidden pretty well. Which makes it a nice enough spot in which it will not be too crowded, to which you can't still remain comfortable. Now let me say I had the special of the day, the "shrimp creole." It wasn't great but I'm not big on putting spices on things and such. I'd like to not "disrespect" the cooks. The shrimp was cooked very well, but the sauce didn't have that Cajun kick that I was looking for. The cookies were awesome though! :) This place receives 4 stars from me, just for the options and atmosphere alone. I'm sure I'll be back to visit a lot. You should as well.
(4)
Joseph G.
Great gumbo and lunch options. They also make a wonderful cocktail called Gator Aid. A perfect spot if you're looking for a light meal. Their breakfast sandwiches aren't amazing but most of their other food is really good. They also have a nice outdoor seating area on the sidewalk in front of the entrance.
(4)
Jeanne B.
Breakfast: The Beignets are amazing!! So yummy!!! Also, the biscuits are thick and warm and also really good with the thick southern bacon they use. Also, the basil mint iced latte is to die for, you should definitely try that. Dinner: Not as spicy as I expected a "creole" shrimp dish to be, especially at a Louisiana themed place. Love coming here for the atmosphere as well! You can sit outside with your coffee and beignets and just enjoy the weather when it isn't blistering hot.
(4)
A W.
Had the good fortune to be in the Courthouse area Monday morning for work-so I planned to hit up Bayou Bakery. I came here back when they first opened, and still cherish the thought of their butternut squash soup. I've also seen them profiled in Southern Living magazine. I came at 8 am on a Monday morning for the beignets. I visited New Orleans when I was younger, and dreamed of moving there and lounging at Cafe du Monde every weekend. That hasn't happened yet, but luckily, I have BB. My beignets were fried, sugary, and amazing. I wish the managers would read some of these reviews-it's true, the order announcing system is flawed. I have no idea hat phonetic pronunciation the lady who called out my random Cajun word used, but it most definitely was not what was written on my card. I just asked her "Beignets?" she nodded, I took my bag and was o to enjoy the greatest.breakfast.ever.
Pretty good first experience. Cool shop; relax atmosphere. Loved the hibiscus ginger iced tea, gumbo, and the steaming hot be
(4)
Aamna C.
Solid breakfast place. Review of what we had: 1. Beignets - I agree with what an earlier reviewer in saying that they were passable. Piping hot they they messy and delicious, when somewhat warm they were messy and good (but not great). 2. Coffee - counter culture has a very specific and unique taste. I don't agree that its absolutely super-fabulous, but its good in its own way. But I do prefer a more italian roast, so that may be why I feel this way. 3. Biscuits - really really good. I will come back specifically for the biscuits. They were delicious and fresh and with egg and cheese, and a swipe of the chili jam, they were out of this world. Getting fresh biscuits from scratch is just something totally unique and wonderful to have in this area. I liked the vibe, it was nice and buzzing but not so over the top loud that you couldn't carry a conversation. I liked that they had food network on the tv in the back, and that it was a lovely mix of people.
(4)
Michelle S.
I will certainly have to go back and try lunch, but for my first visit here I must say the Latte was good:) In additoin the Steel Cut Oatmeal with syrup and raisins taste great, however it was very watered down- even after I let it sit 5-10 minutes. ( I would have rated 4 stars if the oatmeal was made right. If they put less water it would have been perfect becaue the flavor is nice! The cashier and baraista were friendly and the atmosphere inside was welcoming.
(3)
Megan M.
Best breakfast! Limited Menu but they always have specials for the day! I hate that they are famous for their biscuits but only offer breakfast on Saturdays till 12pm! They have limited seating during the winter but the food is cheap and the beignets - you feel like you are in New Orleans!
(5)
PETER C.
So I've been to Bayou Bakery for breakfast and for lunch. I'll have to go for dinner soon. Breakfast, one time I had the biscuit , egg & Benton bacon sandwhich. The sammitch was good, if a little weird, the biscuits have a cake-like consistency rather than a flaky, southern style texture. Good. The iced tea was Luzianne, a nice touch. Also got an order of beignets, very good, you can definitely tell that they're not fried in cottonseed oil, they taste of peanut oil but very good. The second time I got the ham biscuit with gravy, served in a bowl, excellent. For lunch I had the Armdrip sammitch, I asked for it without cheese (who puts cheese on a roast beef po-boy?). It lived up to it's name, a six napkin experience. It was small for New Orleans but probably up here considered a handfull. Zapps Cajun Crawtator chips lent an air of authenticity to the proceedings. My only qualm came with the bread, nothing up here will ever match real New Orleans po-by bread. It was crunchy and the crumb was light but it didn't have the mouth resistance of Zip's or Leidenheimers. Overall a B or possibly a B+ Hve to go back for supper soon!
(4)
Sara L.
Ugh, as a former vegetarian and Louisiana native, I have to roll my eyes at someone who is annoyed that a southern cafe makes their collard greens with bacon or a ham hock. That out of the way, I stopped in today for a coffee and got a really tasty latte. When you order, they give you a card with the name of a place or idea found in Louisiana and they yell that out when your order is ready which is a little less confusing than other coffee places where you may have to decide whether that large skim latte is yours or belongs to the person next to you who ordered the same thing. Their selection looks quite good, with gumbo, muffalettas and of course, beignets. The decor is cute and the space is cozy. I giggled at the Stein's syrup tins lined up all over the place (Stein's being a staple on the Sunday breakfast table in Louisiana) and plan on going back soon to try the gumbo and beignets to see if it's legit.
(4)
Zanna W.
Best home brewed chai tea I've ever had. Their selection of teas is also really great - as a non coffee drinker I'm always on the look out for new and different tea (not that Tazo tea isn't good, but it gets old). Their fire ginseng tea is really good - gives you that boost with a nice little kick :o) Oh and their biscuits are incredible. Not recommended if you're vegan and/or on a diet.
(4)
Rachael H.
Yummy! I had a delicious bowl of macaroni and cheese. I ordered a salad, too, and it seemed pre-made. It was in a plastic container (I ate in). It just seemed out of place. Every other entree my table got was on nice dinnerware, except for my salad. Swap out the to-go containers for the salads, and I'll bump it up to 5 stars.
(4)
Janae H.
The bayou chopped salad with gulf shrimp is YUMMY
(5)
Charlotte M.
After seeing a movie in Courthouse, a girlfriend and I ventured into Bayou for lunch. I was very excited for a NOLA style restaurant so close to home, plus who doesn't love yummy beignets, chicory, and some southern hospitality? My disappointment is this dear friends: Bayou's collards are made with Bacon. As a vegetarian, Southerner, & a child whose house had wild collards growing in the backyard, I am disappointed that they wouldn't cater to a wider demographic than the regular, ol' meat eatin' crowd-- that includes people who abstain from meat for health, religious, or personal reasons, not just dirty hippies.Besides, even NOLA has veggie friendly restaurants! Also, I make delicious collards chez moi without a ham-hock in sight and they turn out just wonderfully. So do my black-eyed peas and cornbread. No piggie anywhere. My suggestion, dear chef, is to make all the side options veg-friendly -- #1-- its cheaper, #2-- your restaurant will broaden its client base, #3-- it shows your range as a chef. you can stray from the bacon grease and STILL be tasty. How's that for a challenge?! btw, yes, there is a veg-friendly sandwich (with a portobello mushroom: overdone & uninspired. Sorry, but it's true).
(3)
Hunter K.
Love this place great food, and a fun atmosphere
(4)
Andy S.
Bayou has chicory coffee and an impressive selection of baked goods. The service has always been great when I've been there.
(4)
Annalena W.
Beignets are amazing! A must for a visit. I also like everything else in the display case - the gluten free chocolate cookies are delicious. Savory food - I crave the pimento cheese and love the shrimp roulade. I also enjoy the salads - they have the right mix of ingredients. The King Cake is fabulous. I also enjoy the specials - different mac'n'cheeses - had a lobster one and a beef one - very tasty. Great spot for ladies night on Thursdays with their posted specials.
(5)
Kyle N.
Love the Shrimp Roll. The Bitter Pig is excellent. I recommend the Arm Drip. Their lattes are definitely made right. They know how to pull shots, which is rare for hybrid restaurant coffee shops, but they do it right.
(5)
Maria C.
Super cute place! Went there this past weekend with The Hubby. Great place for a laid back bunch. Had a bite of the hubby's "arm drip". It was delish! Roast beef was super tender. I had the "creole pilgrim". The turkey had a great taste. The only thing that was a little disappointing was that the smoked gouda was overcooked (i.e slightly burned) and I could not taste it at all. But again, the turkey made up for it. And of course we had the beignets. The hubby hasn't had the glorious experience of having them at Cafe du Monde but I have, and these were awfully close to the original! Hubby loved them! We also took 4 cupcakes home: carrot cake, vanilla bean muffin, red velvet, and chocolate and all were really good. I definitely plan to go back when they have live music and for a repeat brunch!
(4)
Nicky B.
Stopped by today for some beignets. These were hot and delicious. When checking out, I noticed the sign that told me to ask about today's flavor of mac n cheese. I asked, and the friendly cashier said maybe the best words ever to be associated with mac n cheese: bleu cheese-bacon. Ummm yes please. I got back to the office, shared my sweet treats (I swear, I did) and dug into my mac n cheese. It was pretty good. I have an obscenely high standard for bleu-bacon mac n cheese so I can't RAVE about it, but it's good. The restaurant itself is pretty cute, and they seem to have good deals like ladie get 1/2 price bottles of wine and cheap pimento cheese and crackers on Wednesdays (I think?). I like daily specials and flavors of things...especially when you work near a place, things can get old really fast. The staff is really helpful and friendly. Definitely will continue to stop by this place again and again.
(4)
Kunal M.
located in the courthouse section of arlington village, bayou bakery is a new orleans themed cafe. They forgot one detail. I went to graduate school in new orleans so i guess i learnt a thing or two about the food. This is how it works. Park the car, avoid running over d-bag yuppie on his bike right in the way of my car. Enter the bakery, order and get a card that they call when your order is ready, except you can't understand them speaking french which does not surprise me as they have not even been to Paris,Virginia :) The gumbo was acceptable and my friend's sandwich was tasty , but so small it was the size of a white castle slider and the cafe is filled with all types of annoying people who think it's cool to take a 4 chair table while drinking a latte for 3 hours. they don't have regular coke type drinks but some fancy sodas that taste like yuck.. I did not sample the beignets, but i doubt this is another cafe du monde though it's kind of cozy as a cafe and I will give this another try just to relive my memories of cafe du monde and my years in new orleans. With time this place has a lot of potential, maybe serve New orleans brunches and platters and also some of the creole and cajun specialties across the state
(3)
Tiger C.
Really like the exterior decoration of the restaurant, makes you want to go inside for a look. Went here for breakfast and they have the traditional Orleans style donuts, which I hear, are fantastic. I got the buttermilk biscuit with bacon, egg, and cheese. The biscuit was subpar, some portions of it were flaky and soft, other portions were rock hard. The bacon was the standout here, real smoky, flavorful, and not rubbery at all. They have two sections here, a coffeehouse like sitting area, where you seat yourself, or a lounge southern type feel with a flat screen which is a nice contrast. Pretty quiet for breakfast, but there seemed to be a sex and the city type group of women who were talking about some hilarious topics. Try the donuts (beignets) at this place.
(3)
Erica W.
I saw Bayou Bakery on TV and decided to visit when I got to the DC area. All in all, it was just ok. I think that I had really high expectations since I saw it on First Look, and because they had all of these awards hanging on the wall, and a cookbook you could buy, but I found it to be pretty average. My friends agreed as well. The beignets...just ok. The gumbo...just ok (and I know gumbo b/c my parents are from Louisiana), The sandwich...just ok. I will say that the decor is really nice - very laid back and interesting. I enjoyed being in the space. The customer service was great as well. Seems like a cool place to hang out, but manage your expectations when it comes to the food.
(3)
Brian F.
Went to Bayou today with my wife and kids. We enjoyed it. We got some of the beignets and biscuit+ham and biscuit+sausage. The beignets were great. We've never had them before, so can't speak to authenticity, but it was great. It was fun watching the kids chow down on the beignets and have faces (and clothes...) covered with the powdered sugar. Biscuits were so-so. Kind of dry, and not particularly tasty. Coffee was ok - but nothing to write home about. We went on Presidents' Day and it was crowded for breakfast. We eventually got seats and enjoyed the family time together. The place has a nice community feel.
(3)
Steph Y.
I've eaten the beignets at Bayou Bakery and I can say definitively, without a doubt, that they taste nothing like beignets from Cafe Du Monde. My previous review (which had 4 useful, 7 funny, and 3 cool votes) was removed because it "lacked firsthand experience." I declare that I had firsthand experience with Bayou Bakery beignets and even asked the nice man to put more powdered sugar on them because the amount he gave me at first was a sad excuse for beignets. I then proceeded to eat one of the three beignets---I could not bear to finish them because they were so different from what I expected and wanted out of a beignet. And, as I said before, "You can say you like the beignets at Bayou Bakery. Heck, you can say you lurv them. But if you're saying they taste like Cafe Du Monde, you need to hop on the next Southwest flight out of BWI to NOLA...and [when] you taste that light and air-full crispy piece of fried dough you will promptly go to Yelp, and update your review."
(2)
A.K. A.
I was in town from Michigan visiting a friend and decided to give this place a try because I had seen it mentioned in a "Best Sandwiches in the US" article on Yahoo. I was a little worried at first after reading some of the reviews here, but ultimately the Bayou Bakery did not disappoint. I ordered the Muff-a-Lotta sandwich, which was mentioned in the article, with a cup of gumbo and a side of mac and cheese. I also got a Bloody Mary to start my lunch on the right note. Everything was fantastic. The Muff-a-Lotta, at least for me, was the right portion, my favorite part about it was that the garlic was noticeable but not overpowering. The gumbo looked and smelled so good that I didn't even have to try it to know it was going to be delicious. And the mac and cheese, good lord. It isn't as good as mac and cheese at BBQ joints in Michigan, but it was just a notch below. If it had been prepared with jalapenos, it may have won, but overall they went for savory instead of spicy. The menu did say their mac is prepared differently everyday though. A little on the pricey side but overall the visit was worth it. If I lived in the area, I'd be visiting Bayou Bakery a lot more often.
(5)
Samantha W.
Prices are surprisingly reasonable; servings are plenty; $14 Abita Amber pitchers on Fridays; meatballs are delicious. Two thumbs up for Bayou.
(4)
Brandy T.
This is a review solely of their beignets and coffee. I waffled over how many stars to give - on the one hand, it's hot, fried balls of dough covered in powdered sugar. How is that anything but awesome? On the other hand, they didn't taste anything like the beignets that I used to eat in Houston or New Orleans. So in that sense, they were disappointing. They did have honey there for me to drown them in, though, so that was a plus. The coffee was really good and the atmosphere was nice as well. Basically, I can't hate on hot fried dough, even if it doesn't taste like what I'm used to eating. I'll be back here again. Maybe next time I'll try their chicken gumbo and some biscuits, too.
(4)
Jelli F.
I really wanted to like this place. I was totally disappointed. I ordered a sausage egg and cheese biscuit. The biscuit was good, but the eggs were microwaved (or tasted microwaved) and the sausage was cold. The coffee was also lukewarm and weak. Really disappointing. This place is to New Orleans what Pizza Hut is to Naples. Save your cash and the calories.
(2)
Yan W.
Right next to the court house metro, this quaint little shop has a lot to offer. The sandwiches are wonderful. My favorite is the Wednesday special cubana. The freshly brewed teas are amazing, including the mint tea - of course made from freshly muddled mint leaves. They even have a great dessert offering - the beignets. The staff is also very friendly and informed about the food and quality of ingredients. Be warned, parking is limited to the streets or adjacent lots.
(5)
Jenny T.
Not super impressed with their dinner options. While the sausage and meatballs were really good, their braised collards were not impressive at all. But their brew was good, I think they had a pitcher special I shared with a friend.
(3)
Jenny S.
I guess ordering a salad at a Cajun place was a bad idea....I ordered the Kale Caesar. There didn't seem to be any kale in it - the employees then helpfully pointed out that they had mixed in about 3 small pieces of kale. The rest of the salad was slighly wilted romaine. So....perhaps they need to modify the name of the salad? It was disappointing, and the employees didn't seem to care one way or another. Too bad as the ambiance and beignets are good.
(1)
Jon B.
Bayou Bakery has some tasty items but on the a whole is half-assed and amateurish. To wit: -Why is it open for dinner if it serves only one complete dish (which varies daily) and a bunch of discombobulated items that don't compliment one another? For example, the meatballs: very tasty, but it's literally only meatballs. Can this be served with a carbohydrate and a vegetable? Would that be so hard? Maybe put it on some bread and call at a sandwich? I'm not going to come for dinner if there isn't more than one complete option on a given night. -Lunch: The sandwiches I've had are good, but there are only a handful of options and they don't come quickly, so it can't function as a lunchtime sandwich place unless you're willing to wait. But if you're willing to wait, why not just go to a place with more options or an actual waiter (or god forbid a busboy)? -For breakfast, it's beignet or sausage biscuit. That's just about it. Can a brother get some fresh, non-microwaved eggs? A pancake? French Toast? I've seen the grill back there! -Maybe it's a coffee shop? Probably not if it closes at 9PM and offers 4 comfortable chairs and a bench. -It says "bakery" in the name, but there are about 6 bakery options that don't (as far as I can tell) rotate. -Finally, according to the lady behind the counter, the 8oz cup of gumbo costs $4 and the 12oz bowl of gumbo costs $7. LET ME REPEAT: IT COSTS $4 FOR 8 OUNCES OF GUMBO, AND $7 FOR 12 OUNCES OF GUMBO. Why would the next 4oz cost almost as much as the first 8oz? It makes no sense! The most unfortunate part is that I live in the neighborhood and really like a few of the things I've had here, so why can't Bayou Bakery just pick one thing and do it well? Be a sandwich place, be an eatery, be a coffee shop, be a bakery - I don't care, but for the love of god make up your mind and commit to doing it right!
(2)
Billgrolic G.
Great muffolata, the olive spread is legit. Arm drip sandwich also amazing, prepare for a roast beef coma, though. Great prices and friendly staff. Nice outdoor seating. Great addition to courthouse. New to the menu is a strawberry salad with balsamic goat cheese that is fantastically super. And I don't do salads. The bloody marys are classic new Orleans styled with green beans and a nice earthy taste.
(5)
Sade L.
I enjoyed the experience I had at the Bayou Bakery. I love that it has the New Orleans flare through out the restaurant. The prices I wasn't a fan because the food didn't measure up to them. If I would eat here again it would be for sweets and maybe a cup of coffee but not for a meal.
(2)
Sloe R.
And a half stars. I was lucky to walk in around two pm to beat the lunch crowd. Finally broke my beignet cherry and ordered three for $3 (unbelievable, isn't it? This southerner has never had a beignet but then, I rarely eat donuts and pastries. It's bad enough I've denounced Krispy Kreme). Therefore, I can't fairly compare them to, say, Cafe du Monde, but I thought they were delicious. I wanted to eat them in the car but they were too powdery and there's no way in hell I was going to risk getting that stuff all over my pristine German baby. Plus I didn't want any of my friends thinking I had a blow relapse. Just kidding, folks. So you can imagine the anticipation of wanting to sink my teeth into them as I sat in traffic all the way home. By the time I arrived, they had slightly cooled. A better game plan would have been to dine in and get it while it's hot but in the words of some infamous and anonymous person, "I got shit to do." Additionally, I ordered a Cafe Au Lait and a $7 bowl of gumbo to go. I wasn't terribly impressed with either. My mother makes killer gumbo and while I appreciate the smoky infused flavor of Bayou's, it was bland and uninspiring. I also bit into some chicken gristle which was kind of gross. I had to add some - no, make that ALOT - of Tabasco sauce to give it some pep! As for the coffee, I felt it was also underwhelming. Maybe because I ordered skim milk? It was very watery. I make a mean French Press but maybe next time I'll order one anyway, just to have something satisfying to sip after scarfing a trio of beignets - which - I truly enjoyed. The only other solution is to catch a non-stop flight to New Orleans and hit Cafe du Monde. You know, just to compare. All the name of helping out my fellow foodies! The sacrifices I make!
(3)
Megan A.
I've been here several times and I've never had a bad experience, though I wouldn't order some things again (salad). Their sandwiches are very delicious (muffaletta!!), and their giant whoopie pie dessert is to die for. So, so good. I've been there for live jazz, which really adds ambiance to the place. It can be a little awkward at time as some people use this place for meeting and chatting with friends while others appear to be studying or working, but it hasn't taken away from my experiences on the whole.
(4)
Suzie R.
I work dangerously close to Bayou and stop in often. I'm a fat kid so I've tried only three things: - chocolate chip cookies - espresso based drinks - and of course, beignets The beignets come in an order of three so NEVER GO ALONE. That's far too many to eat on your own, 1.5 is just enough though. The lattes are delicious and reasonably priced. The cookie was not memorable but lets be honest, even a bad chocolate chip cookie is still pretty good. My ONLY complaint is that they give you the beignets in a bag if you take them to go which causes all the sugar to fall off and you find yourself shamelessly licking the paper bag. Not that i've ever done that. The coolest part? They have a leave-one-take-one book section. You just don't find that in this area anymore. Gives it a neighborhood feel.
(4)
Cat P.
Bayou Bakery is a cute and friendly spot for what my Louisiana-born co-worker considers a haunt for authentic Louisiana eats, though she admits that not all dishes are Orleans-derived or unique to that part of the country. As with other independently-owned coffeehouses and bakeries, Bayou Bakery has eclectic decor and a real homey feel. For the first time ever, I saw vintage bakeware used as wall art. Other accents include LSU and N'awlins Saint flags, alligator heads, and rustic benches. A variety of seating is available, which is always a good thing. Our beignets came in a set of three with a very heavy "dusting" (more like a heaping) of powdered sugar. They beignets were light and airy on the inside and not too sweet on their own. I can't quite recall the famed Cafe du Monde's, but I thought Bayou's take on it was pretty good, though I actually prefer Founding Farmer's version of the Big Easy treat. The chai latte that I ordered to round out my meal was awesome! The key is a high-quality chai, and they got it right. The price for the regular size drink was pretty reasonable, akin to a major coffee chain, which needs not be named. Overall, I think Bayou Bakery is a great neighborhood spot for the Courthouse area and a place definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area. The savory menu items, such as their biscuit sandwiches, sound quite enticing. When we entered, the smell of breakfast meats perfumed the air and would definitely make my omnivore friends happy.
(4)
Alex T.
Good taste of home for any Louisianians. A fantastic substitute for REAL New Orleans food, and apparently a great place to watch the Saints play on Sundays. The beignets actually taste like authentic Cafe du Monde and the Cafe Au Lait and Cheese Grits are phenomenal. Yum! I'm gonna make a tradition of it.
(5)
Sar T.
The beignets taste like oil and powder sugar and the praline taste just like brown sugar. The smell also from the oil is very strong.
A cute, hipster hangout. We grabbed a bite to eat here before catching a movie at the nearby AMC theaters. Beignets: delicious! Wish it had some kind of chocolate drizzle, but it was still yummy. Goes great with a cup of cappuccino. Gumbo: get the bowl, much more worth it! It was really good and my bf can't stop raving about it! Bayou BLT: the BEST BLT sandwich I ever had! All the ingredients perfectly complemented each other. It goes great with the gumbo! I could see myself coming back here. We really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere!
(4)
Natasha G.
Finally came here with a few friends on a Saturday. This place is so hyped up, so I am glad I got to try it out. It's very clear that people love this place in the earlier hours (before noon). It was so crowded; the line was nearly out the door! Every table was filled, so we were watching customers like hawks to spot a free table. After noon, however, the place emptied out, and there was no line at all. You order at the counter, pay, get a namecard, and go back up to pick up your items. There is a decent selection of pastries, and the coffees/teas menu is large, but the actual entree menu is limited. I ordered a specialty latte with honey and orange zest. The honey flavor was present just enough so I could taste it, and it didn't overpower the drink which was great. On the other hand, there was no flavor of orange zest at all, and that was disappointing. I also got an egg and cheese biscuit which was really good. It was savory and salty and paired well with a slightly sweet latte. Furthermore, I got beignets, the item Bayou is most-known for. The beignets were definitely worth it and are good to share. They are large, puffy squares covered in powdered sugar. They were great! The restaurant itself is open and airy. The wall of windows helps to make the space feel big. The booth seats are much better so people aren't trampling over you. The people behind the counter were also very friendly and peppy. The hustle and bustle of this place works! There is also a garage next door, and Bayou will validate your parking, up to 2 hours, to be completely free. What a plus. Bottom line: if you're looking for a simple breakfast or lunch and tasty beignets, this place can work for you. Just don't expect a bountiful list of options.
(3)
Beth A.
Bayou Bakery caters our annual Mardi Gras party and the food always gets raves. Standouts are the Muff-a-lotta sandwiches, and, most especially, the crawfish dip. It is to.die.for. My son had beignets for the first time here as well - nirvana!
(5)
Michelle S.
I have been to Bayou Bakery several times and while you should NOT expect authentic Nola food, this is the closest you'll get in the DC area. Food is decent, if a bit overpriced. However DO NOT GO FOR SNOBALLS. I got very excited to see they had started making snoballs because you really can't find authentic ones outside of New Orleans. But they only call these "authentic" New Orleans snoballs because they come in a white box. In New Orleans, snoballs are very finely shaved ice in a white box that is then placed inside of a plastic bag, because obviously a box is not going to be leak-proof. Snoballs at Bayou Bakery are just crudely shaved ice shoved in a box -- no plastic bag option; I asked and they acted like I was crazy. Look at the pic to see what mine looked like less than one minute after getting my order. Had to throw it away before taking even one bite. SO disappointing. And did the manager (Jackie) offer me money back or anything when I went inside to show her my stained hands? Nope, she told me that's just how it's done. Lovely. (This link is what REAL Nola snoballs look like btw: neworleans.com/restauran… ) Hands are still stained red hours later. If you can't do them CORRECTLY, then maybe stop doing them at all.
(3)
Liz C.
This is one of our go-to places for brunch/lunch. It's close to the Court House metro and gets pretty crowded and loud on weekends with people of all ages. The atmosphere is casual New Orleans themed with Eric Clapton music. The food is pretty good but the portion sizes are way off. The classic sandwiches like Jive Turkey or Muffalotta are good to share, but the BBQ pulled pork sandwich is tiny for the price. I wish they served Jive Turkey on Sundays or offered more sandwich options. The coffee is good and there are free refills. The beignet are the best!! They come warm and topped with powdered sugar - there are three on the plate so def for sharing. Indoor and outdoor seating, although some weekends it's difficult to find a table. Good cosy spot to watch sports or catch up with a friend.
(4)
Evelin M.
I was in the area and I had heard they have snow balls, it was a hot day so I decided to stop by. I must say, I do enjoy the atmosphere at this place, it's laid back like a coffee shop with several people on their laptops and couples chatting away, but they also served food. I ordered the nectar flavored snowball, which was recommended. I will admit that it was a good flavor, I really did enjoy it, but $5 for like a scoop of ice with nectar flavor.. I think not! In Los Angeles you can get a raspado (shaved ice) in a cup for like $2 and you'll get more. I mean c'mon, IT'S ICE!
(3)
Miguel L.
Great teas and banana choc chip muffin! We sat and the server made the best Earl Gray London fog called a "Cheasapeake" that had vanilla and Hazelnut syrup. Great place. Cool small shop that sets quaint quiet oasis in hustle bustle of downtown
(4)
Ashley R.
Friendly staff. Good drinks and atmosphere. Very fast coffee service. I had a seasonal muffin (blueberry)... It was delicious without being too surgery!
(5)
Janicia M.
Every time I come, the people are super friendly. The lines also move decently during lunch hour. I came in for lunch to get the Mac & cheese. It was cold and not my vibe so I came back to switch for the gumbo and it wasn't an issue. I dock it 2 stars for the prices. Definitely priced more than what the food is worth. Good ingredients but the flavors just aren't there for everything. The baked goods are amazing though!
(3)
Dan M.
They call this a bakery, but it's more of a coffeeshop in offerings and decor. A very good coffeeshop, though. The grilled chicken salad sandwich and braised collards hit the spot at lunch. Not enough places offer collards, and bayou's are really good. They also will give free refills on coffee while you dine - nice touch. I love that they turn classic coffeeshop favorites into cocktails, too. Sadly, I went during lunch and wasn't liquoriing myself up before the drive back into DC, but the cajun latte (latte with bourbon), captain chai (uh, chai latte with captain), and the spice apple cider with a glass rimmed with bacon and cinnamon sugar (what?!) all sound amazing. They were out of beignets when we went (awwww), very disappointing, but what are you going to do? It was a satisfying lunch.
(4)
J P.
I gave it two stars because this is the second time I get the wrong order. Otherwise, I would give them at least 4 stars. I ordered a biscuit w cheese, bacon and turkey. For some reason they wrapped the turkey in aluminum foil and placed it aside. The second time, I ordered two things and they forgot the second order. I came back and they lady who hands out the food said to her co worker "they keep forgetting to add orders together". I guess she didn't know I speak Spanish. I'll keep coming back and I'll just make sure to check my orders when I get them. I hope I don't get a 3rd strike.....
I love the beignets and the giant coffee mugs. :) Perfect spot for weekend breakfast/brunch or a weeknight treat. People complain that they have to go to the front to pick up their food/ take their dishes up afterwards...it's fine! We are lucky beyond measure to be able to afford eating out, so do we really need someone to bring us our food and clean up after us too? No. Cmon.
(4)
Julianna J.
I had a decent latte and some beignets. The beignets were yummy, the latte nothing too special. The place is a little cramped and it can be difficult to find seating during the busy hours.
(3)
Alex T.
The best coffee house I've found around DC. You can choose from pour over, french press, or standard drip coffee. The food is themed both around french New Orleans comfort food (beignets served all day, local beers, and candied pecan scones) and fresh, healthy food (yogurt, granola, and nine grain bread sandwiches). Finally, the decor is to die for. Both indoor and outdoor seating, large couches and chairs, free wifi, and a small book exchange library makes Bayou a constant favorite when I'm in Arlington.
The food at this place is pretty great; it's a solid go-to for a Saturday or Sunday brunch. The beignets, coffee, and mac and cheese are delicious. However, Bayou could absolutely stand to improve their order pickup process. I know that blinking buzzers or numbers might not have as much "character" as the little location placards, but it would prevent your poor guests from having to endure a wail of "FOOOOOOOTWADYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY" over the microphone every 30 seconds. Talk about annoying.
(3)
Lauren B.
Walk through the door and you may think you have walked clear to Louisiana! A delicious slice of New Orleans brought to northern virginia. I've only dined for breakfast but it is one of my favorite places to grab a morning bite. But beware! If you don't come early enough then be prepared to wait in line and have a fierce stalking game to claim the first available table (I find it akin to stalking for parking in the mall parking lot around Christmas time). One last point for service, while I find it adorable that instead of a number to be called for your order you're assigned a French word or town, in the loud chaos or rush hour breakfast traffic, it is nearly impossible to hear the unfamiliar words and often miss my order being ready. For food - you can't go wrong. My personal favorite is the BBQ biscuit (it will melt in your mouth and crumble on your plate - grab a fork), the gumbo and the hash browns. The beignets are good but I can generally only handle just one. The coffee is also fantastic. I'll be making a trip back for dinner as I've heard rave reviews for their weekday wine specials and dinner entrees!
(4)
Philip L.
Literally best coffee in town. I get their French press every time. Add some beignets and you're on point. I've tried almost all their menu and the options are solid. The owner, Dave is pretty cool.
(5)
J. C.
I've been here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in addition to having them cater a southern themed baby shower I did! Everything has been amazing: greens, deviled eggs, Mac & cheese, biscuits, beignets, and ESP their coffee! Love it!
(5)
Andrew H.
If only it were closer to me, I'd probably be at Bayou Bakery every weekend. With a very direct menu of coffees and good Southern breakfast options, I could see myself downing plate after plate of their biscuits and gravy or dusting myself with plumes of powdered sugar as I bite into their beignets. Pair that with a nice and relaxed coffee house ambiance and you've found a winning combination. But do get there early as there really aren't that many seating options and the place will be busy. Fortunately for us, we stopped by right before the Saturday morning rush. It's not often I find myself WAY over the river (yes, I'm from DC) that early on a weekend morning, but the next time I do, I may just try to sneak over to Bayou Bakery for a hearty breakfast before going along with my day.
(4)
Glen J.
Grillades and grits on Sunday ... great food and atmosphere. When you are from New Orleans it is difficult to find good "food from home" but it is it here. Will go often and recommend to others.
(4)
Peter M.
Based on breakfast only. I had the pork biscuit. It tasted decent and the biscuit itself was fluffy (although it's easier to eat it with a fork than to pick it up, as the biscuit disintegrates). It's not that big though, so if you're hungry you should either get two of them or order something else. Spouse got the beignets, which she reports were excellent. I wish there was more of a breakfast selection...the choices are limited. I'll revisit this review after I've been there for lunch or dinner.
(3)
Fran T.
This place is fantastic. Great homemade breakfast items and pastries. The oatmeal is excellent. Also a surprisingly updated beer list and happy hour offerings. I would eat here regularly if I lived here...
(4)
Brian B.
Good coffee and prompt service. The food was well prepared and I loved the biscuits. Very good.
(3)
Sapna D.
This place is a great place to have local. Great concept of being a coffee shop by day and a cool place to grab a beer and snack at night. The beignets are pretty close to the ones I had in NOLA and they have chicory coffee, which is great! The pimento cheese is delish if you want a little snack and they usually have some good pastries in the case.
We went on Sunday morning at around 9, it was a little crowded when we went in, but seating was not a problem. We ordered: - Egg biscuit - Egg n cheese biscuit - Oatmeal - Grits - Fresh orange juice Biscuit was a little dense, the taste was good though. Orange juice was really fresh, so it's definitely a good choice for a relatively heavy breakfast. Oatmeal was cooked just right. Grits was on the plain side, so I didn't even finish the bowl.
(3)
Kimberly B.
Bayou is one of those local spots that you bring people from out of town. It's truly unique for the area. The coffee (cappuccinos, lattes, etc) are the best in town, and the food is absolutely delicious, bringing real New Orleans specialties and flavors. The only downside is the wait to order (at the counter) and for food can be long, and it can be especially hard to get a table on the weekend. Great for casual breakfast and coffee or dinner and a cocktail. Definitely try the Bloody Mary at brunch time too.
(4)
Cole U.
Beignets are delicious! I love the decorations and layout. The only downside is sometimes the coffee doesn't stay hot for long and somewhat expensive, depending what you get. Sandwiches and lemonade are yum!!
(3)
Marie D.
Wasn't that impressed. Got the whoopie pie cookie and it was really stale (unless it's supposed to be very hard to bite like a rock?). The captain chai tea was not delicious. I didn't try any of the dinner food so I can't comment there, but I was underwhelmed with this place. If you have the word "bakery" in your name and your baked goods aren't up to par I'm probably not coming back. Better luck to the rest of you!
(2)
Katie P.
I would give this place 3.5 stars if I could, just because I wasn't blown away from the food. BUT it has the best gumbo that I've eaten outside of Louisiana. Very dark, rich, smoky roux. The mixed green salad I had was less impressive- a little too much cheese it was served in a plastic bowl that was sort of unwieldy. I'm usually of the camp that no beignet is a bad beignet, but there was something off about these-almost a faint sake favor? I'm hopeful that other menu items are better. Apparently the owner went to culinary school in New Orleans, and the food for the most part seems legitimate. Excited to see boudin on the menu and pepper jelly as a condiment. The service was super friendly and the food arrived very fast (although I didn't order anything complicated). The food pick up card is the name of a parish (counties in Louisiana). I was pretty excited to get one by happenstance with one of the parishes I had lived in. It's a bit difficult to hear them call your parish unless they use the mic (which they don't always seem to do). The decor is a little heavy-handed in "Louisiana-ness" but not cloyingly over the top. The music is great- all over the board including latin, some New Orleans classics, covers of southern rock, some old soul music, some Dr. John-esque songs. No cheesy zydeco but also nothing from the top 40. It's also the right volume so you can't hear the details of your neighbors' conversations but still hear yourself think. There is a hangout/study area in the back that is extremely comfortable and cozy. I stopped in for lunch with the intention of migrating to a coffee shop but ended up lingering for a few hours.
(4)
Anita K.
I am Louisiana born and bred. High standards, you better believe! Disappointed in the beignets. Overwhelmed with a strong (not good) yeast smell with my first bite and no salt in the dough what so ever. Biscuits were tasty, but very crumbly, the creole cream cheese/pepper jelly was quite tasty. The cheese grits were very good, but could have been warmer. Missed my chicory in the cafe au lait. Headed home for a "cleansing" Food snob? You bet! BTW: Puh-leeeze get someone that can properly pronounce parishes!
(3)
Hwal L.
Solid cafe style bakery. Casual ambiance. You order at the front counter, take a ticket and take a sit -if you're eating in- and when they call the very unusual word on the ticket, you go and collect the food from the other side of the counter. We went here twice on our stop in DC. Breakfast biscuit with egg, cheese and bacon was delicious, and the biscuit was fresh out of the oven. Grilled chicken sandwich was solid, and although pricey, beans and rice was tasty. We would eat here again for sure.
(4)
Brianna F.
I used to love this place, but the prices are steep and they've cut on the product. You used to get 3 large pillowy beignets in one order- twice now I've gone and it's clear, they've reduced the side and they aren't nearly as fluffy anymore. Also, if you go on a weekend, it's likely there will be nowhere to sit. Bummer because I used to love this place.
(3)
Que Q.
My job just moved into the neighborhood. Two weeks ago thought to check out the Bayou; Stood in line while one cashier/worker talked to the other not helping get the line moving. As soon as I stood at his colleagues' register, he calls the person behind me and took their order. Fast forward to Wednesday 4/30; same guy, same leisurely attitude; running his mouth to the other cashier/worker during lunch while there is a line. After she took orders from maybe two customers, he then called the next customer from the line over to another register. Someone needs to tell him that when there is more than one customer standing in line, he needs to shut his mouth and patronize with his colleagues when the place has down time or after work hours. As for the food, the jury is out. By the time my order was ready, I was pissed so taste buds wouldn't cooperate because they were screaming mad too. I may or may not visit again. Far too many choices in the neighborhood to be putting up with nonsense.
(3)
Bruce M.
Just a delightful place with good food, reasonable prices, wifi, comfy chairs, and sunny windows.
(4)
Jam C.
Food here is okay but I love their beignets and baked goods! The beignets are freshly made when you order them and is a steal for $3. Make sure you eat them right away. :D They rotate different pie flavors so you won't always find the same pie when you come here. My faves are the apple pie and the sweet potato pie topped with pecans. Both pies are very good and not overwhelming sweet. This is a good option for a casual Southern breakfast/brunch. It does get really really busy on weekend mornings you might have to resort to stalking almost-done-eating-guests to snag a table.
My husband and I went there because I wanted to go and check the Bayou Bakery for a long time.So we orderd two cappucinos and a almond croissant.The pastry was awesome,but the coffees where lukewarm.I went and told the barista that my coffee was cold.She asked if it was a cappucino,when I said yes she told me that is the temp they make them there????What?I paid 3.50 for a luke warm coffee and then the barista tells me thats how they are supposed to be drunk.I asked her if there was a way to warm it up.She said that the only way was for her to make a new one and in the future if I order a coffee there again I should ask for it to be hot.I then said that I have had cappucino all over the world and never had a tepid coffee or had to ask for it to be hot,wtf?...Even in San Francisco where they take coffee extremely serious I never had such an experience.Needlessly to say my husband who drank his not so hot coffee will never set food in that place again.I might because I liked the decor and musik and the coffee that I got hot when she remade it.I am giving one point because the pastry was great and thought the New Orleans theme was well done
(1)
Mariana G.
This place usually doesn't hit the spot for me. But today... I tried their brownies, oh how delicious. I think they put coffee in the batter. Their food is okay, they will see me around for those addicting baked goods.
(3)
Jenna L.
Bayou Bakery has one of the best breakfast sandwiches in the area. They serve it on a super yummy biscuit with salty thick cut bacon. This is my go-to when I just want a take-out breakfast sandwich. However, I took away points because the one time I got coffee, I was not impressed (and this is, primarily, a coffee shop), and it's always so packed that you are bumping into people, hoovering over others awkwardly waiting for a table, and wondering if you just heard the announcer right that your food is out because it's kind of loud. Overall, this is not a relaxing brunch spot, so, just get take out.
(4)
Cory L.
Quick....tell these people that the hipster pretentious ship left a long time ago. It is a dying breed....good riddance....oh, and take that high cosmetic price tag with you! Beignets are good..not great. Coffee drinks thus far...a-ok! BeepBeep...gotta run.
(2)
Eat Drink F.
Disappointed, and sorry that I didn't have a better meal. The shrimp creole special was simply bland and the rice was overlooked. The shrimp was fresh, but that's the only redeeming value of the dish. Thank goodness the Abita was cold and cheap ($3 pints).
(3)
Christine H.
Nice place to grab a coffee and beignets with my work bff's. Service is always friendly and their coffee flavors of the day are yummy, my fave by far is the basil/mint iced latte...seasonal only :(
(3)
Mike R.
Jive Turkey Sandwich is my absolute favorite. Love the arugula and "southern style" bread. I'll be back just for that! During the week Bayou has really interesting pour over coffee selections. The coffee comes at a premium ($2.75 for a small) but it is some of the best coffee I've had in the D.C. area- really robust and unique. I'm particularly fond of the Haitian blend. On the weekend there is nothing better than going and splitting a large french press with my girlfriend. The coffee comes in the urn (so fun!) and they are always accommodating when we ask for two mugs. I am a huge fan of the biscuits and gravy that are available on the weekend. They have pepper jelly available at the "fixings" counter and it goes wonderfully with the biscuits. Obviously the beignets are a staple in our New Orleans themed weekend breakfast too! It's a ton of fun to stop by. Bayou feels so authentic with the LSU and Saints gear EVERYWHERE! Love the outboard engine hanging on the drink specials sign. I'm looking forward to going back to try some more lunch specials and the deserts!
(4)
Leigh D.
One day in October while working Arlington, I walked over to this place for gumbo. I figured hot spicy food would be good since I was sick that day. I'm not sure how effective it was on my sore throat. However, I do know one thing; the gumbo was tasty. Maybe the best gumbo in the DC area. I'd definitely go here again.
Breakfast sandwich is overrated but the "chicory coffee" is Amazing!!! Not a bad place to have a morning jolt!! Beignets are okay, prefer the real N.O.
(3)
Tom W.
Pretentious. Not good value...biscuit and toppings nothing to write home about..example. eggs are a square slab....even McDonalds does it better..
(1)
Lynn C.
Searched for local Cajun cafe after a trip back from New Orleans and found Bayou Bakery. It's conveniently located right next to the metro, the menu is extensive. Loved the atmosphere and the decor. Ordered a drink ( apple cider late?) and it was bad, mixing apple cider with coffee is just a bad idea, but it's just a novelty item on their menu and I always fell for novelty items...Anyways, beignets are no comparison to the ones I had in New Orleans, but who am I kidding, I am not in new Orleans anymore. The sandwich I ordered is very good however. I suspect I will like other food offerings they have too. In conclusion, I will definitely come back to try out other items on the menu and this cafe is a more superior choice than chains like starbucks..
(4)
Jo Ann L.
The food was meh, very unimpressed. As someone who travels through the south, this does not scream Cajun to us. The gumbo was watery but tasted alright. The portions were decent size but some more then others. We went based on the reviews here, however they mislead us greatly. We will never be coming back as there are much better cajun/southern places in the area.
(2)
Donald C.
I love good food. Sometimes (rarely) you find a place with an enormous menu and every item is terrific. Possible, but rare. Occasionally, you find a place with a small menu and every item is good. THAT is Bayou Bakery. First...don't think of it as a bakery. Maybe the name should be "Bayou Bites" or 'The Bayou" because it is not just a bakery. I had the Jambalaya and it was terrific, especially with some of the hot sauce that resides on each table. The bloody marys looked GREAT....like a huge vegetable garden, but alas, I didn't have one. The menu is on a chalkboard sign when you walk in, you order at the counter, and then find a table and wait for your order to be called. The atmosphere is cool, the food is great, they have ice water off to the side for perpetually thirsty runners like me, and the service is friendly. Go to Bayou Bakery and get away from the normal chicken nugget, veggie wrap, hamburger, hotdog type rut we all fall into. You'll be happy.
(4)
Mackenzie T.
Amazing Beignets!! I was staying in the Hilton down the street and I came in here 2 out of the 4 days I was here. The first day I had a macchiato and the beignets (3 per order). On the second day I had an egg & cheese biscuit. The biscuit was dry, but the copious amount of cheese made up for it!
(5)
Tara C.
A little overpriced. Paid for $42 for a king cake on Friday. Was told it had cream cheese in it but we did not taste It. It was sort of small, so I bought another one closer to home on Saturday for less than half the price. All the Mardi gras Party guests chose the other cake over the bayou cake. Lesson learned. Staff was super nice though:)
(2)
Amanda M.
My mom and I had breakfast here on 4/14 after perusing the offerings at the Courthouse farmer's market. We arrived around 815 am and had our pick of tables (by the time we left at 9 it was filling up). We have family in Louisiana and thus my mom was quite excited about the beignets. We shared an order of beignets - hot, fluffy, sweet and each had a breakfast biscuit. I ordered the basic egg and cheese and my mom added ham to her's. I'm torn on the biscuits. I love the fact that they weren't greasy but I would take a little bit of grease if it would make the biscuits less dry. Luckily, BB has hot pepper jelly on one of the condiment stations, which helped with the dryness. The bloody marys are served in mason jars and are quite tasty. I haven't been to BB in the evenings but it looks like they have some great specials during the week so I will need to stop in. All in all, BB is a solid breakfast place and has the best beignets I have had outside of Louisiana.
(3)
Yujin M.
The "bowl" of gumbo was quite small, and just looked like a bowl of gravy with dry rice and a few specks of sausage. The jambalaya was all dry rice similarly speckled sausage pieces and a single halved shrimp. Most disappointingly, the beignets were a far cry from the delicate puffs of fried dough you would get at Cafe du Monde, and were huge lumps of dough that had an overly-strong bitterness that was barely masked by the enormous amount of powdered sugar. What a shame that the food tasted like something you would get from a kit you would buy at Trader Joes, as the restaurant itself is adorable. The back seating area with a sofa and an old-style school desk-chair looked very inviting, and I could imagine myself sitting here for hours with a book or my laptop. The decor was fun without being gaudy, and service was very friendly. If they had stepped up the food, Bayou would have easily made it to the top of my Arlington favorites. Three stars because for the great ambiance and because the food wasn't necessarily bad--if I had made it at home, I'm sure I would have received compliments. But then again, that's not saying much. This place has a lot of heart--too bad heart isn't enough to make good food. **My greatest takeaway from Bayou was the recipes they use to line the bathroom walls. I found an easy recipe for a coffee crumble cake from the bathroom that I'm hoping will turn out better than the food they serve here.
(3)
Jeannifer B.
Was looking for best coffee shop around arlington and ended up in this location! So far the coffee was great but service was pretty slow but staff were friendly. Beignets were extremely so good!
(4)
Nick T.
Definitely underated in the stars category. The biscuits are light and fluffy, not greasy, big and tasty, add some ham and it's heavenly. My son wasn't a big fan of the turkey sausage, but he can be picky. The Hungover Hog is really well seasoned and filling. The beignets are warm and wonderful. Be careful not to inhale as you eat them or you'll end up with a lungful of powdered sugar. The orange juice is fresh, fresh squeezed. Can you say Grits? I'm not a big Grits fan but these made me a believer. The seating can be a bit cramped, but I guess that says something about the popularity of the place.
(5)
Juliet A.
My sister (who lives in Boston) emailed me and asked if I had ever been to Bayou Bakery after she saw it featured on Unique Sweets. In fact, I had no prior knowledge of BB, so I took her email as an opportunity to tell my husband that we HAD to go here so that I could fulfill my sisterly duties and report back to my sweet sis on this place. My husband willingly obliged and we stopped into the ol' Bayou to see what it is all about. Atmosphere is cool - eclectic, comfortable, engages all your senses. After drooling over the items in the bakery case, place your order and wait for your name to be called (it won't actually be your name, it will be some Louisiana term or place given to you on a card). There are plenty of small tables but the best place to sit and while away the hours is the back (grab the comfy red couch!). There you can enjoy your coffee and cookies or your veg-head sandwich and tea while you play tic-tac-toe or kick back with a book or magazine in their library. Best bets: the beignets (a must-try) - fried dough with powdered sugar heaped generously on top. Sooooo good, and I don't even like doughnuts ($3 for 3 beignets). Also, the gumbo is pretty tasty (with chicken and andouile sausage and rice on top), but I just wish they served a slice of hearty bread with it! In a way, I'm glad that Bayou Bakery does not have a store in DC, because if it did, I'm sure I would gain roughly 10-15 pounds from consuming every one of their baked goodies. Yum city.
(4)
NEHA M.
Mint and basil latte was great and so were the beignets. Rest of the good was just average. Would come back for coffee!
(3)
Claire K.
Bayou has good, southern food with friendly staff. It may seem "over-priced" to some, but I noticed that the staff shops at the local farmers market on the weekend, buying literally ALL of their produce for the week. I have a lot of respect for that, and am absolutely willing to pay a bit more to support local food! Bayou has a home-feel to it, and this non-chain local coffee shop is a rarity in the chain-ridden neighborhood of court house. It's outdoor seating is really nice on a spring/summer morning. I recommend the hisbiscus tea (seriously some of the best I've ever had), and the jumbalaya.
(4)
Debby L.
BEIGNETS WOW. My friend said that it was equivalent to the ones in New Orleans. I have yet to go myself, but these beignets are pretty effing awesome. They come in three huge pieces, overflowing with sugar powder. Every time I take a bite, powder flies everywhere, it's so amazing. CAPPUCCINO Sucks. I don't really know why. It's not smooth? It's not strong enough? I'm not sure. It's just not that great. CAFE AU LAIT Just ok. I think I'll just get a water, and a bunch of beignets next time!
(4)
Kara S.
Fun little bakery in the heart of courthouse! the ambiance and service are a great find in a city with many chains. The food quality is great and have enjoyed their breakfast sandwiches many times. My friend had their biscuits and gravy and gave it stellar reviews! all the baked goods look delicious! giving this a 4/5 only because there are no healthy options on the menu.
(4)
Max T.
Love this place for its simplicity and niche between restaurant and coffee shop. I've stopped in here for everything from breakfast to and afternoon coffee to happy hour and it's always fantastic.
(5)
Sam B.
Disappointing experience. We have been to this restaurant in the past and have tried the sandwiches, they were not bad. BUT this time we ordered the really Cajun fare and were totally disappointed. The Shrimp creole was insipid and shrimps were under cooked (ouch) price tag a hefty $13 (double ouch for bad food); the Jambalaya was bland and had just 2 thin slices of sausage. Will NOT be coming back in a long time.
(1)
Joe M.
The food is great here, including coffee and hot chocalate(supposedly). I love this place.
(5)
Zelda R.
A friend and I went out of our way one Saturday afternoon to get the "renowned" muffaletta. Upon parking across the street, you could hear the live music, that's how loud it was. We went in and were assaulted with a live blues band so loud you could not hear yourself think. So eating in was out of the question. Band members literally got up and started following behind us, as if it wasn't loud enough from the front of the restaurant, and from the stage, others were making loud demands for tips. Wow. How rude. I've been to New Orleans multiple times. Blues bands play in bars, not in the middle of restaurants where people would like to be able to digest the food and converse. We brought our sandwiches home and they were MEDIOCRE. Shortly after this place opened, I went there and had beignets and coffee. Really liked it. But after this experience, I won't be returning. Don't need ears assaulted and don't need an overpriced sandwich whose flavor profile was salt, salt, and more salt on semi-stale tasting bread.
(1)
Melissa C.
Get yourself a lil bit of NoLa in Arlington. They got some awesome coffee here. The cafe au lait is my fav. I still think the beignets at cafe du monde are better but this is much cheaper than plane ticket to New Orleans to munch on some sweetness. Their Cajun food is pretty good. There is parking lot diagonal from bakery since street parking can be challenging.
(4)
Ryan D.
Thought it wasn't bad. The flow of foot traffic takes people right into the coffee station by the door. Can cause some traffic jams. Had coffee and some pastry thing. I'd try it again if I passed it.
(2)
Monika J.
I have been to New Orleans several times and the food I ordered at Bayou Bakery tasted nothing like the deliciousness of NOLA. I got the Beignets, gumbo, and muffulata sandwich. Beignets were not airy and fluffy like the original. The gumbo tasted like it was burnt. Nasty aftertaste. The sandwich was not memorable.
(1)
Athena A.
We came here for crawfish and beignets and got that plus great vibes. Love the atmosphere, quirky decor, laid back attitude, playful and classic southern music, and use of southern 'words' instead of order numbers. Very creative management and delicious good to back it up. Going back next weekend ;)
(5)
Rachel C.
I know that I'm prone to exaggeration, but Bayou Bakery made all my dreams come true. Cheap and delicious food, fattening as all get-out, with down-to-earth cocktails and coffee drinks, happy atmosphere, and ridiculous decorations. (There were, however, no bike racks, so I chained my bike rather obnoxiously to the outer portion of the ramp outside the restaurant). My friends and I found this place online, and we decided that we needed to turn it into an excursion. Turns out that Courthouse is a helluva lot closer to DC than I expected (right off the first leg of the Custis Trail), which is GREAT NEWS because that means that going back won't be much of a hardship. We ordered some combination of things, including the deviled eggs, a breakfast sandwich, jambalaya, a Bloody Mary, a soy latte, king cake, a muffalotta (I think they misspell it on purpose), and beignets...and we shared all of it. We're all relatively poor/cheap 20-somethings, and this was well within our price range. The sandwich (delicious biscuit with egg and cheese) was something like $2.75. All of the food/drinks were good, but CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE BEIGNETS FOR A SECOND. SERIOUSLY. $3 for the most divine concoction of fried dough and sugar imaginable--three of 'em, served warm. I was the one who purchased these, and it's really a testament to my kindness as a human being that I shared these with my friends. I wanted to eat the entire plate. The Bloody Mary was BOMB, and it came with a pickled green bean and some olives on top. This I also shared with a friend. The jambalaya was not veg-friendly (as well it shouldn't have been, by definition), but I had a bite anyway, and it was full of flavor. Deviled eggs were, well, deviled eggs, and the fact that they had them at all is an A in my book. Yum. Service was friendly, too, in spite of it being crowded. My friend accidentally dumped her king cake on the floor (partially due to the fact that we had something like 10 plates on our table for 4), and they gave her a new slice for free. I really, really want to go back and try more of the cocktails and coffee drinks. Also, on the way out, I noticed an awesome condiment bar...I love condiment bars. This one had, like, locally sourced honey or something. Yum. Aside from the lack of bike racks (AHEM, Bike Arlington, can we do something about this?), I could have dealt with less kids running around, butttt I guess on a Sunday in Northern Virginia, that sort of thing will happen, so no points docked for the loud rugrats.
(5)
Stefanie K.
Bayou Bakery is my favorite breakfast spot in the area. I go every weekend and am always happy with my order. The biscuit sandwiches are so good, and the bacon is to die for. The coffee and lattes are also very good, and the beignets can't be missed. I haven't tried this place for any meals other than breakfast, but hope to soon!
(5)
Larry L.
Great place to hangout, food unique and tasty. Best comfort food when you need a lift. Always smiling faces greet you at the counter !!
(5)
Ben W.
This is your authentic taste of New Orleans in the DC-area. This spot is great for brunch, lunch and dinner alike. It's also superb for eating outdoors on a nice day. I almost always stick with the jumbalaya and gumbo at Bayou Bakery. It is overpriced but the food makes it worth the extra pennies.
(5)
Sarah V.
I give Bayou Bakery 2 stars because I think it has potential. The atmosphere was nice and the pastries looked very tasty. If I come here again, I will stick with the coffee and pastry - maybe a side - approach. I ordered the roast beef sandwich (I can't remember the cutesy name right now) and it was kind of inedible. Not just because the flavors were under developed, but because the sandwich literally fell apart when I picked it up because it had so much gravy. I ended up eating half with a knife and fork, but the problem was the paper they served it on absorbed all the gravy/grease, cheese, and it tore and clung to the sandwich, so I had to watch out for bits of paper with every bite. I was really hungry, but I ended up just giving up after the first half. On the positive side, the atmosphere was great (but I was there with two good friends, so I think company contributed to a large part of this), the staff I encountered were very nice, and the lemonade I ordered was really perfect. The family next to our table had ordered a side of mac 'n cheese that I began to covet a quarter way through my mush sandwich. My friend ordered the beignets to share, and they were delicious (though for everyone who commented saying the beignets were AW-MAZING: I am sorry, it's fried dough and tons of powdered sugar. It's hard to go wrong/messing that up would be the deathblow to any restaurant claiming to be NOLA.) In sum: Food underwhelming, but maybe I ordered the wrong thing, I think the place could thrive if it played up the bakery/cafe, less the restaurant aspect of the business. I would try it again, but I am not eager to return. PS: I didn't ask my friend why, but she only ate half her turkey sandwich, and both of us can seriously put down some food, so I would be curious as to why she didn't finish her meal either.
(2)
Tierra H.
This place just warms my soul. RIGHT NOW, just thinking about it, I am craving a beignet. The way in which they do things here can be a little odd, but it works. So, you come here and you get in line to order. You step up and you order and pay and they give you a card with a name on it. When they call that, your food is in the window. The Sunday morning we were here was pretty crowded. No big deal. We waited in the line for a short time because it does move quickly. After that, the next task was to find a seat. Here's a hint - wearing dark clothing is not a great idea. Powdered sugar everywhere! That was fine. That's what happens when you have beignets, so we knew that. I ordered a biscuit with cheese and turkey sausage and a coffee. Boyfriend got something with eggs, I think (I don't eat eggs, so I didn't taste his). And we got beignets to share. The food was really good. Is it down home, NOLA-style -- I dunno. I don't care. It's yummy. That's what I care about. The place is certainly kitschy-looking and gives you something to look at while you wait. I'd def come back here for Sunday brunch. There is a parking lot across the street (free!) on Sundays. I do want to try it for dinner as well.
(5)
Elena I.
While I really wanted to eat a beignet, I just ended up having some dinner. The dinner menu is limited. And portions are small- much like tapas, mezze, or a tasting menu. I had the eggplant dish and watermelon salad (summer menu). The food didn't blow my tasting buds.I would definitely go back for coffee and try the beignets. Also the sofa lounge area is really cozy. I did enjoy sitting on the couch after dinner and relaxing.
(3)
Adrienne M.
Can I tell you that I'm just a tad teed and disappointed?? (Just FYI: my grandfather is a chef and my grandma was a southern cook) I came in to Bayou Cafe anxious and excited to try a new place...only to be dazed and confused about what the heck was going on here. The place looks as if it is authentic, but they were playing Afro-Caribbean music. Next, after ordering the much raved about gumbo, I realized it wasn't a seafood gumbo. I never!!!! Had I know this prior I would have gone somewhere else. The beignets were ok, I've had better. The tea was good though, China Breakfast. I'll come back another time for breakfast and will update my review, hopefully with more stars. I love small businesses, and further I love patronizing them with my money and my word-of-mouth. Conversely, when the wool is pulled over my eyes and the place is not as stand up as you anticipate and they advertise, my willingness to to any of the previously stated things wane. Sigh.
(3)
Mimi M.
I'm giving it 2 stars for the staff and atmosphere. The staff is super pretentious and as another reviewer said, they're trying too hard to be hip. We put up with it because we LOVE their croissants. Their coffee is so-so, no great shakes. What REALLY irritates me is that they won't give us our drink the way we want it because "the owner doesn't believe in it" or "we don't serve it that way". Before you get snotty with me...wait until you hear what it is we wanted. We like to drink iced espressos - maybe too pedestrian for their liking, but that's how WE, the CUSTOMER, wants it. So the first time, they said (think snooty response) "we don't believe in serving it that way", BUT, they do have iced Americanos (which is the same thing only with water added - but we don't like the additional water because you're already watering it down when the ice melts). We ask for iced Americanos without the water - "no, that would be an iced espresso, and we don't have that on the menu". Last time we went, I tried it again and asked for an iced no-water Americano and the guy said "you're going to get it with some water". I said, I know - the ice will melt, that's why I don't want additional water. So he replies "no, we're gong to add water to it". Whatever... Plus the way they've got it set up is super inefficient. They've got the barista before the cashiers and that's how the line goes, so when your coffee drink is ready (twenty minutes later) you have to cut through the people in line to try get to the counter. Still...those croissants are delish! I've tried the beignets - they're ok, but TOOOOO much powdered sugar. It's no Cafe du Monde that's for sure.
(2)
Brandy H.
This place is so cute and inviting. I had been here once before for just a water and a resting location after walking around town, but this past visit I actually ordered a coffee and a sweet. My first question at ANY coffee shop is do you have Almond Milk, and that question is usually followed by "no, but we have soy milk". Not this time! Bayou has Almond milk! JACKPOT! I ordered a cappuccino and a chocolate praline. The regular food smelled amazing, but I was saving my apetite for my own packed lunch (that proves how strong my will power is...sometimes). Every thing was yummy and the people behind the counter were super friendly and all smiles. What a great neighborhood gem.
(4)
Karisa D.
I have been to Bayou Bakery twice now and I am in love!!! I love the atmosphere at Bayou. It's a great place to enjoy a leisurely brunch during the weekend. Also great place to people watch, especially during warm weather. The food comes out fresh and made to order. The staff is wonderful too and show you the Southern Hospitality that is severely lacking in many places in the DC area. When I went with my boyfriend for brunch, he ordered biscuits and gravy. One of the friendly staff behind the counter said that we'd have to wait a few minutes since the biscuits were still in the oven, which we were fine. But they were so nice and comped our coffee. And with free refills! You all are too kind. Their coffee is delicious too. On to the food. Definitely order their yogurt with house made granola. If you like granola, you will love Bayou's granola. They also sell granola to go. Biscuits are great too. And their beignets...amazing!! Bayou Bakery. I'm a fan. I'd like a beignet now please. Thanks!
(5)
Ritzie C.
This place was pretty disappointing. I went for brunch with my emo friend and we shared our food. The beignets looked good but once I bit into one I was turned off because it was soggy and dense and I was surrounded by a cloud of powdered sugar. Why do they dump a bag of confectioners sugar all over the beignets? It's such a mess. The gravy that came with the biscuit was good but so skimpy in proportion that the dish was pretty dry. How is that even possible - DRY biscuits and gravy?! Also, you'd think a restaurant with a decent reputation would cook an egg to order for the breakfast sandwiches (this ain't McDonalds) but instead you get a rectangular egg brick that was probably sitting under some heat lamp. Best thing I had there? The french press coffee. The layout of the ordering system is confusing (and lame) and sadly the best in house entertainment was watching Ugly Daniel Craig converse with the chef and owner.
(2)
Maggie S.
My first visit was very disappointing. While the biscuits were good as was the pepper jelly, the beignets were served cold and my drink order never made it past the order being taken. What struck me as incredibly odd, was the security they seem to give to their sides. It was a Sunday and I saw someone walk by with a piping hot dish of mac and cheese. It looked good and I decided to order it. When I got to the register to order it , I was told they didn't have mac and cheese and they don't serve sides on Sunday. When I suggested to the person behind the register I had just seen a plate of mac and cheese he unequivocally said I was mistaken and I must have seen cheesy grits. Oh well. Needless to say when I returned to my table, sitting next to me was the man with the mac and cheese. I asked is that cheesy grits? He confirmed it was mac and cheese. I guess I didn't have the secret code word to order mac and cheese on a Sunday. Dismayed by the service b ut also really put off by the indignation of the guy behind the register though. Not sure I will return.
(2)
Lilli M.
I've been here once before a while back and remember it being quite crowded. So I figured meeting at 11 would help us beat the rush. Good effort but stymied just the same. I arrived around 10:45 and there was already a generous line. Most tables were already occupied, but I managed to snag one of small tables. Unfortunately, that table was one of the closest to the door and it was a windy day out, so we caught a blast of wind every time the door opened, which was frequently. I asked one of the cashiers and he said the line starts at 8 AM (which is when they open), so sadly there seems no real way to avoid the rush, though I noticed closer to 1:30 that a few tables started opening up. We got the biscuit ($2) with egg ($0.25) and cheese ($0.50) and I got a bowl of gumbo ($7). The gumbo had a generous amount of meat and definitely some black pepper, but it tasted great on a cold day like the present. I was grateful for the rice on top since it otherwise would have been a bit salty. We also got some beignets ($3 for 3). They're covered with a generous helping of powdered sugar and actually taste quite light, ie. though they're deep-fried, they don't taste greasy at all. I did have some trouble hearing my gumbo when it got called, so when I finally went up to check for it, there it was sitting on the counter. I don't know how long it was there and thankfully, it was still warm. As another Yelper mentioned, it can be challenging hearing your food order being called so if you don't hear it within a few minutes of ordering, I would just go and check to see if it's on the counter waiting for you, lest it grow cold. With Mardi Gras just around the corner, there are several things Bayou will be doing for that. I saw posters and flyers up everywhere about a "Bayou Bakery Block Party" that will be on Feb 12th. Lots of people also ordered their king cake. The full-size one is nearly $40, I think. Curbside pick-up for that seemed to be an option. They also had some available by the slice for $2. Overall, I liked the gumbo, the biscuit sandwich was crumbly and light, and the beignets were also light and pleasurable to the palate. It can be extremely busy here and even coming early or late doesn't seem to help much, so I might think twice before bringing a large group of people. I saw several families with young children and I think they all managed to find seats for them, though perhaps with some difficulty. There were definitely people waiting for seats to open up, so those are all factors to consider.
(4)
N L.
I had a large latte and a bayou blt. The blt was pretty good although nothing special. The latte though, was awful. Sure you don't go to a bakery for good coffee but it seems to be a highlight of their store because their $20,000 La Marzocco espresso machine is given prominent placement. The food sign is an afterthought and it took some maneuvering to read it. Oh the latte. First sip and my tongue was seared. It's not that hard to get the temperature right on a latte. It's what you learn in barista 101. Despite still being reminded several hours later by my tingling tongue, the taste of the latte was something I would like to soon forget. It was bland and rather boring. Now it'll be a few days before I can enjoy food again. The latte gets 0 stars. The sandwich gets 3. Overall 2 stars.
(2)
Spencer R.
I'm surprised that this place only has an average of three stars! I love it! Prices are good (Panera range, or maybe a little cheaper). Love their caesar salad with shrimp (the dressing is delicious), gumbo and beignets. My husband loves their roast beef sandwich. I loved the atmosphere and decor. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Steve S.
I came here for an event on a Saturday, and was first struck by the open layout and the friendly atmosphere that the restaurant just seems to give off. There are homemade decorations, trinkets, posters and other nice touches from Louisiana and as a huge fan of New Orleans, everything that makes that city so warm and inviting, all the way down to recipes from old Southern cookbooks posted on the walls in the bathroom. For all of the atmosphere, the food would not have to be great and I would still be a fan, but the food was INCREDIBLE. Red beans and rice, expertly cooked and seasoned collards, cornbread that was so light and fluffy it was used as the perfect vehicle for the red beans and rice and their Muff-A-Lotta sandwich were all delicious. They had several different types of Abita (my favorite is the Jackamo IPA) and made me feel like I was sitting at a restaurant in New Orleans. Also, it needs to be said that the people working the event were very nice, sociable and added an extra element of that friendly New Orleans vibe. In conclusion, I highly recommend this restaurant, and I will be going back myself in the near future to try their brunch, and probably on a Sunday to enjoy a Muff-A-Lotta, a couple Abitas and watch the Saints game, making me feel like I am down in the bayou.
(5)
Angela J.
Co-workers and I ordered food from here today and I was not disappointed. Being the first Friday of lent I opted for the veg-head sandwich even though there were other items that I wished I could have gotten, but it was amazing. The veggies were very flavorful and the goat cheese made the sandwich over the top. I gave a co-worker a bite and they were a little sad they did not get the same. One person got the gumbo and said it was decent and the other got a creole pilgrim sandwich and thought it was good, but had hoped for a little more kick to it. We all LOVED the beignets. Delicious! I wish I would have gotten some coffee as well but I will save that for my next trip, because there will be a next trip!
(4)
Chris A.
yummy benignets and cupcakes. also worth a try is the gumbo and dill pickle chips.
(5)
A S.
I ate at bb and was pleased. Great biscuits, gumbo, strawberry salad & fantastic coffee!!! I will return very soon!
(5)
Gus L.
The coffee here is amazing and the food is also excellent (try the Creole Pilgrim it will change your life).
(5)
Andi L.
My husband and I stopped by for a casual dinner the other evening. We had the muffaletta and catahoula. My husband enjoyed his muffaletta with Zapp's and an Abita (I love that they serve Abita). The spicy Catahoula (beef hot dog with a dijon Vidalia onion topping) was suprisingly good. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much from my hot dog, but the hot dog was nicely spiced and the onion-dijon mixture was quite tasty. I also had chips and a sweet tea. I love that their sweet tea was not sickly sweet. I'm from the South and enjoy a nicely brewed sweet tea that doesn't taste like kool-aid's version of sweet tea. It sets me on edge. So, I'm glad they got that right. We ended up staying and enjoying a plate of beignets. They were different than Cafe du Monde, but in a good way. :) The dough was fluffy and tasty with the required covering of powdered sugar. I enjoyed a hot chocolate (rich, thick, divine) and my husband a cafe au lait. I do believe we will be back frequently. The vibe is super low-key and relaxing. The staff is friendly. The food is tasty and not overpriced. Love it! I'm excited to try some of their nightly dishes, as well as, bakery items.
(4)
Katharine G.
My friend and I came here for breakfast. We both came away impressed. We both had the French Press coffee. That is delicious and they give you a lot of coffee. I had beignets and they were wonderful. I was going to save one and bring it home to my husband but that didn't happen. My friend had the bacon and egg biscuit. She said it was delicious but she didn't like the bacon -- too fatty she said. It is a comfortable, friendly place and I look forward to returning. Hint: go early to avoid the rush.
(4)
Carolyn R.
Go for the Muff-a-lotta - a real person sized version of the classic Muffuletta - delicious! Breakfast sausage biscuits are AMAZING and the coffee with chicory is delicious! Now all they need are some shrimp po-boys!
(4)
Avery L.
i love this place, really high quality coffee, awesome drink/cocktail menu, wine and beer selection, and v authentic and delish grub and heavenly baked items (hence the name) to boot. i think a lot of it has to do w/the owner. man seems to live and breathe by this place. got the muff-a-lotta, grilled pimento sandie, two of his to die for oreo type cookies, some greens and a really good cinnamon roll coffee. loved all of the happy hour deals she was running as well. i'm gonna order a king cake from here this yr as he was noted as top 5 places in the country to make em. can't want to go back again and again.
(5)
Christine A.
The food is NOT anywhere near authentic! With a name like "Bayou," one would expect good Cajun or Creole food... or at least an attempt at it. Now, the menu offers gumbo (made with tomato sauce), red beans and rice, etc. However, the food is TERRIBLE! You would do better going to the grocery store and buying a Zatarain's mix. The beignets taste like Dunkin Donuts... and almost look like them, too! These are definitely NOT the beignets I am used to eating. Don't waste your time or money at this place.
(1)
Stephen R.
Amazing chicory coffee to go along with fresh made to order beignets. As good as you find in NO.
(3)
Stacey R.
My fiance' and I grew up in Louisiana and recently moved to Courthouse. We had to try this place after walking past it a few times. I usually HATE any Cajun/Creole restaurants that I've found north of Lousiana, but this place is actually pretty good. It's not exceptionally authentic, but pretty close. I actually prefer it a bit since it's a little lighter and healthier than what you'd typically find in LA. Anyway, the food is good, the ambience is relaxed, and service is fast. I also love that they do certain seasonal things like crawfish boils, sno-balls, king cakes, etc. I just wish they had longer hours and a more full-service menu. You can only get certain sandwiches at lunch, for example. Regardless, we really liked it and will definitely be back.
(4)
Suzanne M.
I completely enjoyed myself at this place! The feel of the restaurant is very New Orleans like and cozy. I had a biscuit with egg and cheese for breakfast. Just spectacular. The biscuit melted in my mouth, was perfectly warm. To drink I had Camilla tea which was really excellent. Make sure you go early. After about 10:30am it got extremely busy.
(5)
Jim H.
Love the atmosphere, the jazz playing in the background was at a perfect level, not blaring but not so soft you couldnt hear it....my kid was dancing to it! Anyways, the food was GOOD and the fact that they only carry Abita beer, is a major plus for me. Love that stuff.
(4)
Joe H.
Went there today and got a Creole Pilgrim sandwich (po boy?). At first I was a little disappointed because the bag felt too light, but as I opened the wrapping and started to eat, I was pleasantly surprised. Super tasty sandwich. The bread was really good, and incredibly flakey. I don't think I've ever had a sandwich on bread like that before. I look forward to trying some of their other sandwiches.
(4)
Marc D.
Visited more than 20 times. The food quality only gets better. Everything is delicious. Meatball Monday rocks. Great turkey meatballs!
(5)
Stephanie M.
ive never had beignets before so this was a bad impression. are they supposed to taste this eggy??? i also ordered a chai latte that was a weird combination of too "spicy" and watery. blahhh. this place won't last long.
(2)
Lauren M.
It's a cold a blustery fall day today (wintry mix coming tonight?!) and Bayou Bakery was the perfect place to warm up. I had one of their homemade lemonades (not too sour, not too sweet) and a Cajun Pilgrim sandwich (turkey, arugula, dijon and... gouda maybe?). The bread roll was excellent, crispy/flaky on the outside and soft on the inside. I also enjoyed the soup of the day (Sweet Potato and Rosemary) which came with some nice croutons (at least I think they were croutons)... Nothing mind blowing but tasty and not a flavor I've ever made in the crock pot at home. I was by myself and didn't really want to eat an entire order of beignets so I got a Praline cookie instead. It was awesome but soooo sugary I immediately went home and brushed my teeth. The seating was comfy, the decor was cute and the atmosphere in general is nice for hanging out. I saw a lot of happy hour specials so once I'm not pregnant I look forward to coming back for those (and one of their whoopie pies)! All in all a great place for lunch!
(4)
Mikey T.
Having fallen in love with New Orleans many years ago, I was really, really excited to try Bayou Bakery. I had to order the classic, cafe au lait and beignets. The coffee was great, just like cafe du monde, strong and a little bitter but a rich and deep flavor! The beignets were a bit of a let down. While still tasty, they were very doughy and the flavor of yeast dominated the inside. Perhaps they were over-proofed, if not I would consider them an "interpretation" of beignets. I would have also preferred them cooked longer, I enjoy the crunch of a slightly darker beignet. I also splurged on a praline, which I often get while leaving cafe du monde. BB's version I think might actually outshine the ones which plague cheap French quarter gift shops. The flavor was rich and buttery, the abundant pecans giving joyous crunch and maple undertones. I had intended to split it with my friend but ended up eating it all!!! I am anxious to try their lunch fare, and will happily return. However I'll continue making my beignets at home.
(4)
Carolyn B.
Great coffee and staff. Didn't like the salad ...especially not the shrimp. Sometimes they have an instant deal on Living Social, which makes things more reasonably priced.
(4)
Licorice G.
needs better ventilation - you'll walk out smelling like a short-order cook. the chicory coffee and hot chocolate are real disappointments - the chocolate might as well be Swiss Miss. after three visits, i think it's appropriately priced for the most part. the beignets remain tasty, but i haven't tried the hot chocolate again. the shrimp jambalaya was underspiced and rather flavorless. the arm dripper (roast beef sandwich) was decent, but overpriced for the quality. the biscuits aren't bad, although they are slightly on the dry side.
(2)
Matthew B.
Stopped in after a day in DC on the way home to VA. Had the beignets, 3 for 3 dollars, great deal! first time having them and I was eating them with a born and bred NOLA native. They had his stamp of approval. They were awesome! hot and fluffy, I was hot so I didn't get coffee, but I will be back soon and will get the coffee to dip them in.
(4)
Wendy B.
The service was great, I'll give it that much. The people were very friendly and helpful, they answered our questions very knowledgeably, and the environment was nice. But the food wasn't all that great. I was a little bit disappointed by most of it. The beignets weren't all that great. They tasted almost like baked instead of fried. Now, the last time I had beignets, they had a tasty crunchy outside and a soft inside, the powdered sugar was perfect and they were insanely delicious! At Bayou Bakery though, the outside was kind of chewy and the inside was a bad kind of soft, like a chewy gross soft. It wasn't what I had expected. Aside from the beignets, I ordered a "Creole Pilgrim" which was a shaved blacken turkey, arugula, smoked gouda, and dijonaise. It was okay but nothing to write home about. I went w/ the b/f and he had ordered the "Catahoula," beer boiled all- beef hot dog, creole mustard, vidalia onion marmalad. Why we expected something big and amazing, I don't really know. It was a regular tiny hot dog, just made to look pretty. We were kind of disappointed by it. The only thing I'd say was amazing was the French press coffee. That was the best part of the trip. Personally, I wouldn't waste my time with this place again.
(1)
Gus F.
I work in the building above the bakery and eat there several times a week. I sit with 5 other guys and I have hooked them on the daily specials. The Cuban, the BBQ, and the Turkey Meatball Sub are fantastic. It must be the bread. I haven't tried dinner but plan on it.
(5)
LC G.
The beignets are decadent and the coffee is fresh and delicious, reasonably priced also. The atmosphere is very relaxed, I could easily spend an afternoon there reading or on my computer.
(5)
Kelly J.
Bayou bakery is great in courthouse . all the food is delicious here. I love bayou bakery . Highly recommended this place
(5)
Alex D.
A nice place to have in the neighborhood, but that may be more about the comparative lack of choices (that aren't somewhere in between mediocre and disgusting) in and around Courthouse than about Bayou itself. The food is okay, but prices are high ($12 for a small rice and beans? For counter service?) and portions not terribly generous. Baked goods are hit and miss - a fantastic red velvet cake one day, a dry, too-sweet brownie the next. We keep going, but always leave wishing we'd spent less and enjoyed it more.
(3)
Kimberly W.
How can this place say it represents New Orleans cuisine. UMMMM NOT!! I was so disappointed with this place. It is more a cajun coffee house that happens to serve some cajun/creole dishes. Ok the beignets were HORRIBLE. I guess when you grew up on Cafe Du Monde beignets my expectations were NOT met. They were pizza dough fried with powder sugar on top. UHHH YUCK!! They didn't have any gumbo, jambalaya or red beans at the time I went...which was lunch time, so I ordered a chicken salad sandwich. Ummm say what?! The prices were ridiculously expensive for what I received. Let's just say if this is Northern Virginia's try at cajun/creole food, then they should just give it up. Never going back again!!
(2)
Brittany B.
I love this place. We always get the same thing-a large french press of coffee, an order of beignets, and a made to order breakfast sandwich. The ambiance of this place on a weekend morning is so fun. It can definitely get busy, but even so, it still feels laid back and relaxed, with all the newspapers and books out to share. Feels like you're in a friend's living room having coffee and breakfast and hanging out. I definitely reccommend checking it out for breakfast/brunch--love this place. They also have pretty good happy hour specials during the week.
(5)
Julia M.
I've only had salads here, which weren't great- but what did I expect from a cajun place? My friends both liked their non-salad dishes. The drinks are great! It's nice to relax and drink out of a mason jar during the summer.
(4)
Dominique F.
My friend has a thing for food shows, and I guess this place or maybe the chef of this place was featured on one of her shows, so of course I was dragged to come here and try it out. The atmosphere of the place is pretty nice, lots of small tables. The guy at the counter was very friendly, the food wasn't much on the plate, but we were all satisfied after our meals. I think the best part of it all were the beignets; sooo delicious. Enjoy!
(4)
Caroline C.
It was decent, but overpriced. The staff were very pretentious. I saw the owner lose on Chopped so we checked it out a few months ago. My BLT and my croissant were good, but I was not impressed with the coffee. I have no desire to return, but I don't regret going. Eh.
(3)
Geoff O.
Eh. I made the mistake of getting the Texas toast with pimento cheese, masquerading as a grilled cheese sandwich. It was pretty awful. As in, pondering-the-most-disappointing-moments-of-my-Âlife-with-every-bite-awful. I would stare at the thing, wondering whether I should even take another bite, but driven by nothing more than the will to get my money's worth. Do not eat food here.
(2)
Ming I.
grew up in new orleans for a few years and can't resist ordering beignets whenever they appear on a menu. the ones here are very meh. i think they aren't light and airy enough. i'd rather get a glazed donut from dunkin. that said, the egg and cheese biscuits aren't bad and it has a fun ambience. a good place to come for coffee and a snacky.
(3)
Amanda W.
Great bakery. I stopped in for breakfast on a work trip. Their breakfast biscuit sandwiches are amazing and I'm drinking quite possibly the best soy vanilla latte of my life. All the rest of the pastries look great as well. Docked one star because service isn't great and their system for getting you your food isn't the smoothest. I'll definitely come back for breakfast next time I'm in this area.
(4)
Megan G.
You order at the counter and then you're given a card with the name of a Louisiana parish (county) on it as well as its location. Nice touch, made me miss Louisiana, where I lived for a short while. The muffuletta is very good, though it is a bit small for a muffuletta (I still had leftovers for dinner, so it's still plenty of food). Zapp's chips were the perfect accompaniment, and I was pleased to find the crawtators variety that can be hard to find here. The beignets were much better than I would have guessed I could get up here. They're not on par with the ones at Cafe du Monde, but they are very tasty and fresh and definitely better than anything I could try to replicate at home, and I will absolutely be getting them again. I had an iced tea, and they weren't so authentically Southern as to look at me weird when I ordered it unsweetened. It was very good, strong brewed iced tea. I was hoping to find some more cooked foods, like shrimp and grits. They did have collards on the menu, but nothing that I could really think to pair them with, as the rest of the menu was salads and sandwiches. I think they offer more cooked foods during the weekend, but I'm only in Virginia during the workweek. I might have to make a special trip at some point to try the brunch. TL;DR: Have the beignets and leave yourself some time to get all the powdered sugar off your clothes before heading anywhere important.
(4)
Pui Ying S.
The coffee and beignets are good though not as good as Chef Geoff's. The breakfast biscuits are very dry and crumbly and the egg was cold and cheese unmelted. i would not order the sandwich again. I liked the grits. Lots of kids in the mornings so I don't feel too bad bringing the monster in.
(3)
Karen S.
Bayou Bakery is a great New Orleans themed cafe in the heart of Courthouse. I enjoyed dinner here with a friend and found the atmosphere warm and inviting. The place is fun and vaguely kitschy (old outboard motor hanging on the wall anyone?). The music is jazzy and upbeat. The service was friendly, however their system of picking up food is a little bit confusing. You are given a placard with the name of a Louisiana city on it, which they call when your food is ready. No one called my city and my food was sitting on the counter for a while before I noticed. The food itself was really good. The muffaletta was excellent. It was rich and salty and the olives absolutely made the sandwich. I enjoyed the gumbo but it didn't stand out and was a bit oversalted. I also sampled some of my friend's side of roasted cauliflower, which surprised us both that it was served cold. The beignets were really well done. They are caked in powdered sugar and if you're not careful, you will leave with a fine dusting of sugar all over your pants like I did. I will be returning to Bayou Bakery to take advantage of the good happy hours and try some of the other New Orleans classics on the menu.
(4)
Daniel B.
Abita beer on tap and fresh hot beignets (yeah, so it not Cafe du Monde, but probably the best you will get in the DC region). We have been here a couple of times and never leave disappointed, the food is always really good (and the coffee looks to be well done as well, if you are into coffee). With a very consistent decor this place looks like it could be back in New Orleans. I gotta try out the crawfish night that they hold periodically, seems like a safe place to try this dining experience that I have somehow missed.
(4)
Laura E.
Chicory coffee was good but the beignets were disappointing. And the chai tea latte was lukewarm at best. Glad I went, another go to spot off my list but will not go out of my way to go back.
(3)
Susan J.
The muffuletta wasn't as good as before, but the soup of the day, portabella with rosemary, was actually interestingly tasty.
(3)
Lily Z.
3.5 STARS I am a fan of their smoky chicken sausage gumbo and flavorful muffuletta (nice balance of meat and olive salad sandwiched in between a lightly toasted bun that really brought out the fragrance of the sesame seeds). The arm dip was bland and served with starchy gravy, not really something I will order again. The pillowy beignets with a generous dusting of powdered sugar was a sweet finish to my lunch at Bayou. The atmosphere was casual and comfortable as you would expect for a cafe. However, I wish they give people order numbers and hire an expediter instead of making periodic loud announcements over the intercom when an order is ready.
(4)
Kat V.
love love love love loooooooooooooooove bayou bakery. My experience was more than pleasant. Went for brunch after the farmer's market across the street and ordered the bleu cheese mac, beinets for dessert and a latte. It was the most perfect brunch, the decor is adorable and the casual-style service was good as well. I was transcended to New Orleans and forgot I was in Arlington. I would love to return to try the other items on the menu.
(5)
Christy F.
My first time here and we came right when lunch started so everything was fresh. I saw a lot of people said that things were not warm or seemed old, so I tried to time it so I would miss the lunch rush as well as get fresher food. We got the cubano sandwich, creole pilgrim, deviled eggs and beignets. The pilgrim was great. The cubano had a bit too much mustard for my taste but the net was good and not fatty. The eggs have some Cajun spices on it but they are good just different. I also has a side of greens. I wasn't fond of them and I usually love greens. Skip those. I couldn't eat the beignets right away so they were cold by the time I got to them. I also got a carrot cupcake to eat later. It's was better then most I get. I got in line twice. The first time the guy was really fast. The second time the lady seemed stressed and it took a lot longer. I did notice the sandwiches are made in large groups. So if you want it fresher I would suggest making a special request like no mayo or mustard and it would be fresher.
(4)
Cheryl L.
Was in the mood for some beignets after seeing this spot on Unique Sweets show, so I decided to check it out yesterday during my metro ride into DC. Overall, the place had friendly service and tasty beignets.... Still not as delectable as the ones in New Orleans. In addition, I tried the deviled eggs. They were on the salty side, so I will stick to desserts only. Next time I will try their pralines which looked delicious! I would definitely return!
(3)
Mike W.
First of all, there is amazing coffee here (they use Counter Culture beans; some of the best!). Good NOLA food. Good breakfast items. Fresh ingredients. Wide variety of items. Just go. Enough said.
(5)
Yasmine B.
I adore this lovely Arlington coffee house and eatery. The start attraction is the beignets, which are freshly made, 3 to an order. The salad is fresh on most Friday nights they have an shrimp dish that is finger lickingly good:) In the fall they have a pecan pie that is unbeatable - wish they had this on the menu all year round! I also like the atmosphere - it feels like a homey, friendly place where you could hang out, unwind and catch your breath after a busy spell. When you are done, you have to remember to bus your own tables!
(4)
Tu-van L.
I agree with Jack F. Bayou Baker is more like a Cajun-themed coffee house than a Cajun bakery and eatery. Located in the Courthouse metro neighborhood of Arlington, Bayou Bakery is a pretty casual, laid back cafe decorated like what you expect a Louisiana cafe would look like (i.e. with Cajun kitsch). The decor in addition to the friendly staff add to the laid back vibe I really like about this place. Beignets are the closest in the DMV you'll find to the native style, but not quite what it should taste like. It's still yeasty and airy with lots of powdered sugar piled on it, but something is with the dough flavor that makes it more tangy and less sweet than the original. No cafe au lait made with the authentic coffee-chickory blend. Coffees brewed from Counter Culture beans. Which makes for a good cuppa Joe, but not necessarily NOLA-style coffee. Gumbos are satisfying. Mufaletta was tasty but just a slightly gussied-up deli sandwich with a tiny bit of olive tapenade. Satisfying but not solid or innovative enough to go out of my way for anything else on the menu. Bayou Baker is good for what it is: a solid alternative to your average cafe and eatery.
(3)
Mark A.
I agree with posters that the place has a cool interior and feel. However, as someone from the deep south and with expectations of anything 'bayou', this was off the mark. I got the biscuit with turkey sausage, egg, and cheese. Sounds great but what I got was a biscuit that was steamed up with the items. A square scrambled egg was more like what I've experienced at a Hampton Inn for breakfast. And the sausage didn't have the flavor I was hoping for. So, If you go, stay away from the biscuits and roll the dice on something else. As for the coffee, it had a heavy taste and would instead go for the machine made coffee vice the brewed stuff. So if you don't like that coffee you won't like this one. As a bonus, at least they have Abita beer and that gets a second star.
(2)
Carey A.
Desserts are great, especially the red velvet cupcakes! I wasn't a fan of the first sandwich I got there, something with turkey. It was extremely dry! On our last go around I ordered the chicken salad sandwich and it was pretty good. Unfortunately, they just ran out of red velvet cupcakes on our most recent visit : ( They get a 4 out of 5 just for their cupcakes!!!
(4)
Amanda M.
We ordered: gumbo...chicken & andouille sausage -delicious and hearty andouille sausage...spicy, smoked pork sausage, served with dijon mustard -the sausage was definitely spicy and the dijon mustard didn't cut the spice it added to it but in a different way, the pairing was great braised collard greens...8 hour braise, bacon, cider vinegar, crushed red pepper -tasted like soggy greens, it said braised in bacon fat but I didn't taste any bacon, just water mac & cheese...flavor of the day -the flavor of the day was tomato and the dish was lukewarm and barely any cheese, uber soft macaroni noodles with some tomato sauce Downside: self service with dirty tables and uncomfortable seating.
(4)
Jennifer C.
Sigh. I really want to LOVE Bayou Bakery. But I just can't. Maybe I've been to NoLa too many times but IMHO Bayou Bakery doesn't have what it takes. The biggest problem I have is that it's overpriced. I feel like in order to get a real meal here for two, you're spending around $50-60 for counter service and food that's good, but not great. I'd rather go somewhere else for $60. If you go only for the specials, you do okay, but ordering off the regular menu runs your bill up , fast. The Chew Date etouffee was really disappointing. The boudin is good. The shrimp appetizer was really pricey for very little shrimp. On the up side, the staff is pretty friendly. The coffee is really good. The beignets are only marginal compared to Cafe DuMonde but if you're desperate... buy the mix :) If you find yourself in Courthouse with money to burn then give it a shot. I probably won't be going back. Nothing terrible, but not great and pricey for what you get.
(3)
Matt K.
I ate here on Saturday night, 3/9/13. I'm disappointed. The jambalaya really skimped on the ingredients. Four tiny pieces of sausage. Two shrimp. Vegetables strangely lacking. For fourteen dollars, I expect more than a bowl of rice. To be fair, the rice tasted good, but this was not jambalaya. The Catahoula (a hot dog with creole mustard and vidalia onion marmalade) sounded really appealing, but came out of the kitchen at room temperature. The skin on the hot dog was also extremely rubbery and difficult to bite through. I thought the Dat-O (the Bayou Bakery version of a homemade Oreo) might provide some redemption, but although it looked fantastic, it was difficult to eat. Both cookies were very stale. I recognize that this might be an attempt to be true to the texture of an Oreo, but it was hard to eat. In my opinion a fresh, soft cookie would have been a huge upgrade. You've probably noticed a few people here and there mentioning concerns with Bayou Bakery's system for food pick up. Personally, I have no problem with the mechanics of the system, but while I was eating my meal I witnessed the cook announce somebody's order one time and walk away from the counter, where the food sat for the next 10 minutes or so. It was neither crowded nor loud. The cook could have made some sort of additional effort to get the customer their food. The customer could have been in the rest room, or God forbid, wasn't paying attention the first time. To witness that kind of apathy from an employee was a real turn off. I could say I might give this place a second chance over breakfast, but I probably won't. First impressions are important.
(2)
Ideen S.
What a cozy concept coffee shop and bakery! I had the Mixed Greens Salad (which included goat cheese and candied pecans) and the Rooibos (red) tea. The service was very friendly and prompt, and everything tasted pretty good (and for not that much money!). I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Jose O.
I tried the Gumbo which came in a small bowl $4 or cup and a bigger cup or bowl $7. I have never tried Gumbo before to be honest but I found their Gumbo to not have much taste. It was really smokey in flavor and didn't have much meat in it. I probably could have had a better Gumbo at Safeway to be honest. The ambience is really nice and waiting for your food u are assigned a name on a card which gave it a ok vibe. All in all the place has potential but as someone who had never had Gumbo this made me have second thoughts about ordering Gumbo in the future from any establishment if thats how its supposed to taste.
(3)
Chelai J.
Came here a few months ago with some friends for a late lunch. The beignets were tasty and I had the arm drip. It was delicous. The free refills are a nice touch. I was there with two friends and we all hadn't gotten together in a while so we stayed 3 hours. Enjoyed the relaxed spot to eat and catch up.
(4)
Dats V.
Sunday morning farmers market trip. Sat outside with a large latte and some beignets. Food came out pretty fast but the beignets were undercooked. Raw dough in the middle. However, I can still give 4 stars because my coffee was amazing! I'll be back for that SOON and ill give the beignets another shot.
(4)
Todd F.
Fantastic place. This restaurant has great food for everything; coffee for breakfast, variety of plates for lunch, and AMAZING desserts. Great place for Sunday brunch or a cute date for desserts.
(5)
Roll T.
Food & Wine apparently thinks the best muffaletta is not made anywhere in the city of New Orleans but rather in the middle of Arlington, VA. Let that sink in for a minute. That is the equivalent of ranking party schools and not ranking LSU #1. Just like there is simply no other school that can party as hard as those Bengal Tigers, it seems beyond improbable that the best muffaletta would be found outside Louisiana borders. I decided to investigate. The results? It's not a bad sandwich. The bread and meats were fine, but the olive salad is really off. There isn't enough vinegar from the gardenia to even hold the slightest bit of bite. The relish is spread incredibly thin. Sure, I appreciate the use of good meat just as anyone might, but the key to this sandwich lies in the use of that amazing olive spread and it's severely lacking at Bayou Bakery. If they fixed the olive salad, I'll readily admit this was better than expected.... but not the best muffaletta I've ever had. If you want a decent sandwich that might be considered one of the best sandwiches in Arlington, then Bayou Bakery's muffaletta isn't a bad bet. If you are looking for the best muffaletta in the country (or simply one of the ten best sandwiches of any sort in the nation), then you are in the wrong state, both literally and figuratively.
(3)
M T.
Overall, our visit was pleasant. The beignets are excellent, deviled eggs were "very yummy" according to my daughter... and my son loved the gumbo (he's tasted enough to know). :) However, my cappuccino tasted a little off. I know they serve Counter Culture Coffee so I had high expectations... but it just tasted odd. Perhaps just that day maybe? The dirty chai tea was also disappointing... a tad too sweet. I did like the fact that there is a small outdoor seating area for a quieter atmosphere. Inside can get a little loud. Would definitely visit again. :)
(4)
Marco A.
I've only been here once; I had green tea and beignets w/hot chocolate. The Beignets were solid but not awe inspiring, the hot chocolate was rich and not overly sweet. I gave this place a a four star rating because I loved the setting. I sat on a couch for a couple hours reading and listening to strong New Orleans jazz, an afternoon well spent. It's obvious some real thought went into decorating the place, it was very comfortable. I'll be back to try some of their sandwiches. If I lived closer I might be a regular here.
(4)
Arlene T.
3.5 stars I stopped this morning for chickory and beignets. It is not Cafe Du Monde, but it will due for Virginia. I enjoyed the decor and music. My son and I will definitely have to make an effort to come during the day to try some real food. The beignets did not taste the way I am use to or how I make them. I am sure it has something to do with the batter and they are not bad. They are not as fluffy either. They are somewhat flat which I thought was weird. Definitely has to be the batter. I will update my rating once I try a real meal which I cannot wait. I am dieing for a muffaletta.
(3)
Lauren K.
I was excited to try Bayou Bakery since I just moved back to the D.C. area after a 3 year stint on the Gulf Coast, of which I spent a lot of time in New Orleans dining at many great restaurants. I also cook most of the menu items myself since my entire family is from the Gulf. I went with a friend for the Bayou Gras celebration. I have to say that it made me feel right at home. I sipped a cold Abita beer while chatting it up with LSU alumni. My friend and I split a sampler that included gumbo, jambalaya, and a muffelata. All were on par with what I have been accustom to on the Gulf. I really liked the smokey flavor of the gumbo, you could tell that they started with a thick roux. The olive salad on the muffelata was great too! I even want to applaud them for having delicious oysters on the half shell provided by Rapphannock Oyster Bar. They were fresh and delicious. The king cake made the experience complete. I am looking forward to the spring time when I can stop by BB to get a delicious Abita Strawberry Harvest.
(4)
Renee B.
Beignets are fantastic! Love the atmosphere and outdoor patio. Best americano in the neighborhood!
(5)
Kevin K.
Every time that I go back to Bayou I think it really makes me think that this little corner shop in the heart of courthouse can do no wrong. The arm drip is a fattys' recurring meaty dream, the BLT with the bentons bacon is just phenomenal. I can't say how many times I have left work just a little earlier to catch these lunch specials at the end of the day. Though the breakfast and the beignets are still the absolute best I have to say that this place is getting better and better. Specials on the weekend like biscuits and gravy and grits and grillade is something to look forward to. The gumbo and jambalaya is spot on with it deep smokey flavor from the roux. Gotta love this place. Cheers and happy eats! (again)
(4)
Jeff B.
I live right down the street and come here all the time. I would even go as far as saying that this is the best cafe in Clarendon. The food is always delicious and the staff is always friendly. Even though it may seem pricey, I am willing to pay a bit more for this kind of cafe over Starbucks or the like. I am a huge fan of their lattes and the sandwiches they make are always tasty and you can tell that they are made with fresh ingredients. The beignets here are excellent, though I confess that I have not been able to find another place in North Arlington to compare them to. The baked goods are way better than the processed stuff you find at other "chain" cafes. Overall, a great spot to grab a coffee and perhaps a snack or light lunch. Also a great place to sit down and relax. A bit pricey perhaps, but I think the food and the service is well worth it.
I work in the area and regularly stop by here for a quick coffee or tea, and occasionally I pop in when I have time to sit and read the paper, enjoy the beignets, and just enjoy the ambiance. The staff are great. Always helpful. And the people who hang out there are all chill. I recommend the ginger turmeric tea. Yum!
(4)
Andrew H.
Went here from all the hype that surrounds this place. I've read food articles that praised this place as having some of the best sandwiches around. So for the past year, I've been trying to go to this place, and finally did today. Unfortunately, this place did NOT meet the hype. I got the Muff-a-lotta sandwich which everyone keeps pumpin (the article I read said this was one of the best sandwiches in the area). The muff-a-lotta which is essentially an Italian sandwich w/ olives and italian seasonings on a sesame seed bun, it DOES NOT come with lettuce or tomatoes, it's just straight meat, cheese, and bread. It was really a basic sandwich, I could've made it, even Potbelly's "A Wreck" sandwich blows this crap out of the water. I don't know why anyone gave this sandwich any respect, it's really a "hype-a-lotta" because it was a very basic sandwich, which actually left a very bad aftertaste for half of the day b/c of the weird olives and seasonings mix they had. The gumbo also fell really flat, that's the one thing a cajun place CANNOT screw up, and this one was very bland. The gumbo I make every Fat Tuesday blows this out of the water, and I've never even been to Nawlins'. Never going to this place again, just doesn't meet the hype it was given. I do give credit to the indoor decor, I liked the southern rustic look w/ make shift furniture. It gives a lil personality and something different to the very cookie cutter Courthouse/Clarendon area, but unfortunately, this place does not give cajun food justice.
(2)
Matt C.
The food is good, but it ain't New Orleans. First the positives: The atmosphere is nice, the staff is friendly and helpful. The food is good. The beignets are fairly decent. Cornbread is really good. The negatives: The food is really expensive for the amount you get. Echoing what a few others have said regarding the jambalaya. A small bowl for $14. Rice is the cheapest food product known to man. Although it is good, the portion size is more like $5. Also with the amount of meat you get in it, you could almost call it vegetarian. Pork Sausage biscuit (weekend brunch) is a tablespoon full of pork on a biscuit. Both the pork and biscuit are good, but it is a 3 bite biscuit. Overall: I like the place and the food is good. However, the prices with the current portion sizes is what would keep me away.
(3)
Ryan H.
I can't really seem to find too much wrong with this place.. Abita on tap..Check! Good Louisiana Style Food...Check! Good Music in the background.. Again Check! My only issue is that I always walk out of here feeling like I could have still eaten a little more. Whether that is the fact that I walked in with a giant appetite or the food was just that good?.? Still to be determined. I'll be back!
(4)
Frank G.
Great bacon, egg and cheese biscuit. Turkey sausage is good as well.
(4)
Brandon S.
I stopped in here because my boyfriend mentioned he saw the chef as a contestant on Chopped and because the menu looked intriguing. I ordered the muffaletta (I refuse to call foods by cutesy made-up nicknames) and a bowl of gumbo. I didn't realize until after my card had been run and I was signing the receipt that I was charged for a cup rather than a bowl. This turned out to be fortuitous for me, however, as the gumbo literally tasted like smoked earth. This has to be the only gumbo recipe in the world that calls for fresh mud. My dad's family is from Louisiana. Two of my best friends are from Louisiana. This is NOT what gumbo is supposed to taste like. I tried to combat the dirt flavor with salt to no avail. The muffaletta was excellent, though. I'm going with 3 stars because the everything else the other customers ordered looked great, and my sandwich was great, even though I spent $4 on a cup of liquid mulch.
(3)
Adriana B.
BEST. MUFFALETTA. EVER. like ever. Staff is polite, and the coffee drinks and beignets are delicious.
Pretty lousy. Got beignets, biscuits and gravy, cafe au lait, and a bacon, ham, egg, and cheese biscuit sandwich. My bill was $17. The beignets were under cooked and overly doughy - much better at Lousiana kitchen in bethesda. The biscuit(s) and gravy, was one biscuit with pretty awesome gravy on it - for $5. bad deal. Cafe au lait - meh. Egg sandwich was bad. The egg was some premade patty, no choice of cheese. The bacon was okay i guess. The "asian" i went with got some deviled eggs and beignets. Eggs were okay but it was three half hardboiled eggs for $5. Awful deal. Will never be back. And it was packed. Ugh
(2)
Anastasia B.
One word : " OVERRATED". I paid $14 dollars for a hotdog and a so called "bowl" of jambalaya. The bowl size was dissapointing If I said I hated the food, I d be probably lying, but I sure did choke on that bill a little. Not worth the upcharge!
(2)
Jared H.
First time here. I love it! Ordered Jive Turkey. The bread is perfect. Inside of the sandwich is warm, fresh, complex. I am so happy to see a new alternative to all the chain lunch places.
(5)
Danielle H.
I wanted to like this place, I really and truly did. I had heard such good things and I absolutely love Cajun and Creole food. But sadly, despite it's unique ambiance and decor, this place had the most disappointing lunch that I've had in ages. I went on a Sunday afternoon and grabbed a menu. When I reached the counter, I ordered a sandwich. The cashier looked at me, rolled his eyes, and said "It's SUNDAY. We don't have the regular menu, just what's on the chalkboard. Ugh." I know it's annoying when customers don't follow protocol, but I had never been before. I wasn't aware they had Sunday-only specials that excluded the regular menu. I ordered jambalaya, my cliched-but-favorite New Orleans dish; I quickly ordered my husband a muffalata sandwich from their special "Sunday" menu and a bacon praline. The bite I took of his muffalata was pretty good. I thought $7 was a little steep for a rather small sandwich with no side and no drink, but I chalk it up to ambiance and popularity of the restaurant. My jambalaya was a sad, pitiful mess. For one thing, it tasted like Zataran's mix jamabalaya that had been sitting in the fridge for a week and then nuked in the microwave. It was greasy, the texture was gummy, and there were four tiny pieces of sausage in the entire bowl and nary a shrimp to be seen. The flavor was also a bit off--I can't quite identify why but it really, really didn't taste homemade. Despite the fact that I had been starving when I entered the restaurant, I left my small bowl of rice (after I had picked out the miniscule pieces of meat) half-eaten. We split the praline and even THAT was disappointing. I enjoy blending salty and sweet but this praline was overwhelmingly bacon-flavored. The smoke taste was absolutely overpowering the sweet and the chocolate and just left a bad taste in my mouth when we were done. Other reviewers claim that the bakery fare is good--maybe I'll give this place one more chance. Just not for substantive food.
(2)
Taylor M.
Great casual place for breakfast in Arlington (haven't been at other times). Coffee and beignets are good. Also like the biscuit sandwiches.
(4)
Conrad C.
I've been here twice now and have tried a few different items. My impression is that Bayou Bakery is either hit or miss. For instance the muffaletta is really good, with a nice sesame bun and high-quality ham. The chicken salad sandwich, on the other hand, is just decent. They give you a lot of avocado, which is appreciated, but the chicken salad itself isn't great. The avocado does most of the heavy lifting in the sandwich. More recently I tried a cup of the gumbo. I enjoyed it, although it was a touch on the bland side. I had to add some hot sauce to give it more flavor. The meats like the sausage and chicken are good, although of course it could always use more. It comes topped with some rice to mix in to give it more heft. Today they had a Cuban sandwich special. These were not prepared to order, but they would heat them up once you ordered them. It was a fine sandwich, but they went overboard on the mustard. The crusty French bread it was served on was delicious, however. Wifey had the Creole Pilgrim, which had dry turkey (just like Earl's, maybe it's a Courthouse thing), but the bread made up for some of its sins. I really like the ambiance here and want to like Bayou more than I do, but to me it's only worth of an occasional visit.
(3)
Tim C.
Atmosphere: Great. Nice decor. Feels like you're in a New Orleans cafe Food: The Muffalotta, Bitter Pig, pimento cheese sandwiches and gumbo are all good (not great). The beignets are deliciously fantastic. Now... the BLT (only available on Tuesdays). Their BLT is perhaps the best BLT you will eat. It has applewood smoked bacon, sun dried tomatoes and mayo. I'm not a fan of mayo but it's really wonderful on it. The bad part is the sandwich's smokiness stays with you for the rest of the day. But who cares. The staff and owner/chef are all very friendly and courteous. Would not hesitate to go back.
(4)
Stephen T.
Just had my first experience at Bayou Bakery and I loved it! Great food, great coffee, and a very pleasant atmosphere. Food: I had the sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit and all components were tasty. I especially liked the locally sources turkey sausage from a fantastic Georgetown butcher. Beignets were delicious: fluffy, hardy, and covered in the traditional powered sugar. Drink: I love espresso, and there is definitely a spectrum of quality. My espresso macchiato was rich and silky with a wonderful flavor. And at 4 oz., It was the perfect size. Price: Very reasonable! Everything was limited to just a few dollars. Great value for such tasty food and drink!
(5)
Peter D.
What a great breakfast- are we in the French Quarter? Because I feel like it with the fluffy biscuits and the best Beignets in the city. The BBQ is great too, I like it on my breakfast sandwich with lots of pepper jelly! No wonder this place is on the cover of the Post. Secret is out!
(5)
John G.
My girlfriend, her daughter and I went here this past weekend, in my never-ending quest to find fun and unique places to drink coffee and eat delicious food (living in the hinterlands of Ashburn, our options are limited). I have to say, I was not disappointed! We ordered biscuits, some gigantic Oreo-like creation for the kid and, of course, beignets! All were delicious. The chicory coffee could have been better and per a certain 8 year old, the hot chocolate tasted "weird" but I cannot confirm. Their menu was huge and my only regret, food-wise, is that I did not get to sample more items! The place is not huge but we got here early enough and got a table. Luckily for us, we got there right before the morning rush. I imagine that it would be great place to chill out during non-peak hours. The service and staff were great! The little one has a nut allergy and, after mentioning that to our server, she very diligently explained what foods did, and did not, have exposure to peanuts. The music and decor was very N.O., and added to a fun, relaxed atmosphere. They also get points for being the vehicle by which we added "beignets" to the 8 year old's vocabulary! Great place! We'll definitely be back!
(4)
Caitie H.
Went for a Saturday morning brunch, and was extremely satisfied. The bloody mary was outstanding, and the beignets were amazing. The veg-head sandwich was very good as well, but could have used a little more spice. As a first timer I was a little confused when I walked in and ended up staring gape-mouthed at the menu on the wall behind the order bar for a while before deciding on an order. The people who worked there seemed a little impatient with me and kept asking what I wanted rather than providing some guidance, or perhaps a menu that I could hold in my hands. So that's my only complaint, but they were busy so I won't let it affect my opinion too much.
(4)
Donald B.
Another over-hyped eatery which sticks to the formula of semi-ethnic fare designed for the Yuppie-fied Ballston/Court House/Clarendon bland palate. I've eaten here twice just to see if my initial impressions were off, and NOPE! This place is way overrated. Where to start? How about the "authentic" beignets which taste merely like fried dough sprinkled with honey and powdered sugar. So disappointing since I've actually had beignets from the legendary Cafe du Monde in New Orleans, and the ones at Bayou Bakery taste like doughnuts and are not light and fluffy. My muffaletta was on the smallish side which was disappointing since I paid $7 for it. The olive salad was super oily and the predominant flavor was salt. The salami, ham, capicola and other meats were fine but pretty hard to mess up cured meats. My biggest disappointment is reserved for their gumbo. The roux, which is the traditional base of any gumbo, had that burnt taste which is indicative of the flour not being slowly incorporated into the melted fat (either vegetable oil or butter). If you come on the weekends, expect super long waits for both indoor and outdoor seating and lines out the door. IMHO, Bayou Bakery is not worth this aggravation. But if you are the type who enjoys wearing the latest H&M, Forever 21, or J. Crew attire and giving Bro-Hugs while you chat about last nights goings on at (fill in the blank) hot spot in Arlington, then you'll love Bayou Bakery.
(1)
Valerie F.
One of my favorite places in Arlington! All the food tastes great, sandwiches are pretty substantial and the beignets are so tasty. I also love getting the french press coffee. It has a great, quirky atmosphere so it's a great place to hang out with some friends after work or on the weekend.
(5)
Emily A.
This place was a fun little breakfast spot on a Sunday morning. The line was pretty long, and we struggled to find a seat. We ended up sitting outside in the 100 degree weather. I built my own biscuit with bacon, eggs and cheddar. My husband did the same with the sausage instead of bacon. We also got an order of beignets. Our friends ordered grits and the pulled pork. It all tasted pretty good and the food came pretty quick. I also ordered the "rebirth" drink. It was really good on a hot summer day! The bad part was that the biscuits that our sandwiches were built on completely fell apart so we were kind of eating the eggs and bacon/sausage in our hands with crumbled biscuits all over the place. The bacon was also kind of over-cooked and in tiny pieces rather than laying smoothly on the sandwich. Like I said, the taste was good, but they need to rethink the construction and eat-ability. The beignets were pretty good. They were no New Orleans Cafe de Monde beignet, but they were pretty good overall and were completely covered in powdered sugar like Cafe de Monde. Also, because it was such a hot day and the only seat left were outside, we needed water. The pitcher of water were empty most of the time we were there. They really need to be cognizant of that on hot summer days. The finally refilled them right before we left. Overall, the price of the food here was very good. We got a good amount of good food for a small bill.
(3)
Charles S.
We loved Bayou Bakery. Stopped for beignets and coffee early on a cold Sunday morning. The locale is cool -- selling NOLA-ness along with the food. Comfortable, clean. David Guas was busy taking orders and supervising. And I don't know many places where the owner is there hustling at 8:00 am on Sunday. (Check out the video clips on the website.) Got to go back for the food food. I can imagine BB is jammed at lunch and dinner.
(4)
Julian V.
So even though David Guas made a tongue-in-cheek/snide remark about me ordering Abita Strawberry, I guess it kind of goes along with the fact that Abita Strawberry isn't exactly one of the more masculine beers. I don't care. It's not like I ordered Smirnoff Ice or Zima or something. Abita Strawberry is freaking delicious, and Bayou Bakery had it. Kudos for that. They actually have a great assortment of Abita. When I went, it was: Amber, Turbodog, Purple Haze, Jockamo, Mardi Gras Bock, Root Beer, and of course, Abita Strawberry. You laugh now, but seriously, when it heats up a little bit, nothing tastes better than Abita Strawberry. It really is the perfect springtime beer. (Okay not really, everyone knows hefe-weizens/wheats are the way to go). I want to give this place five stars, but I can't. I just don't feel it'd be right, and it's only because I'm a fatty. And I like huge, or even fair portions. The portions here are kind of ... lacking. That was my initial reaction to the place. They tried to make me feel like at $7, 8oz./a cup of jambalaya was a steal, but it wasn't. I don't care if it's Clarendon, that's not really completely worth it. I know, I know, it's hard being a new business in town and breaking even and all that jazz, but still. I don't mind paying $7 a portion, or even $10 a portion, just make it worth my money. HOWEVER. The jambalaya was freaking amazing. I'm not sure if it's love as much as meticulousness that goes into the food. Although I'm more a fan of chicken and sausage jambalaya, I think Guas might have converted me. He used such a rich seafood stock in his jambalaya, that the flavor is carried all the way through. Also, it didn't seem as salty as other jambalayas (probably because most people just dump a ton of Tony's [Chachere's]) in. Despite not being salty, there was still great flavor, and a great heat to it. Kind of a spicy finish, but nothing unmanageable for the bland palates that are Virginia eaters. I really could have eaten three or four portions, but that would have costed $21-$28. Sad to say, the King Cake was not as good as I'd have hoped. When "bakery" is part of the name, you'd think that's what they do best. I agree with Guas in that there's no room for cream cheese or fillings in king cake. Guas' king cake was not as sweet as most other places I'd had in New Orleans (Randazzo's, Haydel's, Gambino's, hell....Rouse's even). I'm not sure if he dumbed down the cinnamon filling due to Virginia being health conscious. But then get this, the icing and sugar topping are super super sweet. Like sweeter than I remember (and I'm pretty sure I remember as I was in New Orleans four days before eating at Bayou Bakery). For most people, the king cake will come off as really awesome. For picky New Orleans ex-pats like myself, it might be a bit different from what you're expecting, but in all honesty where else are you going to get decent King Cake around here? The staff were pretty friendly, and despite it being PACKED for Fat Tuesday, they managed to keep it together. The decor feels right, and if nothing else, this place might have given me a reason to actually come to Court House/Clarendon. (Besides Ray's the Steaks of course). But PLEASE David Guas, can ya come up on the portions a little bit?
(4)
Ryan L.
Snobby service. Asked for a double long shot and was practically ridiculed for it. Asked to be poured into a to go cup and was told by the barista that "I [he] can't pour my espresso into a cup but you can do it yourself." Then he did it anyways. Wtf? Horrible service and the espresso isn't even great.
(1)
Rob P.
The food is pretty good. The coffee is not so good. Overall, worth going if you're in the neighborhood. Not worth seeking out. It's a shame that Bayou decided to go with Counter Culture coffee. Like so many other "non-chain" places in DC, it gets its beans from the same source as everybody else. To me, that's not very unique.
(3)
Michael H.
I miss this place. We used to go here on Sunday mornings when the line at Brooklyn Bagel was out of control, until we realized that this place was way friendlier and had better coffee and just stopped going to Brooklyn Bagel altogether. Definitely try the biscuit sandwiches, and splitting one is kind of a mess. Also a must try (at least once) is the beignets (huge powdered sugar covered donut). I almost gave this 4 stars, because I'm not a huge fan of their lunch foods, but then I remembered that their happy hour specials are usually pretty good.
(5)
Jeff P.
I think maybe this place is still a work in progress, at least I hope. I had made trial run here a couple of weekends ago with my girlfriend. Had the muffaletta. It was decent. But today, I decided to go all-out and really try it out. I went around 12:30 pm, which yeah --- it's in the heat of the lunch rush, but it was lunch time, right? Strike 1: Advertised on their chalkboard was a shrimp roll. I order and am told, "We're out. We have to poach the shrimp." Fine, I ordered the "Arm Drip Roast Beef Sandwich" and a bowl (not a cup) of gumbo. Strike 2: So, they have this system when your order is ready, they call out a random Cajun French word. For this experience, I had "plaqamines." Here's the problem, with mostly Hispanic kitchen staff, their pronunciation of Cajun French is difficult to understand. Needless to say, I had ordered to dine in, and despite my order being called, I didn't hear it. Nor did I see it because it was packaged to go. And this all before the first bite of food. Strike 3: Altogether, the price was $17. That's a little high for a New Orleans-themed cafe. Being from the Gulf Coast and spending way too much time in New Orleans than I care to admit, the food was OK. It was packaged to go in a way that took something away from the dining experience - a squished sandwich and gumbo in a styrofoam cup that had been sitting in a window. Disappointing to say the least. Thing is, Bayou Bakery doesn't have a lot of competition. It's probably a good place to get chicory coffee and beignets, but at lunch it lacks.
(2)
Holley M.
I have been here 3 times now. Haven't tried much beyond the beignets, coffee and the biscuit with sausage, egg, and cheese. The french press coffee is good. The beignets are wonderful. The rest, not so good. The sausage biscuit was lacking. The egg looked microwaved and the sausage seemed old. Wouldn't get that again. Would like to try the muffaletta. The beignets and coffee are worth going for but not much else. They put the milk/cream/sugar by the front door which is a pain. If you get the french press, you have to get up multiple times to get milk or cream for your coffee. They should give you a little pitcher of milk. Would be a nice touch.
(3)
Ross M.
Ugh. What a complete ripoff. I feel like I've been scammed. $12 for a breakfast sandwich and iced coffee??? Seriously? Come on. It wasn't good at all. The coffee was nothing special, tasted kind of bleh. Java Shack right down the street has better coffee and it's cheaper. My biscuit with bacon egg and cheese, was some lame yucky biscuit, square microwaved egg, McDonald's cheese and thick over salty bacon. Brooklyn Bagels right across the street has better sandwiches, and for a lot cheaper. I guess the cool interior is what you pay for. Ugh, never again. This isn't even a freaking bakery! It's a Panera Bread factory with a Bayou twist. If you want a real bakery go check out Heidelberg's in Arlington and Cenan's in Vienna.
(1)
Jack F.
CliffsNotes: More like a Cajun-themed coffee house than a true Cajun bakery or restaurant. You won't find many dishes actually from the Bayou area, in fact it's as if the menu was intentionally peppered with words like "creole" and "blackened" for some resemblence of Cajun cuisine. Nonetheless, it's a cozy coffeehouse and the food is decent by it's own right. [Original Visit: December 2, 2010]
(3)
Pear M.
Yelp should really let us give half stars, this place was a solid 3.5! My sister came home from a vacay in New Orleans a couple months ago raving about beignets. So when I heard that David Guas was opening his own bakery in VA to spread the beignet love, I was excited to finally try one. I made the trip on a Saturday afternoon and got an order of beignets (which come in 3) and a cup of the gumbo. Since i have nothing to compare the beignets to, I thought they were yummy, very powdery and doughy doughnuts. My sister said they weren't as good as the ones she had in N.O., but not bad at all. The gumbo was perfect for the cold and windy day we just had, but I thought it was a little thin. The gumbo from R.T.'s on Mt. Vernon Ave is better imo. The decor is very cute, they try to incorporate a lot of N.O.-esque elements; it's not something you see anywhere else in Arlington. It also had a very homey feeling to it -- there were a few LSU fans having coffee and beer in their couch area watching the LSU game. That was pretty cool. I'll be back to try their other treats and coffee! ::Update 12/08/10:: - Went back and tried the butternut squash soup. Found a winner, ladies and gents!
(3)
Spencer C.
This is my favorite coffee shop in Courthouse. The coffee is good, the food is delicious (yummy beignets!) and the staff is SO friendly. I love their breakfasts and brunches, but their other dishes are good as well. I definitely recommend this place to everyone!!! I also know that they donate food to the Arlington street people assistance network ASPAN across the street (which helps end homelessness). Love a business that believes in social justice!
(5)
Shawn L.
This is the only venue I have found in the area that comes close to authentic New Orleans cuisine. Amazing! Everything is great and they even have Abita Beer!
(5)
Samantha E.
Picked up a bacon biscuit and sausage biscuit and they were nothing great. The eggs on them were pre-made little discs and the bacon was much to crunchy and scant. The sausage was flavorful but not spectacular. The best part of it all was the biscuit. It was light and fluffy.
(2)
Ashley K.
A friend recently introduced me to Bayou, and I really love this place. At first, I thought it was just a bakery cause--duh--it's called Bayou BAKERY. But it's MUCH more than that. They have an amazing selection of coffee...my friend and I are big fans of the pour over, which is your choice of coffee freshly ground and brewed slowly with a steady stream of hot water through a filter cone. They also have a variety of interesting/delicious unique beverages, like their hibiscus iced tea and ginger iced coffee. I go here mostly for beverages, but I get food from time to time, and I've always been impressed. Their breakfast sandwiches are delicious. I love that they're served on a biscuit. I've also had the deviled eggs (yummy!) and the shrimp roll, which is their special on Fridays. Their cupcakes are awesome (of course), and the rest of the baked goods always look AMAZING. Thursday nights they have half-priced bottles of wine and $3 pimento cheese with Triscuits for ladies (and yes, they are really Triscuits, from the box, like you buy at the grocery store. And they are delicious with the pimento cheese). Most importantly, the staff here are amazing. Everyone is always friendly and helpful. The pour overs take a few minutes to make, but they never get impatient or annoyed that I order one almost every day.
(5)
Michelle K.
Bayou Bakery does two things well: coffee and beignets. The restaurant boasts different seasonal coffees, from mint-basil to cinnamon roll to ginger-iced, and all are well-done. While I'll definitely go back to Bayou Bakery for those two items, I'm going to stay away from everything else. As a huge fan of New Orleans food (who isn't!?), I was excited to try this little corner restaurant. However, like pretty much every other Louisiana-themed restaurant in the DMV, Bayou Bakery falls way short of the food I had while in New Orleans - in fact, it's not even comparable. By far, the most egregious error at the bakery is the praline. New Orleans' pralines literally melt in your mouth...they are amazing in every way. The praline at Bayou Bakery was rock solid. I felt like I was eating cement. It was so terrible and not at all close to anything you'd get in New Orleans. I may or may not have chipped like seven teeth when I bit into it. Just for reference, I've tried the arm drip (average), the bitter pig (slightly above average), the mac & cheese (I'd rather have Kraft), the dat-o cookie (nice brown sugar flavor in the cookies), and the snowball (disappointing). Go here for the coffee and beignets (as I'll continue to do) and you won't be disappointed. Go for anything else, and you'll realize that Bayou Bakery falls far short of its Louisiana aspirations.
(2)
Katie G.
Nice addition to the area. Cozy, friendly space. I tried the arm dip--and the meat was tender and tasty, although I didn't find it very exciting. If you want to add ketchup to something, it may be boring. I agree with an earlier reviewer on the system of calling names. People can't hear/understand the person calling out names. Must be a better way. They need to buy better napkins--I think they're recycled, which is nice, but they totally fall apart and then you get stuff all over you--so you use more napkins, which defeats the purpose of using recycled napkins. Looking forward to going back.
(4)
Rose D.
I love Bayou Bakery and have been going there since it first opened up. I enjoy supporting local businesses and hands down, Bayou Bakery has the best coffee in town. However, this morning, my experience was not good. My husband and I ordered the coffee to-go (as we usually do). It tasted horrible - almost like turpentine. It was like the staff used old used grounds from the day before. It was so bad, that we both poured out the coffee and immediately went to Starbucks. We also purchased the yogurt and granola to go. Bayou makes their own granola and it is delicious! However, I noticed that the woman preparing it was not sanitary. After she scooped the granola into the to-go cups, she used her bare hands to pick up pieces of granola that dropped on the counter and the outside of the container. She then put those pieces back into the main granola container. She had no gloves on and she did not wash her hands before touching the food directly. Unfortunately, this is the second time I have seen the granola handled poorly. There is no excuse for an establishment to not follow proper food safety protocol. I noticed this morning that a lot of the staff looked new. I hope that they review food codes and standards with their staff - as well as how to brew coffee! Until then, we will be at Starbucks!
(2)
Derek P.
Tasty beignets. Great biscuits.
(4)
Amisha S.
This place is great to meet up for coffee with friend(s) as it's spacious, quick service.
(4)
Andy M.
Bakery with purple haze...who would've thought? Outside and inside seating ls pleasant
(4)
Andy B.
I have been here a few times now, mostly at night and mostly on Friday's to have the BBQ shrimp. Consistency is a major issue. I have eaten the shrimp multiple times and it is almost always different. One time it was amazing and all the rest it was OK. The one difference I noticed on why the one night was amazing was the Chef was in the house. He didn't cook it but i guess the cooks paid a little more attention when the boss is around, not a good indication of quality. I went this past Sunday during lunch. looking at the menu i found quite a few dishes that i wanted to get, but little did i know, there were a set of rules that eliminated all of my choices. For instance hardly anything is served before 1pm, after 12 most of the specials are sold out, and that some dishes aren't served on certain days (and i am not talking about the specials). Suggestions: 1) The draw is clearly in the food, so have a steady menu that you don't need to decoder ring to figure out. if they served consistent food every day of the week, i would eat there much more often. 2) i have never seen a restaurant with a bigger identity crisis. It's a partial bakery, partial bar, partial restaurant, partial coffee shop. Figure out what you want to be and go for it. I hope they choose restaurant. 3) It wouldn't kill you to hire a busboy. I find it lackluster and cheap to just let people clean up after themselves. Yeah we live in a civilized world but, let's face it, some people are more civilized than others, and after a few of the latter, you're forced to eat in an inch of someone else's powdered sugar. Reason for two stars instead of one: beignets are good. the meatballs are good. and the BBQ shrimp are amazing about 10% of the time. and i like the guy that works at night, not the guys that work during the day.
(2)
Michelle N.
In case I ever need to remember how to pronounce beignets: Ben-YAY! Because that's exactly how excited I get about eating them. A friend suggested we meet here and I had their daily special for dinner which was shrimp creole - the shrimp was fantastic but I didn't care for the rice. I sopped up the juice with the super crusty garlic bread. But what was really worth the trip were the beignets. I wish I had eaten them there on the spot since they were freshly cooked but I had gotten them to go. Even cold they were fantastic, and even zapped in the microwave for a few seconds they were amazing. I can only imagine what kind of euphoria I would have been in had I ate them on the spot. Oh and they come three in a pack which is a steal! Service was good and you get a fun name card when you put in your order. The atmosphere is very chill and the decor was unique. If you park at Penn parking garage around the corner on 15th, Bayou Bakery will validate your parking for up to 2 hours, in the evenings or weekends.
(3)
Meredith R.
Just returned here after my 3rd visit since the place opened. I love the place and the atmosphere! I had a diet root beer, the creole pilgram (turkey sandwich with argula, gouda, and dijonaise on a crusty loaf, panini style) and the tomato gazpacho. The gazpacho was delicious and probably had pureed breadcrumbs in it, crutons on top. My brother also ordered the creole pilgram and we both pretty much demolished them - I'm so stuffed! That was a lot of food for a girl, but I'm hitting up spin later, so I'll burn it off :) The only complaint about the sandwich is that it was slightly on the dry side. I would have loved a tomato on it - that would have made it perfect! My brother had the bottled soda that was reddish in color (can't remember the name at the moment) and also had the Zapps chips, which if you've never had them are divine. I have had their salads before and they are good. I noticed a lot of ladies in there were ordering the mixed salads and then a plate of begniets to share, which is what I'm totally going to do next time! I might add a cup of gumbo - I've also had that there and thought it was pretty good, but you have to like your gumbo on the smokier side to enjoy this gumbo, I didn't remember it being very tomato-y. Overall, adorable lunch place that is not a bar disguised as a restaurant or a chain fast-eating place in Courthouse.
(4)
Robert P.
Arrived after lunchtime. Good service; friendly guy taking orders. I ordered grilled chicken salad with avocado (this was not the spread, but REAL chunks of avocado) on 7-grain Texas toast. Pretty darn good sandwich. Friend ordered muff-a-lotta which is a crazy was of spelling the real thing. He liked it. Ordered it with extra olives and said that made it really good. Coffee could have been hotter, but I did not ask for another cup which they surely would have given me. My bad. We both had an order of beignets. Three to a plate. Way too much. Don't make that mistake. Of course, we finished all of them anyway. Piglets! Friend said the ones in New Orleans were fluffier and lighter, but these were my very first ever beignets and I was just as happy as a pig in shit eating all three which were good! The weekend brunch menu looks yummy. Have to try that sometime.
(4)
S V.
Bring a friend or 2 -- the 'must try' beigniets are great, but come 3 to an order and are like a full sized lump of donut with tons of sugar on top -- and if you eat more than one you wont have room for the other good breakfast/brunch items. Small place, and has outside tables too.
(4)
Toya D.
The April DC Food Blogger Happy Hour was hosted here on Wednesday. I was impressed by the menu selection (and prices) and don't travel to Virginia often (read: ever!) for dining, so I was anxious to get here. I was greeted with beads, a nice cup and my option of beer (tap) or Rum Punch (more up MY alley). The Rum Punch was delish. One was just enough to quench my thirst. The gumbo (chicken and sausage) was really good. Just enough season, without all the unnecessary burn-your-tongue spices. At $7, I could've used a larger bowl. My serving seemed more like a cup, which is $4. Took a few bites of the muff-a-lotta, which was really good -- although I'm not a big fan of olive-anything. The olive spread was nice with the warm meats and cheeses. The sandwich could've been larger, too, actually. They serve Zapp's chips. Never had them before and I normally don't sway to kettle chips, but the Cajun Crawtator flavor was really good. I'm pretty sure I ate most of the bag that wasn't mine to begin with. (Ooopsies!) I also grabbed a bag of porKorn (peanut-caramel popcorn, benton's bacon) on the way out, but haven't cracked that open yet. Sure looks good though. Gotta go back for the beignets.
(4)
Daniel F.
Dinner- shrimp creole was good, as were beignets, but the portions were small for the money... $35 for two, no alcohol & we're still hungry
(3)
J M.
I want to love this place, but - they can't seem to execute the menu they have written. EVERY time, the staff preparing the food makes an error or serves me the wrong item. The execution is awful. Today I paid $10 for my lunch (the bayou chopped salad), only to get back to my desk and find there is NO BACON on it. How can you leave out the only meat? Bayou needs to retrain, or better yet, replace their staff and it might have a chance to turn around. I hope they do, because the menu offerings all sound so good - wish I could actually get them.
(2)
Jeremy C.
This is a nice little spot to get a quick bite for breakfast or brunch. Upon walking in you are always greeted by the friendly and very helpful staff, which make up for the slightly over-priced food and drink. My girlfriend and I shared the jambalaya, gumbo and beignet. They were all pretty good, especially the beignets, but again the menu seems over-priced. If you are searching for a local place to go for a different type of breakfast/brunch, Bayou Bakery is not a bad choice, but it would not be my first choice.
(3)
MJ S.
Ordered a French press to share. Best idea we could have had. It was strong and good. The beignets were okay. Not quite like the ones you would find in New Orleans but good.
(3)
Marigold D.
I really wanted to licks this place but it just feels like its trying way too hard. For example, drinking out of mason jars is cute and theme-y but in actuality not all that comfortable. The coffee is good but the food is all over the place. I think they should cut down their extensive menu and work on bringing up the quality of the food.
(3)
Suwei C.
My husband and I heard this place has good food, so we went there this Sunday morning. It is so disappointing, and the customer service is so terrible. We notice this place is packed, when we first went in. So we were thinking about taking the food home. While my husband was ordering the food, a table open up. I went there to take the table and waited until he came back with a order number "Lincoln" (in this noise place, when the order is called, you will not pay attention for some name is not yours). So when "Lincoln" is called after twice, I went up there pick up my order. I did not see my coffees. So I asked the girl, her reply was first " I don't know." " You need to pick up the drinks over there;", She was pointing to the end of the line where people were ordering. "Should I pick up the drink first, then come back for my food?" "I DON"T CARE!" She rolled her eyes! So I was carrying my food try, went back against the line and asked another guy helping the order: "I ordered two drinks with the food..." He did not even check my order "Lincoln," but made two regular coffees (not we ordered cafe latte & cafe au lait) and put them all the way at the end of the order line! So I carried my food again, went against all the people lining to order to pick up the two drink I did not order! The design of the flow dose not make any sense! When I went back to my table, my husband was kicked out of the table! A waiter came and told him this table is for more than 3 people, and then put a sign on the table! The sign was not there when I set down! So I end up carrying a very heavy try and had no seat! Where is the "helpful" waiter, when I need my order to be completed and correct! We end up seating on a small bench with no table in front of us. I just want to finished my food quickly and get out. I was expecting a nice cafe experience, but it turn up to be a tiresome experience of getting food and finding seats! The table was quickly taken by TWO girls when I am looking around for a table for two! And they just ignored the sign and enjoy. And the waiter did not say a word to them! My husband did not like the food, as he has been Cafe Du Monde many times in New Orleans. The beignets were soggy. And the sugar was all over us, when we could not even have napkins as we were sitting on a side bench! I ran home to wash my hands!
(1)
Katy L.
In reality this is more of a 3.5 Boyfriend and I went there for breakfast on a Sunday. I knew perfectly well it would be packed, but I had accepted that before we arrived. Walked in, and it was quite hot and humid in the place, but not too horrible. It was a pretty humid day outside. Grabbed some menus and waited in line and ordered. We were lucky enough to find an empty table so we sat and waited. And waited. And waited. The coffee took about 15 minutes to come out. The food another 20 after that. I get the rush and get that everything is made to order, but 15 minutes for a cafe au lait? Eh, not buying it. The whole process was slightly disorganized. You order and get a number/parish name, and it is for both drinks and food. You then have to double back to get the coffee and wait in the same place people are waiting for food. While waiting, I had to listen to the barrista berate his co-worker, calling her an idiot in front of about 10 people. All of that aside, it is really all about the food, which was tasty. I went here with a hankering for beignets and it satisfied my craving, not to the level of Cafe du Monde, but still pretty good. Piping hot, covered in powered sugar. The biscuits were warm and buttery, but the egg on the sandwich was obviously a pre-made processed egg patty. All in all, the food will bring me back, but I will be better prepared next time.
(3)
Lesley H.
I really dont understand how this place gets bad reviews. I am in love with bayou bakery and insist that my friend take me everytime I go visit her now. Granted we only go for breakfast but I literally have nothing bad to say about this place. It is a little hard to find places to sit sometimes but thats only bc this place is so dang popular... but I can't really hate on it for that.... and honestly its not ever ridiculously crowded.... at least the times i've been. Now to the drinks...... so i dont drink coffee but my friend does and she RAVES about their lattes. she was in love with their cinnamon roll latte... or something like that... but it was only seasonal and last time we went she got the red hot latte and said it was amazing as well. since i dont drink coffee i did get their hot chocolate once. it was pretty dang good. i had to use A LOT of self control to keep myself from drinking it all before it was beignet time. Now my favorite part.... FOOD! so since we always come for breakfast i always order a biscuit sandwich along with beignets... of course. There biscuits here are delicious. You can definitely tell that they are homemade. They arent too dense, doesnt leave a buttery sheen on your fingers, not dry... just perfect... well with one downside... they kind of fall apart. While the outside of the biscuit is golden brown with a good crust hte inside is quite moist... moist NOT doughy... it really is delicious but it falls apart in your hand while youre trying to eat your sandwich. I usually get my sandwiches with ham, cheese, and egg. The egg does look kind of odd. its like a perfect square cut out of what im guessing is a pan of scrambled eggs. Just looks odd taste fine. The cheese they use is a pretty sharp cheddar which I love. Lastly obviuosly the beignets here are freaking amazing. You get 3 for $3. They always come out fresh. They are light and airy on the inside and they come with NO shortage of powdered sugar. Trust me after you eat them you will have powdered sugar all over your mouth and face.... its actually a little bit embarassing... but whatever... its completely worth it!
(5)
Bill M.
Okay we found it and was it worth the trip the beignets taste like the real deal. I have to say the coffee smelled really good. Upon walking in the line looks like it will take a while but it moves rather quickly. As others have pointed out you get three beignets on a small plate covered with powdered sugar, you wonder how you are not going to make a mess. But the taste was out of this world good. Okay in response to Rod's review yes the parish card thing to call you when your order is ready is a little cumbersome but they are proud people and with the accent I couldn't understand them either. But it is such a small thing, I do agree with other reviews that they could try to keep the tables cleaner but i guess they just get overwhelmed with customers.
(5)
Mark K.
Considering I'd rather eat from a barn floor than most of Virginia's restaurants, this place is decent for the price. They have a selection of bear claws, donuts, cinnamon buns, sticky rolls, jelly filled pastries, chocolate chip cookies, fruit tarts, blueberry muffans, wedding cakes, whole wheat bread, croissants, and the regular fare that you'd find at any coffee shop. They have free milk and sugars you can pour into your coffee and stir around. I will say that for a place that prides itself on its New Orleanian heritage, there's no heart, soul, or secret spice to any of the food here. Definitely worth a look if you're in the area and need a cheap coffee! (Both in taste and price)
(1)
Matt L.
There's not many better lunch spots to introduce friends to a new eatery than Bayou Bakery. A great setting, a great location, and a menu that can appeal to all tastes. The sounds of Louisiana are therapy for the ears, and it's really great to see so many patrons with smiles on their face. I feel that the celebrity chef naming convention has past the point of no return in its misuse, but owner and Executive Chef David Guas is definitely a notable Chef w/ his own cookbook, and appearances on the Today Show, and supporting cameos on the Food Network. The great thing about Chef Guas is that you stop in the BB, and he's at the counter taking orders (Look for the Elvis impersonator w/ the Chops). It's just really refreshing to see someone with the business savvy that he has, but also with the passion for food, and the love for the people eating the food. Leaders lead from the front, and it's very evident that he understands that. Our group of three went with two muff-a-lotta's, and an Arm-Drip, all from the sandwich offerings. The muff-a-lottas had great freshness and flavor. Many olive tapenades are too-heavy, or over-utilized, but the Olive Salad that serves as the dressing for the sandwich was perfect. The toasted sesame seed roll that serves as the bread really adds to the whole package. The Arm-Drip lived up to it's name, as the creamy gravy will drip out with every bite. My dear friend raved about the tenderness of the roast beef, and all that remained were a few drips of gravy, which says it all. BB has a great selection of snacks as well from deviled eggs to a bacon & blue dip. We went with the hot nuts, which are essentially VA peanuts and creole seasoning. The menu listed bacon fat as well, but we couldn't detect any of it after going through the whole mini mason jar of which it is served.. Maybe next time. With lunch rush hour, there may be a bit of a wait, but with the music, and the spacious atmosphere, it flies by. This is a "bus yourself" establishment, which I think is great, as we as a culture have really become pretty big slobs. If you are on the fence about making a stop in, stop thinking and just go. You won't regret it!
(5)
Brian D.
Awesome vibe. Unreal coffee. Great biscuit sandwiches. You order from a counter so it's very efficient. Breakfast menu could be bigger but what I had was phenomenal so it makes up for it. Need to try the chicory coffee next time
(4)
Natalie F.
Being from NEW ORLEANS, this place is on point. My boyfriend and I moved up a few months ago and were feeling a little homesick. We saw BB was having a Saints viewing party and had Abita Amber so we put the address in our Garmin and sought out our people. The ambiance was great. The people were great. The food was even better. While I don't doubt the salads are good, who gets a salad in New Orleans?! Would you go to Italy, get a salad and then complain the dressing is too thick? Please. When in Rome... When at Bayou Bakery, eat like a New Orleanian! We had the Gumbo, the Gulf shrimp mirliton and of course the beignets! Phenomenal!!! If you've ever been to New Orleans and actually have an appreciation for REAL New Orleans style food, this is the place you. You'll feel like your back home. If you don't like it, well...I'm sad to say, you've been up north way too long. Stop in and enjoy the food, atmosphere and the company. It's a nice little get away from the city. The owners are so friendly! Showing the Saints games are a huge plus too!
(5)
Jennifer B.
Ordered a King Cake from Bayou Bakery for a Birthday party. The ordering process was pretty simple, and it was ready on the day I scheduled. Bayou Bakery supplies you with Mardi Gras beads and a nice card explaining the tradition of the King Cake. The only thing that amused me was that the restaurant did not stick the traditional plastic baby in the cake for liability issues. I understand why, but chuckled nonetheless. After inserting the baby myself, I served it to my friends--some of whom are from Louisiana. They really enjoyed it. Thought it was a good stand-in for the ones they are used to having in Louisiana. The cake was moist, delicious, and not overly sweet. The bakery says the cake serves 10-12 people, but I think we ended up serving 15 with it. Everyone was satisfied by the time the cake disappeared. I would gladly order from them again.
(4)
S. Paul L.
Good food. The Muffaletta (sp?) sandwich was very tasty. Good coffee as well. This place gets ridiculously packed in a hurry, so I'd highly recommend trying to hit it during the off-hours.
(4)
Anna A.
So, last week I was handed this adorable bag of popcorn, which was tied with a baby blue ribbon. Ah that cute eight inch silkiness. Without knowing where it's from or how it was made. (Where did you come from, where did you go) The sticker just stated -- "Arlington, VA - Bayou Bakery Coffee Bar and Bakery." Eating and inspecting each puffy piece with tongue to identify the strange flavor - is it salted caramel or sweet caramel? I figured it was popped in pig fat. ONLY AFTER reading the three other reviews posted on yelp, I realized it is bacon and caramel. Oh yeah, it is bacon. Lord has mercy. Should be a sin to enjoy such lusciousness! On another note, had a friend try two pieces and they stated that it's not Garrett's. They believed the bacon was not properly used. Although they may be bias towards popcorn not from Chicago, the bacon surely tastes different from your expectation of a typical crispy bacon slice. Strange. Addicting. Intriguing. Get some. Share with others and see their reaction!
(4)
Elodie T.
I really like the atmosphere and the food, although I will have to come back for more samplings of the menu. ;) I think, if anything, the seating (seat-yourself) is the only negative part but if you come after the lunch rush, there are available seats. I ordered a Bloody Caesar salad (I think? It's not on the online menu) which had some sundried tomatoes and a few other things. I also got the Chai Latte- good, although I think I'd still ultimately choose Starbucks' over this one. Friends ordered another salad and the Arm drip, as well as the mimosa and the French press coffee. The mimosa was on the small side, whereas the French press coffee came in a HUGE French press- enough for 3 cups! It was good coffee. :) The arm drip also looked AMAZING. We shared the beignets- lovely, although I personally can't compare it to the real thing from New Orleans since I've never been. Had a good time teasing friends and the 'explosions' of powdered sugar when they bit down. I concur with whoever said to not wear black! I can definitely see myself being here and eating beignets all afternoon. If only I lived closer!
(4)
Jessica H.
So disappointed. I came here after being released early from jury duty next door, before the mad lunch rush, and had time to leisurely peruse the lunch menu. I settled on a Bayou Chopped Salad with chicken (basically a cobb) and some cheese sticks and some berry iced tea. The cheese sticks were good, but that's a given, right? The salad had SO little dressing. Or the dressing was so thick that it just didn't get around much. It was just a bland salad. A lot of food for the price, but I don't usually get just a salad for lunch, so I figured I should eat the whole thing... which took some effort since it was so bland. Not really planning to come back after that. Sigh.
(2)
Bonnie F.
Great neighborhood coffee shop. The food is delicious and the setting/ambiance feels like New Orleans (having just come back from NOLA I can attest to that) The coffee is excellent (or teas if you are in the mood) just a great all around neighborhood spot. I go there for coffee with clients, lunch with clients, or on Saturday morning in my gym clothes. They have started a new HH that I think goes all night long. I enjoy having a new HH spot in the area and the craft beer was excellent.
(5)
Justin C.
I had forgotten about this place and just how bad it was, then last night on our way to the DC Brau beer and crab festival at Quarterdeck I spotted it again and the recollection of the worst jambalaya I've ever had came back to haunt me. It's a cute enough place, and I've heard they do some legit beignets, which is the only thing saving it from a dreaded 1 star review. The night was much more memorable for Robert Griffin III's upset Heisman Trophy win over Andrew Luck, followed by a rockstar-esque birthday bash hosted by Tia and her roommate Heather just a few blocks down, but Bayou did everything it could at the time to attempt to stand out, just in the wrong way. I started with some deviled eggs. They were deviled eggs, not much to say about them. Like most deviled eggs in this area they were overpriced for what they are, except these had virtually nothing else added to them to distinguish them from the typical preparation. I guess maybe there was a dusting of cayenne, but that's not really too uncommon. They reminded me more of what some lady, who can't cook otherwise, brings to the office Christmas party, rather than something I've just paid for in a restaurant. The eggs paled in comparison though to the offensiveness of the jambalaya. There are a handful of people here (fortunately they're in the minority) who have called this jambalaya things like "amazing" and "divine", which makes me wish that Yelp had a block user function, because I would clearly never trust their opinion again. They failed on not only an execution level but also a fundamental level, failing to prepare any semblance of food that a Creole would be proud to call their own. Honestly, just look at it ( yelp.com/biz_photos/RlVQ… ). Does that plate entice you in any way? Maybe if you really love just a ton of rice and no meat, it might. But the problem with that was the rice was so horribly undercooked that it was quite often hard. The lack of meat aside, there was almost no seasoning, and certainly no depth of flavor. Where is the rich stock, or the peppers, onions, or tomatoes? The executive chef here is supposedly a native of New Orleans, so I highly doubt it was him preparing this debacle, but it does speak volumes about the lack of quality control over recipes that he must have created.
(2)
Laurie L.
Good food good atmosphere but the coffee is never hot and has to be heated in the microwave. Service is good and people are nice.
(3)
Jess G.
Coffee, chai tea, beignets...what more do you need in life? I actually skipped the coffee and got chai tea, which was served in a nice big mug with a good amount of spice! I love the homey atmosphere that makes it like a much better version of Panera with real dishes and silverware, as well as very good food. You do pick up your food yourself when your number is called, get your own silverware, and clean up your table, but it's worth it! I got a salad because I had already had some breakfast. I wasn't expecting much, but the salad was actually really good! It was a huge portion that was hard to finish, but i did because the flavors were all so good and the ingredients were fresh. The mixed green salad has apples, goat cheese, caramelized pecans, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The beignets were of course really tasty, as long as you have someone to tell you that you still have powdered sugar on your face (which, you will, for a while - it's worth it). My boyfriend also got the build-a-biscuit, which he liked a lot (and it was nice they had non-pork options). Also - parking on the weekend? So easy! We found plenty of street parking less than a block away. You can't beat that!
(4)
Nicole C.
the biscuits are divine, especially with the pepper jelly. The Capt. Chai Tea is also worth it. The biscuits and gravy were a little "meh" according to my boyfriend, but he has very high standards so take that with a grain of salt. The only bad thing about this place is that they stop serving biscuits at noon on Saturday, and there is never a time when one should stop serving biscuits.
(5)
Noelle P.
I LOVE Bayou Bakery - the rumors are churning about it's impending arrival in Capitol Hill, and I just can't wait. The biscuits are delish, the bacon is even delicious-er and if you're looking for a beignet, and you've gone too far north and east, this is the next best spot outside of NOLA. The vibe is laidback and colloquial - you're bound to sink into an arm chair next to a stranger who will soon be a friend. My only request - fountain sodas!
(5)
Antonio M.
**BEIGNET REVIEW ONLY*** Hot, steamy, fresh and slightly sticky goodness that will make your toes curl as you suck your fingers and passionately yell, "Ohhh yuuuum YESSS!" Get your mind out of the gutter ya sicko freak! I'm not talking about that, I'm talking about Bayou Bakery's made-to-order beignets. Their beignets are amazing pastry treats that will have your body convulsing with orgasmic enjoyment as soon as the warm flaky beignet goodness touches your lips. Each order comes with three perfectly made beignets covered in a beautiful layer of powdered sugar. Pair your beignet order with a freshly made latte and you have heaven on earth! I guarantee that as you sit there enjoying your latte and begin licking the sugary powder from your fingers, you can't help but think how these beignets are like a little piece of perfectly fried sex on a plate. That is all you need to know about them. If you're not drooling (or sweating) after reading this, then run to Bayou Bakery and try a beignet for yourself. Yes, you're welcome....now go, get some! :-)
(4)
Pica S.
I lived around the corner for years and have been here many, many times. I can't believe it only has 3.5 stars at the moment, and that people are complaining about authenticity (shudder), or their food not being up to snuff after they took it home in a paper bag. That's like docking pizza a star for being soggy after you steam it in a cardboard box! The best things here are the breakfast biscuits, and you've got to at least split an order of beignets, they're perfectly fried, light with the right amount of puff. You'll get all the powdered sugar you could possibly want and more. People comparing them to rosy memories of Cafe du Monde ... yeesh ... I promise, if you had them next to each other you would change your tune. There's like 3 ingredients in a beignet, it's all about the technique, and these are great. Everyone knows about the breakfast, so if you come on the weekend, come early or expect to have to put a little effort into scoring a table (seating is first-come, first-serve) ... i.e. don't show up with big group at 10 on a Saturday. I would kill to work nearby, I'd be here like every day for the breakfast biscuits and coffee. I love coffee, here they brew Counter Culture and there are free refills. I'm not a huge fan of the Baroida, which they have on tap often, but still prefer it over the alternative of not drinking it or trekking to Java House where they don't have any of this food. Pralines are not my favorites but are excellent (don't know a better source in DC), and they now have a praline scone which is a must-eat if you at all like scones. Brownies and other baked stuff is great. You are in a bakery, you should order a sweet treat. And before close, you can get discounts. Food-wise I've had a few things. Definitely recommend the gumbo. The muffaletta actually has a different name and isn't trying to be a giant NO-style one, it's smaller and basically mashed meats. All the food is good, and pretty consistent, like 3.5-4 stars out of 5 depending on what you order. For under $10 that is awesome. I'm not one of those bacon freaks, but if you like bacon you will not go wrong ordering something with it here. Also, everyone who works here is very friendly, it's a great atmosphere. From the outside you'd never know it, it looks like another mediocre Arlington place from the street. There are outside tables, which are nice when the weather is good, and help ease the crowding inside on weekend mornings. A great place to meet and chill with friends on nice day.
(5)
Dennis G.
4 of us stopped on a Saturday around 2 in the afternoon. I would have thought that this would normally be well past a lunch hour rush, but it wasn't the case. The place was packed, and I know why. They serve good food at reasonable prices. It's not very big so finding a table can be a challenge and some people seem to linger over their tables long ofter they've consumed their meals, but there is so much going on that it is understandable. If you haven't tried it and you're in the area, by all means do so. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Wonjin C.
A friend from out of town came so we took a risk and came here! We ordered an arm drip sandwich, beignets, gumbo and ice coffee! Let me say this - the arm drip sandwich was amazing. The sandwich consists of thickly sliced roast beef that is very smooth. It cuts really well so that you dont pull out the whole slice with a bite. The roast beef is covered in a gravy that isnt overly salty and is just enough where you won't feel like you are going to die. There is a good amount of sweet and soft onions mixed in with the heaping amount of melted cheese on top of the sandwich. The bread also soft and compliments the sandwich well. Just a warning - not a first date sandwich, its super messy but super worth it! Gumbo was also good! I loved the pieces of sausage and chicken in the gumbo! It wasn't overly salty which made me like it more. There is probably a table spoons worth of rice right on top which is goes well with the gumbo! Now the beignets - they honestly weren't the greatest? It's not something I am looking forward to grabbing the next time I come here. They were just caked with powdered sugar and weren't very flavorful. It just tasted like a doughnut with no sugar in the actual bread portion? Coffee was good - tasted like standard coffee to me! I did love however that you can get FREE refills on your coffee if dine in! Looking forward to going again and trying more things!
(4)
Sharron W.
love the beignets and biscuits. gets crowded on the weekends but the food makes up for it!!!
(5)
Rob K.
Delicious coffee and the biscuit breakfast sandwich was outstanding. Have not had anything else. Nice decor inside and pleasant ambiance.
(5)
Michelle A.
This place is great! Five of us were here this morning with our three babies, and we had a great breakfast sitting comfortably in the back on the couches. I had a bacon and chive scone that was awesome, and a french press pot of coffee that was good- a little strong, but good. I also tried the beignets- they were really light and fluffy and not too sweet. The place is great, not sure it's very Louisiana but it's definitely got an industrial feel- very chic. Canning jars turned into light fixtures, rustic wooden flooring, vintage hutch turned coffee sideboard... very homey. The only thing I didn't like was the special of the day- grits. I expected them to be a bit more authentic. They looked like they were instant grits from a container, made with milk and maybe some grated cheese. I don't think I'd get them again. But I'd go back there in a second! It's awesome!
(5)
Joe S.
I stumbled upon this place the other day. I caught a hint of fried dough in the air and looked for it's source. Interesting ordering system: You get a card with a Cajun name on it and you wait for them to call it to get your food. I got a cappuccino and beignets. The cappuccino was the best i've had in the DC metro area. Absolutely perfect. The only down side was i couldn't find white sugar and ended up using the raw stuff. Not a deal breaker but I prefer white sugar in my coffee. The espresso was smooth and the cream was steamed to the perfect consistency. The beignets were pretty super hot and covered in powdered sugar. They were pillowy yet still chewy and full tasting. Not airy and light. They fried them well; no oily mess in the bag. Well done Bayou Bakery.
(4)
FU Y.
I give it a top ranking for customer satisfaction, but disclaimer up front...this is a very narrow review, so it deserves a helping of skepticism. I wanted to try a beignet and B.B. met the test of conveying how great they are with their version. Not being from La., beignets seemed sort of like a bucket list item. You don't want to die without having enjoyed one. I can cross that off and add something to regularly kick a doughnut's ass to how I roll. Nice!
(5)
Natalie W.
My entire family is from the great state of Louisiana. My mother introduced beignets to me as a child, making them from scratch in our home in Maryland. It is not an easy task and most people just can't get it to that authentic Cafe Du Monde perfection. However, I find that this place, makes me feel as close to New Orleans and my childhood memories as I can sitting in Arlington, VA. I can confidently recommend these beignets to my family and friends alike and know they will get the real experience. Absolutely freaking delicious! Now, they also have Boudin sausage...I will say their version of this is not exactly what I remember eating in the bayou, but it is very tasty nonetheless. Boudin is really something you need to get from some random Texico in the middle of no where in the swamps of Louisiana to fully appreciate it. But this place has great beignets, and the rest of the food from what I hear, is also pretty dang good. Oh! and Cafe O' lei with the beignets...YUMMY! I have to admit, breaking the gluten free diet for this place is worth it.
(4)
Samantha G.
This team is as good as it gets. Extremely personable, clean and efficient. My fiance and I were here for the first time on lunch, today. Someone (I hope by accident) grabbed our order. We were waiting for a while because we didn't know. When the (owner- I assume) realized what happened, he prepped the food on the fly and had it right out with sincere apologies and a cookie- that tasted absolutely AMAZING. My fiance said that his BLT was the best sandwich he has ever had. The food is amazing... the people are amazing.. and its a great location. It's a MUST DO!
(5)
Nima B.
This was written on 2.23.12. I just forgot to post it. Anyhow, I wanted to order food but the menu was limited to only a few items since it was Fat Tuesday. For $19 I got a 1 hot tea, a sliver of King cake and a terrible overpriced drink which they called a "Hurricane". Not the best cake at all and I was hungry. The drink was NOTHING close to a Hurricane. I have had my fair share of Hurricanes at Pat Os in Nola. The drink I received was a yellowish sour tasting drink. It had an acidic taste you get in your mouth after a nice puke. Maybe they were trying to make a hand grenade? Having lived in New Orleans for years and being a LSU alum I was beyond disappointed. My gf was shocked they charged $12 for a tiny sour puke drink. She tried a sip and immediately said "nasty". The bearded guy behind the counter assured her it was a hurricane and the cost was $12. It would have been nice if the owner was either behind the counter monitoring employees or at least checking on customers. It may be smart to interact with new faces to ensure they have a good experience. Just a thought. I only give it two stars because people had LSU and Saints gear on. Geaux Tigers and long live the Who Dat Nation! Saints may be coachless but never hopeless. Maybe I will give the Bayou Bakery another chance in the distant future.
(2)
Amber W.
My husband and I LOVED this place!! So unique and cool vibe - such a great place to hang out and enjoy some delicious food! My husband ordered the cuban sandwich that is only on the menu every so often and let me tell you.. delicious!! I am originally from Tampa, FL and I know a good cuban.. that was a GOOD cuban!! ;) Their desserts looked really good and will have to make a trip back just to try them!
(5)
Megan A.
This is a great "go-to" spot for brunch in the Courthouse/Clarendon area. They have great coffee and beignets! YUM
(4)
Daniel R.
I love the Bayou Bakery. I've been for breakfast several times and have not been disappointed. It's really the chicory coffee which keeps me coming back. It's delicious and reminds me of coffee in New Orleans. The beignets are very tasty if not up to the standard of the Cafe du Monde. Still they are much better than the no beignets I can get anywhere else in DC! Breakfast sandwiches are very good and the Bloody Marys are also excellent. If I didn't have to cross the river to get here, I would probably come every weekend.
(4)
Whitney R.
I have mixed feelings about this sweet little place. The atmosphere and decor is 5 stars. It has the perfect mix of rustic and Nawlins. However, the food is about 2 stars. The portions are tiny and the flavors are very average. I got jambalaya which had 99% rice and 1% meat. I've made much better jambalaya from a 99 cent box of Zatarains. Amongst the rest of my group, the gumbo was way too peppery (pepper was the main flavor rather than other traditional Cajun spices) and the bbq was completely average. The beignets were definitely tasy, but nowhere near on par with the original Cafe Du Monde. All in all, sweet little place to hang out get coffee and beignets but NOT a place I will be returning to for an actual meal.
(3)
Ben V.
Just had beignets and an americano here. They were superb, I will most defiantly be back to this place to try their other things. Also great music and nice general ambiance. Any place the plays The Meters is alright by me.
(4)
Gracie H.
Today was my first time at this place and it was a cute little place, had the turkey sandwich with melted gouda cheese...yum!! Kinda disappointed there were no free refills on the tea but it was a good cheap eat so I'm not complaining. The food was fresh, the bread was warm and flakey, and it was good. Cute little place.
(4)
Eston M.
Brilliant! I've been by for brunch a few times and love their biscuits and oatmeal, and the hot chocolate and apple cider are delicious. The food is inexpensive, too, and good enough that they could probably get away with charging a buck or two more. As much as I wish for more seating, I've never had to wait for a place to sit down. I could see myself swinging by on a lazy afternoon and kicking back with a book and coffee.
(4)
Kristi H.
Can't wait to go back there!
(5)
Niki S.
Love coming here for an after work snack. The staff is always friendly, and the food fulfills my desire for some NOLA cooking. Helps that they often have LivingSocial instant deals.
(4)
Austin O.
I like this place, and its nice to have something different in courthouse, but it seems to me that it could be much better with a few changes: 1) The bread on the sandwiches isn't very good, and it gets really dry when they toast it. I spent about two minutes coughing after taking a bite of my veg-head sandwich. The veggies were good, so some better bread would be nice. 2) They have a biscuit sandwich with sausage and egg, and the biscuit is really good, so why do they ruin it by putting on a gross McDonald's style microwaved egg-disk and a flavorless, not-sure-if-its-real-meat suasage patty? 3) Why do the beignets have so much powdered sugar on them? Maybe that's "authentic," but literally sugar flies everywhere when you take a bite, and it ends up everywhere. The coffee is nice, nice atmosphere, but some kinks need to be worked out with the food.
(2)
Paul W.
Disappointing. Although my only point of reference is the French Quarter, I can genuinely say their beignets and chicory coffee were not good. My date and I didn't even finish our order.
(2)
Antonio P.
Proprietors that educate, food that comforts and a relaxing vibe. as was mentioned to the guy at the next table, if i were writing a novel this is where i'd hang out. the beverages were fulfilling and funk was playing in the background. want to know where something is sourced from? it's probably the owner's local or distant friend. this place has got essence..
(4)
Fred K.
I agree with the 3.5 star ratings mentioned below, but since it's a new business I will give them 4 instead of 3. Excellent muffaletta (which they call a muffalotta for some reason) with a tasty olive salad mix. The gumbo was good, but I would have preferred more of a kick to it. I skipped the beignets and had a couple pralines, which were very nice. Overall a nice addition to the Courthouse area in Arlington.
(4)
T L.
The other reviews are pretty accurate on the following: 1. thin napkins 2. it can be hard to hear your name card The service didn't take long; we were there a little bit after the lunch rush. The food was good but slightly different than what I've tried in New Orleans. Although, the beignets were good I think the outside was a little soft for me. I like it with a crunch on the outside. Still good though! I also liked the gumbo and wish they had a larger size. I recommend the muffalotta sandwich but I don't remember it being that greasy in NOLA. Although it was different than the first gumbo, muffalotta and beignet I've tried in NOLA, it wasn't bad. I'd return. I don't know where else I can get beignets that cheap close by my place! Btw, don't wear black if you're going to order the beignets. It can get messy!
(4)
Justin L.
Quality of the food is excellent. Limited menu but everything is consistently great. Service is fast and friendly enough, the owner has put some thought into the design of the place (love the shutters on the wall), although I think the atmosphere would be improved by limiting the amount of sunlight that gets in. The coffees are really varied and creative, only 1 brand of beer (Abita) but at least they are craft. Seems like it would be a great place for breakfast, lunch and casual dinners. Head and shoulders above most of the other mediocre places in the immediate area.
(5)
Christie E.
Arm drip sandwich, gumbo, beignets and french press to share was a great brunch for me! The sandwich has plenty or roast beef and will satisfy a french dip craving. The bread is tender, not soggy and still holds a crunchy, chewy texture. I don't know enough about gumbo to critic, but I was satisfied with my experience. The beignets are warm, chewy and slightly crisp and goes so great with french press coffee. I really enjoy coming here, especially on Saturdays when the farmer's market is open!
(4)
Isabel H.
While the beignets at Bayou Bakery are good, this little cute neighborhood cafe will have to work harder on its brunch menu to keep the locals coming. By noon, they had run out of the two sandwiches that I tried to order today (a Sunday, when they should have been prepared for a crowd) and so I ended up ordering a shrimp sallad. It was good but not substantial and it arrived in a plastic container! That is less than appealing if you're looking to spend a cozy brunch with friends in a place that has a great atmosphere and where one would not expect a fast food kind of experience. The line was long and the wait for the food even longer, but that may change as the kitchen gets its routines down and gets used to the crowds. However, running out of sandwich material and being cheap on the size of the sallad is not OK. (See Busboys and Poets for great sallads). Also, there was no omelette or any egg dish with a nice rich New Orleans filling - I missed that on the menu. As a local, I hope it survives and purchases some cute sallad dishes. Isabel H
(2)
Steve E.
Yum!!! Great joint! The Arm Drip roast beef sandwich? Incredible! The muffolotta? Yum! Ask for extra olive mix! And the desserts are fabulous! Can't leave without a beignet! Go here now! And go early!
(5)
Reba K.
location: right by the courthouse metro station, lots of metered parking. set-up: order at the counter, grab a table, wait for your nola-flavoured "name card" to be called (mine was claiborne), pick up your order from the counter. noticed they were pretty inefficient: only one register open with 20 people in line, took 15 minutes for my french press and 25 minutes for my beignets & gumbo. way too long for "self-service." food: the gumbo was served in a coffee mug (read: not too many spoonfuls), but delicious: comforting rice, flavourful sausage, thick broth. the beignets were ok...i mean, fried dough sprinkled with powdered sugar is always going to be good. what i was looking for though, was downright amazing - hot, fluffy, slightly crispy, melt-in-your mouth. was a little disappointed. ambiance: clean (read: not exactly a nola-vibe), huge windows letting in lots of light, crowded for saturday brunch.
(3)
Peter D.
I would love it if this review was primarily about the food, but I wasn't able to order anything aside from beignets, and therein lies the problem. Even on weekends, Bayou Bakery doesn't serve breakfast OR lunch between 11am and 11:30am, and when my girlfriend and I got there shortly before 11:30am last weekend, we were told they were running behind and there wouldn't be anything aside from beignets until noon! I have never in my life experienced a restaurant that has almost no food available late on a weekend morning, and maybe the worst part is how unapologetic the people there were about the whole thing. The beignets were good, but I'll be hesitant to return.
(2)
Faith F.
I got a "sno-ball" and it was syrupy sweet. I also got a praline. It was ok, not bad, not great. I was also completely annoyed with the lounge rules. It's not that they were unreasonable (no feet on table, no lingering with the internet connection, wear shoes, etc)... but the signage was annoying. It didn't seem as though they have any of these issues, why act like we are five. And if you have a lounge, expect costumers to use it. What's next: Covering the couch in plastic?
(3)
Jeffrey K.
Went for coffee and beignets and was not disappointed. Both items really did remind me of those served by Cafe Du Monde. Not nearly as much character as the original (think Starbucks) but, hey, it's Arlington, VA not New Orleans.
(4)
Christy L.
Beignet! Beignet! I miss it so much..... 1 order is not enough for me.. Even my 9 years old can have more than an order. Coffee is great as well. Gumbo soup for breakfast? It works!
(4)
Jake W.
The food is hit or miss, but the atmosphere is quite nice and the beignets are delicious.
(3)
Noor S.
Take this with a grain of salt as they are new and might improve tremendously. Music is way way too loud for the vibe they're going for, to the point it interferes with conversations. Both sandwiches ordered (1 turkey and 1 roast beef special, can't remember the names) were really bad. Dry, overcooked, bland, and in the case of roast beef slathered in turkey gravy straight out of a can. We both tossed ours out and went and got lunch elsewhere. Terrible ordering system - hand you a card then they try to make themselves heard over the sound of bad jazz. Food took forever to be prepared and it's inefficient enough that you'd be hard pressed to get in and out in an hour. Overrpriced drinks (no fountain) served in 10 oz cups or glass bottles. Iced tea overbrewed and awful. In all, I can't recommend Bayou in any way shape, or form. I might give them another shot down the road, but it'll be a good long while. Hope everyone else has better experiences there though and that they improve in the coming weeks!
(1)
Taylor G.
Yeah, so far I can't get behind this place the way I want to. The first time I was there I was getting a latte to go. It was delicious, but it seriously took FOREVER. I mean I ordered and then waited at least 15 minutes. Not really my ideal service. Second time I ordered in and I had an egg and cheese on a biscuit and a latte. The service was better this time and the egg and cheese biscuit was good, but nothing special. My real complaint is with the latte. This time it had coffee grinds in it!! That is my number one pet peeve with coffee. Eww, yuck. Especially a latte, come on... I paid more for that?! We'll see, hopefully it gets better if I visit again.
(3)
Drew M.
From the moment I walked in the door I knew it would be a good breakfast. The staff was very friendly and welcoming which was a great first impression of Bayou Bakery. The beignets were light and delicious, although they had more powdered sugar than I could have imagined so I had to dust a lot of it off to get to ny desired level of sweetness. I also ordered spiced cider which was spot on, and a turkey sausage egg and cheese biscuit which was excellent when augmented with hot sauce. Overall a great breakfast at a reasonable price so I'll definitely be coming back here soon.
(4)
Trish J.
Sandwich was ok at best. Dessert wasn't very good either
(1)
Hannah B.
Being a big fan of bakeries, I felt obligated to try out this place. From the outside the window paintings seemed a little out of place, but going inside had a very cool feel to it. I ordered the arm dip sandwich and the beignets. The order didn't take long at all. The beignets were delicious. Maybe a bit to much powdered sugar, but they were gone in a couple minutes. The arm drip was pretty well priced for $7 considering its size. It was big enough for me to have it for lunch for two days. The only thing was it was a bit bland, it definitely needed a bit more seasoning. Overall the experience was a delight and I will definitely be returning.
(4)
Scott P.
Good biscuits, nice biegnets, not quite Morning Call but I'll be back.
(3)
sarah s.
3.5 stars. Had the gumbo, which was delicious, the beignets, and the porkorn. The beignets were a little heavy and not that authentic-but it's fried dough rolled in sugar, how bad could that be? The porkorn, which is a caramel corn/bacon confection, was disgusting. It should be caramel corn with a hint of smoky bacon-ness; instead, it's like eating bacon grease popcorn with a hint of sweetness. Bottom line- if I lived in the neighborhood, I'd go back, but it's not worth a special trip.
(3)
Judi R.
My first impression was a positive! Got there bout 11am parked inside the garage next door. Smiling faces upon entering the bakery ....no line... I came for the beignets & cafe au lait... ok... & some gumbo. I was very satisfied with my food! I like GOOD coffee but the first cup was weak ... got another cup with a shot of espresso & that kicked the flavor up for me. Beignets were like little pillows of goodness loaded with confectionary sugar & gumbo tastey good! Atmosphere cozy-casual..very comfy.... about noon the crowd came for lunch... I will return here ...enjoyed some "Me" time in this place! Got beignets to go...so good!
(4)
Stephanie W.
This place is completely fabulous. I used to live in New Orleans and this little shop has captured all the right things from Louisiana to make it feel great, not cheesy. Fresh press coffee - wonderful. Beignets - as good as I've ever had outside of LA. Biscuits - delicious. "Sticky station" with jellies and honey - love. I can't wait to go back and try more LA treats I saw on the menu!
(5)
Beth B.
I noticed that alot of the reviewers have never been to New Orleans and lack a point of reference when reviewing whether the food at Bayou Bakery is authentic. I just returned from my second visit to Bayou Bakery and, as a frequent traveler to New Orleans, I am here to attest to the authenticity of their food. The biscuits are more cakey than Southern flakey, but full fo flavor. The bacon is nice and smokey and well cooked. The special sandwich today, The Bitter Pig, was moist and tender sliced pork and the bread was good and crusty, something you don't see alot north of Louisiana. Loved the Arm Dripper - it was wet without being soggy and full of beefy flavor. And the beignets are the best I've had outside of New Orleans. The to-go beignets even come in a little white bag, just like they do at Cafe du Monde. The service is very friendly, the space is fun, and the music is fantastic. Am looking forward to going back to try dinner! If you haven't been - go!
(4)
Allison B.
This review is specifically for Bayou's summertime treat - the sno-ball. Delicious... especially on a 97 degree day. My friend and I had the strawberry sno-ball with a drizzle of the condensed milk. Really, really satisfying. We'll be back again, for sure, to try the rest of the flavors!
(4)
Christina A.
I called in an order for pickup. As I walked in, I noticed that it was bright and cute inside, and kinda N.O.ish so I was encouraged. I ordered the gumbo and a creole pilgrim sandwich. The gumbo was not good. At all. I had to douse it with hot sauce just to finish the cup. And it was $4, for a tiny cup. No thanks. Moving on, I was all excited to see the pressed sandwich inside, which I ordered with the dijonaise on the side. (I HATE mayo but love mustard so I wanted the option). Um ok the dijonaise IS mayo, and not only did it come on the side, but they put it on my sandwich as well. Oh wow yum extra mayo. The sandwich was decent but nothing remarkable and the mayo was a big big turn off. I would come back to try some of their sweets as they looked delicious, but won't be going out of my way to return for lunch.
(2)
Elizabeth S.
Today, I heard about the turkey meatloaf sandwich on special and just had to have one. I zipped over there after work and called ahead to order. David answered and informed me that, sadly, the meatloaf was the lunch special. Just as I was about to go home completely dejected, he offered to check in the back for any extras -- and guess what!! There were two left, one with my name on it. WHOOOOHOOOO! Man, it was G-O-O-D. Juicy turkey meatloaf on a delicious Texas toast with some kind of pesto...grilled to perfection....it was freaking awesome. This special ain't no joke, folks. Thanks to David for hookin' a sista up!! I'm a fan of the loaf -- and y'all should be too!
(5)
Yee W.
I only had pralines there and they were good, super sweet. heard that other food there is also good but haven't had a chance to try. enjoy the interior design with wooden tables, couches...glad to support a new, independent bakery shop in the neighborhood.
(4)
Rachel S.
The customer service is extremely friendly and funny. It has a great atmosphere to get some work done via their free wi-fi while enjoying an excellent coffee. If you are like me and need your caffeine to be a legitimate human being-get an extra shot of espresso in the latte. It will be delicious though.
(4)
Allison W.
Just stop whatever you're doing and head over to Bayou Bakery! I went today for the first time and am in love. It was a rainy afternoon, perfect for indulging in all of their comfort foods -- gouda, rosemary, carmelized onion mac & cheese, seafood gumbo and a killer veggie sandwich. For dessert we split a plate of beignets and the dat-o which is somewhere between a homemade oreo and a whoopie pie. Crispy chocolate cookies held together by sugary white frosting....sigh. (Luckily there were plenty of left overs, so I can re-create the bliss at home for dinner tonight.) Also, they have wi-fi and what looks like some good happy hour specials. I believe this will be my new favorite refuge during my period of unemployment. Thank you Yelpers for directing me to this gem that is close to my home but which I never would have stumbled across on my own.
(5)
Heather M.
It's ok. Hate the coffee. Ordered an iced mocha twice, and on both occassions it's oddly tasted like olive oil (and both my dining partners agreed). Wouldn't order the breakfast biscuit again, also got that twice and both times it was really dry and so crumbly it disenigrated in my hands after the first bite. Best thing I tried was the hot dog, which was good, but was a chrizo not a hot dog and was pretty small for $7.
(2)
Mike R.
Here's another one that suffers the high expectations of making the Washingtonian Cheap Eats list and then just being ok. We went for lunch and the sandwiches sounded so much tastier than they actually were. From the reviews and menu the breakfast is what I really want to give a try, but I suspect it won't live up to my expectations either. If I were in the area and in the mood for an ok sandwich I might stop in again, but it's just not that likely.
the DC area is really missing out on cajun food. Having said that, you can get your cajun on at Bayou Bakery but don't expect it to count as your visit to NOLA. The beignets, which I'll assume are their signature item, are good but not great. I really like the fact that they have a wide variety of coffee drinks here. It's funny because when i think NOLA, i actually think of the really great coffee culture that's really grown in the Big Easy. The biscuits I ordered were hard as rocks and that really stunk. I'll go back and try them again hoping they get it right. Bottom line, this place has serious potential. If they get they their menu down, Bayou Bakery will be slammed and blow up and you'll have heard it from me first that this place is huge. I'll be heralded by everyone yelp land for my foresight. (just kidding). At the least, BB is a very good place for southerners to grab some southern food and bring back their accents that many have either lost or disguised. As a Georgia boy, I'm lookin' forward to eatin' here again!
(4)
Brianne C.
3.65 stars. The pad of my middle finger still glows an angry scarlet after my encounter with Bayou's piping hot beignets last night. Lightly topped with powdered sugar (in contrast with the heaping mound at Cafe du Monde), the beignets are surprisingly soft and light, with buttery richness tucked into the layers. Their scrumptious beauty is unsurpassed in the area, and I love dunking them in a mug of chicory coffee. The barbecue shrimp are equally thrilling, swimming in a sauce of butter, peppers, Worcestershire, and spices with an accompanying soft baguette for sopping up extra flavor. It is a filling and satisfying savory dish, causing the gumbo to seem somewhat unfinished, as it needs more depth of flavor. The mustard-laced deviled eggs and shrimp with onion remoulade are also good choices, but less memorable when pitted against the glorious barbecue shrimp. But the king cake, full of butter and allspice and finished with powdered sugar icing and sprinkles, will save any day, while the decor makes you relax and raise your voice animatedly after an Abita. The menu system can be a bit confusing, as almost nothing is served all day, so your best bet is lunchtime, when the largest selection of items are available. The front counter goes out of its way to accommodate what you're craving, and has good alternate suggestions when specials have run out. I will be returning to try the muffaletta, pimientos, and boudin sausage while feasting on all my favorite things.
(4)
N M.
As a New Orleans transpant living in DC, I can't even begin to describe how happy it makes me to see my favorite items available a few metro stops away. I only had the opportunity to try the beignets (served all-day long) and coffee and chicory. I hope to write a follow-up review once I've tasted some of the entree options as well. The five stars is due in large part to the atmosphere that the owners have created and the level of detail they've given to this spot. Rather than calling a number when your meal is ready, they give you different Louisiana parish names to identify your order. The music selection (at least during my visit) was strictly New Orleans music including Louis Armstrong's "Do You know What it Means to Miss New Orleans?" I in fact do know what it means to miss New Orleans, but this spot helps me get through it much easier.
(5)
Jennifer J.
As much as you will want to eat the beignets in your car on the way home, try to wait. Otherwise, you will look like the last scene in Scarface, but with powdered sugar. I couldn't wait. They were hot, perfectly crispy on the outside & perfect on the inside. EXCELLENT. I had a lot of "'splaining" to do as to why there was powdered sugar all over my car, but it was totally worth it. Staff is super! Very friendly and always packed, even at 2pm on a Wednesday. I wanted a Po'Boy, but they were all sold out, breaking my heart. The Gumbo was excellent with a great spicy flavor. Very good. I had a little incident with the coffee I bought. Some jerk had opened the creamer container all the way, (lunchroom prank style) and when I tried to pour my cream, the top came off, spilling coffee and creamer all over. The staff was nice and helped clean it up while someone else got me another cup. They could have given me the eye roll ( i probably would have) but they were sweet about it. My advice is to get there at the beginning of the shift. Chef Guas is amazing and comes up a NOLA Supper Hot Plate daily. I hope he wins all those awards he is nominated for!! If you can't make it in for lunch or dinner, just go get some awesome coffee and a Beignet or breakfast. You will swear you are at Cafe Du Monde in NOLA, except for the cold weather, no Dixie, and the euphoric feeling you get when in the Big Easy. Otherwise, save the plane fare and get on over to Bayou Bakery.
(4)
Sally H.
I love the sandwiches here! I've had almost all of them including a few from the daily menu. I also really like the Mac & Cheese. The ones I've had were a little soupy but I enjoyed them. Yes, the beignets are beyond amazing and beg for their ginger coffee as an accompaniment. Just make sure you aren't wearing black when you get them. The only reason I have given them 4 stars is because most of their sandwiches are only available until 3pm on weekdays and odd times on weekends. I don't work in the area but live in it. I would be here for dinner all the time if I could grab a sandwich and bring it home.
(4)
Ambi C.
I had brunch here with my two friends and I have to say I am sad it took me this long to find this spot! Although they don't offer the egg and cheese biscuits after noon, they should really have them available 24/7 because they are in such high demand, the walnut and cheese salad and the biscuits with pepper jelly were great. My only issue is that the staff is not as helpful and nice as I had expected.
(3)
Robin F.
I've been a few times, but a little mixed on how I feel: 1. Atomosphere = good 2. Coffee = too strong and bitter 3. Cappucino = really good 4. Biscuits for me = not a fan bad after taste; but for the boyfriend = great 5. Beignets and other pastries = good 6. Service = friendly, but slow at the counter End result is if I want to meet a friend in Courthouse I would go, but if just want a good cup of coffee I'd probably go to Northside Social
(3)
Anne B.
Lemon. Chess. Pie. Never heard of it until I saw it there. Best decision of my life was to indulge in $3.14 Pie on Pi Day. Do yourself a favor. I'm a picky eater and they sometimes don't get all of my particulars correct - but I don't see that a reason to take away an additional star. The menu is a little bit more limited than I'd like to see, but overall, a great addition to Court House.
(4)
Chuck W.
New Orleans transplant here - so I was excited about Bayou Bakery (especially since I heard they have boudin). Been twice now and the result is that they've got a nice vibe going and it's a great idea in this market. BUT they need to keep working on the product. First, the gumbo is AWFUL. Simply the worst gumbo I have ever had. It supposed to be a complex flavor with a number of different essences going on, and the gumbo is just flat, boring and wholly unappealing. The whole point of gumbo is the flavor, so they need to fix this as soon as possible! It isn't terribly difficult so somebody there is just sleeping on the taste. The sloppy roast beef sandwich was very good and they've got the flavor right. I'll definitely have that again. The beignets are pretty good on the taste but they still don't have it quite right - perhaps it is a climate situation (not being at sea level for instance) or something in the water, but the beignet should be hollow in the middle. I've had them twice now and they were doughy in the middle both times, which gives the whole experience a different texture. But the taste is right. But again, the atmosphere is attractive and it's a great idea. They just need to work on some of the food. And serving that gumbo in a place with fleur-de-lis all over it is just an insult! Of course, I'll be back many times. Still haven't had the boudin, apparently that's only at night.
(2)
Peter B.
Saw Bayou Bakery immediately after I had gotten back from New Orleans and knew that I had to scope it out. The decor is nice, with a nice mix of zydeco and blues for a soundtrack. While it can appear a bit too kitschy (e.g. the Mardi Gras beads and LSU tiger on the table in the back), I liked it overall. Another plus: there is a bottle of Crystal hot sauce on every table- a Louisiana necessity. All that is missing are the canisters of Tony Chachere's seasoning throughout the restaurant- add a few of that and bayou humidity and you would think that you were in Metairie or somewhere in Uptown. In terms of food, this review specifically addresses the "Sno-balls" of Bayou Bakery. As stated, I had just gotten back from NOLA and had a hankering for a sno-ball a la Hansen's (as an aside, Hansen's is the greatest snoball I've ever had...even better than every one I ever had in Baltimore). The sno-ball was not at ALL like a true NO snoball- instead of the fluffy, snow-like ice of Hansen's, I got flaky, big chunks of ice. The Wedding Cake syrup (a very NOLA flavor) was good. It was not a true New Orleans snowball (though it did use a NOLA ice machine), though they approximate the charm of Plum Street Snowballs by putting the desserts in little paper buckets (a la a Chinese restaurant). Overall, a decent stop. I will need to try the Po Boys there to see if it can be considered in the same, rarefied air as a Parkway Bakery or Mahoney's po boy.
(3)
Hannah T.
This review will be biased because I've only had their sweets...but I love their sweets. Their cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies are heavenly. Coffee is strong and delicious. I've also had their beignets, which were good. I've been to Cafe du Monde in New Orleans, and find the Bayou Bakery beignets comparable (albiet less powdered sugar- which is probably a good thing), however, I would never identify myself as an authority on beignets. Also, not sure if this is a seasonal offering, but this past month, they've been selling Abita Strawberry Harvest Lager. Yum! I thought one could only find this in New Orleans, so this was an exciting find for me.
(4)
Abby C.
Food/Cost: (3.5/5) I came here yesterday, a Saturday, around noon to grab lunch and to get some work done for school. It was packed! I ordered the Creole Pilgram Sandwich ($6.54 w/tax) (shaved blackened turkey, arugula, smoked gouda, dijonaise -- all on a panini-fied on a baguette), and my friend ordered the Muff-a-lotta ($6.54 w/tax) (salami, mortadella, smoked ham, provolone, olive salad on muffaletta bread). We swapped halves so we could both try two sandwiches. Both sandwiches were good. The Dijonaise on the Creole was fantastic and made the sandwich for me, though the turkey was dry. The Muff-a-lotta was a bit too salty for me, but the olive salad was fabulous on the bread. After occupying our table for an hour, we went back for round 2 - Beignets ($3 for a order of 3), Apple Cider ($2.25), Cappuccino, Latte, and Chai Tea Latte ($4.09 w/tax). The apple cider here is amazing -- the flavor is concentrated -- I wish it wasn't seasonal (today was the last day they sold it for this season) The Beignets were average -- they weren't light and fluffy enough for me. Further, my Chai was one of the worst I've had -- flavorless and watered down. I'm not sure if that's because I got it with soy milk, but I've done that many times at other cafes... My friends didn't think much of their coffee drinks either. Ambiance: (3/5) Though there is free wifi here, making Bayou a regular studying location is unlikely because there are very few electrical outlets here. Bayou has some cool decorative features like the croc head near the bathroom, the recipe wallpaper in the bathrooms (yes; go check it out), and the colorful shutters above the cashier area. Still, despite its obvious attempt at decorating, there's something slightly off about the set up. The dining space is broken up into counters, booths, and tables. Then, there's a more casual lounge area in the back with couches and coffee tables -- plus a big screen TV. It's just all to much for a space that doesn't have any elements to tying everything together. Location: (4/5) Bayou is conveniently situated right by the Courthouse metro stop, which makes it easy to get to for lazy folk like myself. Service: (2.5/5) You order your fare at the cashier, they give you a card with the name of a parish from Louisiana (pretty creative I thought) and you wait for your parish to be called from the food window. They straighten up the tables one in awhile, but there are signs telling patrons to bus their own tables, so it's really a self-service type of place. Overall: (3.25/5) Bayou Bakery does some things right (sauces in sandwiches, breads, and spurts of creativity), but falls terribly short in other respects (namely, coffee drinks). If you're in the area, coming to Bayou's for a sandwich and beignet could be worthwhile, but there's no reason to make a special trip.
(3)
Randy M.
Ok I did not like "The Bayou" Bakery. It is now like one hour later and I had ordered what they call the "Creole Piligrim Sandwich" and let me tell you it is like a lead weight on my stomach! It is like eating a pile of sun-dried bricks! The "turkey" is dry and heavy and the Cheese is "burnt" and then i dont know but evey time i get this sandwich here or other ones it is the same "business". My stomach feels full of sement and i want "pepto bizmall". I am not geting 'lunch' here again i am tired of tummy aches!
(1)
Kaitlin E.
This place is a very fun, pleasant place to enjoy a lunch. The decor is very New Orleans and the staff is super friendly and helpful. The food is fresh and delicious. They advocate recycling which I am a fan of.
(5)
Laura F.
So yummy... I had visions of eating delicious hot food somewhere cozy for lunch, and this place really satisfied. While I choked a bit at ordering something called an "Arm Drip", my sandwich was tasty and well made. It was a hugely messy, nine napkin, don't-eat-in-front-of-the-boss roast beef sandwich, and every bite was delicious. My husband had the caesar salad and butternut squash soup, which was a special. The caesar was pretty normal, and the dressing a little fishy (anchovy fishy, not sketchy fishy). The soup was steal-worthy. I tried to take it from my husband every time he looked away. It was creamy, well seasoned, and just enough to get a good taste without being too full. I'll definitely heading back there - they dealt well with the long lunch line, and they're a fairly quick option when you want to sit down somewhere.
(4)
Chantelle A.
After just returning from a long weekend away in New Orleans and really enjoying the southern hospitality feel I got from that very short trip, me and friend decided to stop in at Bayou Bakery for Sunday brunch. Upon entering the Bayou, I loved the atmosphere of this little cafe, I loved the chalkboard menu, I loved the southern music....I didnt love the line though. On this sunday afternoon, it was pretty crowded and I felt like a hawk while I waited for someone to get up from one of the few tables. I tried the Muffa lotta (spelling?) and a Reg Cafe au Lait while my friend sampled the famous beignets and the French Press coffee. Whats a muffalotta you ask? A sandwich full of salty coldcuts and olive salad and it was AMAZING. Unhealthy as it sounds...I would gladly come back for one of those weekly. The beignets were warm and yummy but it didnt have that WOW factor like the ones from Cafe du Monde. But it came pretty close....but the Cafe au Lait and the French Press coffee was an O in a cup :)))) strong and flavorful...just how I like it! This is the type of place you can come, hang out for hours while reading the paper or chatting with friends without feeling rushed. Although its not New Orleans...I can still experience Southern Hospitality without the long drive/flight to the bayou!
(4)
Taylor T.
French press coffee, piping hot beignets, and a cozy cafe atmosphere-what's not to love about Bayou? I've been here a couple of times on trips home to VA and each time I leave wishing they had a New England location. The staff is so sweet and friendly and I love the rustic decor with mismatched antique shutters and New Orleans themed knickknacks. It can definitely get crowded on weekend mornings, but the line moves quickly and beignets and sandwiches are always made to order. I haven't tried it yet, but the fluffy sausage biscuit with melted cheese looks like the kind my grandpa used to make from scratch. Definitely worth the wait, in my opinion. If you want to avoid the crowd, try to stop by in the late afternoon during the week, you'll have the place to yourself. I'd recommend getting the beignets to eat-in so they don't get soggy in a to-go bag. I've never actually been to Cafe du Monde, but this is what I imagine their hot, sugary beignets taste like, and they are amazing. Seriously, though, who doesn't like pillows of fried dough showered with confectioner's sugar? Kudos to the cute guys working the counter who made braving hurricane Irene totally worth the coffee + beignets this morning!
(4)
Valerie H.
Are the beignets authentic? I have no idea BUT they are deep fried dough of yumminess, coated very generously with powdered sugar. Drizzle it with honey and indulge! The beignet order comes in 3, so come hungry or share. Discarding any would be a shame. Wearing black? Eat with extreme caution. 02.09.12. I had a mid-morning coffee date with a gal pal and had my baby girl in tow. My go-to order is beignets and chai. At 10:00AM, we had no problems with seating to include a clean high chair for baby girl. They have booths, tables, and couch and chairs in the back. While we were there, they had a steady stream of customers. It seems like they have their ordering system down, handing out placards with Cajun/Louisiana-associated words when you order. I am a creature of habit. For the many times I have been here, I rarely order anything other than beignets. I do enjoy their muffaletta sandwich as well, although I didn't order one this visit. The item that also caught my eye this visit was a bacon-cheddar scone, which was delicious. Overall, I think this place offers a pleasant experience (with or without kids).
(4)
Alene Y.
My family is Cajun and since I recently relocated to the area I had low hopes of finding any REAL Cajun food in this area. My secret prayers have been answered. The prices are low and you get quality food with fresh ingredients. The beignets are served hot and are wonderful! The creole pilgrim is delicious and served with thick cuts of real turkey. The gumbo was a little bland since I love spice, but it was authentic. They also serve boudin, but only after 5 p.m. I haven't tried it yet, but I will return often.
I came here for a dinner with a friend, who had been dying to try this place. I had the chopped salad and a cup of the sweet corn and shrimp chowder. The salad was good, but the bacon bits were spare. The chowder was very tasty! Large, sweet shrimp and fresh tasting corn. I could easily eat a bowl of that. I had a bite of my friend's raspberry flavored snowcone/ball thing. Shaved ice with syrup. It was refreshing, but not amazing. I was pleased by the good customer service from those behind the counter. No room in my stomach for beignets, but I'll have to try it next time!
(3)
Erina N.
I really like their style. It's New Orleans!!! +Sweets are soooooo good! Brownie...yum +food is very good - a little small portion but perfect for girls! +Atmosphere - nice and cozy +People - very friendly and helpful
(4)
Petite F.
After having a taste of Bayou Bakery's excellent King's Cake at a party a couple of weeks ago, I returned with a friend for a late breakfast and to pick up a pre-ordered King's Cake to take home. I was anticipating a real treat, and was SO disappointed when I arrived. What I didn't see in other reviews (I checked after coming home) was a comment about the actual smell of the interior. While the decor is nice, the smell of fried food/oil/grease is overpowering. I was there for over an hour, and my clothes, hair, and coat just reeked! I had to put everything in the wash, and was dismayed to find out that my guest did exactly the same thing. The smell was still with me at night!! My 'meal' was rather expensive given what I ordered--a biscuit with an egg, sausage, and a cup of hot chocolate. The biscuit was so dry it crumbled every time I tried to have a bite. I had to use a fork and knife to eat it! (The menu does say 'crumbly'--they're right!) And the egg... ugh. It was a processed yellow square. The hot chocolate was ok, but it wasn't what I'd call hot. Lukewarm, maybe? The King's Cake I brought home was not as good as the one I'd had previously--I had to search for the cheese, whereas the one I'd had before had a nice layer and texture. I'm also wondering now if it didn't sit a little too long in its plastic bag, as the whole thing seemed rather limp, for lack of a better word. I really wanted to like this place, but the suffocating oil smell alone is enough to make me stay away.
(1)
Vicki D.
I have been looking forward to the opening of the restaurant for weeks now. Today I made the journey to Arlington to give them a try. Ordered the Muff-A-Lotta sandwich, beignets, and an unsweetened iced tea. The "mean" tea was so dark and cloudy I had to sip it to make sure the cashier did not accidentally hand me an iced coffee. Unfortunately it was also bitter, indicating that it was probably over-brewed. The muffalotta sandwich was delicious but really small for the price -- $6 -- and did not even come with chips. I was so disappointed with the beignets. Good beignets should be hot and crispy on the outside with a light, airy center. These were undercooked and tasted raw and doughy. They collapsed when I bit into them. The bottoms looked golden brown, but the tops were still white under their blanket of powdered sugar. I should have sent them back. I will give them another chance, but they better get the beignets right for me to drive that far for hot dougnuts.
(3)
J K.
Hibiscus iced tea was amazing! The biscuit breakfast sandwiches and beignets were delicious as well. I can't wait to come back and try lunch or dinner!
(5)
John M.
A great addition to the otherwise boring assortment of eateries in Court House. In addition to good food, the espresso bar is great (Much better than Starbucks). For those with a conscience, they also use local, organic producers for most of their products.
(4)
Jeff E.
This place is awesome. Love the ambiance and their gumbo is stellar. If you can sneak in for a coffee and a benet then absolutely do because you will not regret it. Staff is friendly and helpful. If you can go when it's not crowded its a great place to hang out and read the paper with some great food.
(5)
Jennifer P.
I work at Courthouse and, after 10 years of working in Old Town, I realize how spoiled I was and what a wasteland it is here, lunch-wise. Sure, there are a few good sit-down places, but if you just want something decent to take back to your office because you're *so important* that you can barely leave your desk, it's pretty dire. Then Bayou opened up. I go here at least once a week for lunch and I escape here when the office pressure cooker starts rattling. Sit here on the sofas, VPN-ing it in, it's great! I love the shrimp dishes--Shrimp caesar salad, shrimp salad sandwich, whatever they're making, it's good--the soups are terrific, french press coffee is wonderful, and, though I usually try to avoid the dessert stuff, I do like a Dat-O (like a big homemade Oreo) on occasion. The customer service is fantastic. OK, it's not fast food at the Wendy's down the street, so you're not going to be in and out in 15 seconds. The staff is so cheerful and has a great attitude. Once, I tried a new iced tea and decided I didn't like it, so I went up and they gave me a plain iced tea, no problem. Then they realized they forgot an ingredient in the new iced tea, fixed it up, and brought one over for me to try. So, that was nice. Lastly, the owner just put out some nice outdoor chairs and a sofa and a decorative fence and it looks great--cheers to him for beautifying the corner.
(5)
Crystal B.
Just had to put in a word for how cool the guys working here are. One dude was really funny and had great recommendations on things to try from the menu. The other guy recommended trying this really nice smoky whiskey with my order of a "Dat-O" (some kind of giant Oreo-looking cookie sandwich). So yeah, if you didn't know since it's not immediately obvious, you can order whiskey here! Beer too. We were a group of about 20 people and size wasn't an issue. There was a fair amount of space on a weekday night, and a few outdoor seats as well. Heard good things about the gumbo, and the shrimp sandwich, but haven't tried them.
(4)
Charles H.
There's nothing like having beignets and french pressed coffee after paying a parking ticket down the street (Arlington County rock on). Bayou Bakery definitely brings some NOLA comfort food in NOVA.
(3)
Linda C.
This bakery has a really nice vibe with friendly staff and nawlin's style decor. I have tried the coffee and salad here and both were expertly made. I will have to go back and try the evening happy hour specials.
(4)
Gokhan T.
I enjoy those kind of places. Beignets are really yummy while buscuits are probably the worst I have had for a while. The best is to grab a bagel from brooklyn bagel, come here and order your latte and beignet. Enjoy.
(4)
Mary P.
The food and service was great. I ordered the binets, Cajun pilgrim sandwich and had a side of collard greens and a bowl of red beans and rice. (Of course it was too much food to finish.) The sandwich and collard greens were my favorites. The red beans and rice was good but its way better at Okra's Louisiana Bistro (in Manassas). The restaurant is clean and the service is really friendly so we really enjoyed our first visit here!
(4)
Sasha B.
I've eaten here a few times but what it really comes down to is the beignets - these are amazing and worth the trip. Yumz.
(4)
Mark S.
Had a very weird experience at Bayou Bakery this Sunday. Apparently, it was the first time they had opened on Sundays, and you could tell: Friend and I arrived at the same time as an elderly gentleman, and we all tried opening the locked door, despite wait staff inside staring back at us, and notes on the door stating they're open on Sundays from 8am (this was about 8.15am). After a short wait, one of the staff opened the door for us, and sheepishly admitted that "I guess we're open today...?". Odd. Ordering the food was comical: "Can we have X, Y, and some Z?" - "Oh we don't have those on Sundays" ... then why advertise dishes and even simple things like croissants if you arbitrarily don't offer them? The wait for the food was OK once we were allowed to know what was and what wasn't available, but the food itself was a bit off: The beignets were bland (how do you eff up something as simple as a beignet?!), the sausage biscuits horribly oversalted and dry. I'm all for trying out new bakeries and eateries, but I'd wait to try these guys until they've figured out Service 101, at the very least.
(2)
Graig M.
Love this place. I can't bring myself to order anything except the beignets and coffee though. I've been probably a half dozen times, mostly when I'm just having a lazy day walking around Clarendon/Courthouse and want a snack and a cup of coffee. I like the laid back atmosphere and music they play. The beignets, while absolutely a mess (as to be expected), are on point. I walked in one day with my sax jazz book and I thought they were going to make me play for my food. I'm only giving 4 stars because I've only had two things from their menu... I'll definitely be back though to try the rest... someday...
(4)
K H.
The space is interesting and reasonably comfortable, although the tables weren't being cleaned after being cleared by patrons. My companions were very happy with their gumbo (although more rice would have been welcome) and Mac and cheese. The beignets were cooked a good deal more on one side than the other, but were okay. I ordered a salad with grilled chicken. I should mention that if anything is going to go poorly in a restaurant, it will be with my order. I ordered a green salad with grilled chicken and a biscuit. The greens were okay, but the cuke had the more translucent edge around it that points to its having sat in water too long. The chicken was ice cold and very undercooked - almost crunchy. I did not eat it. I then realized I hadn't gotten my biscuit. I went back to the counter, got the attention of the man at the register and told him. He told one of the 2 women putting together orders to get him a biscuit. I waited several minutes before inquiring again. The biscuit was then MICROWAVED. I ate it because I was hungry. It was a great biscuit ruined by the nuking, which was sad. The owner was on Chopped or one of the other Food TV network shows, which is what made me think it would be good. I was disappointed.
(3)
Jewelyn W.
I am a huge fan of Bayou Bakery. My family is from New Orleans and while I only lived there for a few years, it's a city that absolutely gets into you and can make you who you are. Bayou Bakery brings that back. I tried them the instant they opened, chowing down on some fresh beignets and some cafe au lait! After some time (because seriously, delish!) I tried the Arm Drip, the Gumbo, and the Creole Pilgrim. All were fantastic! More recently, I've started following the shop on facebook. That's when I became aware of their daily Mambo Combo's and their delicious nightly Chew Dat's. Check their website for the meal of the day, but definitely go check it out! Their Friday Night BBQ Shrimp with crusty french bread is absolutely to die for!!!
(5)
Meg D.
Great ambiance here. We really like the muffalattas and my husband digs the devilied eggs. We've had mixed experiences on the shrimp - it was been both delicious and of questionable freshness - the grilled shrimp portions are also a bit small. The coffee is delicious. The pimento cheese sandwich was one of the most disgusting meals I've ever had the misfortune to order - the consistency of the cheese is ALL WRONG - very fluffy like whipped cream, and it pretty much squished out of the sandwich with each bite. I have eaten and made pimento cheese and it's not supposed to be light and fluffy. I couldn't even eat half of it. Without the pimento cheese sandwich experience this might have been a 4 star review, but *shudder* I can't forget it.
(3)
Luvs T.
It was just ok...the cafe au lait was decent, a bit watery. The beigniets were doughy and I can taste the flour even though it was cooked through. My kids didn't care for the beigniets and they love donuts. However, the grits and brisket was pretty good. Sunday brunch was crowded with tight seating. Not rushing back any time soon.
(2)
Shannon B.
Like some other reviewers I've never been to New Orleans, but I love this little spot in Arlington. I'm a fan of the cafe au lait, the beignets, and the caramel bacon popcorn. NOM. I've never made it for their lunch or dinner offerings, but if I ever get a job near there I'd better start putting in double time at the gym as well.
(4)
Sandy J.
This review is strictly for the breakfast here. For the lunch and dinner, I'd probably give this place 2 or 3 stars but it's really excellent for breakfast. Sadly, I've never been to New Orleans so I can't say if these beignets are anything like the originals. Still, it is perfectly fried dough doused in powdered sugar. What's not to love? The beignets are perfect with the french pressed coffee. I only visit DC once or twice a year so I usually go a little crazy here and get the coffee, beignets and biscuit sandwiches. So delicious!
(4)
Edward M.
Where's the seasoning? This place came highly recommended. Went for lunch yesterday (Sunday) morning. The line is out the door. Ordered a side of gumbo, the cheesy grits with BBQ Brisket and a side of Bayou potatoes. EVERY dish was bland. I am not a picky eater, love everything, never touch the salt shaker. I immediately went for the salt shaker and pepper mill. Still, no flavor. walked out! I guess people either go because it's "unique" or I ordered the wrong things. Potatoes are easy to grill...they were unflavored and not baked long enough. Fire the chef!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)
C P.
This Bayou is worth visiting I visited Bayou Bakery around 8:30 PM on a Saturday night. I found a parking space right next to the Bayou, which was a good sign of things to come. It was only a half hour before closing, but the staff was as cheerful as if they had just opened. The special of the day was a andoulle and shrimp jamabalaya, and I ordered that along with some beignets and a glass of lemonade. The lemonade was nice and tart, and came in a mason jar (nice touch!). There was only one other couple there at the time, which allowed us to check out the surrondings. I liked what I saw a lot. The front part of the bakery has tables with chairs, and then they have a back lounge like area (with a big curtain to separate the two), with a tv and comfy seats and couches. I could easily envision relaxing back there. They call out the food according to name, and you pick it up yourself at a window down the bar. My jambalaya was really good, with just enough kick in it to make a flavorful, but not overwhelming. I thought the portion was just right. They were kind enough to provide me with the beignets AFTER I finished my meal (another nice touch). Those beignets were really good. They do not skimp on the powdered sugar. I had noticed the abundance of baked goods at the counter (it is, after all, a bakery). I decided to take with me to go some of their chocolate chip banana muffins, chocolate chip cookies and a couple bags of the porcorn (caramel corn with bacon). The muffins were EXCELLENT the next morning for breakfast. And the cookies-lets just say i should have bought more. But the coup de grace was the porkorn. I took them to the home of a friend as a gift so we could watch the True Blood premiere while eating them. It was so good we devoured it within minutes. That Porkorn is highly addictive. This Bayou is worth the trip. Grab some Porkorn on the way out.
(5)
pathic d.
My family and I were visiting the DC area and stayed at a hotel 2 blocks from the Bayou Bakery. We ended up eating breakfast here every morning of our stay. The coffee and beignets are excellent! While we were there we tried the oatmeal, yogurt, muffins, scones and biscuits. Unfortunately, we never got to try them out for lunch or dinner, so I cannot speak to those offerings. For starters, I was not a tremendous fan of the biscuits, because I felt they were too crumbly. I'm used to a little more fat to hold them together than what they offer. They had good flavor, but it was difficult to eat a biscuit sandwich when the biscuit kept falling apart. Biscuits aside, everything else I tried from there was really good. The yogurt was exceptional, and you can get it with fruit and granola added. Additionally, I really liked the savory bacon, cheddar, and chive scone. Ultimately, what drove us back was the beignets. Who doesn't love fried bread? (Warning: do not wear dressy blacks to eat the beignet, because they put a TON of powdered sugar on them.) Served piping hot they practically melt in your mouth. And at $3/3, they are reasonably priced as well. Finally, the folks who work there are great.
(4)
Sarah S.
A decent N'awlins eatery in DC...I'll take it. I enjoyed the food, the vibe, and the quirkiness of Bayou Bakery. The biscuits are fantastic - soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with tons of flavor. (I ordered mine with egg and cheese.) And of course, I could not leave this place without ordering a trio of beignets. I actually found them more appetizing than the ones at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans; they were less greasy, had better texture, and topped with a manageable amount of powdered sugar - I didn't leave covered in it. Finally, while I'm not a fan of the ultra-strong chicory coffee, I was very pleased with the cappuccinos. Next time I'll check out their lunchtime options... It's inexpensive, cozy, and it satiates those low-country cravings. Go there.
(4)
Elina T.
I've only been twice and have only the cupcakes and tea, but I really like the feel of this place. Accents like the mason jars, the couches in the back, and the give and take book shelf, make it feel very homey. I'm a big fan of homey, especially on days when I need to work, but want to get out of the house. I've had the chocolate cupcake with chocolate buttercream, which was very good. My husband had the banana chocolate muffin, which he liked as well. They serve you loose leaf tea, which they bag themselves (original, I think). Refreshing to see something different in Arlington. We need more non-Starbucks coffee shops. Will be back to try the food.
(4)
Alex M.
Someone's been cooking the beignets behind my back! If you yearn for a delicious taste of old New Orleans, look no further than the Bayou Bakery located a stone's throw from the Courthouse in Arlington. Without a doubt, this little cozy shop packs a lot of Louisiana punch- serving up tasty favorites from New Orleans in a small but friendly shop, you can count on getting cheap beignets (3 for $3), tasty muff-o-lotta's ($6) and a host of more-or-less New Orleans treats. Also a nice touch is the Meat and Cheese plates that run between $4-$7 and provide a nice mix for an after work coffee. they appear to be a coffee shop that also serves blue-plate specials.. odd as that seems, it actually works here - giving off the feeling of a neighborhood eatery mixed with coffee shop. If you're from the state shaped like a boot, you'll probably be in seventh heaven, other will enjoy a nice cup of coffee and some tasty treats, but probably won't become regulars.
(3)
Hannah B.
I think I LOVED the decor more than I did the food. The bathroom has all these neat photos and recipes papered on the wall. The whole place has a great bakery/coffee shop/cajun feel. Very nicely done decor. As for the food, I think I set my expectations too high. The Beignets are good but flat/small compared with Cafe Du Monde. The biscuits are tasty and crumbly. The freshly made turkey sausage is good and flavorful. I was disappointed the eggs looked like the fake kind that come in squares. The pain au chocolat was really good. I do want to go back and try a muff-a-lotta and some brownies.
(3)
Ashley S.
It's alright, and really, I'd make it three stars if it weren't so over priced for what it is. It's a nice space, but not as clean as it could be. The food is slightly above average. There's nothing wrong with it, but it's not the most memorable meal I've had. It's not exactly authentic Cajun, but it's ok for an Arlington take on an ethnic food.
(2)
Holly B.
We had heard lots of good things about Bayou Bakery so when we found ourselves in need of a late afternoon lunch we were excited to try it out! Unfortunately, they only serve their entrees during certain times of day. So Breakfast in the the morning, lunch around noon and I'm not sure if they do dinner or not. Needless to say if you come in for lunch in the late afternoon you are SOL my friend. But not to worry. We tried the gumbo, which was delicious, even if in a smaller than I'd hoped for coffee cup. We split a goat cheese, spinach, walnut salad (they made an exception on their entree rule for us for a salad only) which was also fantastic. The beignets were meh. We'd really come to try some of their bread and sandwiches so we'll be back during regular people hours to try again!
(3)
Krissy R.
Pretty good food-- not a ton of choices for lunch, but when I went I had a chicken sandwich and it was decent. The atmosphere is cute but it isn't extremely inviting, and if you want tap water to drink you are stuck with the tiniest cups known to man. I heard that the beignets are delicious, but I didn't try them when I went for lunch. There was a line forming when I visited, so it was pretty crowded. I was lucky to find a couple of free seats, but it was in the back of the restaurant and the coffee table that I had to use for my food and water was really really low. It made for an awkward eating experience, so if I had the option to get an actual table I think things would have been better. The service was pretty good (it was refreshing to have someone working at the register that was professional, speedy, and friendly), and I like there is an easy system for grabbing your food when it's ready (they give you cards and call the name on your card when your food is ready). My friend got coffee and she said that the coffee is really delicious. I'll be back to try the beignets, but I don't think I'll go during the lunch rush. If I go during a slower time of day I think I'll be able to relax a bit more.
(3)
Sara H.
A real gem, lots of unusual things that are hard to find elsewhere. Great ambiance, so comfortable. especially like the biscuits and the pimento cheese.
(5)
Kimberly B.
This cold weather really stirred up a gumbo craving. Fortunately, I managed to drag my husband back to this place after giving it a few disappointing tries when it first opened. Today, we had the grillades, gumbo, mac n cheese, collards, muffaletta, pralines, and the banana pudding. Things were GREAT until we got to the banana pudding. My favorite gumbo is darker and runnier, but I sure didn't leave any of Bayou Bakery's in the bowl. The muffaletta sandwich is what really hit the spot, this one tasted just like home. The olive mix was perfect. I just don't know what to say about the banana pudding except is was awful. I had just seen David (owner/chef) on Chopped and had hoped he would have made it to the dessert competition for the show, but anything remotely similar to that banana pudding topped with canned whipped cream served in a plastic cup would have been an embarrassment. How 'bout some sweet potato pie topped with fresh whipped cream? Or some good banana pudding? Overall, I was pleased. The boudin is served only at night, so I'm sure I'll make an evening trip to give that a try along with a few other things.
(4)
Ra C.
Over Memorial Day weekend, they were having a special crawfish boil to celebrate the holiday. When I read online that they would be serving crawfish for dinner, I knew where I'd be dining on Saturday night. We got there towards the tail end of the crawfish dinner, and there was a noticeable line. Seating was definitely limited because it was so crowded; but it wasn't that long of a wait before a table freed up. My husband and I both ordered the crawfish dinner, 1lb of gigantic crawfish, served with a side steamed potato and corn, all for $15 a platter! Because of the high demand though, by the time our order was up, they ran out of potatoes and corn. But what blew my mind was that the owner apologized and offered us free soup and beignets as a consolation. I was really touched by the level of customer service. When we got our dinner, we both couldn't get over the gigantic crawfish. I don't think I've ever seen them so huge. They were steamed and seasoned perfectly! I only needed to add a little bit of hot sauce on the side for that extra kick. We also got the shrimp and corn chowder which was sweet and oh so savory. There was a great blend of black pepper to give the creamy texture a perfect hint of spiciness. We also got the gumbo. The soup was filled with crab and andouille sausage. I was not a huge fan of the broth though, I kept adding more hot sauce cause I felt that it was a little too bland for my taste. First up for dessert were the beignets smothered in powdered sugar. Each bite sort of transformed me back to Cafe du Monde in New Orleans. The beignets were so light and fluffy and served right out of the deep fryer, they were still warm when we bit into them. As a side note, do not wear a black dress, as you will get powdered sugar all over yourself. For the past few weeks, I had been reading about these famous sno balls all over twitter and blogs. So needless to say, I had to order them as well. I got the wedding cake flavor, which reminded me of an almond cake. The shaved ice proved to be an amazing palate cleanser. On a hot day, it was so refreshing and sweet. The flavored ice just melted and oozed with flavor. I loved every spoonful and can't wait to try a few other flavors next time I'm there. The restaurant is very eclectic and the customer service was amazing. I was very impressed with my first visit there. The owner even came up to us after we finished our dinner to ask how everything was and to apologize again for the potato and corn. I loved that for being as busy as they were, she remembered who we were and took some time to come over to our table. As we were winding up our dinner, I kept glancing up at the menu behind the register. There were so many tempting pastries, sandwiches and salads. We will definitely be making future trips here and try out more items.
(4)
Karen S.
I have been to Bayou Bakery many times to do some work and sip coffee. The staff are always super nice to me even when I stay for 3 or 4 hours. The coffee is delicious, the beignets are tasty but messy. The muffins are good. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
(5)
Ben B.
Not a fan of this place. My girlfriend and I came here a 9am this past Saturday since no other places were open at that time. We both got a biscuit with sausage and egg with their tators. She also got an orange juice and I got some coffee. The total came to $28?!? The biscuits were dry and the sausage and eggs were processed/frozen. Wayyyyy over-priced for the quality.... over-priced period! I heard a famous chef runs the kitchen... was he famous for being on kitchen nightmares?! Definitely not worth the money and I definitely won't go back!
(1)
Jamil B.
edit: I had to dock them a star after my most recent visit. They don't offer free coffee refills. This is bad business for a diner type place IMO...especially when your coffee is above the $2 mark and the eat in mug holds less coffee than a small to-go cup of coffee. Get over the name and just go for the food. I'm no NOLA snob, never been for an extended stay to know whether this is authentic or not...what I DO know is that there aren't a lot of quality breakfast type spots in ARLINGTON and this is one that should be at the top of everyone's list...there is room for a few good breakfast cafe type places in Arlington and this one fits in perfectly. Northside is great yes, but I wouldn't even compare the two because they aren't even the same "genre" if I may.... Now on to the food....it's great, fresh, tasty and reasonably priced. Quick service and ample comfortable seating.. AMPLE AND COMFORTABLE! ...meaning you don't have to swim through a sea of laptop squatters, hipsters, yuppies and weirdoes just to place an order and then find a clean spot inside to eat. That's saying a lot.. Get yourself a biscuit and coffee and enjoy.
(3)
Richard W.
Courthouse area of Arlington is coming of age with regards to interesting and good places to eat. Bayou Bakery has great beignets, hot with just enough powdered sugar and a perfect complement to the chicory coffee. The barbeque shrimp I had one Friday night were great and the muffuletta was fantastic. The only reason I cannot give them more that three stars is the gumbo was not spicy enough. It had good flavor, but no kick. Hot sauce is on the table, but it was not tabasco, I think it was crystal which is not spicy enough for me. Add some spice to the gumbo or give us real hot sauce...next time I go I will take a bottle of hot sauce from my personal wall of flame. Update to my initial review, taking Bayou Bakery down to two stars. How can you have the name Bayou and serve Shrimp Creole with no seasoning...it was blander that Shrimp Chow Mein. In the future I will stick with bignets and the sandwiches.
(2)
Evan D.
The food here is great, but the staff really deserves a lot of praise! They are amazingly friendly and willing to help customers figure out exactly what they want to order and what would make a great dish. I highly recommend the beignets, they are outstanding!
(4)
Robert S.
Best cappuccinos in the courthouse/clarendon area. Along with that, they have an awesome muffaletta sandwich. Of course, great beignets too.
(5)
Loesje T.
Having lived in NOLA and eaten the best food on the planet I was pleased to try Bayou Bakery. The gumbo was nice but the roux wasn't thick enough. Still the taste was there. The sandwiches were very good but alas, unless you have the local New Orleans bread they will never taste the same. But for this area they were up to par. Next time I'll try the jambalaya which is supposed to be divine. Zatarains is everyone's hamburger helper in NOLA but the real thing takes time, we'll let the Bayou Bakery do that. The beignets were delicious. It's the same boxed mix they use in Lousiana. Believe me, no one I know makes the dough by hand not even in New Orleans. The staff was nice but not Louisiana friendly. Didn't meet the chef but saw him one day. A little full of himself/ themselves for a cafe. I wish them well, I'll go back again and hopefully the atmosphere will improve. A nice place for a memory and a meal.
(3)
M A.
Everything is good but nothing is amazing. For the owner/chef being from NOLA I was expecting better. As I said everything is good, and it all tastes fresh. But the real NOLA flavor is missing. The gumbo is somewhat bland. The nightly blue plate specials are simple and satisfying. The prices are also a little high, $7 for a hot dog is pushing it. (Although I think the hot dog is the best thing on the menu). The best thing about Bayou Bakery is the the french press chicory coffee. It goes great with beignets. While I liked the beignets, my dining buddy from NOLA was unimpressed. She said they were too cakey. Overall it is a satisfying place. I was hoping Bayou Bakery would be the down home corner place, but it is still lacking a little something extra.
(3)
Arjay U.
love this place... especially their famous beignets !
(4)
Jon G.
Lackluster and sometimes rude staff, overpriced coffee that is on par with Starbucks. Sometimes the bakery's okay. I think the key is to always remember your customers, they are the ones who support you......or not
(2)
Evi D.
Came here on a sunny Saturday morning with a friend. The line was a bit longer than I thought it'd be, but it moved fast. We got some coffees, beignets, grits and breakfast biscuit. The beignets and coffee were the best. I wish I had ordered my biscuit with some cheese, since it was a little dry. The decor is cute, and seating wasn't too hard to find. I like the jugs of water you can fill up on. Wish there was more outdoor seating. I'll definitely stop by for dinner sometime!
(4)
Loy G.
it's like krispy kreme had an illegitimate beignet baby in the french quarter and brought the baby back to northern virginia. it's not authentic cafe du monde beignet but who cares. you can't say no to bayou bakery's light and freshly fried beignet generously dusted with powdered sugar. they melt in your mouth while leaving your smiling face coated in sugar. i inhaled a whole plate and washed it down with some french pressed coffee. not sure i tasted any chicory in the coffee, but that's a good thing in my opinion. my brother and i also sampled the grillades and biscuits and gravy, which were unfortunately forgettable. that being said, i'll definitely stop in for coffee and beignet when i'm back in the area.
(4)
Rod S.
Great coffee, good food, but one HUGE gripe is that they try this cute system where instead of taking your name for your order they give you a card with a parish name on it. Problem is the kitchen staff usually can't pronounce it and/or nobody hears their parish. So you'll just hear some poor cook keep saying "Madison?! Madison?!" over and over. Otherwise good spot. Good mixed drinks and authentic NOLA coffee.
(3)
Andrea A.
Love it here. Great place to chill. Great coffee & food. Beignets are awesome.
(5)
Bella D.
Went this morning to finally check this place out. Agree with many other reviews on the decor and music and atmosphere. Truly wonderful and authentic. I did feel like I was back in NOLA. Had a cafe au-lait -- it was just like the ones at cafe du mond. yay! The beignets, however, were dense and sort of greasy with the powdered sugar packed on top. Also had Benton's bacon biscuit with eggs and cheese. The biscuit itself is great, flaky, crispy on the outside, soft and crumbly. The egg looked fake and was a disappointment, the bacon was smoky but sorta chewy (I like my bacon crispy). I wish I had seen the jalapeno jelly earlier so I could have put it on my breakfast sandwich. Conclusion: I will definitely go back for the cafe au lait and check out their lunch/dinner items. Not feeling their breakfast time options.
(3)
Lai L.
I wish I could give this 2.5 stars because half of the items Ive gotten from here were awesome and half were not so good...in fact, bad. Good: biscuits, cheese Bad: Eggs- seem microwaved and rubbery Good: They supposedly have turkey sausage (i dot eat pork) Bad: They have miraculously run out of turkey sausage all three times ive been there Good: iced lattes are awesome! Bad: mimosa tastes like they used wine because the champagne was super flat Good: the ambiance is great and the decor is lovely (SUPER) bad: THE GRITS ARE BLAND AND GROSS! They didnt have any taste whatsoever. Dont waste your $5. Please! Ive been there three times now and i think im done with this place--too inconsistent.
(2)
Genell H.
I went to enjoy some of their sweets. Next time I will have to try their savory meals :) I had beignets for the first time ever and they were soooo yummy! So soft and fluffy and that 1/2 inch thick layer of powdered sugar on top...yuuuum. I'm hooked! Too bad there is not a place in Baltimore that sells these. I also had a side of the chicory coffee that had subtle notes of chicory. The atmosphere was nice too with the New Orleans theme. There was also a lounge area that I would have liked to sit in, but there were people camped out using the internet...not cool... I'll definitely go back again next time I'm driving through VA.
(4)
Soo C.
Yum yum yum! Lively music, great for people watching. hot delicious beignets. In fact, I want one just writing about them now. Make sure that you eat them as soon as you get them and be sure to cover yourself and don't laugh while you eat them otherwise you'll be covered in a blanket of powdered sugar. The biscuits are also delicious and their coffee is FABULOUS! They have special coffee drinks which have been a hit every time I've tried a new one! Often the owner is right back there making your coffee or taking your order too. What a great place! I can't wait to try one of their bloody mary's with pickled okra!
(5)
Emily P.
I am more than a frequent customer at Bayou. This bakery is right below my office, so I am in there almost everyday. The service is excellent -- the staff is extremely friendly and the food comes out relatively quickly. The food is delicious, especially the meatball subs and veghead sandwich. The food is relatively cheap in comparison to surrounding restaurants/cafes, the decor/ambiance is really warm and cozy, and they have great specials ($10 pitchers of Abita!). I've never noticed "d-bag/yuppie" customers... in fact, I think the clientele is pretty rare for the area of Arlington. Also, the heavenly hash is to die for. So good. Totally deserves 5 stars.
(5)
A. N.
Not impressed. First, it's super-overpriced. A basic turkey sandwich was $7.50, and getting chips and a drink brought it to over $10! And annoyingly, there was a tip line on the credit card receipt; I left a tip, but then I still had to come up and get the food for my table. (Can we all agree to stop tipping at places without waitstaff?) The sandwich was dry and lacking in flavor, and it didn't have many toppings. Honestly, Subway is much better than this place.
If you don't like the Bayou Bakery you are a major corncob. For New Orleans lovers this place holds true to everything the 'City That Care Forgot' has to offer. Their menu isn't particularly elaborate, though everything is good. The turkey sandwich had an unbelievable cheese on it, the roast beef sandwich had the right level of debris on it. All their desserts are delicious. The beignets are good, not Cafe Du Monde but very good nonetheless. Make sure to not wear dark pants when you eat these, lots of powdered sugar. Great selection of Abita, all the seasonals. The decor is incredible, it's not some place that's filled with beads, Mardi Gras, and Saints gear, it's true New Orleans with lots of things that can only be appreciated by true lovers of the city. This place pays attention to every detail, and gets it right. The only thing that hurts the Bayou is that it doesn't have a lot of outside seating, and the view in Court House isn't particularly great.
(5)
Leslie H.
I am slightly obsessed with this place. It is adorable and the food is amazing. I used to live in New Orleans, so I'm very particular about Cajun inspired food, but this place is amazingly delicious. I love the atmosphere and all of the authentic New Orleans quirks they included. The chef is there regularly working behind the cash register and he is such a pleasant friendly guy--gives it such a neighborhoody feel. My only complaints are that the food is a little small and the beignets aren't as good as the originals--it seems like they tried to make them healthier, and well..it is fried dough with powdered sugar..you know what you are getting into. I love this place, though!!!! Get the Abita Root Beer :)
(5)
Zach A.
First try of this place, maybe walking in at noon and having them tell me they are out of king cakes and only had 3 sandwiches to offer (really one if you through out the hot dog / veggie only) ... so opted with the gumbo Should be a good staple right? No chicken to speak of and hardly any vegetables. If you want sausages with sauce / rice than ok but expecting a bit more. Will go back for another try before counting out tho
(1)
Linh O.
Don't go on Sundays until after 1-2pm. Otherwise this place will be super jam packed with people trying to get their amazing beignets and other breakfast foods. The one time I came here early in the morning they were out of all sorts of stuff. Otherwise this place offers a really nice relaxed atmosphere to enjoy great food. Get: mixed green salad, muffalotta (not spelled right), any of the sausage dishes, and the beignets. Be forewarned that if you go on Sunday mornings you may end up with a salad with missing ingredients (apples in our case).
(3)
Will D.
What do you want? Authentic Cajun entrees? Awesome pralines and beignets? Abita on tap? If so, this is your place! While everything here is really good, pay attention to the daily specials, especially the mac and cheese on Thursdays.
(5)
Moni F.
I was so excited to have a meeting down the street from Bayou Bakery since being a native New Orleanian and having lived in Baton Rouge and Lafayette I always want to support my peeps. The place is really cute with a warm feel but really should not be labeled "bayou" since it really is not a true Louisiana "bayou" restaurant. When I hear "bayou bakery" I immediately think of food that I cook or get back home--pecan pie, southern tea cakes, doberge cake, bread pudding, etc..true Louisiana sweets which are not here..Actually nothing looked appealing to me in the bakery case. There were pralines but just looking at them they didn't resemble any praline I've seen. Real pralines are melt in your mouth sugar crack. These looked dry and hard. Also where is the seafood??? It was lunch time and not a fish/shrimp dish on the menu. I don't eat meat so could only get the grilled pimento cheese. I had to try the beignets and have to admit that although not traditional beignets-- but more of a yeasty doughnut-- they were not bad but I guess its hard not to like deep fried bread smothered in powdered sugar. If I'm in the area I wouldn't mind stopping in again for coffee and beignets, maybe they will add some real Louisiana dishes by then..---Side Note--I am not sure why customers are given the names of Louisiana areas to be called out when their order is ready but PLEASE stop it! It comes off really corny and contrived.. I feel like since we won the Super Bowl(Who DAT!!) And with LSU having a kick ass football team( Geaux Tigers!!) some businesses are trying to capitalize on Louisiana's popularity and I don't blame them but being corny and contrived is NOT at all Louisiana!! The first name of the customer would be so much more personal and natural.
(3)
Jennifer T.
Came with high hopes. Used to live in New Orleans, where my love of food and drink all began. Nice ambience. Food and drink was oh-so-close, but missed the mark. Grillades and grits would have been great, but were lukewarm. In fact all of our dishes were not hot enough--including the coffee. Beignets were soft and too doughy--needed more time in the deep fryer. Hope the king cake I bought will earn BB some redemption.
(3)
Sarah C.
Stopped here for lunch yesterday with two coworkers. I had the jambalaya, and they had the chicken salad and spicy tuna sandwiches. Overall, the food was good and flavorful. Portion sizes seemed slim when compared to costs, and that's my only gripe. However the prices and portions are comparable to the area... so it's a mini gripe. My coworkers raved about the lemonade they got with their sandwiches, by the way. Might have to try that next time. I'd say this one is worth visiting again.
(4)
Tee D.
I've been wanting to try this place, but I'm always too lazy to cross over to VA. There are several seats/tables, and the lines move pretty quickly, so you're most likely to get a table, especially if your party is smaller. My friend was disappointed they didn't have your typical brunch items- scramble eggs, sausages, pancakes, etc. They're more coffee, bakery, sandwich, biscuits, soup, and some brunch side items (potato, grits, etc). I like beignets, so this is one of the few places to get it. It was great!! The sandwich and coffee I got was okay- comparable to other places, but definitely one of the better ones. Great place in the area.
(3)
Edgar B.
The cappuccino was really good. The beignets are really tasty! They got our order wrong and only gave us three of our four beignets orders. They fixed that really quick. Good place, good atmosphere. Would visit again. Correction, they did not get our order wrong. Another customer stole one of our beignets orders . They gave us a new one really quick. They give you cards with name on them and call out the names once your order is ready. We had Livingston. Apparently someone thought they called their name and came and took our beignets, those dastardly fiends! Hands off the goodies!
(4)
Victoria L.
On a mission to try out the beignets, my family and I made an order of beignets and two cappuccinos. Each order comes with 3 average sized beignets priced at $5 (I believe). I've had a lot of different types of beignets in the past, and I thought this one was okay. In my opinion, it was too doughy and bland. It wasn't as good as we had hoped, but still tasty. On the other hand, the cappuccinos were warm and subtle in flavor. It was a nice cup of cappuccino to enjoy with the family! Inside the restaurant, the decor delivers a Southern charm in addition to ample seating at the bar, booths, couches, and tables. The service was also fast and friendly! Bayou Bakery is a pleasant spot to enjoy some Louisiana-style food and baked goods while catching up with friends or family in Arlington. I would definitely come here again to try the other options on the menu, including the various wines and their brunch menu.
(3)
Nekia S.
As a true transplanted southerner, I give it a solid "meh". Tried the beignets and Pork Biscuit for breakfast. The beignets were too dense compared to how you'd get them in New Orleans, but the flavor was good. Maybe a touch too yeasty. The pork biscuit was disappointing. It looked more like a sloppy joe than pulled pork. Too much sauce, no big meaty chunks but tiny bits of chopped pork. And biscuit itself was again, just okay.
(3)
Neha J.
I really want to give this place more stars because the beignets were fresh and out of this world and the restaurant itself has a great, fun New Orleans charm but overall the experience wasn't the best. Firstly, we decided to sit outside because it was a gorgeous day. They gave us an order card for our table so we figured that they'd look for us to serve the food when it was ready. We waited almost 20 minutes with no food and found it sitting inside on the counter. Apparently you have to pick up the food yourself and just call out the name on the order card. No one had told us to be ready for that so we were sitting outside while our food was getting cold inside. Secondly, we ordered biscuit sandwiches and the biscuits were incredibly dry and almost chalky. We had to spread lots of butter and jam into our sandwiches because they were just not easy to chew at all. Maybe this was because they were sitting in the counter for almost 10 minutes... Finally, this may be me being picky, but when I order iced coffee, I shouldn't have a tough time sticking the straw in the cup. The cup was so full of ice (and barely any coffee) that I couldn't even get my straw in the cup and had to sip it until it was melted enough to use the straw. Overall, not the greatest. Go for the fresh beignets and a cute place, but not for the service...
(3)
Chris C.
Great place to get a nice NOLA styled breakfast or lunch. They have so many different varieties of coffee, beignets, muffaletta, boudin, and regular muffins etc. I really enjoyed the beignets even though they obviously aren't as fluffy as the orignial Cafe du Monde in NOLA. It's great for getting my beignet fix when I crave it. I highly recommend it if you're close by. They have street parking and parking is free on Sundays.
(4)
Richard C.
I've always wanted to go to New Orleans for some real cajun food... But for now this will have to do. Came here with my gf and tried the gumbo, muffaletta, and of course some beignets. The gumbo was missing something. I took a bite with the shrimp and was not impressed. It needs to be spicier and just more effort. Though it was my first time having one, the muffaletta was amazing. Packed in between the breads was a stack of meat and melted cheese! One word to describe beignets... ADDICTING. It came in 3s. Deep fried dough with powdered sugar on top but it might as well be cocaine. Eating it while it was warm should be the only way to eat it. So if you order some please do yourself the favor of eating it asap. Will def come back to try the jambalaya and other foods!
(4)
Tia D.
I came here for brunch, and it was pretty good. I had the beignets and biscuit. Plus, I ordered a muffin, cookie, and scone to go. (Don't judge me.) The beignets and biscuit were great. I have been to Cafe du Monde, and I thought these were better. They aren't as big, so they don't leave you feeling gross and like you just ate an entire loaf of fried Wonder bread. I also loved the blueberry jam. As for the cookie, it was peanut butter, and it was certainly not my favorite. It could definitely have been softer. I have yet to try the scone and muffin, but I am certainly excited :) The prices are also extremely reasonable, and the place just achieves a perfect feeling of being at a cozy home.
(4)
Christopher G.
Located in heart of Courthouse, next door to the courthouse, lays a New Orleans themed coffee shop. While parking may be a hassle (paid street parking or paid parking lot that each fill up quick), this place is definitely a worth a try. Conveniently located near all the office buildings, this is a great place to go for your coffee needs while at work. Although the espresso drinks may not be the best in the area, their NOLA-inspired beignets are delicious. The teas and iced coffees seem to be the fan favorites of this shop. The shop is also an excellent place to people watch, get work done, or study (as long as the NOLA themed music over the loud speakers don't bother you). I would definitely come here more often if it was closer to me. But whenever I'm in the area, I know where my caffeine cravings will be satisfied.
(4)
Katina K.
Had read some cool articles about this place so decided to stop by with my boyfriend. Let's just say, I was disappointed. We ordered a biscuit breakfast sandwich, coffee, and the famous beignets! The coffee was mediocre and the biscuit sandwich was awful. It had the fake microwaved eggs and was not a quality sandwich that I'd expect at a bakery such as this place. It just tasted and looked fake. The saving grace of the restaurant was the beignets! They were amazing, so warm, and doughy, and mounted with ample amounts of powdered sugar... so good! Food was a 2, other than the beignets which were a 5. The service I would say is a 3. The staff was friendly but didn't experience enough of them to have much to say.
(2)
Megan B.
I want to love this place. I want to give it 5 stars because I love giving credit where credit is due. However, this place isn't 5 stars. The food is good. The muffalotta was delicious, but sadly overpriced and small. In NOLA you order muffalotta and it's as big as your head! This one is a mini version that's priced at $8.50... For the sandwich only... Nothing else. So I ordered a side of Mac and cheese. It's pretty fantastic, but it runs $7 for a side! You can't go here without ordering beignets, another $3 for 3. This meal (water to drink) cost me $20! I couldn't really believe my ears that my simple lunch set me back $20! This same meal in NOLA, in the French Quarter, would have been at least $5 less. The food is tasty, I just think the portions are small and overpriced. If you're on the company's dime, you should totally check this place out. If you're dinning on your own dime, don't come hungry. I'll have to check out the happy hour since they offer $3 specials.
(3)
Diana S.
It took me way too long to try this place considering it's across the street from the heavenly leather reclined AMC Courthouse. Now I know that Bayou Bakery has got you covered for all of your Big Easy cravings. I came here on a Saturday morning with some friends visiting from out of town. We tried a few items from their limited brunch menu. For the biscuits and gravy, , I guess it fell short for me because it was made with ham and not juicy bits of sausage (I knew this before ordering but stayed hopeful). Their biscuits were good but not my favorites because I like mine more buttery and fluffy. My hot cup of Counter Culture coffee was delicious and props to them for having alternative sweeteners like agave and simple syrup! I will definitely need to come back and try the cheesy mac and pimiento cheese as well as the beignets!!
(3)
Morgan C.
This Louisiana themed joint is located on the corner of N.Courthouse and Clarendon. They have plenty of space and seating options, good jazzy music, and free wifi. I ordered a coffee and a biscuit/sausage/egg/cheese breakfast sandwich. The $9 tag didn't shock me, but had me expecting more. When I was handed my coffee there were flakes of something floating on it, I asked "is this cinnamon or something?" And the reply: "no, it's probably coffee grinds or something". Sweet. That said, the coffee was good. My sandwich, however, was not very good. Dry biscuit that had clearly been sitting out a while. Egg was cut from a large block of cooked egg. And the sausage was dry and as hard as cardboard. All in all it was disappointing. So, two stars. If Id left feeling like I got what I paid for, it would be three. Corner Bakery and Brooklyn Bagels are within one block. Maybe check them out.
(2)
Kimberly S.
Laissez les bons temps rouler! A trip to Bayou Bakery is my tried-and-true prescription for wanderlust. Sure it's missing that certain joie de vivre that New Orleans has, but it's warm and welcoming atmosphere and delicious Cajun inspired dishes are all I need to re-charge and re-enter the world...Let's just say I've spent many rainy Saturdays here. Chew Dat: + A cup of their gumbo is positively soul warming. + Made fresh-to-order, their begniets come warm and melt-in-your-mouth. Piled high with powdered sugar, they are the perfect coffee treat to share with a friend. + Umm hello Zapp's potato chips. Served with their chunky bacon and blue cheese dip, it's junk food heaven. + Crawfish boils in the summer and Abita beer -- I can't imagine a more perfect day! + Homemade biscuits: Freshly baked, warm and crumbly. Good as a breakfast sandwich or with gravy. For LSU or Saints fans, they have a cozy back nook with televisions so you can cheer your team on with other like minded folks.
Iv'e returned twice for Sunday breakfast and wanted to update. It's still 3 stars. One visit i had the "Hungover Hog". Pulled Pork w/ potatoes,gravy and a poached egg on top. I really liked this dish, but wish there was a biscuit under the pork and gravy.Love the gravy. A good value at $12, easily a meal for 2. My other visit i got the Grilliades and Grits. Roasted Beef and a tomato gravy over grits. Love the grits, but the beef was a little chewy in spots. At $12, i expect a lot more. All in all, a good experience. I will return.
(3)
Emily L.
This place is great. There is never bad time for some coffee and a chat with your close friends. They also have good beignets. You should check out this place
(4)
Rachael B.
I enjoyed my breakfast stop here. It's a strong competitor in the "cheap eats" category. We got two biscuit sandwiches and an order of beignets for around $11. The biscuit was super crumbly, which made the sandwich kind of hard to eat, but it was nice and buttery and fresh. The beignets were hot and fresh. Not perfectly light and fluffy, but pretty darn good nonetheless. We went back and got the praline scone, which was delicious. They serve Counter Culture coffee, always a plus, and there's lots of seating. Seems like a good place to post up and do some work for a few hours. Looking forward to trying their lunch offerings.
(4)
Issa C.
I am writing this review because this place is completely overrated. People - PLEASE STOP rating a whole restaurant because you had the doughnuts once and liked them! Side note - I mean, how hard is it to make a doughnut taste good? Really. I mean, it's fried, it has sugar on top. That's not rocket science. We are humans. "Fried" and "sugar" are universally good to just about all of us. Anyway, the rest of the menu is bland, lackluster, and sometimes nasty. Service is slow. The place is generally left dirty by patrons in a "clean your own" type of scenario. So, really the food sucks and there are no redeeming qualities to this place. TL;DR - In 4 years, I've never had anything worthy of the hype. Avoid this place - or at least go in with the understanding that it's not actually anything approaching "Good" and that you must order the beignets because sugar. My experience w/ Bayou Bakery. I live one block from Bayou Bakery. I've been in the area for almost 4 years now. I've gone to Bayou Bakery at least half a dozen times to try different things over that 4 year span. Not once have I enjoyed anything there, except for the beignets - SORTA. I'm not being vindictive. I didn't try to hit on the cashier, and get rebuffed, and now I feel I have to put the place down because my ego and sense of self as a person are completely rocked. No. I've given this place SO MANY chances, and every time reaffirms the fact that nothing here is good. Yet, I keep seeing people coming here saying "We saw the good reviews, but were disappointed..." and I just have to say: DO NOT BUY INTO THE HYPE. This is not a "real n'awleans food is better" elitist argument or something. I have not been to New Orleans. I am not some southern food snob. As food with flavor - It's just NOT GOOD. Even a simple caesar salad here was wilted and tasteless. The only flavor was from the gobs of Parmesan cheese shaved over top of it. It was literally about as good as those pre-prepped bowls of salad you buy in the produce aisle at Safeway. Things I've tried here: Grits w Sausage Egg and Cheese Biscuit Caesar Salad Various muffins and other biscuits Gumbo Beignets As I said above, there are other qualities to a restaurant, let's try those out: How's the atmosphere? Crowded. Odd shaped furniture plus overcrowding makes it uncomfortable to move around. Squeezing and stepping over the corner of a table where other people have their food sitting at shin height is uncomfortable and awkward. How's the cleanliness? I've never seen someone who works there tidying up after people. It's a DIY model where you clean after yourself. That is a fine model, if your patrons actually do that and don't leave their crumbs all over the place. It's fine if you don't serve beignets with cocaine powder wafting across the table like a sandstorm on the arabian peninsula. It's fine if your seating is not kitschy old couches with velvet upholstery that love to collect people's droppings and store them for the winter. How's the service? Slow. You'll wait forever for your food, and in my experience - and echoed in other reviews - when you finally get your order it'll be wrong 50% of the time. How are the prices? Well, this is Arlington, so probably the majority of places around here could get dinged for being too pricey, but yeah, it's pricey for what you get.
(2)
Eric N.
Really average. The only reason it gets two stars is for the beignet. It was hot and delicious. Otherwise the food was not impressive and service was sort of douchey. I would come back only for the beignet as dessert.
(2)
Cory N.
Such a great place!! Had the beignet, hot tea, and the hog hangover with fresh squeezed OJ!! The rest of my group had the bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit. I don't think that the biscuits were as great as the other reviews shared, but I'm sure that they were home made and tasty!! The egg is odd... a very odd square shape form, it's so odd, it through me off because of how unnatural it seemed. The star of the breakfast was the fresh OJ and beignet. No one in my area serves these and i love them!! Such a treat!! :) I would go back, and again, and if I lived here, I would be a regular. I went early on a Sunday (near 9am), and there was a small line- but after that, the line went out the door, and stayed out the door the entire time my group and me were enjoying our food. It was a nice day out and we ate outside on their patio! Go early. and enjoy!!
(5)
Mahad G.
Cool little coffee house. Great coffee, solid food, don't sleep on the beignets! The beignets are so good when they are fresh, i have definitely burnt my tongue because they were too irresistible to let them cool
(5)
Peter M.
I really wanted to like this place. I guess I just don't go there often enough to know all their idiosyncrasies. The order process is confusing, and it would be a big help to diners if the order taker would simply tell you "You need to pick up your food over there and your drinks over there" It was moderately busy, and customers were bouncing around like pinballs to find out the answer to the same question "Do I pick up my coffee here?" I asked the barista if I pick up my coffee on this end and he did not answer my question but just said in a cocky response that "I've got a lot of drinks in process" I said, "that is great, but do I pick up the drinks here? then he said yes. Bayou seems to have a lot of rules but they don't tell you, you just have to read the signs posted everywhere. The food was good, and the coffee was good. Service and process needs some help. I recommend they ditch the signs and just bus the tables. For a $13 breakfast entree you should not have to cart your dirty dishes across the restaurant.
(2)
Darren N.
Coffee and beignets! The Spicy Mexican Chocolate Cortado, made with cinnamon, cayenne and chipotle is one of my favorite hot drinks here that comes with quite the kick! I'm a fan of their biscuits, and I like to come for brunch and get the build-a-biscuit option. The biscuits are indeed buttery and crumbly, so this makes keeping the sandwich in one piece difficult. Well worth the trouble!
(4)
Random B.
I've been here twice and haven't been disappointed. I've gotten their build a biscuits. After all my add-ons, they got a little pricey but they were really good! Their beignets are good too.
(4)
Cassie H.
First off....if I could give this establishment a negative 5 I would. I would not eat at Bayou FAKERY again even if it were free. I'm sure you are asking yourself "why". Well I shall tell you my little grasshopper. First negative is the flow/size of the eating area. My 3 co-workers and I walked in and stood around looking homeless, just hoping someone would scarf down their food so that we could have somewhere to sit. We were nervous about going ahead and ordering because we didn't want to have to hold our food in our hands. Thankfully two nice ladies told us they were leaving....10 minutes later they finally did and just in time for us not to bail on Bayou Fakery. Oh how I wish we had but anywho... First Positive....the decor. It does put you in mind of the Business District and the French Quarter but I was not there to please my eyes...no I wanted to please my belly (yes I channeled Fat Bastard). So they get no points for that. ESPECIALLY since we went the Friday prior to Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and they were selling king cakes for a whopping FORTY bucks! Hell to the no...complete robbery. Double Hell to the no is not cooking the cake with the baby inside, which is tradition...Don't believe me, Google it...the internet doesn't LIE people! The poor baby was just sitting there...ummmm...sorry but that kind of defeats the purpose if someone can tell where the baby is inserted! Total sham! Just go to Best Buns in Shirlington next year...trust me! Second Positive....customer service. I can't say enough about the young ladies at the counter. They were fabulous and patient and answered all of my questions without one, single eye roll. Well done - ya'll were the real MVPs! Second negative....the freaking food! I ordered gumbo, beignets, a grilled cheese sandwich and hot chocolate. I was hungry and excited to get a beignet! Miss me with the judgement. Anywho - America I took one bite/sip/whatever of that gumbo and almost gagged. The roux was the worst I've ever eaten. NO LIE! My co-workers tried it and agreed it was not good and they are from Maryland and New Jersey. No problem...maybe I'll have better luck with my grilled cheese. The cheese was 4 inches thick but at least edible. But in spite of it all the negatives could have been vanquished from my memory with one bite of the most delicious sweetness. The beignet....(in my Damon Wayans from In Living Color voice) HATED IT! How on earth do you mess up a beignet? Cafe Du Monde sells the mixture....BUY IT PEOPLE! I took one bite and gave them away. A beignet it was NOT! Trust me! I sat there utterly disappointed and pissed that one patron in front of me when I was ordering said the food was good and that she could vouch for it because she was from New Orleans. America - she must have moved away when she was 5 and hasn't gone back since. Because anyone who has eaten in New Orleans or grew up in the deep south, such as myself, knows that the cook can NOT be Cajun, Creole nor Southern. He/She has NO training in what makes Southern cooking so good. The fact this place was packed to the brim just lets me know half of Arlington has never had real Louisiana/Mississippi/Alabama cooking b/c they were smashing this stuff and I couldn't even stomach it. Unfortunately, I can not give this place a "Laissez les bon temps rouler". For you Bakery Fakery patrons that means "Let the good times roll". You would know that if you really knew what New Orleans, the culture and the cuisine was. No shade....ok, maybe a little. :-)
(1)
Prairie S.
I live close by, so I stop in every so often, just HOPING on the off chance that the 'hype' of this place will live up to its actual experience. My hopes have been consistently dashed. The flow of this restaurant displays the efficiency of the New Orleans emergency management officials evacuating the city in an impending thousand year flood. Yes, utterly inadequate to the task. The service is spotty with servers coming at you from all different angles in the midst of your dining experience. Their attitude is not "customer is right". It's more like, "Don't you know we are cool?" When you order at the register, you are given the name of an obscure French Quarter street which you are expected to listen for, to pick up your order. Nobody actually explains that to you in a systematic or clear way. You just learn by bumbling around and the server yelling something all around the place until you recognize, "oh, wait a minute, that's my order...and hey, there's a card I'm holding with that...whatever she's yelling!" Then there's the issue of you have to do all your own work. You pick up your coffee at one end of the counter. But, lucky for you, you get to pick up your food order literally all the way at the far end of the same counter. Don't get your condiments where you get your order! You need to walk all the way to the front for your sugar and milk. If you want jelly for your biscuit, or syrup, or any other condiment, there's exactly ONE pot of it, and it's at what they have called a "sticky counter" (not the same as the milk and sugar counter). Are you confused yet? So with coffee in one hand and food in the other, you balance all your food and load up your condiments on a counter with NO space, and then bring it all to your table. When you get to your table, you may or may not have napkins. So you go fetch napkins. At which point, ah, you realize, you need cutlery. Well, go play search and seek for the cutlery until the sweet central-American cleaner mopping the floor (amidst patrons who are dining), takes pity on you and guides you to the cutlery sitting at the opposite end of the restaurant from the milk station and the "sticky counter". Just to get a coffee and a biscuit, you have walked several times trying to organize your snack. (It's easier, frankly, in your own kitchen). Like I said, New Orleans calibre efficiency. The food is mediocre... other reviewers have noted this. Prices on the other hand, are exorbitant, especially for the self-cleaning nature of the restaurant, variable food, and the fact that the tables are still NOT CLEAN! I will say their biscuits are quite interesting....although I thought they would be more flaky, these seem a tad more 'muffin-like' in consistency.
(2)
Dee B.
4.5 stars Best cappucino I've had in a looooong time! Yes, it also took a looong time to be made, but the wait was worth. BB also gets bonus points in my book for having both soy and almond milk options, and for the upcharge not being excessive. Additionally, I was surprised to find two gluten-free options among the baked goods (the g-f choices were safely ensconced in a separate area). The chocolate crackle cookie was out-of-this-world good!!! It was chocolatey and rich and one could not tell it was gluten-free. The seating area was a bit tight and crowded, but it was Sunday afternoon. I'll definitely return to BB when I'm in the area.
(5)
Harrison T.
good food and coffee. Try their fresh beignets, breakfast sandwiches, gumbo, and grits. the restaurant gets quite crowded during lunch time, and starting 11 am on weekends. I would try to go there off hours.
Come for the espresso. Stay for the food. This place is awesome, but it is definitely not for everyone. If Starbucks coffee or chain bakery places work for you, you may not want to stop here. If, on the other hand, you are looking for the best espresso in the area, original and tasty sandwiches, homey southern favorites, a little quirk and a lot of charm then this is a place you can't pass up. Personal favorites: for breakfast, Biscuits with bacon (skip the egg and cheese). Flaky, smokey goodness. For lunch, the veg-a-lotta sandwich. Unbelievable flavor and good for you too! But only available on Tuesdays, alas. For dinner, gotta go for the gumbo, unless it's turkey meatball night, and a cold Abita either way. Friendly, helpful staff. And attention to every food detail. Yes, you have to pick up your drinks and food from separate counters. Yes, if you worry about finding a seat you need to visit at off-peak hours. But, if you want something a little different - prepared by people who care a whole heck of a lot about good food and service, you can't miss this one.
(5)
Caroline N.
This is a nice locally owned (I think) cafe with a cool Cajun vibe. They have a small but good breakfast menu and Cajun themed lunches ect. as well. Bfast is served until 11; although I slept in they still had quiche available for me. Quiche might not be the easiest item to reheat; it was slightly charred on the top and bottom but that hardly took away from the flavor - it was andouille sausage, kale and provolone yum. The baked goods looked really good and I regret not bring some home for the friend I was visiting. Thy also have a nice coffee selection. There are a few booths, several two tops, a high top bar seating area as well as an area with some comfy looking couches. Think Panera style with how the food is served. They give you a card with a Cajun name though and call it out when your order is ready. They also advertise nightly drink specials and have craft beer but I've only been for the bfast and coffee.
(4)
Sylvia P.
Having never been to New Orleans, I can't really compare my experience to "authentic" Cajun food but I quite enjoyed my breakfast experience here. The beignets and biscuits were BOMB! Beignets were perfectly fried fluffy golden pillows with a blanket of powdered sugar. The buttery biscuits practically melted in my mouth! I sampled them with honey, pepper jelly(so so good!) and with gravy - kinda superfluous IMO, or maybe I'm just not a fan of their gravy (too floury tasting, like the roux hadn't been cooked long enough). You can also add egg for an extra 50 cents but be warned that it's a square of baked/steamed? egg and not scrambled as I was initially expecting. Stone ground oats are a bargain, and one of the healthiest items on the menu. I ordered an alcoholic latte and found that there was actually too much booze (a strange and rare complaint for me) cuz I could barely taste the coffee, but at least you get a good bang for your buck :) ! Collard greens rounded out our indulgent meal- cooked tender and nicely flavored with vinegar, spices, and ham. The service is warm and welcoming, as is the funky decor. Finding a table can be difficult since you won't want to leave once you're there - but they have both indoor and outdoor tables, as well as comfy couches in the back where you can kick back and do some reading. There's plenty of reading material on the bathroom walls too - they're wallpapered in magazine clippings- in case you have a strange desire to explore new recipes while doing your business...
(4)
Matt L.
Everything here is better somewhere else. They are successful because of their location. I just had a Cuban from there that was tasteless and the bread was stale (not even pressed) this was the lunch special by the way. With chips was $10 If you want a good muffaletta go the the Italian store. If you want awesome Beignets go to Smith & Wollensky in DC. Everything here is just average except they have decent coffee but not norlins coffee but its OK.
(2)
Dani P.
It's across the street from the courthouse and across from Jerry's. I almost drove past it when looking for it, because it's very unassuming looking. I've never been to New Orleans, but I imagine that this business is like a restaurant in New Orleans was put on a truck and driven to Arlington. It's a casual setting; you order your food, pick it up at the window, and when you're done eating you bus your own plates. I ordered the andouille dog, a mac and cheese, and a capt chai tea latte. It cost me $24 dollars, which to be honest, was kind of expensive. Despite the price, it was very tasty. The sausage is huge and causes the potato roll to completely fall apart, so prepare for lots of napkins. The mac and cheese has red pepper in it, so it has a nice bite. There's a crispy top layer of bread crumbs too. I greatly enjoyed my chai tea latte with captain morgan. They offer other alcoholic coffee drinks too, which I'll possibly come back to try. My cousin and I ordered beignets to go, and those are inexpensive. Just a suggestion: don't eat them in the car, wait til you get home or else your car will explode in powdered sugar. I think calling instead of Bayou Bakery it should be Bayou Cafe, since they do have baked goods, but they don't seem to be the highlight.
(3)
Billy B.
Awesome Mac and cheese, but the gumbo was not that great. All the pastries are incredible.
(3)
Paulette B.
The food was good, but the place is dirty. The man taking our order was rude and didn't want to explain anything on the menu. I wish I knew what to get. I was rushed. At least what I got tasted very good.
(2)
Joseph S.
Awesome atmosphere, great pastries, and the cheese grits rock. Love this place and the outside seating.
(5)
Matthew E.
When I think of the south... I think of southern hospitality and this place is not! No smiles, no eye contact, no friendly service here. I came in for a coffee and do a few emails before a meeting. Not a bad spot to work from but power outlets would be nice. Just still can't believe how unfriendly the service was. Coffee was good and the food here is good (had it in the past), but some good staff friendly staff would be nice.
(2)
Athena C.
God I was here almost every morning for a week when I came down to Arlington for job training. They have some really good stuff!!! They coffee is alright to be honest. However, their pastries and sandwiches are awesome! You have to get their beignets and eat them while they are fresh. Their biscuits are so buttery and soft too. Their cheese sandwiches are also filling and what can I say, cheesy! If I ever have to come here for business trip, I will love to return!
(4)
Bob B.
I had to work across the street and needed some caffeine and food. Nice place, very warm welcoming atmosphere. Unfortunately they have the most unfriendly girl working the counter who thinks she is still 18 and the cats meow. No eye contact, no customer service skills and self absorbed. That and the expensive Arlington prices out me off.
(2)
Alfred B.
This place is pretty awesome! It is a GREAT place to hang out and spend time with friends, family, and significant others. They have great food and their coffee is most excellent - especially their french press coffee. So far I've only had their chicken gumbo, and a few of their sandwiches, but that's enough for me to give this place 5 stars. The food is fresh, made quickly, and just taste's good. The ambience is very relaxed and "cultured" with cool, rustic, and random artistic pieces all over the room. There are a couple couches and chairs in the back of the restaurant where you can watch the sports game on their flat screen TV. They have a good amount of seating, but I would't recommend going here with a party bigger than 6 people. It is more geared toward a smaller and intimate group. There is also an outdoor area with a couch and a few round tables that seat 3-4 people if you want some sunshine. Ah yes, and if you've never tried beignet - DO IT. It is a square or sphere of fried hot dough sprinkled with sugar. It is a glorified doughnut...a fancy doughnut and it is delicious. The food is great. The sandwiches are hearty and the soups and drinks are full of flavor. It's a great place to relax, study, read, or just hang out with a group of people for a few hours. Excellent cajun style food! Check it!
(5)
Anna H.
Location is convenient, food is pretty good. Tea selection is pretty scarce but straight to the point I guess. Since they claim to be a bakery I would expect a lot more baked goods, but alas it's not that big. One more thing I really don't enjoy- only one plug in the whole place. I get it, the place for hanging out, but I need to charge my phone sometimes or plug in my laptop since I come to Bayou to work only. Anyways, it's not bad at all and worth visiting, it's just not great.
(3)
Tuve F.
Best place in Courthouse for a good cappuccino. I go for weekend brunch and like their biscuit sandwiches with egg and cheese. Our young daughter enjoys their oatmeal and fresh croissants. Come early on the weekends though as tables fill up fast. Outside seating out front, including some cushioned chairs, is a plus.
(4)
Oggie E.
Try their BEIGNETS. By the way, it's pronounced "BEN-YEY" to those who are beignets-virgins. I had been saying it wrong, they were giving me this "aren't you acquainted with french culture idiot" (i am not complaining, it's just funny) look every time i say it. It's a fried doughnut that's airy and delicious. I love everything thats fried. An excessive amount of powdered sugar on beignets make you look like you are a crack addict as one of the reviewers mentioned it. I tried their BLT couple times, the bacon tastes pretty good! Coffee is above average and I like this cafe so much! The seating section looks comfortable, just like you are home or somewhere thats cozy. I have never had bad customer service here so far.
(5)
Megan P.
I love, love, love Bayou Bakery. I've been here a few times and each time I'm satisfied. Their coffee is great and good quality. I love that they use as much local vendors as possible including local honey, wine, cheese, meats, etc Their beignets alone are worth a trip here. Just be prepared to look like a drug addict when the powdered sugar ends up all over your face and down the front of your shirt. It takes a special talent to not get it everywhere. I've had both their grilled chicken salad and muff-a-lotta sandwiches. Both were so delicious and really hit the spot. I loved that the chicken salad has only a hint of mayo, so you don't feel like you're eating a mayo sandwich. The avocado and alfalfa sprouts are a perfect compliment.
(5)
Cathy H.
I was a beignet virgin prior to dining at Bayou Bakery. Needless to say, I had not had the privilege to try Cafe Du Monde's beignets, but I would imagine they are everything Bayou Bakery's beignets are if not better. When i was done eating, I looked like a crack addict -- white powder all over my nose, cheeks, and even my clothes. And it was glorious. Bayou Bakery is, well, a bakery/cafe and has an order-at-the-counter-then-grab-your-food-and-eat system, so service is almost non-existent, but I prefer it that way sometimes. Everything is made to order, including these fried pockets of joy. They come out piping hot - crispy on the exterior and soft on the interior. As each plate only had three beignets, I would encourage you to order at least two if you've got a dining partner. I shared my plate, but could've easily put down three on my own. They have a nice selection of hot loose-leaf teas, so I recommend ordering one to balance the fried goodness. Aside from beignets, I also tried their gumbo, which was consisted of vegetables, shredded chicken, and spicy andouille sausage. Very delicious and flavorful. Highly recommended! I eyed their other selections and will definitely return to try their salads and sandwiches. There is also a chocolate whoopie pie-like treat called the "dat-o", except instead of cake, they're cookies. I will be back.
(5)
Caroline C.
Great food, great music, but holy cow over priced!!! I left with a happy tune in my head but still hungry and now poor. Friendly staff & I'd go back, but probably just for an app and beer.
(3)
dave o.
Very relaxed, great music, and here is an ode to the foods. My faves: The gumbo- Hallelujah Absolutely great. The boudin -- Now that is a cajun treat!!! Excellent. A fun presentation and one true to the region: Boudin, crackers, spicy mustard. Oooh la la. Excellent. Have you tried their coffee? Damn good. Get a French roast. Damn better. Great addition to the area.
(5)
Nora T.
This place is always packed on the weekends. I can't resist the biscuits and gravy, cheese grits, beignets and coffee. Cozy atmosphere full of Arlington locals. Casual setting where you're expected to bus your own tables which I don't mind one bit. Definitely my favorite place to grab breakfast on the weekends when I have a little time to spare.
(5)
Sylvia A.
I feel that there aren't enough cafe/ bars in the area.. so I was happy to find this place. It has a Convenient location. I love the ambience and decor and the food is good.
(4)
Beth K.
Came here for lunch with two coworkers because we felt like venturing out of Rosslyn and trying something new. We got there around 12:30, and there were lots of people but it wasn't unmanageable. The menu was behind the counter, which was filled with delicious looking baked goods. The ambiance was also really fun - kind of rustic and a nice change from the posh attitude most DC places try to have. The guy who took my order was super friendly, and answered my questions about the different menu items and made some changes to my sandwich as requested. I ordered a mufaletta, which, isn't my typical sandwich but it sounded delicious. I'm wierd and don't love olives, which I realize is a defining component, but I ordered it without them, and added lettuce and onions. I also got a side of the "blackened cauliflower" which was a seasonal item on the side. The food came out fairly quickly, and we snagged a table outside. There was also a condiment bar with hot sauce, pepper jelly, salt, pepper, etc. My sandwich was large and delicious, especially great for the price ($7.50ish). The meats were delicious, and I appreciated that it came out just like I asked. The onions were fantastic, they were sauteed and had a great flavor that was peppery but caramelized and sweet at the same time. The cauliflower was a disappointment though. I thought "blackened" meant roasted or blackened somehow, but instead it was just steamed cauliflower with no seasonings whatsoever, served intentionally cold, with a side of buttermilk dressing, which was similar to a ranch. I just don't really understand why you would serve cold, steamed cauliflower with a side of dressing. My friend tried the gumbo which was tasty, though I haven't eaten much gumbo, and the other had the Jive Turkey sandwich, and she enjoyed it .We also tried the beignets, which were tasty but a little dough-ey compared to others I've had. I have mixed feelings b/c the staple foods from here were delicious, and I thought the sandwich prices were reasonable. I just felt that the cauliflower really threw it off for me.
(3)
Tyler D.
This was my first time here. I went with my friend on a Sunday for breakfast. I wanted to try this place based on the yelp reviews, but was highly disappointed. Why I'm giving it two stars: The beignets are the only things that tastes good at this place. Also, the staff are very friendly and took the time to go over the menu with me. And the prices are reasonable. So, I ordered a biscuit with eggs and cheese; it was the worst biscuit I've ever had and was really disappointed that they couldn't meet the standards on such a basic element. I also got a yogurt with fruits. The only fruits that were with the yogurt, were apples, and they were rotten. I got their daily brewed coffee, and it was terrible. So, as I said, if you are really craving beignets, you can try them here. But, there are better place in the DC area for that. One final note, if you are a vegetarian, my friend who came with me was, and she struggled as most of the special meals they had were made with meat; well besides that yogurt -_-
(2)
Jules W.
Great coffee & beignets. Nice brunch menu. Often very busy & hard to get a table, but with good reason.
(4)
Nicole O.
The staff here is very friendly and I like the laid back atmosphere. Depending on the time that you arrive, you might have to fight someone for a powdered sugar seat; If you do snag one, you might be bumping elbows with the table next to you since the two-tops are tricky to maneuver around. I always get the beignets -- they're required eating. I almost always get the muffa-lott-a which is jam-packed with layers upon layers of meat and topped with a flavorful olive tapenade. I don't know how it took me so long to experience weekend brunch at Bayou. I customized a breakfast biscuit to be on a croissant and subbed in the homemade pimento. The result was a creamy, buttery, indulgent breakfast sandwich with a nice protein punch from the egg and turkey sausage. But the real star was the cappuccino. Made with counter culture espresso (La Forza on the weekends) and--my preference--almond milk, it is surprisingly creamy and chocolate-y. I went back a few days later and tried the Spicy Mexican Cortada, gumbo, and Virginia mac & cheese. The cortada was very nicely spiced (think spicy hot chocolate with caffeine). The savory offerings were a bit of a miss. The gumbo tasted like canned beans and was a bit thin for my taste. The mac was much better than the gumbo but nothing too special. Our slice of king cake had two tasty bites in the middle, but the top and sides were dried out.
(4)
Nikki B.
I LOVE Bayou bakery! This place gets packed though - especially on weekends. If you go - be prepared to wait for a seat or just get it to go... Either way - the crowd is worth it. The biscuits are so good- the table jam is worth getting a plain biscuit for alone! Pimento cheese is a great plate to share... But whatever you do - make sure you get a biscuit!
(5)
JH K.
The only thing that was good was my latte. Im bery big on coffee. Yes it was good. I tried their famous biscuits and the beignets. The cashiers who took my order had this "we're cool" attitude towards me when I said it was my first time i was trying the skim through the menu boards which was messy and hard to grasp the whole menu. If you are going to use a chalkboard for your restaurant make sure it's easy to read. The biscuits were hugely disappointing. It's just too doughy and bready. The beignets were good though. I wanted to get some work done while having my coffee but i thought the music was too loud.
(3)
Jamie Q.
Had a biscuit with egg + cheese, yogurt with granola and blueberries, and a french press to share - perfection! One of our favorite neighborhoods spots, perfect for breakfast - but get there early on the weekends, it gets crowded quickly!
(5)
Dia D.
I have mixed feelings about this place. On the one hand, they were very busy on a weekend morning but the line moved quickly and our food arrived quickly. The guy at the counter was friendly and helpful. The coffee was good, the food was tasty, and portions were large. On the other hand, there didn't seem to be anything that was remotely healthy on the menu. And after my savory scone and beignet, I felt as if there was a ball of fat sitting in my stomach. Coffee for 3, 2 breakfast biscuits, 1 scone, and an order of beignets was $26. Pay attention to the name on your receipt (e.g, we were Jefferson Davis) because that's the name they will call when your order is ready. Many names were called 5-6 times because people weren't listening for the name from the receipt.
(3)
Scott F.
If you are contemplating driving more than 15 minutes to eat at this restaurant, beware that whatever you have heard is overrated. Gumbo - tasted burnt. Couldn't enjoy at all. Bayou BLT - I had to go back and order twice since they didn't add to my order the first time. Then the sandwich on toasted white bread was just ok. I feel like I would have enjoyed a regular BLT more without the oven cured tomatoes. Mac & cheese - tasted ok but it was cold in the middle. muffalatto - this sandwich was way overrated. Firehouse subs does a better sandwich. Overall this was not a great experience. The counter staff was friendly but not very helpful. I was really looking forward to this experience and was VERY disappointed.
(1)
Zahira P.
This place is just incredible! I LOVED the food -- beignets, biscuits, coffee -- lots of French presses filled with goodness. Apparently all of Arlington knows this too, so it does get crowded. The staff also did something that really touched me. We ordered two macchiatos (tiny coffees -- just a shot with a "mark" of milk) but got two mochas. Not only did they happily change the order, they refunded the difference ($5 and change) in cash without my asking. They didn't doubt me or anything. It was really, really sweet and just made my day (thanks, Brian, and the lovely lady barista who was on staff with you that day -- I *so* appreciate how fantastic you are!). There are so many great details -- a wall made from window shutters, calling out Louisiana historical figures ("LAFAYETTE!!!") instead of my funny, hard-to-pronounce name... unique place and really great. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Meek Y.
Overrated, overpriced, I'm not sure why this place is so popular. I have twice gone here and the first time the food was cold and made me sick. The second time, the owner who is a huge douchebag YELLED at my wife for walking up to the countertop because he didn't give her cheese on her sandwich like she ordered. He then told her that she had to go and pay for the cheese and then under his breathe muttered that "these people always try to get freebies". What a piece of work this loser is.
(1)
Lauren F.
Fantastic restaurant with a fantastic owner and staff! David Guas puts his best in everything he makes for Bayou Bakery. The food here is amazing. Also, they have incredible desserts. Don't go there without having the beignets and Dat-Os! My only complaint is that they're not located down the street from me.
(5)
Ibrahim A.
It's good for a quick casual brunch. It's difficult to get a table on Sundays, but the food is good and cheap.
(4)
Lawrence A.
Went here for brunch on New Year's Day. Our table had the BLT and the biscuits and gravy, and the beignets. The BLT was great. The bacon was crisp and plentiful and worked well with the arugula and tomatoes. The toast was perfect. The biscuits and gravy had great flavor too and was filling. Now, I have never had beignets so I cannot compare them to other places but they were yummy! Service was ok just know that you bus your own tables. It wasn't crowded and seating is a little cramped but I chalk that up to the charm of the place.
(4)
Jesse A.
Visiting from San Diego and staying nearby. I've been to New Orleans a few times, so if you asked me if the beignets compare, I would say "NO." They were served warm but took awhile to make. They were good but not comparable to the real ones. The decor does not resemble a French Quarter cafe at all. Looks like they bought a few souvenirs and placed it on the wall. The service is really slow and the ordering process is odd. They hand you a card with a French name on it and yell the name when it's ready (if you can understand what they are yelling) you grab your coffee on one end of the counter and then wait another 15 minutes for your food which is delivered on the opposite end of the counter. The Latte I ordered was good, it just took 15 minutes to make. My 13 year old son ordered a hot chocolate and took a few sips and said " it taste weird" My daughter tried her hot chocolate and said the same thing" dad this taste weird" I tried it and sure enough "it taste weird" Indifferent about returning to this place while I'm here.
(3)
Chris M.
I thought this place was great. I'm from Louisiana and the gumbo was amazing. We also tried the jambalaya and it too was pretty good. We also had the beignets they were also great. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that it's Mardi Gras and I wanted to try their king cake but they were sold out. I just wished they would have made more so I could have tried it.
(4)
Jen F.
3.5 stars. I'll round up because I'm in a good mood. LUCKY YOU, BAYOU. Bayou is a coffee shop/eatery with ATTITUDE. It's cute- you can sit inside or outside and just relax with your drink and some snacks. They had a bunch of delicious looking pastries behind the display window (I wanted that pie!). You can also order sandwiches, soups, salads, etc. They have a "sticky table" where you can use honey, jams, and all kinds of other fix'ins on your food/drinks. Here's the drill- you order at the counter, get your food and sit down. Think of a Starbucks meets Le Pain Quintoden meets a hipster coffee shop. I would totally come here to get work done or study, or just read a book. It's that kind of atmosphere. Bayou is super close to the Courthouse metro so it's a nice meeting spot for some coffee or a casual brunch. It's also organic and green friendly with their compostable cups and whatnot. I was about to pick up a bag of their super delicious looking homemade granola before I remembered granola is basically frosted flakes parading as a health food. Sorry for the tangent, it just looked really good.
(4)
Jon C.
I'm just sitting in here right now doing some work, and all of a sudden some Charlie Parker comes on, followed up by some trombonist with some attitude (I think Trombone Shorty maybe?), and now I'm just having a good time doing work. The decor isn't like... what you should expect to find walking into a random cafe in NOLA, but it's a lot of stuff that's certainly symbolic of the city. The food is always good, with a nice variety of teas and good coffee. And of course, BEIGNETS. This review benefits a lot from the fact that I loved NOLA when I was there, but hey. It sure isn't working against them!
(5)
Kate H.
Tressa made our gender reveal party so special with a customized cake! She made the cake after my appointment on a Friday night so I could have it for our celebration on Saturday. So flexible and so easy to work with. Thanks again!
(5)
Suj L.
I was really excited to try this place, it having won all kinds of accolades and attention. Unfortunately, although it was good, it wasn't as mind-blowing as all the hype (says the former New Orleanian). The atmosphere is great, very Marigny, casual and vibrant. The vocabulary order cards (all with different parish names) are very cute, and the beignets were very good--light, fluffy, and covered in copious amounts of sugar. However--and I know it sounds really weird--the oil was too clean for them to taste truly authentic. They were TOO fluffy and pretty to be perfect Cafe du Monde replicas. But they were good! The biscuits were what I was most excited about, having heard much ado about them and all their award-winning glory. However, they were the biggest let-down of the morning, and why this review went from a 4 to a 2.5. I got one with cheddar, turkey sausage (extra props for making their own sausage and offering healthy turkey, though), and one of their signature baked eggs, cut to fit the biscuit. The biscuit was crumbly, but not very fluffy, and not very rich, though. The egg and turkey sausage could have been seasoned a little more to make it less meh. All of that would still have been a great experience if it had been made fresh, though. They forgot to ring up my sandwich, so I had to go back with the rest of my hot food waiting, and I was so shocked when I saw them assemble it, slide it into something, and have it ready in an instant. I'd been waiting for my food before, so I don't know if it's standard practice, but based on the resultant texture of the egg and biscuit, and the lukewarmness of it all, I can safely assume that they NUKED it. Microwaved it to a sad, flabby tower of disappointment. What brings it back up a half-star to the 3 and maybe a 3.5? The croissants. Holy shit. Layered properly in butter, perfectly crispy on the outside, airy and chewy and moist on the inside, this is the closest to a European croissant I've had in the States yet. The almond croissant was generously coated in toasted almonds, and the almond paste filling was delicious and plentiful enough that I had to take half out. The regular croissant was heaven. So would I go back? For coffee and a croissant, absolutely. But skip the biscuit sandwich. You can pay less for a microwaved biscuit sandwich at McDonald's.
(3)
Chef N D.
Ok so Bayou Bakery...I was confused when I walked in. My coworkers had me set on some King Cake but they were sold out when I got there. So I walks in and it's a four piece band playing traditional New Orleans music. Not sure if that happens every day. They were pretty decent and they engaged with the customers so that was cool. The kids in the place seemed to enjoy them. Now on to the food. My drink was some kind of Bayou Gator Aide it was whiskey, mint, and something else. Blah...not great. Maybe if I had more whiskey. Food wise I started off with beignets however it's spelled. They were good. My only gripe with those was too much powdered sugar. Also had the jambalaya it has shrimp and smoked sausage. That was good too. Bigger shrimp could have made it better. But it was a huge serving. For the entree I had the BBQ Cajun shrimp. These had a good taste. But it was in some kind of gravy and it came with like a poboy roll but the sauce was not sopable. You don't know what that means go google sop. How to make that better is bigger shrimp. This was overpriced too. Downsides of this place, the wall menu is confusing and damn near unreadable. Lots of kids were in here...not sure if that is a constant but it was a distraction. I'm still confused is this place a bakery or a restaurant. Guess it can be both. I was neither impressed or unimpressed. The place has potential just needs some tweaks.
(3)
Flo S.
I remember coming here with some fellow bootcampers over a year ago and we had decided that we were going to have our CHEAT dessert here after eating our hearts out at Uncle Julios up the street. I suggested this place because of their beignets and wanted to try whatever sweet things that were calling our names. Beignets were made to order and were piping hot and soooo good that Sunday afternoon. We ate outside and proceeded to place all of of our delicious treats in the center for easy access. So, here we were just ravaging these these sweets since had deprived ourselves for so long and being really strict with our diet for an entire month. Forks were flying all over the place and we were inhaling every smell, tasting every bit and eagerly waiting to move on to the next victim, I mean beignet, cupcake, muffin, dat -o's etc. We had a great time that afternoon and it was the perfect ending to the start of a lazy Sunday brunch. Fast forward a year later...and my job moves literally diagonal to the Bayou. What a dangerous way to live and trust me I have. I've tried their cupcakes (which are no more) and moved on to the red velvet cake and German choc cake. They are both really good choices. As for their food, I've tried their shrimp salad, Veggie sandwich etc. All equally good. I heard their gumbo is amazing and so is their other food. All seem to be freshly made and I love using real silverware and eating off of a real plate. The only con about this place is that I wish that I didn't smell like a restaurant/bakery when I left. My colleagues can tell where I've been when I walk back to my office. Not a good thing when you are trying to be good and you smell like you were baking in the kitchen. So, hmmm..maybe they need to do something with their ventilation system. All in all, a great place with lots of charm and great atmosphere.
(4)
Charles W.
I give them the benefit of doubt. I've eaten here before and bought a King Cake for Mardi Gras here. The food was excellent my first visit. Last night I had jambalaya which was really good and a muffleta which was good even without the Gambino bread. They substitute a sesame bun. My gumbo last night tasted like bottom of pot burnt mud. It was the worse rendition of sausage and chicken gumbo this Louisiana guy has ever had. Which really surprised me for this place. I'm hoping my next visit will be what I've come to expect
(3)
Ana B.
Tasty and fun atmosphere! Only problem, they are trying to run as a "order/pay at the counter and then go find a place to sit" establishment, but their layout is all wrong for it and they are a little too popular to handle that. So once you do come out victorious in the Bayou Bakery hunger games and win a table, you still have to munch on your food with roughly 25 people standing right next to you and staring you down, seeing if they can will you to eat faster with their mind alone. So maybe avoid the busy hours or aim for getting a table in back, away from the line/entrance. Good luck. Oh, and please don't be that person that goes and "claims" a table with you jacket before you've ordered your food, even though there are clearly other people who have already ordered waiting for a table. People who do that are THE WORST.
(4)
Mochi K.
We came in for breakfast sandwiches and a French press. The barista didn't want to make the French press and asked the front counter woman to make it....The line was 20 people deep and there was no way the front counter woman could handle making it. 10 minutes later the breakfast sandwich came out but still no coffee. After waiting for another 10 minutes the French press was done and so were our sandwiches. At this point, we needed to take the coffees to go. We asked for 2 to go cups and the other front counter guy told us they charge for cups. Well, if we didn't get our coffee after finishing our sandwiches we wouldn't need to go cups. The pre Madonna barista needs to check her attitude. Will not be back.
(1)
Ivan M.
I give it a 3.5! I came here to get some breakfast with the girlfriend. I ordered some biscuits and gravy and she ordered grits; for drinks, she got a cappuccino and I got a chai tea. The biscuits and gravy were delicious just like my chai tea, gf said that she both her items were good too. I also ordered some bacon that was pretty meh, well it was more charcoal than bacon to be exact. For dessert I got a red velvet cupcake that was ok (not really fresh tasting), and my girlfriend got a scone that was delicious. I'll give this place another shot in the future, when I try some of the jambalaya.
(3)
Amy R.
Pretty bummed about this place. I had high hopes, but the food is barely mediocre. The Beignets are good. Don't order the "arm drip" sandwich, it looks and tastes like vomit. The jambalaya lacked flair and ingredients other than rice. Won't return :-(
(2)
Rebecca O.
Lots of good breakfast options, and they have counter culture coffee (some of the best, in my opinion). Since their New Orleans themed they have beignets, and they're delicious. I had the bacon and cheese biscuit. I love a good biscuit, but these were too fluffy. Because of this, they fall apart easily. Not my favorite type of biscuit, but they have their place. There are plenty of options here to try out, and if all else fails, get the beignet and coffee.
(4)
Rachel M.
Major red flag I knew this couldn't possibly be authentic - they serve the boudin with mustard. Mustard. They tried really hard with the decor, even though in my entire life of living in southern Louisiana I never thought such random things like boat propellers were indicative of necessary pieces to hang on your wall. All of this could have been forgiven if the food was even relatively good. Not great, but just good. I don't know how they mess up beignets, but they did. They were heavy instead of being light and hollow inside. The boudin was terrible in flavor and the texture of the casing was all wrong. I'm still flabbergasted by the mustard, it's supposed to be so tasty you don't even NEED CONDIMENTS. The other food is fine, but as an actual native, it was all incredibly disappointing, especially when Cajun food is so easy to replicate.
(2)
Gretchen P.
Fantastic location (right on the corner across from the main Court House parking lot), delightful interior, AND a mean chai latte to boot? Consider me officially a fan of Bayou Bakery. Can't wait to come back and spend a little more time sampling other goodies from here the next time I'm lounging around Court House! I felt like Goldilocks (er, Purplilocks?) with my latte: not too sweet, not too hot, not too anything -- it was juuuuust right! Of course, I may already be slightly biased due to the fact that an adorable old gentlemen who was having coffee with his wife stopped by our table more than once to compliment me on my hair, hahahaha. But hey, props to Bayou Bakery for attracting a clientele with such faaaabulous taste! ;)
(4)
Lauren K.
Stopped here for a casual breakfast on Sunday morning. It's a little corner shop that is light and casual and adorned with New Orleans memorabilia. The menu is simple but not without variety. I went for the bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit and, despite the delicious looking menu, I would've ordered it ten times over. Everything about it just hit the spot. I also got the french press coffee and beignets which were both also very tasty in their own right.
(4)
Marianna O.
Bayou Bakery is a wonderful place where you can get the best caramel sauce skim latte in the DMV area. And I mean the absolute best. David Guas, the owner, started out as a pastry chef, so the caramel sauce and some of the other desserts really are one of a kind. I love getting their soup of the day. I've tried the cauliflower and broccoli ones, which were really delicious. I've had a number of other dishes here including their chicken salad sandwich, turkey meat balls, the boudin, all of which were excellent. I've also tried the gumbo but it's not my thing. I can't speak on its behalf because I generally don't like gumbo. Nevertheless, my partner and I come here every week usually on the weekends for our coffee fix, something delicious to eat, and to lounge on the comfortable couches and sofa chairs for an hour or two. Food network is usually on the tv and the place gets filled up on the weekends, but there is plenty of seating. Additionally, they have a great happy hour here for beer and small snacks for $3 5pm to 9pm, Monday to Friday. Overall, I highly recommend trying this place out.
(5)
Ed F.
I downgraded. The people are nice but the last couple of times I've been here the sandwiches have been bland and the beignets have been oily.
(3)
Demetria C.
One of my absolute favs for breakfast or lunch. Breakfast: ham, egg, and cheese on a homemade biscuit. French Press coffee or pour over! Lunch: Gumbo and roasted chicken salad sandwich! Their andoile dog is absolutely fantastic. Great snap on the dog, and the onions and mustard on top give it a great bite. Add a delicious cocktail too! Love the atmosphere, of course try the beignets! Always hot and sugary!
(5)
Deb H.
Loved this place! Definately got the mac and cheese
(5)
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Address :1515 N Courthouse Rd
Arlington, VA, 22201
Deb H.
Loved this place! Definately got the mac and cheese
(5)Chris D.
Criminy, this place RULES! With familial ties to and a deep love of New Orleans in my soul, I hate it when someone opens up a "Cajun" restaurant (e.g. TruOrleans) only to find superficial, blustery bologna as a veneer that covers up what's really a poor attempt to cash in on NOLA's ever-increasing popularity post-Saints SuperBowl win. Bayou Bakery is the one place in town that's authentic to the core. I've yet to experience a poor dish here. Their biscuits ripple with butter and aren't overcooked at all. Their coffees are stout but not overly loaded with chicory. The original creations made daily defy imagination: they're pumped full of a wide variety of ingredients and not the sad, tired tourist-inspired po'boys everyone's used to hearing about. There's real originality from the place's chef, who I hear is a native New Orleanian himself. The joint is comfortable but easily crowded so get there early to snag a booth or a spot on the couch. They regularly do Abita beer specials for game days too. Be careful of the bloody Mary though: it's an original recipe that's PACKED full of seafood, so it's a little tough to get down.
(5)Caroline B.
I eat lunch there everyday and love the variety, both in terms of taste and healthiness (do you want something with a lot of greens, something with greasy meat, or both?). The music is interesting, mostly jazzy. Their lattes aren't overly sweet. They even have free wifi.
(4)Kimberly W.
A nice small cafe serving New Orleans food. A good selection of coffee and tea. Most of the food is under $14. I love the meatballs, gumbo, blue cheese dip and their version of an Oreo. It can be very busy on the weekends.
(4)J D.
I went for "brunch". I don't quite understand. Options were beignets, biscuits, or yogurt and granola. It was somehow packed, nonetheless. Despite limited seating, you have to go back up to the counter to get your beignets once your order is called via an obnoxious PA speaker. My friend got mediocre beignets with copious amounts of powdered sugar, which coats the tables, floor, and patrons. These are served on ridiculously tiny plates which ensure the sugar will get all over you. Also, she got a biscuit with ham that looked like the things you find in BP stations in the South. I had a $3 cafe au lait. I've been to Cafe du Monde. This is not Cafe du Monde. Luckily there were places nearby where I could get something to eat. I hate Starbucks, but sadly they had more breakfast/brunch options. Perhaps this place is better at other meals (though that is odd for a bakery/coffee shop)?
(1)Leslie R.
Just tried it for the first time earlier after seeing a report NBC 4 about neighborhood business for Clarendon a few weeks ago......I got the Vanilla Bean with caramel icing for my hubby and the Get-to Oreo Cookie.......We wasn't feeling either one of them......it looked very good but the cupcake was dry and the cookies were to hard and didn't have that "bitter" taste like an Oreo does......Guess we will try some other treats and give them another try.
(3)Brian G.
Muffuletta is my go to choice, delicious! A little pricey but food is great. Casual coffee shop atmosphere and very dedicated staff.
(4)Peter O.
Terrific cafe with good coffee and fantastic house-made food. Cool & friendly staff and fast open wifi make it a favorite!
(5)Ignatius H.
This place has the best beignets, always fresh and tasty. The breakfast sandwiches are wicked, they're served on biscuits that can be on the crumbly side but are really good. The coffee hits the spot and they also have mixed drink specials. Sweet tea is just the way I like it, not overly sweet and bottomless. I've been here three times in the past month and I'll be back more. The head chef recently competed on Food Network's Chopped. I didn't see the episode but heard about it from the bakery. Although awesome, there is room to improve service. When they're busy over weekends, they need to work on clearly announcing when an order is ready. I've been here with a few patrons and none of us could comprehend what the wait staff were announcing. When you place your order, you receive a card with a name on it (e.g. Acadia). The staff call this name when your order's ready. Clever, but a bit too clever. Instead of just calling out the name Acadia, they should say "Order for Acadia" and repeat the name. It's hard to hear order announcements over the chit chat of other diners. The WiFi doesn't work. The signal is weak and really difficult to connect to. I couldn't connect on my Android tablet the past two times I was here, nor could my friend on his iPad the other day. These are minor quibbles though.
(5)Liz J.
Love love love this place - the powdered beignets are incredible and the biscuits are also awesome. Great place to wear sweats and have a lazy Sunday morning. The seating can be a bit of an issue but just because it's really popular.
(4)Claudia H.
I got to eat lunch!!! I ordered the gumbo and the arm dip. The gumbo was delicious!!! This is going to be my go-to soup this winter, and the arm dip was juicy and perfect! And in a sea of overpriced Arlington restaurants, it is nice to see a well priced menu!
(4)Aaron J.
This place is just awesome. Its a perfect spot for a date, especially if you're trying to get someone. It has a nice intimate, and "at home" feel. The staff is rather nice and friendly. For a place in the area of a VERY busy location in Arlington, its hidden pretty well. Which makes it a nice enough spot in which it will not be too crowded, to which you can't still remain comfortable. Now let me say I had the special of the day, the "shrimp creole." It wasn't great but I'm not big on putting spices on things and such. I'd like to not "disrespect" the cooks. The shrimp was cooked very well, but the sauce didn't have that Cajun kick that I was looking for. The cookies were awesome though! :) This place receives 4 stars from me, just for the options and atmosphere alone. I'm sure I'll be back to visit a lot. You should as well.
(4)Joseph G.
Great gumbo and lunch options. They also make a wonderful cocktail called Gator Aid. A perfect spot if you're looking for a light meal. Their breakfast sandwiches aren't amazing but most of their other food is really good. They also have a nice outdoor seating area on the sidewalk in front of the entrance.
(4)Jeanne B.
Breakfast: The Beignets are amazing!! So yummy!!! Also, the biscuits are thick and warm and also really good with the thick southern bacon they use. Also, the basil mint iced latte is to die for, you should definitely try that. Dinner: Not as spicy as I expected a "creole" shrimp dish to be, especially at a Louisiana themed place. Love coming here for the atmosphere as well! You can sit outside with your coffee and beignets and just enjoy the weather when it isn't blistering hot.
(4)A W.
Had the good fortune to be in the Courthouse area Monday morning for work-so I planned to hit up Bayou Bakery. I came here back when they first opened, and still cherish the thought of their butternut squash soup. I've also seen them profiled in Southern Living magazine. I came at 8 am on a Monday morning for the beignets. I visited New Orleans when I was younger, and dreamed of moving there and lounging at Cafe du Monde every weekend. That hasn't happened yet, but luckily, I have BB. My beignets were fried, sugary, and amazing. I wish the managers would read some of these reviews-it's true, the order announcing system is flawed. I have no idea hat phonetic pronunciation the lady who called out my random Cajun word used, but it most definitely was not what was written on my card. I just asked her "Beignets?" she nodded, I took my bag and was o to enjoy the greatest.breakfast.ever.
(4)Ayla B.
Ambience is perfect, really puts me in the mindset of NOLA. I love how, after you order your food, they give you a card with one of the parishes on it to be called when your food is ready. The menu is very authentic Louisiana, but the food leaves something to be desired. I had the gumbo: too much flour in the roux & tasted like the flour had been browned too much. Gumbo was waaayyy too thick & had hardly any veggies or meat in it. The mini French bread loaf was delicious, though! My husband had the jambalaya: tasted like they just threw in the left-over étouffée sauce. In both meals, the rice was way undercooked, still kind of hard. I'm going to go back, though, for the Abita beer & to give their boudin a try. I'm just excited to see a little taste of home up here! And don't want to give up hope on this place yet.
(3)Karina B.
Pretty good first experience. Cool shop; relax atmosphere. Loved the hibiscus ginger iced tea, gumbo, and the steaming hot be
(4)Aamna C.
Solid breakfast place. Review of what we had: 1. Beignets - I agree with what an earlier reviewer in saying that they were passable. Piping hot they they messy and delicious, when somewhat warm they were messy and good (but not great). 2. Coffee - counter culture has a very specific and unique taste. I don't agree that its absolutely super-fabulous, but its good in its own way. But I do prefer a more italian roast, so that may be why I feel this way. 3. Biscuits - really really good. I will come back specifically for the biscuits. They were delicious and fresh and with egg and cheese, and a swipe of the chili jam, they were out of this world. Getting fresh biscuits from scratch is just something totally unique and wonderful to have in this area. I liked the vibe, it was nice and buzzing but not so over the top loud that you couldn't carry a conversation. I liked that they had food network on the tv in the back, and that it was a lovely mix of people.
(4)Michelle S.
I will certainly have to go back and try lunch, but for my first visit here I must say the Latte was good:) In additoin the Steel Cut Oatmeal with syrup and raisins taste great, however it was very watered down- even after I let it sit 5-10 minutes. ( I would have rated 4 stars if the oatmeal was made right. If they put less water it would have been perfect becaue the flavor is nice! The cashier and baraista were friendly and the atmosphere inside was welcoming.
(3)Megan M.
Best breakfast! Limited Menu but they always have specials for the day! I hate that they are famous for their biscuits but only offer breakfast on Saturdays till 12pm! They have limited seating during the winter but the food is cheap and the beignets - you feel like you are in New Orleans!
(5)PETER C.
So I've been to Bayou Bakery for breakfast and for lunch. I'll have to go for dinner soon. Breakfast, one time I had the biscuit , egg & Benton bacon sandwhich. The sammitch was good, if a little weird, the biscuits have a cake-like consistency rather than a flaky, southern style texture. Good. The iced tea was Luzianne, a nice touch. Also got an order of beignets, very good, you can definitely tell that they're not fried in cottonseed oil, they taste of peanut oil but very good. The second time I got the ham biscuit with gravy, served in a bowl, excellent. For lunch I had the Armdrip sammitch, I asked for it without cheese (who puts cheese on a roast beef po-boy?). It lived up to it's name, a six napkin experience. It was small for New Orleans but probably up here considered a handfull. Zapps Cajun Crawtator chips lent an air of authenticity to the proceedings. My only qualm came with the bread, nothing up here will ever match real New Orleans po-by bread. It was crunchy and the crumb was light but it didn't have the mouth resistance of Zip's or Leidenheimers. Overall a B or possibly a B+ Hve to go back for supper soon!
(4)Sara L.
Ugh, as a former vegetarian and Louisiana native, I have to roll my eyes at someone who is annoyed that a southern cafe makes their collard greens with bacon or a ham hock. That out of the way, I stopped in today for a coffee and got a really tasty latte. When you order, they give you a card with the name of a place or idea found in Louisiana and they yell that out when your order is ready which is a little less confusing than other coffee places where you may have to decide whether that large skim latte is yours or belongs to the person next to you who ordered the same thing. Their selection looks quite good, with gumbo, muffalettas and of course, beignets. The decor is cute and the space is cozy. I giggled at the Stein's syrup tins lined up all over the place (Stein's being a staple on the Sunday breakfast table in Louisiana) and plan on going back soon to try the gumbo and beignets to see if it's legit.
(4)Zanna W.
Best home brewed chai tea I've ever had. Their selection of teas is also really great - as a non coffee drinker I'm always on the look out for new and different tea (not that Tazo tea isn't good, but it gets old). Their fire ginseng tea is really good - gives you that boost with a nice little kick :o) Oh and their biscuits are incredible. Not recommended if you're vegan and/or on a diet.
(4)Rachael H.
Yummy! I had a delicious bowl of macaroni and cheese. I ordered a salad, too, and it seemed pre-made. It was in a plastic container (I ate in). It just seemed out of place. Every other entree my table got was on nice dinnerware, except for my salad. Swap out the to-go containers for the salads, and I'll bump it up to 5 stars.
(4)Janae H.
The bayou chopped salad with gulf shrimp is YUMMY
(5)Charlotte M.
After seeing a movie in Courthouse, a girlfriend and I ventured into Bayou for lunch. I was very excited for a NOLA style restaurant so close to home, plus who doesn't love yummy beignets, chicory, and some southern hospitality? My disappointment is this dear friends: Bayou's collards are made with Bacon. As a vegetarian, Southerner, & a child whose house had wild collards growing in the backyard, I am disappointed that they wouldn't cater to a wider demographic than the regular, ol' meat eatin' crowd-- that includes people who abstain from meat for health, religious, or personal reasons, not just dirty hippies.Besides, even NOLA has veggie friendly restaurants! Also, I make delicious collards chez moi without a ham-hock in sight and they turn out just wonderfully. So do my black-eyed peas and cornbread. No piggie anywhere. My suggestion, dear chef, is to make all the side options veg-friendly -- #1-- its cheaper, #2-- your restaurant will broaden its client base, #3-- it shows your range as a chef. you can stray from the bacon grease and STILL be tasty. How's that for a challenge?! btw, yes, there is a veg-friendly sandwich (with a portobello mushroom: overdone & uninspired. Sorry, but it's true).
(3)Hunter K.
Love this place great food, and a fun atmosphere
(4)Andy S.
Bayou has chicory coffee and an impressive selection of baked goods. The service has always been great when I've been there.
(4)Annalena W.
Beignets are amazing! A must for a visit. I also like everything else in the display case - the gluten free chocolate cookies are delicious. Savory food - I crave the pimento cheese and love the shrimp roulade. I also enjoy the salads - they have the right mix of ingredients. The King Cake is fabulous. I also enjoy the specials - different mac'n'cheeses - had a lobster one and a beef one - very tasty. Great spot for ladies night on Thursdays with their posted specials.
(5)Kyle N.
Love the Shrimp Roll. The Bitter Pig is excellent. I recommend the Arm Drip. Their lattes are definitely made right. They know how to pull shots, which is rare for hybrid restaurant coffee shops, but they do it right.
(5)Maria C.
Super cute place! Went there this past weekend with The Hubby. Great place for a laid back bunch. Had a bite of the hubby's "arm drip". It was delish! Roast beef was super tender. I had the "creole pilgrim". The turkey had a great taste. The only thing that was a little disappointing was that the smoked gouda was overcooked (i.e slightly burned) and I could not taste it at all. But again, the turkey made up for it. And of course we had the beignets. The hubby hasn't had the glorious experience of having them at Cafe du Monde but I have, and these were awfully close to the original! Hubby loved them! We also took 4 cupcakes home: carrot cake, vanilla bean muffin, red velvet, and chocolate and all were really good. I definitely plan to go back when they have live music and for a repeat brunch!
(4)Nicky B.
Stopped by today for some beignets. These were hot and delicious. When checking out, I noticed the sign that told me to ask about today's flavor of mac n cheese. I asked, and the friendly cashier said maybe the best words ever to be associated with mac n cheese: bleu cheese-bacon. Ummm yes please. I got back to the office, shared my sweet treats (I swear, I did) and dug into my mac n cheese. It was pretty good. I have an obscenely high standard for bleu-bacon mac n cheese so I can't RAVE about it, but it's good. The restaurant itself is pretty cute, and they seem to have good deals like ladie get 1/2 price bottles of wine and cheap pimento cheese and crackers on Wednesdays (I think?). I like daily specials and flavors of things...especially when you work near a place, things can get old really fast. The staff is really helpful and friendly. Definitely will continue to stop by this place again and again.
(4)Kunal M.
located in the courthouse section of arlington village, bayou bakery is a new orleans themed cafe. They forgot one detail. I went to graduate school in new orleans so i guess i learnt a thing or two about the food. This is how it works. Park the car, avoid running over d-bag yuppie on his bike right in the way of my car. Enter the bakery, order and get a card that they call when your order is ready, except you can't understand them speaking french which does not surprise me as they have not even been to Paris,Virginia :) The gumbo was acceptable and my friend's sandwich was tasty , but so small it was the size of a white castle slider and the cafe is filled with all types of annoying people who think it's cool to take a 4 chair table while drinking a latte for 3 hours. they don't have regular coke type drinks but some fancy sodas that taste like yuck.. I did not sample the beignets, but i doubt this is another cafe du monde though it's kind of cozy as a cafe and I will give this another try just to relive my memories of cafe du monde and my years in new orleans. With time this place has a lot of potential, maybe serve New orleans brunches and platters and also some of the creole and cajun specialties across the state
(3)Tiger C.
Really like the exterior decoration of the restaurant, makes you want to go inside for a look. Went here for breakfast and they have the traditional Orleans style donuts, which I hear, are fantastic. I got the buttermilk biscuit with bacon, egg, and cheese. The biscuit was subpar, some portions of it were flaky and soft, other portions were rock hard. The bacon was the standout here, real smoky, flavorful, and not rubbery at all. They have two sections here, a coffeehouse like sitting area, where you seat yourself, or a lounge southern type feel with a flat screen which is a nice contrast. Pretty quiet for breakfast, but there seemed to be a sex and the city type group of women who were talking about some hilarious topics. Try the donuts (beignets) at this place.
(3)Erica W.
I saw Bayou Bakery on TV and decided to visit when I got to the DC area. All in all, it was just ok. I think that I had really high expectations since I saw it on First Look, and because they had all of these awards hanging on the wall, and a cookbook you could buy, but I found it to be pretty average. My friends agreed as well. The beignets...just ok. The gumbo...just ok (and I know gumbo b/c my parents are from Louisiana), The sandwich...just ok. I will say that the decor is really nice - very laid back and interesting. I enjoyed being in the space. The customer service was great as well. Seems like a cool place to hang out, but manage your expectations when it comes to the food.
(3)Brian F.
Went to Bayou today with my wife and kids. We enjoyed it. We got some of the beignets and biscuit+ham and biscuit+sausage. The beignets were great. We've never had them before, so can't speak to authenticity, but it was great. It was fun watching the kids chow down on the beignets and have faces (and clothes...) covered with the powdered sugar. Biscuits were so-so. Kind of dry, and not particularly tasty. Coffee was ok - but nothing to write home about. We went on Presidents' Day and it was crowded for breakfast. We eventually got seats and enjoyed the family time together. The place has a nice community feel.
(3)Steph Y.
I've eaten the beignets at Bayou Bakery and I can say definitively, without a doubt, that they taste nothing like beignets from Cafe Du Monde. My previous review (which had 4 useful, 7 funny, and 3 cool votes) was removed because it "lacked firsthand experience." I declare that I had firsthand experience with Bayou Bakery beignets and even asked the nice man to put more powdered sugar on them because the amount he gave me at first was a sad excuse for beignets. I then proceeded to eat one of the three beignets---I could not bear to finish them because they were so different from what I expected and wanted out of a beignet. And, as I said before, "You can say you like the beignets at Bayou Bakery. Heck, you can say you lurv them. But if you're saying they taste like Cafe Du Monde, you need to hop on the next Southwest flight out of BWI to NOLA...and [when] you taste that light and air-full crispy piece of fried dough you will promptly go to Yelp, and update your review."
(2)A.K. A.
I was in town from Michigan visiting a friend and decided to give this place a try because I had seen it mentioned in a "Best Sandwiches in the US" article on Yahoo. I was a little worried at first after reading some of the reviews here, but ultimately the Bayou Bakery did not disappoint. I ordered the Muff-a-Lotta sandwich, which was mentioned in the article, with a cup of gumbo and a side of mac and cheese. I also got a Bloody Mary to start my lunch on the right note. Everything was fantastic. The Muff-a-Lotta, at least for me, was the right portion, my favorite part about it was that the garlic was noticeable but not overpowering. The gumbo looked and smelled so good that I didn't even have to try it to know it was going to be delicious. And the mac and cheese, good lord. It isn't as good as mac and cheese at BBQ joints in Michigan, but it was just a notch below. If it had been prepared with jalapenos, it may have won, but overall they went for savory instead of spicy. The menu did say their mac is prepared differently everyday though. A little on the pricey side but overall the visit was worth it. If I lived in the area, I'd be visiting Bayou Bakery a lot more often.
(5)Samantha W.
Prices are surprisingly reasonable; servings are plenty; $14 Abita Amber pitchers on Fridays; meatballs are delicious. Two thumbs up for Bayou.
(4)Brandy T.
This is a review solely of their beignets and coffee. I waffled over how many stars to give - on the one hand, it's hot, fried balls of dough covered in powdered sugar. How is that anything but awesome? On the other hand, they didn't taste anything like the beignets that I used to eat in Houston or New Orleans. So in that sense, they were disappointing. They did have honey there for me to drown them in, though, so that was a plus. The coffee was really good and the atmosphere was nice as well. Basically, I can't hate on hot fried dough, even if it doesn't taste like what I'm used to eating. I'll be back here again. Maybe next time I'll try their chicken gumbo and some biscuits, too.
(4)Jelli F.
I really wanted to like this place. I was totally disappointed. I ordered a sausage egg and cheese biscuit. The biscuit was good, but the eggs were microwaved (or tasted microwaved) and the sausage was cold. The coffee was also lukewarm and weak. Really disappointing. This place is to New Orleans what Pizza Hut is to Naples. Save your cash and the calories.
(2)Yan W.
Right next to the court house metro, this quaint little shop has a lot to offer. The sandwiches are wonderful. My favorite is the Wednesday special cubana. The freshly brewed teas are amazing, including the mint tea - of course made from freshly muddled mint leaves. They even have a great dessert offering - the beignets. The staff is also very friendly and informed about the food and quality of ingredients. Be warned, parking is limited to the streets or adjacent lots.
(5)Jenny T.
Not super impressed with their dinner options. While the sausage and meatballs were really good, their braised collards were not impressive at all. But their brew was good, I think they had a pitcher special I shared with a friend.
(3)Jenny S.
I guess ordering a salad at a Cajun place was a bad idea....I ordered the Kale Caesar. There didn't seem to be any kale in it - the employees then helpfully pointed out that they had mixed in about 3 small pieces of kale. The rest of the salad was slighly wilted romaine. So....perhaps they need to modify the name of the salad? It was disappointing, and the employees didn't seem to care one way or another. Too bad as the ambiance and beignets are good.
(1)Jon B.
Bayou Bakery has some tasty items but on the a whole is half-assed and amateurish. To wit: -Why is it open for dinner if it serves only one complete dish (which varies daily) and a bunch of discombobulated items that don't compliment one another? For example, the meatballs: very tasty, but it's literally only meatballs. Can this be served with a carbohydrate and a vegetable? Would that be so hard? Maybe put it on some bread and call at a sandwich? I'm not going to come for dinner if there isn't more than one complete option on a given night. -Lunch: The sandwiches I've had are good, but there are only a handful of options and they don't come quickly, so it can't function as a lunchtime sandwich place unless you're willing to wait. But if you're willing to wait, why not just go to a place with more options or an actual waiter (or god forbid a busboy)? -For breakfast, it's beignet or sausage biscuit. That's just about it. Can a brother get some fresh, non-microwaved eggs? A pancake? French Toast? I've seen the grill back there! -Maybe it's a coffee shop? Probably not if it closes at 9PM and offers 4 comfortable chairs and a bench. -It says "bakery" in the name, but there are about 6 bakery options that don't (as far as I can tell) rotate. -Finally, according to the lady behind the counter, the 8oz cup of gumbo costs $4 and the 12oz bowl of gumbo costs $7. LET ME REPEAT: IT COSTS $4 FOR 8 OUNCES OF GUMBO, AND $7 FOR 12 OUNCES OF GUMBO. Why would the next 4oz cost almost as much as the first 8oz? It makes no sense! The most unfortunate part is that I live in the neighborhood and really like a few of the things I've had here, so why can't Bayou Bakery just pick one thing and do it well? Be a sandwich place, be an eatery, be a coffee shop, be a bakery - I don't care, but for the love of god make up your mind and commit to doing it right!
(2)Billgrolic G.
Great muffolata, the olive spread is legit. Arm drip sandwich also amazing, prepare for a roast beef coma, though. Great prices and friendly staff. Nice outdoor seating. Great addition to courthouse. New to the menu is a strawberry salad with balsamic goat cheese that is fantastically super. And I don't do salads. The bloody marys are classic new Orleans styled with green beans and a nice earthy taste.
(5)Sade L.
I enjoyed the experience I had at the Bayou Bakery. I love that it has the New Orleans flare through out the restaurant. The prices I wasn't a fan because the food didn't measure up to them. If I would eat here again it would be for sweets and maybe a cup of coffee but not for a meal.
(2)Sloe R.
And a half stars. I was lucky to walk in around two pm to beat the lunch crowd. Finally broke my beignet cherry and ordered three for $3 (unbelievable, isn't it? This southerner has never had a beignet but then, I rarely eat donuts and pastries. It's bad enough I've denounced Krispy Kreme). Therefore, I can't fairly compare them to, say, Cafe du Monde, but I thought they were delicious. I wanted to eat them in the car but they were too powdery and there's no way in hell I was going to risk getting that stuff all over my pristine German baby. Plus I didn't want any of my friends thinking I had a blow relapse. Just kidding, folks. So you can imagine the anticipation of wanting to sink my teeth into them as I sat in traffic all the way home. By the time I arrived, they had slightly cooled. A better game plan would have been to dine in and get it while it's hot but in the words of some infamous and anonymous person, "I got shit to do." Additionally, I ordered a Cafe Au Lait and a $7 bowl of gumbo to go. I wasn't terribly impressed with either. My mother makes killer gumbo and while I appreciate the smoky infused flavor of Bayou's, it was bland and uninspiring. I also bit into some chicken gristle which was kind of gross. I had to add some - no, make that ALOT - of Tabasco sauce to give it some pep! As for the coffee, I felt it was also underwhelming. Maybe because I ordered skim milk? It was very watery. I make a mean French Press but maybe next time I'll order one anyway, just to have something satisfying to sip after scarfing a trio of beignets - which - I truly enjoyed. The only other solution is to catch a non-stop flight to New Orleans and hit Cafe du Monde. You know, just to compare. All the name of helping out my fellow foodies! The sacrifices I make!
(3)Megan A.
I've been here several times and I've never had a bad experience, though I wouldn't order some things again (salad). Their sandwiches are very delicious (muffaletta!!), and their giant whoopie pie dessert is to die for. So, so good. I've been there for live jazz, which really adds ambiance to the place. It can be a little awkward at time as some people use this place for meeting and chatting with friends while others appear to be studying or working, but it hasn't taken away from my experiences on the whole.
(4)Suzie R.
I work dangerously close to Bayou and stop in often. I'm a fat kid so I've tried only three things: - chocolate chip cookies - espresso based drinks - and of course, beignets The beignets come in an order of three so NEVER GO ALONE. That's far too many to eat on your own, 1.5 is just enough though. The lattes are delicious and reasonably priced. The cookie was not memorable but lets be honest, even a bad chocolate chip cookie is still pretty good. My ONLY complaint is that they give you the beignets in a bag if you take them to go which causes all the sugar to fall off and you find yourself shamelessly licking the paper bag. Not that i've ever done that. The coolest part? They have a leave-one-take-one book section. You just don't find that in this area anymore. Gives it a neighborhood feel.
(4)Cat P.
Bayou Bakery is a cute and friendly spot for what my Louisiana-born co-worker considers a haunt for authentic Louisiana eats, though she admits that not all dishes are Orleans-derived or unique to that part of the country. As with other independently-owned coffeehouses and bakeries, Bayou Bakery has eclectic decor and a real homey feel. For the first time ever, I saw vintage bakeware used as wall art. Other accents include LSU and N'awlins Saint flags, alligator heads, and rustic benches. A variety of seating is available, which is always a good thing. Our beignets came in a set of three with a very heavy "dusting" (more like a heaping) of powdered sugar. They beignets were light and airy on the inside and not too sweet on their own. I can't quite recall the famed Cafe du Monde's, but I thought Bayou's take on it was pretty good, though I actually prefer Founding Farmer's version of the Big Easy treat. The chai latte that I ordered to round out my meal was awesome! The key is a high-quality chai, and they got it right. The price for the regular size drink was pretty reasonable, akin to a major coffee chain, which needs not be named. Overall, I think Bayou Bakery is a great neighborhood spot for the Courthouse area and a place definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area. The savory menu items, such as their biscuit sandwiches, sound quite enticing. When we entered, the smell of breakfast meats perfumed the air and would definitely make my omnivore friends happy.
(4)Alex T.
Good taste of home for any Louisianians. A fantastic substitute for REAL New Orleans food, and apparently a great place to watch the Saints play on Sundays. The beignets actually taste like authentic Cafe du Monde and the Cafe Au Lait and Cheese Grits are phenomenal. Yum! I'm gonna make a tradition of it.
(5)Sar T.
The beignets taste like oil and powder sugar and the praline taste just like brown sugar. The smell also from the oil is very strong.
(1)Amber L.
A cute little NOLA bakery shop next to Court House Metro Station. The cappuccino was flavorful but it was a bit over priced at $3.50 for a tiny cup. I wasn't planning on buy any pastry until I saw they had beignets on their menu. I figured, since this bakery had a NOLA theme, "oh the beignets should be delicious here". The beignets were yummy (3beignets for $3) but nothing compared to the beignets at Café Du Monte in LA. The cashier was nice and I got my coffee and beignets in about 5mins- not to bad for what looked like a busy morning. I would come back to Bayou Bakery to try other pastries.
(4)Jenn M.
A cute, hipster hangout. We grabbed a bite to eat here before catching a movie at the nearby AMC theaters. Beignets: delicious! Wish it had some kind of chocolate drizzle, but it was still yummy. Goes great with a cup of cappuccino. Gumbo: get the bowl, much more worth it! It was really good and my bf can't stop raving about it! Bayou BLT: the BEST BLT sandwich I ever had! All the ingredients perfectly complemented each other. It goes great with the gumbo! I could see myself coming back here. We really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere!
(4)Natasha G.
Finally came here with a few friends on a Saturday. This place is so hyped up, so I am glad I got to try it out. It's very clear that people love this place in the earlier hours (before noon). It was so crowded; the line was nearly out the door! Every table was filled, so we were watching customers like hawks to spot a free table. After noon, however, the place emptied out, and there was no line at all. You order at the counter, pay, get a namecard, and go back up to pick up your items. There is a decent selection of pastries, and the coffees/teas menu is large, but the actual entree menu is limited. I ordered a specialty latte with honey and orange zest. The honey flavor was present just enough so I could taste it, and it didn't overpower the drink which was great. On the other hand, there was no flavor of orange zest at all, and that was disappointing. I also got an egg and cheese biscuit which was really good. It was savory and salty and paired well with a slightly sweet latte. Furthermore, I got beignets, the item Bayou is most-known for. The beignets were definitely worth it and are good to share. They are large, puffy squares covered in powdered sugar. They were great! The restaurant itself is open and airy. The wall of windows helps to make the space feel big. The booth seats are much better so people aren't trampling over you. The people behind the counter were also very friendly and peppy. The hustle and bustle of this place works! There is also a garage next door, and Bayou will validate your parking, up to 2 hours, to be completely free. What a plus. Bottom line: if you're looking for a simple breakfast or lunch and tasty beignets, this place can work for you. Just don't expect a bountiful list of options.
(3)Beth A.
Bayou Bakery caters our annual Mardi Gras party and the food always gets raves. Standouts are the Muff-a-lotta sandwiches, and, most especially, the crawfish dip. It is to.die.for. My son had beignets for the first time here as well - nirvana!
(5)Michelle S.
I have been to Bayou Bakery several times and while you should NOT expect authentic Nola food, this is the closest you'll get in the DC area. Food is decent, if a bit overpriced. However DO NOT GO FOR SNOBALLS. I got very excited to see they had started making snoballs because you really can't find authentic ones outside of New Orleans. But they only call these "authentic" New Orleans snoballs because they come in a white box. In New Orleans, snoballs are very finely shaved ice in a white box that is then placed inside of a plastic bag, because obviously a box is not going to be leak-proof. Snoballs at Bayou Bakery are just crudely shaved ice shoved in a box -- no plastic bag option; I asked and they acted like I was crazy. Look at the pic to see what mine looked like less than one minute after getting my order. Had to throw it away before taking even one bite. SO disappointing. And did the manager (Jackie) offer me money back or anything when I went inside to show her my stained hands? Nope, she told me that's just how it's done. Lovely. (This link is what REAL Nola snoballs look like btw: neworleans.com/restauran… ) Hands are still stained red hours later. If you can't do them CORRECTLY, then maybe stop doing them at all.
(3)Liz C.
This is one of our go-to places for brunch/lunch. It's close to the Court House metro and gets pretty crowded and loud on weekends with people of all ages. The atmosphere is casual New Orleans themed with Eric Clapton music. The food is pretty good but the portion sizes are way off. The classic sandwiches like Jive Turkey or Muffalotta are good to share, but the BBQ pulled pork sandwich is tiny for the price. I wish they served Jive Turkey on Sundays or offered more sandwich options. The coffee is good and there are free refills. The beignet are the best!! They come warm and topped with powdered sugar - there are three on the plate so def for sharing. Indoor and outdoor seating, although some weekends it's difficult to find a table. Good cosy spot to watch sports or catch up with a friend.
(4)Evelin M.
I was in the area and I had heard they have snow balls, it was a hot day so I decided to stop by. I must say, I do enjoy the atmosphere at this place, it's laid back like a coffee shop with several people on their laptops and couples chatting away, but they also served food. I ordered the nectar flavored snowball, which was recommended. I will admit that it was a good flavor, I really did enjoy it, but $5 for like a scoop of ice with nectar flavor.. I think not! In Los Angeles you can get a raspado (shaved ice) in a cup for like $2 and you'll get more. I mean c'mon, IT'S ICE!
(3)Miguel L.
Great teas and banana choc chip muffin! We sat and the server made the best Earl Gray London fog called a "Cheasapeake" that had vanilla and Hazelnut syrup. Great place. Cool small shop that sets quaint quiet oasis in hustle bustle of downtown
(4)Ashley R.
Friendly staff. Good drinks and atmosphere. Very fast coffee service. I had a seasonal muffin (blueberry)... It was delicious without being too surgery!
(5)Janicia M.
Every time I come, the people are super friendly. The lines also move decently during lunch hour. I came in for lunch to get the Mac & cheese. It was cold and not my vibe so I came back to switch for the gumbo and it wasn't an issue. I dock it 2 stars for the prices. Definitely priced more than what the food is worth. Good ingredients but the flavors just aren't there for everything. The baked goods are amazing though!
(3)Dan M.
They call this a bakery, but it's more of a coffeeshop in offerings and decor. A very good coffeeshop, though. The grilled chicken salad sandwich and braised collards hit the spot at lunch. Not enough places offer collards, and bayou's are really good. They also will give free refills on coffee while you dine - nice touch. I love that they turn classic coffeeshop favorites into cocktails, too. Sadly, I went during lunch and wasn't liquoriing myself up before the drive back into DC, but the cajun latte (latte with bourbon), captain chai (uh, chai latte with captain), and the spice apple cider with a glass rimmed with bacon and cinnamon sugar (what?!) all sound amazing. They were out of beignets when we went (awwww), very disappointing, but what are you going to do? It was a satisfying lunch.
(4)J P.
I gave it two stars because this is the second time I get the wrong order. Otherwise, I would give them at least 4 stars. I ordered a biscuit w cheese, bacon and turkey. For some reason they wrapped the turkey in aluminum foil and placed it aside. The second time, I ordered two things and they forgot the second order. I came back and they lady who hands out the food said to her co worker "they keep forgetting to add orders together". I guess she didn't know I speak Spanish. I'll keep coming back and I'll just make sure to check my orders when I get them. I hope I don't get a 3rd strike.....
(2)Ann O.
Bayou Bakery is awesome. Love their biscuit sandwiches, love their coffee, love their beignets (occasionally, like after I have run a marathon). Outdoor seating can be a bit gross because much of the furniture has cushions on it that are filled with powdered sugar from people eating beignets. I love sitting inside, where the interesting décor and fun employees make for a hip brunch experience.
(5)Maggie N.
I love the beignets and the giant coffee mugs. :) Perfect spot for weekend breakfast/brunch or a weeknight treat. People complain that they have to go to the front to pick up their food/ take their dishes up afterwards...it's fine! We are lucky beyond measure to be able to afford eating out, so do we really need someone to bring us our food and clean up after us too? No. Cmon.
(4)Julianna J.
I had a decent latte and some beignets. The beignets were yummy, the latte nothing too special. The place is a little cramped and it can be difficult to find seating during the busy hours.
(3)Alex T.
The best coffee house I've found around DC. You can choose from pour over, french press, or standard drip coffee. The food is themed both around french New Orleans comfort food (beignets served all day, local beers, and candied pecan scones) and fresh, healthy food (yogurt, granola, and nine grain bread sandwiches). Finally, the decor is to die for. Both indoor and outdoor seating, large couches and chairs, free wifi, and a small book exchange library makes Bayou a constant favorite when I'm in Arlington.
(5)Izzi B.
A pleasant café, there's at least one thing on the menu for people will all sorts of eating preferences. Despite serving a plethora of food from New Orleans, the café's menu has a variety of salads, albeit thickened with cheeses, making this less of a place for vegans. But the ambiance of the place is great, and the salads themselves are delicious. (As someone who usually eats salad for lunch, I've yet to order any of their sandwiches are biscuits, both of which my friends and colleagues have given rave reviews.)
(3)Brooke W.
The food at this place is pretty great; it's a solid go-to for a Saturday or Sunday brunch. The beignets, coffee, and mac and cheese are delicious. However, Bayou could absolutely stand to improve their order pickup process. I know that blinking buzzers or numbers might not have as much "character" as the little location placards, but it would prevent your poor guests from having to endure a wail of "FOOOOOOOTWADYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY" over the microphone every 30 seconds. Talk about annoying.
(3)Lauren B.
Walk through the door and you may think you have walked clear to Louisiana! A delicious slice of New Orleans brought to northern virginia. I've only dined for breakfast but it is one of my favorite places to grab a morning bite. But beware! If you don't come early enough then be prepared to wait in line and have a fierce stalking game to claim the first available table (I find it akin to stalking for parking in the mall parking lot around Christmas time). One last point for service, while I find it adorable that instead of a number to be called for your order you're assigned a French word or town, in the loud chaos or rush hour breakfast traffic, it is nearly impossible to hear the unfamiliar words and often miss my order being ready. For food - you can't go wrong. My personal favorite is the BBQ biscuit (it will melt in your mouth and crumble on your plate - grab a fork), the gumbo and the hash browns. The beignets are good but I can generally only handle just one. The coffee is also fantastic. I'll be making a trip back for dinner as I've heard rave reviews for their weekday wine specials and dinner entrees!
(4)Philip L.
Literally best coffee in town. I get their French press every time. Add some beignets and you're on point. I've tried almost all their menu and the options are solid. The owner, Dave is pretty cool.
(5)J. C.
I've been here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in addition to having them cater a southern themed baby shower I did! Everything has been amazing: greens, deviled eggs, Mac & cheese, biscuits, beignets, and ESP their coffee! Love it!
(5)Andrew H.
If only it were closer to me, I'd probably be at Bayou Bakery every weekend. With a very direct menu of coffees and good Southern breakfast options, I could see myself downing plate after plate of their biscuits and gravy or dusting myself with plumes of powdered sugar as I bite into their beignets. Pair that with a nice and relaxed coffee house ambiance and you've found a winning combination. But do get there early as there really aren't that many seating options and the place will be busy. Fortunately for us, we stopped by right before the Saturday morning rush. It's not often I find myself WAY over the river (yes, I'm from DC) that early on a weekend morning, but the next time I do, I may just try to sneak over to Bayou Bakery for a hearty breakfast before going along with my day.
(4)Glen J.
Grillades and grits on Sunday ... great food and atmosphere. When you are from New Orleans it is difficult to find good "food from home" but it is it here. Will go often and recommend to others.
(4)Peter M.
Based on breakfast only. I had the pork biscuit. It tasted decent and the biscuit itself was fluffy (although it's easier to eat it with a fork than to pick it up, as the biscuit disintegrates). It's not that big though, so if you're hungry you should either get two of them or order something else. Spouse got the beignets, which she reports were excellent. I wish there was more of a breakfast selection...the choices are limited. I'll revisit this review after I've been there for lunch or dinner.
(3)Fran T.
This place is fantastic. Great homemade breakfast items and pastries. The oatmeal is excellent. Also a surprisingly updated beer list and happy hour offerings. I would eat here regularly if I lived here...
(4)Brian B.
Good coffee and prompt service. The food was well prepared and I loved the biscuits. Very good.
(3)Sapna D.
This place is a great place to have local. Great concept of being a coffee shop by day and a cool place to grab a beer and snack at night. The beignets are pretty close to the ones I had in NOLA and they have chicory coffee, which is great! The pimento cheese is delish if you want a little snack and they usually have some good pastries in the case.
(4)Kelleigh M.
Fantastic neighborhood cafe with an adorable interior. It made me feel like I was in a cafe located in New Orleans. The first time we went to Bayou Bakery it was for breakfast. We ordered a cafe au lait, regular coffee, ham egg and cheese biscuit and an order of beignets. The cafe au lait and beignets are where it's at. Hot, fresh and covered with powdered sugar. The second time we visited it was for an afternoon snack. We ordered a hot chocolate, hot apple cider, apple pie and their version of an Oreo. The cider and pie were awesome. My fiancé said his hot chocolate was ok and I felt the same about the Oreo. They offer other snacks and small bites. If we were in DC for another day, we definitely would have gone back to try more of their menu (their pimento grilled cheese sandwich is supposedly world class). The staff is extremely friendly. The manager suggested some cool places in the city to try for drinks and dinner-one being ChurchKey and he was spot on. If I lived in Arlington, Bayou Bakery would be one of my favorite spots.
(5)Mel L.
We went on Sunday morning at around 9, it was a little crowded when we went in, but seating was not a problem. We ordered: - Egg biscuit - Egg n cheese biscuit - Oatmeal - Grits - Fresh orange juice Biscuit was a little dense, the taste was good though. Orange juice was really fresh, so it's definitely a good choice for a relatively heavy breakfast. Oatmeal was cooked just right. Grits was on the plain side, so I didn't even finish the bowl.
(3)Kimberly B.
Bayou is one of those local spots that you bring people from out of town. It's truly unique for the area. The coffee (cappuccinos, lattes, etc) are the best in town, and the food is absolutely delicious, bringing real New Orleans specialties and flavors. The only downside is the wait to order (at the counter) and for food can be long, and it can be especially hard to get a table on the weekend. Great for casual breakfast and coffee or dinner and a cocktail. Definitely try the Bloody Mary at brunch time too.
(4)Cole U.
Beignets are delicious! I love the decorations and layout. The only downside is sometimes the coffee doesn't stay hot for long and somewhat expensive, depending what you get. Sandwiches and lemonade are yum!!
(3)Marie D.
Wasn't that impressed. Got the whoopie pie cookie and it was really stale (unless it's supposed to be very hard to bite like a rock?). The captain chai tea was not delicious. I didn't try any of the dinner food so I can't comment there, but I was underwhelmed with this place. If you have the word "bakery" in your name and your baked goods aren't up to par I'm probably not coming back. Better luck to the rest of you!
(2)Katie P.
I would give this place 3.5 stars if I could, just because I wasn't blown away from the food. BUT it has the best gumbo that I've eaten outside of Louisiana. Very dark, rich, smoky roux. The mixed green salad I had was less impressive- a little too much cheese it was served in a plastic bowl that was sort of unwieldy. I'm usually of the camp that no beignet is a bad beignet, but there was something off about these-almost a faint sake favor? I'm hopeful that other menu items are better. Apparently the owner went to culinary school in New Orleans, and the food for the most part seems legitimate. Excited to see boudin on the menu and pepper jelly as a condiment. The service was super friendly and the food arrived very fast (although I didn't order anything complicated). The food pick up card is the name of a parish (counties in Louisiana). I was pretty excited to get one by happenstance with one of the parishes I had lived in. It's a bit difficult to hear them call your parish unless they use the mic (which they don't always seem to do). The decor is a little heavy-handed in "Louisiana-ness" but not cloyingly over the top. The music is great- all over the board including latin, some New Orleans classics, covers of southern rock, some old soul music, some Dr. John-esque songs. No cheesy zydeco but also nothing from the top 40. It's also the right volume so you can't hear the details of your neighbors' conversations but still hear yourself think. There is a hangout/study area in the back that is extremely comfortable and cozy. I stopped in for lunch with the intention of migrating to a coffee shop but ended up lingering for a few hours.
(4)Anita K.
I am Louisiana born and bred. High standards, you better believe! Disappointed in the beignets. Overwhelmed with a strong (not good) yeast smell with my first bite and no salt in the dough what so ever. Biscuits were tasty, but very crumbly, the creole cream cheese/pepper jelly was quite tasty. The cheese grits were very good, but could have been warmer. Missed my chicory in the cafe au lait. Headed home for a "cleansing" Food snob? You bet! BTW: Puh-leeeze get someone that can properly pronounce parishes!
(3)Hwal L.
Solid cafe style bakery. Casual ambiance. You order at the front counter, take a ticket and take a sit -if you're eating in- and when they call the very unusual word on the ticket, you go and collect the food from the other side of the counter. We went here twice on our stop in DC. Breakfast biscuit with egg, cheese and bacon was delicious, and the biscuit was fresh out of the oven. Grilled chicken sandwich was solid, and although pricey, beans and rice was tasty. We would eat here again for sure.
(4)Brianna F.
I used to love this place, but the prices are steep and they've cut on the product. You used to get 3 large pillowy beignets in one order- twice now I've gone and it's clear, they've reduced the side and they aren't nearly as fluffy anymore. Also, if you go on a weekend, it's likely there will be nowhere to sit. Bummer because I used to love this place.
(3)Que Q.
My job just moved into the neighborhood. Two weeks ago thought to check out the Bayou; Stood in line while one cashier/worker talked to the other not helping get the line moving. As soon as I stood at his colleagues' register, he calls the person behind me and took their order. Fast forward to Wednesday 4/30; same guy, same leisurely attitude; running his mouth to the other cashier/worker during lunch while there is a line. After she took orders from maybe two customers, he then called the next customer from the line over to another register. Someone needs to tell him that when there is more than one customer standing in line, he needs to shut his mouth and patronize with his colleagues when the place has down time or after work hours. As for the food, the jury is out. By the time my order was ready, I was pissed so taste buds wouldn't cooperate because they were screaming mad too. I may or may not visit again. Far too many choices in the neighborhood to be putting up with nonsense.
(3)Bruce M.
Just a delightful place with good food, reasonable prices, wifi, comfy chairs, and sunny windows.
(4)Jam C.
Food here is okay but I love their beignets and baked goods! The beignets are freshly made when you order them and is a steal for $3. Make sure you eat them right away. :D They rotate different pie flavors so you won't always find the same pie when you come here. My faves are the apple pie and the sweet potato pie topped with pecans. Both pies are very good and not overwhelming sweet. This is a good option for a casual Southern breakfast/brunch. It does get really really busy on weekend mornings you might have to resort to stalking almost-done-eating-guests to snag a table.
(3)Bill T.
Coffee: Meh. Biscuit: Average. Egg on biscuit: Sponge Girl behind counter's customer service: Abysmal.
(1)B F.
My husband and I went there because I wanted to go and check the Bayou Bakery for a long time.So we orderd two cappucinos and a almond croissant.The pastry was awesome,but the coffees where lukewarm.I went and told the barista that my coffee was cold.She asked if it was a cappucino,when I said yes she told me that is the temp they make them there????What?I paid 3.50 for a luke warm coffee and then the barista tells me thats how they are supposed to be drunk.I asked her if there was a way to warm it up.She said that the only way was for her to make a new one and in the future if I order a coffee there again I should ask for it to be hot.I then said that I have had cappucino all over the world and never had a tepid coffee or had to ask for it to be hot,wtf?...Even in San Francisco where they take coffee extremely serious I never had such an experience.Needlessly to say my husband who drank his not so hot coffee will never set food in that place again.I might because I liked the decor and musik and the coffee that I got hot when she remade it.I am giving one point because the pastry was great and thought the New Orleans theme was well done
(1)Mariana G.
This place usually doesn't hit the spot for me. But today... I tried their brownies, oh how delicious. I think they put coffee in the batter. Their food is okay, they will see me around for those addicting baked goods.
(3)Jenna L.
Bayou Bakery has one of the best breakfast sandwiches in the area. They serve it on a super yummy biscuit with salty thick cut bacon. This is my go-to when I just want a take-out breakfast sandwich. However, I took away points because the one time I got coffee, I was not impressed (and this is, primarily, a coffee shop), and it's always so packed that you are bumping into people, hoovering over others awkwardly waiting for a table, and wondering if you just heard the announcer right that your food is out because it's kind of loud. Overall, this is not a relaxing brunch spot, so, just get take out.
(4)Cory L.
Quick....tell these people that the hipster pretentious ship left a long time ago. It is a dying breed....good riddance....oh, and take that high cosmetic price tag with you! Beignets are good..not great. Coffee drinks thus far...a-ok! BeepBeep...gotta run.
(2)Eat Drink F.
Disappointed, and sorry that I didn't have a better meal. The shrimp creole special was simply bland and the rice was overlooked. The shrimp was fresh, but that's the only redeeming value of the dish. Thank goodness the Abita was cold and cheap ($3 pints).
(3)Christine H.
Nice place to grab a coffee and beignets with my work bff's. Service is always friendly and their coffee flavors of the day are yummy, my fave by far is the basil/mint iced latte...seasonal only :(
(3)Mike R.
Jive Turkey Sandwich is my absolute favorite. Love the arugula and "southern style" bread. I'll be back just for that! During the week Bayou has really interesting pour over coffee selections. The coffee comes at a premium ($2.75 for a small) but it is some of the best coffee I've had in the D.C. area- really robust and unique. I'm particularly fond of the Haitian blend. On the weekend there is nothing better than going and splitting a large french press with my girlfriend. The coffee comes in the urn (so fun!) and they are always accommodating when we ask for two mugs. I am a huge fan of the biscuits and gravy that are available on the weekend. They have pepper jelly available at the "fixings" counter and it goes wonderfully with the biscuits. Obviously the beignets are a staple in our New Orleans themed weekend breakfast too! It's a ton of fun to stop by. Bayou feels so authentic with the LSU and Saints gear EVERYWHERE! Love the outboard engine hanging on the drink specials sign. I'm looking forward to going back to try some more lunch specials and the deserts!
(4)Leigh D.
One day in October while working Arlington, I walked over to this place for gumbo. I figured hot spicy food would be good since I was sick that day. I'm not sure how effective it was on my sore throat. However, I do know one thing; the gumbo was tasty. Maybe the best gumbo in the DC area. I'd definitely go here again.
(4)Sonia K.
I dig this spot and am happy to find a place-- finally!!! where I can get good NOLA food. They do some things very well (food) but there are some things I find a little irksome (menu (when you can order certain items) and service set-up). Unless something goes really wrong, I will be a repeat customer. First off, note it's not a restaurant. Much of the food is restaurant quality, but you must place and pick up your order. I think if they at least brought things to the table, it would make the experience more enjoyable and less jerky with the getting up twice when you want something. Maybe that's an issue because I want to stay and eat a lot of foods! Savory: My friend had the mac 'n' cheese, which as done well, but was mild creamy pesto style with breadcrumbs? She really liked it. I was expecting more homestyle à la baked custard. Her turkey meatballs were quite good. A wonderful texture, especially considering they were turkey, and lots of additional flavor from the sauce and really salty melted cheese. I was there Monday, which is, of course, Red Beans and Rice! It was good--the standard recipe. I've had more sausage in other places, but it wasn't lacking. And the cornbread it came with was phenomenal. It was more of a standout gem than the entree. I need to take a break and say that the chef, David Guas, is on the road to becoming a celebrity chef. However, he has skills, haha. I think a dozen years' experience as a pastry chef and a GREAT cookbook, DamGoodSweet. That is important for two reasons. Breads, baked goods and confections are of enormous importance in Louisiana and are rather tricky to make and have to be done right. These are all done right here. Also, the DMV region, for whatever reason, lacks amazing pastry chefs with accessible shops and pricing. Another win here. Soft Drinks: I had the half-and-half--sweet tea with lemonade. It was good and the lemonade was rather tart, but it didn't have me swooning with depth and sweetness like Southern-style versions of these usually do. I was sooo tempted to get a nectar sno cone, but I watched a couple return theirs for syrup shortcomings. Unacceptable, since everyone knows the syrup must come up almost halfway to the ice. I think a Yankee made it. My friend loved her cappuccino, which went perfectly with our beignets. I can't have coffee late so wanted hot chocolate (my favorite late nights with beignets at Café du Monde), but hot chocolate is seasonal. Boo! With like 30 hot drinks to choose from, I was dismayed about this. I forgot to check if they had Abita Root Beer, but it doesn't matter since they looked at me as if I had two heads when I asked about ice cream. An Abita Root Beer float would be killer. Confections/Desserts: In case you were wondering, the beignets were pretty good. Pillowy, yeasty (almost too yeasty), and light. No grease. The dough was completely unsweetened/unsalted, which surprised me in a bad way, but with copious amounts of powdered sugar, the contrast was interesting. I was glad these were the right recipe and not like cake donuts like I've had in other wannabe Cajun/Creole spots. There was a little room for improvement for the flavor profile, but the technique was spot-on. We also had pralines, chopped pecan. They were really good, but not the freshest or best. That honor goes to my favorite confection shop on Chartres. These are a hard-earned solid "B". Unfortunately I was not up to my usual "hollow leg" standard to eat my way through the whole menu. Next time, I want to try the Cobb-esque salad or the salad with apples and nuts. Their prices seemed pretty reasonable for those. Also would like a hot dog or sausage and to try the biscuits and breads. Oh, and the cheese straws. I am a pretty firm critic for food from one of my favorite places on Earth. Fortunately, they do the real deal, so I will definitely return.
(4)J C.
Breakfast sandwich is overrated but the "chicory coffee" is Amazing!!! Not a bad place to have a morning jolt!! Beignets are okay, prefer the real N.O.
(3)Tom W.
Pretentious. Not good value...biscuit and toppings nothing to write home about..example. eggs are a square slab....even McDonalds does it better..
(1)Lynn C.
Searched for local Cajun cafe after a trip back from New Orleans and found Bayou Bakery. It's conveniently located right next to the metro, the menu is extensive. Loved the atmosphere and the decor. Ordered a drink ( apple cider late?) and it was bad, mixing apple cider with coffee is just a bad idea, but it's just a novelty item on their menu and I always fell for novelty items...Anyways, beignets are no comparison to the ones I had in New Orleans, but who am I kidding, I am not in new Orleans anymore. The sandwich I ordered is very good however. I suspect I will like other food offerings they have too. In conclusion, I will definitely come back to try out other items on the menu and this cafe is a more superior choice than chains like starbucks..
(4)Jo Ann L.
The food was meh, very unimpressed. As someone who travels through the south, this does not scream Cajun to us. The gumbo was watery but tasted alright. The portions were decent size but some more then others. We went based on the reviews here, however they mislead us greatly. We will never be coming back as there are much better cajun/southern places in the area.
(2)Donald C.
I love good food. Sometimes (rarely) you find a place with an enormous menu and every item is terrific. Possible, but rare. Occasionally, you find a place with a small menu and every item is good. THAT is Bayou Bakery. First...don't think of it as a bakery. Maybe the name should be "Bayou Bites" or 'The Bayou" because it is not just a bakery. I had the Jambalaya and it was terrific, especially with some of the hot sauce that resides on each table. The bloody marys looked GREAT....like a huge vegetable garden, but alas, I didn't have one. The menu is on a chalkboard sign when you walk in, you order at the counter, and then find a table and wait for your order to be called. The atmosphere is cool, the food is great, they have ice water off to the side for perpetually thirsty runners like me, and the service is friendly. Go to Bayou Bakery and get away from the normal chicken nugget, veggie wrap, hamburger, hotdog type rut we all fall into. You'll be happy.
(4)Mackenzie T.
Amazing Beignets!! I was staying in the Hilton down the street and I came in here 2 out of the 4 days I was here. The first day I had a macchiato and the beignets (3 per order). On the second day I had an egg & cheese biscuit. The biscuit was dry, but the copious amount of cheese made up for it!
(5)Tara C.
A little overpriced. Paid for $42 for a king cake on Friday. Was told it had cream cheese in it but we did not taste It. It was sort of small, so I bought another one closer to home on Saturday for less than half the price. All the Mardi gras Party guests chose the other cake over the bayou cake. Lesson learned. Staff was super nice though:)
(2)Amanda M.
My mom and I had breakfast here on 4/14 after perusing the offerings at the Courthouse farmer's market. We arrived around 815 am and had our pick of tables (by the time we left at 9 it was filling up). We have family in Louisiana and thus my mom was quite excited about the beignets. We shared an order of beignets - hot, fluffy, sweet and each had a breakfast biscuit. I ordered the basic egg and cheese and my mom added ham to her's. I'm torn on the biscuits. I love the fact that they weren't greasy but I would take a little bit of grease if it would make the biscuits less dry. Luckily, BB has hot pepper jelly on one of the condiment stations, which helped with the dryness. The bloody marys are served in mason jars and are quite tasty. I haven't been to BB in the evenings but it looks like they have some great specials during the week so I will need to stop in. All in all, BB is a solid breakfast place and has the best beignets I have had outside of Louisiana.
(3)Yujin M.
The "bowl" of gumbo was quite small, and just looked like a bowl of gravy with dry rice and a few specks of sausage. The jambalaya was all dry rice similarly speckled sausage pieces and a single halved shrimp. Most disappointingly, the beignets were a far cry from the delicate puffs of fried dough you would get at Cafe du Monde, and were huge lumps of dough that had an overly-strong bitterness that was barely masked by the enormous amount of powdered sugar. What a shame that the food tasted like something you would get from a kit you would buy at Trader Joes, as the restaurant itself is adorable. The back seating area with a sofa and an old-style school desk-chair looked very inviting, and I could imagine myself sitting here for hours with a book or my laptop. The decor was fun without being gaudy, and service was very friendly. If they had stepped up the food, Bayou would have easily made it to the top of my Arlington favorites. Three stars because for the great ambiance and because the food wasn't necessarily bad--if I had made it at home, I'm sure I would have received compliments. But then again, that's not saying much. This place has a lot of heart--too bad heart isn't enough to make good food. **My greatest takeaway from Bayou was the recipes they use to line the bathroom walls. I found an easy recipe for a coffee crumble cake from the bathroom that I'm hoping will turn out better than the food they serve here.
(3)Jeannifer B.
Was looking for best coffee shop around arlington and ended up in this location! So far the coffee was great but service was pretty slow but staff were friendly. Beignets were extremely so good!
(4)Nick T.
Definitely underated in the stars category. The biscuits are light and fluffy, not greasy, big and tasty, add some ham and it's heavenly. My son wasn't a big fan of the turkey sausage, but he can be picky. The Hungover Hog is really well seasoned and filling. The beignets are warm and wonderful. Be careful not to inhale as you eat them or you'll end up with a lungful of powdered sugar. The orange juice is fresh, fresh squeezed. Can you say Grits? I'm not a big Grits fan but these made me a believer. The seating can be a bit cramped, but I guess that says something about the popularity of the place.
(5)Juliet A.
My sister (who lives in Boston) emailed me and asked if I had ever been to Bayou Bakery after she saw it featured on Unique Sweets. In fact, I had no prior knowledge of BB, so I took her email as an opportunity to tell my husband that we HAD to go here so that I could fulfill my sisterly duties and report back to my sweet sis on this place. My husband willingly obliged and we stopped into the ol' Bayou to see what it is all about. Atmosphere is cool - eclectic, comfortable, engages all your senses. After drooling over the items in the bakery case, place your order and wait for your name to be called (it won't actually be your name, it will be some Louisiana term or place given to you on a card). There are plenty of small tables but the best place to sit and while away the hours is the back (grab the comfy red couch!). There you can enjoy your coffee and cookies or your veg-head sandwich and tea while you play tic-tac-toe or kick back with a book or magazine in their library. Best bets: the beignets (a must-try) - fried dough with powdered sugar heaped generously on top. Sooooo good, and I don't even like doughnuts ($3 for 3 beignets). Also, the gumbo is pretty tasty (with chicken and andouile sausage and rice on top), but I just wish they served a slice of hearty bread with it! In a way, I'm glad that Bayou Bakery does not have a store in DC, because if it did, I'm sure I would gain roughly 10-15 pounds from consuming every one of their baked goodies. Yum city.
(4)NEHA M.
Mint and basil latte was great and so were the beignets. Rest of the good was just average. Would come back for coffee!
(3)Claire K.
Bayou has good, southern food with friendly staff. It may seem "over-priced" to some, but I noticed that the staff shops at the local farmers market on the weekend, buying literally ALL of their produce for the week. I have a lot of respect for that, and am absolutely willing to pay a bit more to support local food! Bayou has a home-feel to it, and this non-chain local coffee shop is a rarity in the chain-ridden neighborhood of court house. It's outdoor seating is really nice on a spring/summer morning. I recommend the hisbiscus tea (seriously some of the best I've ever had), and the jumbalaya.
(4)Debby L.
BEIGNETS WOW. My friend said that it was equivalent to the ones in New Orleans. I have yet to go myself, but these beignets are pretty effing awesome. They come in three huge pieces, overflowing with sugar powder. Every time I take a bite, powder flies everywhere, it's so amazing. CAPPUCCINO Sucks. I don't really know why. It's not smooth? It's not strong enough? I'm not sure. It's just not that great. CAFE AU LAIT Just ok. I think I'll just get a water, and a bunch of beignets next time!
(4)Kara S.
Fun little bakery in the heart of courthouse! the ambiance and service are a great find in a city with many chains. The food quality is great and have enjoyed their breakfast sandwiches many times. My friend had their biscuits and gravy and gave it stellar reviews! all the baked goods look delicious! giving this a 4/5 only because there are no healthy options on the menu.
(4)Max T.
Love this place for its simplicity and niche between restaurant and coffee shop. I've stopped in here for everything from breakfast to and afternoon coffee to happy hour and it's always fantastic.
(5)Sam B.
Disappointing experience. We have been to this restaurant in the past and have tried the sandwiches, they were not bad. BUT this time we ordered the really Cajun fare and were totally disappointed. The Shrimp creole was insipid and shrimps were under cooked (ouch) price tag a hefty $13 (double ouch for bad food); the Jambalaya was bland and had just 2 thin slices of sausage. Will NOT be coming back in a long time.
(1)Joe M.
The food is great here, including coffee and hot chocalate(supposedly). I love this place.
(5)Zelda R.
A friend and I went out of our way one Saturday afternoon to get the "renowned" muffaletta. Upon parking across the street, you could hear the live music, that's how loud it was. We went in and were assaulted with a live blues band so loud you could not hear yourself think. So eating in was out of the question. Band members literally got up and started following behind us, as if it wasn't loud enough from the front of the restaurant, and from the stage, others were making loud demands for tips. Wow. How rude. I've been to New Orleans multiple times. Blues bands play in bars, not in the middle of restaurants where people would like to be able to digest the food and converse. We brought our sandwiches home and they were MEDIOCRE. Shortly after this place opened, I went there and had beignets and coffee. Really liked it. But after this experience, I won't be returning. Don't need ears assaulted and don't need an overpriced sandwich whose flavor profile was salt, salt, and more salt on semi-stale tasting bread.
(1)Melissa C.
Get yourself a lil bit of NoLa in Arlington. They got some awesome coffee here. The cafe au lait is my fav. I still think the beignets at cafe du monde are better but this is much cheaper than plane ticket to New Orleans to munch on some sweetness. Their Cajun food is pretty good. There is parking lot diagonal from bakery since street parking can be challenging.
(4)Ryan D.
Thought it wasn't bad. The flow of foot traffic takes people right into the coffee station by the door. Can cause some traffic jams. Had coffee and some pastry thing. I'd try it again if I passed it.
(2)Monika J.
I have been to New Orleans several times and the food I ordered at Bayou Bakery tasted nothing like the deliciousness of NOLA. I got the Beignets, gumbo, and muffulata sandwich. Beignets were not airy and fluffy like the original. The gumbo tasted like it was burnt. Nasty aftertaste. The sandwich was not memorable.
(1)Athena A.
We came here for crawfish and beignets and got that plus great vibes. Love the atmosphere, quirky decor, laid back attitude, playful and classic southern music, and use of southern 'words' instead of order numbers. Very creative management and delicious good to back it up. Going back next weekend ;)
(5)Rachel C.
I know that I'm prone to exaggeration, but Bayou Bakery made all my dreams come true. Cheap and delicious food, fattening as all get-out, with down-to-earth cocktails and coffee drinks, happy atmosphere, and ridiculous decorations. (There were, however, no bike racks, so I chained my bike rather obnoxiously to the outer portion of the ramp outside the restaurant). My friends and I found this place online, and we decided that we needed to turn it into an excursion. Turns out that Courthouse is a helluva lot closer to DC than I expected (right off the first leg of the Custis Trail), which is GREAT NEWS because that means that going back won't be much of a hardship. We ordered some combination of things, including the deviled eggs, a breakfast sandwich, jambalaya, a Bloody Mary, a soy latte, king cake, a muffalotta (I think they misspell it on purpose), and beignets...and we shared all of it. We're all relatively poor/cheap 20-somethings, and this was well within our price range. The sandwich (delicious biscuit with egg and cheese) was something like $2.75. All of the food/drinks were good, but CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE BEIGNETS FOR A SECOND. SERIOUSLY. $3 for the most divine concoction of fried dough and sugar imaginable--three of 'em, served warm. I was the one who purchased these, and it's really a testament to my kindness as a human being that I shared these with my friends. I wanted to eat the entire plate. The Bloody Mary was BOMB, and it came with a pickled green bean and some olives on top. This I also shared with a friend. The jambalaya was not veg-friendly (as well it shouldn't have been, by definition), but I had a bite anyway, and it was full of flavor. Deviled eggs were, well, deviled eggs, and the fact that they had them at all is an A in my book. Yum. Service was friendly, too, in spite of it being crowded. My friend accidentally dumped her king cake on the floor (partially due to the fact that we had something like 10 plates on our table for 4), and they gave her a new slice for free. I really, really want to go back and try more of the cocktails and coffee drinks. Also, on the way out, I noticed an awesome condiment bar...I love condiment bars. This one had, like, locally sourced honey or something. Yum. Aside from the lack of bike racks (AHEM, Bike Arlington, can we do something about this?), I could have dealt with less kids running around, butttt I guess on a Sunday in Northern Virginia, that sort of thing will happen, so no points docked for the loud rugrats.
(5)Stefanie K.
Bayou Bakery is my favorite breakfast spot in the area. I go every weekend and am always happy with my order. The biscuit sandwiches are so good, and the bacon is to die for. The coffee and lattes are also very good, and the beignets can't be missed. I haven't tried this place for any meals other than breakfast, but hope to soon!
(5)Larry L.
Great place to hangout, food unique and tasty. Best comfort food when you need a lift. Always smiling faces greet you at the counter !!
(5)Ben W.
This is your authentic taste of New Orleans in the DC-area. This spot is great for brunch, lunch and dinner alike. It's also superb for eating outdoors on a nice day. I almost always stick with the jumbalaya and gumbo at Bayou Bakery. It is overpriced but the food makes it worth the extra pennies.
(5)Sarah V.
I give Bayou Bakery 2 stars because I think it has potential. The atmosphere was nice and the pastries looked very tasty. If I come here again, I will stick with the coffee and pastry - maybe a side - approach. I ordered the roast beef sandwich (I can't remember the cutesy name right now) and it was kind of inedible. Not just because the flavors were under developed, but because the sandwich literally fell apart when I picked it up because it had so much gravy. I ended up eating half with a knife and fork, but the problem was the paper they served it on absorbed all the gravy/grease, cheese, and it tore and clung to the sandwich, so I had to watch out for bits of paper with every bite. I was really hungry, but I ended up just giving up after the first half. On the positive side, the atmosphere was great (but I was there with two good friends, so I think company contributed to a large part of this), the staff I encountered were very nice, and the lemonade I ordered was really perfect. The family next to our table had ordered a side of mac 'n cheese that I began to covet a quarter way through my mush sandwich. My friend ordered the beignets to share, and they were delicious (though for everyone who commented saying the beignets were AW-MAZING: I am sorry, it's fried dough and tons of powdered sugar. It's hard to go wrong/messing that up would be the deathblow to any restaurant claiming to be NOLA.) In sum: Food underwhelming, but maybe I ordered the wrong thing, I think the place could thrive if it played up the bakery/cafe, less the restaurant aspect of the business. I would try it again, but I am not eager to return. PS: I didn't ask my friend why, but she only ate half her turkey sandwich, and both of us can seriously put down some food, so I would be curious as to why she didn't finish her meal either.
(2)Tierra H.
This place just warms my soul. RIGHT NOW, just thinking about it, I am craving a beignet. The way in which they do things here can be a little odd, but it works. So, you come here and you get in line to order. You step up and you order and pay and they give you a card with a name on it. When they call that, your food is in the window. The Sunday morning we were here was pretty crowded. No big deal. We waited in the line for a short time because it does move quickly. After that, the next task was to find a seat. Here's a hint - wearing dark clothing is not a great idea. Powdered sugar everywhere! That was fine. That's what happens when you have beignets, so we knew that. I ordered a biscuit with cheese and turkey sausage and a coffee. Boyfriend got something with eggs, I think (I don't eat eggs, so I didn't taste his). And we got beignets to share. The food was really good. Is it down home, NOLA-style -- I dunno. I don't care. It's yummy. That's what I care about. The place is certainly kitschy-looking and gives you something to look at while you wait. I'd def come back here for Sunday brunch. There is a parking lot across the street (free!) on Sundays. I do want to try it for dinner as well.
(5)Elena I.
While I really wanted to eat a beignet, I just ended up having some dinner. The dinner menu is limited. And portions are small- much like tapas, mezze, or a tasting menu. I had the eggplant dish and watermelon salad (summer menu). The food didn't blow my tasting buds.I would definitely go back for coffee and try the beignets. Also the sofa lounge area is really cozy. I did enjoy sitting on the couch after dinner and relaxing.
(3)Adrienne M.
Can I tell you that I'm just a tad teed and disappointed?? (Just FYI: my grandfather is a chef and my grandma was a southern cook) I came in to Bayou Cafe anxious and excited to try a new place...only to be dazed and confused about what the heck was going on here. The place looks as if it is authentic, but they were playing Afro-Caribbean music. Next, after ordering the much raved about gumbo, I realized it wasn't a seafood gumbo. I never!!!! Had I know this prior I would have gone somewhere else. The beignets were ok, I've had better. The tea was good though, China Breakfast. I'll come back another time for breakfast and will update my review, hopefully with more stars. I love small businesses, and further I love patronizing them with my money and my word-of-mouth. Conversely, when the wool is pulled over my eyes and the place is not as stand up as you anticipate and they advertise, my willingness to to any of the previously stated things wane. Sigh.
(3)Mimi M.
I'm giving it 2 stars for the staff and atmosphere. The staff is super pretentious and as another reviewer said, they're trying too hard to be hip. We put up with it because we LOVE their croissants. Their coffee is so-so, no great shakes. What REALLY irritates me is that they won't give us our drink the way we want it because "the owner doesn't believe in it" or "we don't serve it that way". Before you get snotty with me...wait until you hear what it is we wanted. We like to drink iced espressos - maybe too pedestrian for their liking, but that's how WE, the CUSTOMER, wants it. So the first time, they said (think snooty response) "we don't believe in serving it that way", BUT, they do have iced Americanos (which is the same thing only with water added - but we don't like the additional water because you're already watering it down when the ice melts). We ask for iced Americanos without the water - "no, that would be an iced espresso, and we don't have that on the menu". Last time we went, I tried it again and asked for an iced no-water Americano and the guy said "you're going to get it with some water". I said, I know - the ice will melt, that's why I don't want additional water. So he replies "no, we're gong to add water to it". Whatever... Plus the way they've got it set up is super inefficient. They've got the barista before the cashiers and that's how the line goes, so when your coffee drink is ready (twenty minutes later) you have to cut through the people in line to try get to the counter. Still...those croissants are delish! I've tried the beignets - they're ok, but TOOOOO much powdered sugar. It's no Cafe du Monde that's for sure.
(2)Brandy H.
This place is so cute and inviting. I had been here once before for just a water and a resting location after walking around town, but this past visit I actually ordered a coffee and a sweet. My first question at ANY coffee shop is do you have Almond Milk, and that question is usually followed by "no, but we have soy milk". Not this time! Bayou has Almond milk! JACKPOT! I ordered a cappuccino and a chocolate praline. The regular food smelled amazing, but I was saving my apetite for my own packed lunch (that proves how strong my will power is...sometimes). Every thing was yummy and the people behind the counter were super friendly and all smiles. What a great neighborhood gem.
(4)Karisa D.
I have been to Bayou Bakery twice now and I am in love!!! I love the atmosphere at Bayou. It's a great place to enjoy a leisurely brunch during the weekend. Also great place to people watch, especially during warm weather. The food comes out fresh and made to order. The staff is wonderful too and show you the Southern Hospitality that is severely lacking in many places in the DC area. When I went with my boyfriend for brunch, he ordered biscuits and gravy. One of the friendly staff behind the counter said that we'd have to wait a few minutes since the biscuits were still in the oven, which we were fine. But they were so nice and comped our coffee. And with free refills! You all are too kind. Their coffee is delicious too. On to the food. Definitely order their yogurt with house made granola. If you like granola, you will love Bayou's granola. They also sell granola to go. Biscuits are great too. And their beignets...amazing!! Bayou Bakery. I'm a fan. I'd like a beignet now please. Thanks!
(5)Ritzie C.
This place was pretty disappointing. I went for brunch with my emo friend and we shared our food. The beignets looked good but once I bit into one I was turned off because it was soggy and dense and I was surrounded by a cloud of powdered sugar. Why do they dump a bag of confectioners sugar all over the beignets? It's such a mess. The gravy that came with the biscuit was good but so skimpy in proportion that the dish was pretty dry. How is that even possible - DRY biscuits and gravy?! Also, you'd think a restaurant with a decent reputation would cook an egg to order for the breakfast sandwiches (this ain't McDonalds) but instead you get a rectangular egg brick that was probably sitting under some heat lamp. Best thing I had there? The french press coffee. The layout of the ordering system is confusing (and lame) and sadly the best in house entertainment was watching Ugly Daniel Craig converse with the chef and owner.
(2)Maggie S.
My first visit was very disappointing. While the biscuits were good as was the pepper jelly, the beignets were served cold and my drink order never made it past the order being taken. What struck me as incredibly odd, was the security they seem to give to their sides. It was a Sunday and I saw someone walk by with a piping hot dish of mac and cheese. It looked good and I decided to order it. When I got to the register to order it , I was told they didn't have mac and cheese and they don't serve sides on Sunday. When I suggested to the person behind the register I had just seen a plate of mac and cheese he unequivocally said I was mistaken and I must have seen cheesy grits. Oh well. Needless to say when I returned to my table, sitting next to me was the man with the mac and cheese. I asked is that cheesy grits? He confirmed it was mac and cheese. I guess I didn't have the secret code word to order mac and cheese on a Sunday. Dismayed by the service b ut also really put off by the indignation of the guy behind the register though. Not sure I will return.
(2)Lilli M.
I've been here once before a while back and remember it being quite crowded. So I figured meeting at 11 would help us beat the rush. Good effort but stymied just the same. I arrived around 10:45 and there was already a generous line. Most tables were already occupied, but I managed to snag one of small tables. Unfortunately, that table was one of the closest to the door and it was a windy day out, so we caught a blast of wind every time the door opened, which was frequently. I asked one of the cashiers and he said the line starts at 8 AM (which is when they open), so sadly there seems no real way to avoid the rush, though I noticed closer to 1:30 that a few tables started opening up. We got the biscuit ($2) with egg ($0.25) and cheese ($0.50) and I got a bowl of gumbo ($7). The gumbo had a generous amount of meat and definitely some black pepper, but it tasted great on a cold day like the present. I was grateful for the rice on top since it otherwise would have been a bit salty. We also got some beignets ($3 for 3). They're covered with a generous helping of powdered sugar and actually taste quite light, ie. though they're deep-fried, they don't taste greasy at all. I did have some trouble hearing my gumbo when it got called, so when I finally went up to check for it, there it was sitting on the counter. I don't know how long it was there and thankfully, it was still warm. As another Yelper mentioned, it can be challenging hearing your food order being called so if you don't hear it within a few minutes of ordering, I would just go and check to see if it's on the counter waiting for you, lest it grow cold. With Mardi Gras just around the corner, there are several things Bayou will be doing for that. I saw posters and flyers up everywhere about a "Bayou Bakery Block Party" that will be on Feb 12th. Lots of people also ordered their king cake. The full-size one is nearly $40, I think. Curbside pick-up for that seemed to be an option. They also had some available by the slice for $2. Overall, I liked the gumbo, the biscuit sandwich was crumbly and light, and the beignets were also light and pleasurable to the palate. It can be extremely busy here and even coming early or late doesn't seem to help much, so I might think twice before bringing a large group of people. I saw several families with young children and I think they all managed to find seats for them, though perhaps with some difficulty. There were definitely people waiting for seats to open up, so those are all factors to consider.
(4)N L.
I had a large latte and a bayou blt. The blt was pretty good although nothing special. The latte though, was awful. Sure you don't go to a bakery for good coffee but it seems to be a highlight of their store because their $20,000 La Marzocco espresso machine is given prominent placement. The food sign is an afterthought and it took some maneuvering to read it. Oh the latte. First sip and my tongue was seared. It's not that hard to get the temperature right on a latte. It's what you learn in barista 101. Despite still being reminded several hours later by my tingling tongue, the taste of the latte was something I would like to soon forget. It was bland and rather boring. Now it'll be a few days before I can enjoy food again. The latte gets 0 stars. The sandwich gets 3. Overall 2 stars.
(2)Spencer R.
I'm surprised that this place only has an average of three stars! I love it! Prices are good (Panera range, or maybe a little cheaper). Love their caesar salad with shrimp (the dressing is delicious), gumbo and beignets. My husband loves their roast beef sandwich. I loved the atmosphere and decor. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Steve S.
I came here for an event on a Saturday, and was first struck by the open layout and the friendly atmosphere that the restaurant just seems to give off. There are homemade decorations, trinkets, posters and other nice touches from Louisiana and as a huge fan of New Orleans, everything that makes that city so warm and inviting, all the way down to recipes from old Southern cookbooks posted on the walls in the bathroom. For all of the atmosphere, the food would not have to be great and I would still be a fan, but the food was INCREDIBLE. Red beans and rice, expertly cooked and seasoned collards, cornbread that was so light and fluffy it was used as the perfect vehicle for the red beans and rice and their Muff-A-Lotta sandwich were all delicious. They had several different types of Abita (my favorite is the Jackamo IPA) and made me feel like I was sitting at a restaurant in New Orleans. Also, it needs to be said that the people working the event were very nice, sociable and added an extra element of that friendly New Orleans vibe. In conclusion, I highly recommend this restaurant, and I will be going back myself in the near future to try their brunch, and probably on a Sunday to enjoy a Muff-A-Lotta, a couple Abitas and watch the Saints game, making me feel like I am down in the bayou.
(5)Angela J.
Co-workers and I ordered food from here today and I was not disappointed. Being the first Friday of lent I opted for the veg-head sandwich even though there were other items that I wished I could have gotten, but it was amazing. The veggies were very flavorful and the goat cheese made the sandwich over the top. I gave a co-worker a bite and they were a little sad they did not get the same. One person got the gumbo and said it was decent and the other got a creole pilgrim sandwich and thought it was good, but had hoped for a little more kick to it. We all LOVED the beignets. Delicious! I wish I would have gotten some coffee as well but I will save that for my next trip, because there will be a next trip!
(4)Chris A.
yummy benignets and cupcakes. also worth a try is the gumbo and dill pickle chips.
(5)A S.
I ate at bb and was pleased. Great biscuits, gumbo, strawberry salad & fantastic coffee!!! I will return very soon!
(5)Gus L.
The coffee here is amazing and the food is also excellent (try the Creole Pilgrim it will change your life).
(5)Andi L.
My husband and I stopped by for a casual dinner the other evening. We had the muffaletta and catahoula. My husband enjoyed his muffaletta with Zapp's and an Abita (I love that they serve Abita). The spicy Catahoula (beef hot dog with a dijon Vidalia onion topping) was suprisingly good. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much from my hot dog, but the hot dog was nicely spiced and the onion-dijon mixture was quite tasty. I also had chips and a sweet tea. I love that their sweet tea was not sickly sweet. I'm from the South and enjoy a nicely brewed sweet tea that doesn't taste like kool-aid's version of sweet tea. It sets me on edge. So, I'm glad they got that right. We ended up staying and enjoying a plate of beignets. They were different than Cafe du Monde, but in a good way. :) The dough was fluffy and tasty with the required covering of powdered sugar. I enjoyed a hot chocolate (rich, thick, divine) and my husband a cafe au lait. I do believe we will be back frequently. The vibe is super low-key and relaxing. The staff is friendly. The food is tasty and not overpriced. Love it! I'm excited to try some of their nightly dishes, as well as, bakery items.
(4)Katharine G.
My friend and I came here for breakfast. We both came away impressed. We both had the French Press coffee. That is delicious and they give you a lot of coffee. I had beignets and they were wonderful. I was going to save one and bring it home to my husband but that didn't happen. My friend had the bacon and egg biscuit. She said it was delicious but she didn't like the bacon -- too fatty she said. It is a comfortable, friendly place and I look forward to returning. Hint: go early to avoid the rush.
(4)Carolyn R.
Go for the Muff-a-lotta - a real person sized version of the classic Muffuletta - delicious! Breakfast sausage biscuits are AMAZING and the coffee with chicory is delicious! Now all they need are some shrimp po-boys!
(4)Avery L.
i love this place, really high quality coffee, awesome drink/cocktail menu, wine and beer selection, and v authentic and delish grub and heavenly baked items (hence the name) to boot. i think a lot of it has to do w/the owner. man seems to live and breathe by this place. got the muff-a-lotta, grilled pimento sandie, two of his to die for oreo type cookies, some greens and a really good cinnamon roll coffee. loved all of the happy hour deals she was running as well. i'm gonna order a king cake from here this yr as he was noted as top 5 places in the country to make em. can't want to go back again and again.
(5)Christine A.
The food is NOT anywhere near authentic! With a name like "Bayou," one would expect good Cajun or Creole food... or at least an attempt at it. Now, the menu offers gumbo (made with tomato sauce), red beans and rice, etc. However, the food is TERRIBLE! You would do better going to the grocery store and buying a Zatarain's mix. The beignets taste like Dunkin Donuts... and almost look like them, too! These are definitely NOT the beignets I am used to eating. Don't waste your time or money at this place.
(1)Stephen R.
Amazing chicory coffee to go along with fresh made to order beignets. As good as you find in NO.
(3)Stacey R.
My fiance' and I grew up in Louisiana and recently moved to Courthouse. We had to try this place after walking past it a few times. I usually HATE any Cajun/Creole restaurants that I've found north of Lousiana, but this place is actually pretty good. It's not exceptionally authentic, but pretty close. I actually prefer it a bit since it's a little lighter and healthier than what you'd typically find in LA. Anyway, the food is good, the ambience is relaxed, and service is fast. I also love that they do certain seasonal things like crawfish boils, sno-balls, king cakes, etc. I just wish they had longer hours and a more full-service menu. You can only get certain sandwiches at lunch, for example. Regardless, we really liked it and will definitely be back.
(4)Suzanne M.
I completely enjoyed myself at this place! The feel of the restaurant is very New Orleans like and cozy. I had a biscuit with egg and cheese for breakfast. Just spectacular. The biscuit melted in my mouth, was perfectly warm. To drink I had Camilla tea which was really excellent. Make sure you go early. After about 10:30am it got extremely busy.
(5)Jim H.
Love the atmosphere, the jazz playing in the background was at a perfect level, not blaring but not so soft you couldnt hear it....my kid was dancing to it! Anyways, the food was GOOD and the fact that they only carry Abita beer, is a major plus for me. Love that stuff.
(4)Joe H.
Went there today and got a Creole Pilgrim sandwich (po boy?). At first I was a little disappointed because the bag felt too light, but as I opened the wrapping and started to eat, I was pleasantly surprised. Super tasty sandwich. The bread was really good, and incredibly flakey. I don't think I've ever had a sandwich on bread like that before. I look forward to trying some of their other sandwiches.
(4)Marc D.
Visited more than 20 times. The food quality only gets better. Everything is delicious. Meatball Monday rocks. Great turkey meatballs!
(5)Stephanie M.
ive never had beignets before so this was a bad impression. are they supposed to taste this eggy??? i also ordered a chai latte that was a weird combination of too "spicy" and watery. blahhh. this place won't last long.
(2)Lauren M.
It's a cold a blustery fall day today (wintry mix coming tonight?!) and Bayou Bakery was the perfect place to warm up. I had one of their homemade lemonades (not too sour, not too sweet) and a Cajun Pilgrim sandwich (turkey, arugula, dijon and... gouda maybe?). The bread roll was excellent, crispy/flaky on the outside and soft on the inside. I also enjoyed the soup of the day (Sweet Potato and Rosemary) which came with some nice croutons (at least I think they were croutons)... Nothing mind blowing but tasty and not a flavor I've ever made in the crock pot at home. I was by myself and didn't really want to eat an entire order of beignets so I got a Praline cookie instead. It was awesome but soooo sugary I immediately went home and brushed my teeth. The seating was comfy, the decor was cute and the atmosphere in general is nice for hanging out. I saw a lot of happy hour specials so once I'm not pregnant I look forward to coming back for those (and one of their whoopie pies)! All in all a great place for lunch!
(4)Mikey T.
Having fallen in love with New Orleans many years ago, I was really, really excited to try Bayou Bakery. I had to order the classic, cafe au lait and beignets. The coffee was great, just like cafe du monde, strong and a little bitter but a rich and deep flavor! The beignets were a bit of a let down. While still tasty, they were very doughy and the flavor of yeast dominated the inside. Perhaps they were over-proofed, if not I would consider them an "interpretation" of beignets. I would have also preferred them cooked longer, I enjoy the crunch of a slightly darker beignet. I also splurged on a praline, which I often get while leaving cafe du monde. BB's version I think might actually outshine the ones which plague cheap French quarter gift shops. The flavor was rich and buttery, the abundant pecans giving joyous crunch and maple undertones. I had intended to split it with my friend but ended up eating it all!!! I am anxious to try their lunch fare, and will happily return. However I'll continue making my beignets at home.
(4)Carolyn B.
Great coffee and staff. Didn't like the salad ...especially not the shrimp. Sometimes they have an instant deal on Living Social, which makes things more reasonably priced.
(4)Licorice G.
needs better ventilation - you'll walk out smelling like a short-order cook. the chicory coffee and hot chocolate are real disappointments - the chocolate might as well be Swiss Miss. after three visits, i think it's appropriately priced for the most part. the beignets remain tasty, but i haven't tried the hot chocolate again. the shrimp jambalaya was underspiced and rather flavorless. the arm dripper (roast beef sandwich) was decent, but overpriced for the quality. the biscuits aren't bad, although they are slightly on the dry side.
(2)Matthew B.
Stopped in after a day in DC on the way home to VA. Had the beignets, 3 for 3 dollars, great deal! first time having them and I was eating them with a born and bred NOLA native. They had his stamp of approval. They were awesome! hot and fluffy, I was hot so I didn't get coffee, but I will be back soon and will get the coffee to dip them in.
(4)Wendy B.
The service was great, I'll give it that much. The people were very friendly and helpful, they answered our questions very knowledgeably, and the environment was nice. But the food wasn't all that great. I was a little bit disappointed by most of it. The beignets weren't all that great. They tasted almost like baked instead of fried. Now, the last time I had beignets, they had a tasty crunchy outside and a soft inside, the powdered sugar was perfect and they were insanely delicious! At Bayou Bakery though, the outside was kind of chewy and the inside was a bad kind of soft, like a chewy gross soft. It wasn't what I had expected. Aside from the beignets, I ordered a "Creole Pilgrim" which was a shaved blacken turkey, arugula, smoked gouda, and dijonaise. It was okay but nothing to write home about. I went w/ the b/f and he had ordered the "Catahoula," beer boiled all- beef hot dog, creole mustard, vidalia onion marmalad. Why we expected something big and amazing, I don't really know. It was a regular tiny hot dog, just made to look pretty. We were kind of disappointed by it. The only thing I'd say was amazing was the French press coffee. That was the best part of the trip. Personally, I wouldn't waste my time with this place again.
(1)Gus F.
I work in the building above the bakery and eat there several times a week. I sit with 5 other guys and I have hooked them on the daily specials. The Cuban, the BBQ, and the Turkey Meatball Sub are fantastic. It must be the bread. I haven't tried dinner but plan on it.
(5)LC G.
The beignets are decadent and the coffee is fresh and delicious, reasonably priced also. The atmosphere is very relaxed, I could easily spend an afternoon there reading or on my computer.
(5)Kelly J.
Bayou bakery is great in courthouse . all the food is delicious here. I love bayou bakery . Highly recommended this place
(5)Alex D.
A nice place to have in the neighborhood, but that may be more about the comparative lack of choices (that aren't somewhere in between mediocre and disgusting) in and around Courthouse than about Bayou itself. The food is okay, but prices are high ($12 for a small rice and beans? For counter service?) and portions not terribly generous. Baked goods are hit and miss - a fantastic red velvet cake one day, a dry, too-sweet brownie the next. We keep going, but always leave wishing we'd spent less and enjoyed it more.
(3)Kimberly W.
How can this place say it represents New Orleans cuisine. UMMMM NOT!! I was so disappointed with this place. It is more a cajun coffee house that happens to serve some cajun/creole dishes. Ok the beignets were HORRIBLE. I guess when you grew up on Cafe Du Monde beignets my expectations were NOT met. They were pizza dough fried with powder sugar on top. UHHH YUCK!! They didn't have any gumbo, jambalaya or red beans at the time I went...which was lunch time, so I ordered a chicken salad sandwich. Ummm say what?! The prices were ridiculously expensive for what I received. Let's just say if this is Northern Virginia's try at cajun/creole food, then they should just give it up. Never going back again!!
(2)Brittany B.
I love this place. We always get the same thing-a large french press of coffee, an order of beignets, and a made to order breakfast sandwich. The ambiance of this place on a weekend morning is so fun. It can definitely get busy, but even so, it still feels laid back and relaxed, with all the newspapers and books out to share. Feels like you're in a friend's living room having coffee and breakfast and hanging out. I definitely reccommend checking it out for breakfast/brunch--love this place. They also have pretty good happy hour specials during the week.
(5)Julia M.
I've only had salads here, which weren't great- but what did I expect from a cajun place? My friends both liked their non-salad dishes. The drinks are great! It's nice to relax and drink out of a mason jar during the summer.
(4)Dominique F.
My friend has a thing for food shows, and I guess this place or maybe the chef of this place was featured on one of her shows, so of course I was dragged to come here and try it out. The atmosphere of the place is pretty nice, lots of small tables. The guy at the counter was very friendly, the food wasn't much on the plate, but we were all satisfied after our meals. I think the best part of it all were the beignets; sooo delicious. Enjoy!
(4)Caroline C.
It was decent, but overpriced. The staff were very pretentious. I saw the owner lose on Chopped so we checked it out a few months ago. My BLT and my croissant were good, but I was not impressed with the coffee. I have no desire to return, but I don't regret going. Eh.
(3)Geoff O.
Eh. I made the mistake of getting the Texas toast with pimento cheese, masquerading as a grilled cheese sandwich. It was pretty awful. As in, pondering-the-most-disappointing-moments-of-my-Âlife-with-every-bite-awful. I would stare at the thing, wondering whether I should even take another bite, but driven by nothing more than the will to get my money's worth. Do not eat food here.
(2)Ming I.
grew up in new orleans for a few years and can't resist ordering beignets whenever they appear on a menu. the ones here are very meh. i think they aren't light and airy enough. i'd rather get a glazed donut from dunkin. that said, the egg and cheese biscuits aren't bad and it has a fun ambience. a good place to come for coffee and a snacky.
(3)Amanda W.
Great bakery. I stopped in for breakfast on a work trip. Their breakfast biscuit sandwiches are amazing and I'm drinking quite possibly the best soy vanilla latte of my life. All the rest of the pastries look great as well. Docked one star because service isn't great and their system for getting you your food isn't the smoothest. I'll definitely come back for breakfast next time I'm in this area.
(4)Megan G.
You order at the counter and then you're given a card with the name of a Louisiana parish (county) on it as well as its location. Nice touch, made me miss Louisiana, where I lived for a short while. The muffuletta is very good, though it is a bit small for a muffuletta (I still had leftovers for dinner, so it's still plenty of food). Zapp's chips were the perfect accompaniment, and I was pleased to find the crawtators variety that can be hard to find here. The beignets were much better than I would have guessed I could get up here. They're not on par with the ones at Cafe du Monde, but they are very tasty and fresh and definitely better than anything I could try to replicate at home, and I will absolutely be getting them again. I had an iced tea, and they weren't so authentically Southern as to look at me weird when I ordered it unsweetened. It was very good, strong brewed iced tea. I was hoping to find some more cooked foods, like shrimp and grits. They did have collards on the menu, but nothing that I could really think to pair them with, as the rest of the menu was salads and sandwiches. I think they offer more cooked foods during the weekend, but I'm only in Virginia during the workweek. I might have to make a special trip at some point to try the brunch. TL;DR: Have the beignets and leave yourself some time to get all the powdered sugar off your clothes before heading anywhere important.
(4)Pui Ying S.
The coffee and beignets are good though not as good as Chef Geoff's. The breakfast biscuits are very dry and crumbly and the egg was cold and cheese unmelted. i would not order the sandwich again. I liked the grits. Lots of kids in the mornings so I don't feel too bad bringing the monster in.
(3)Karen S.
Bayou Bakery is a great New Orleans themed cafe in the heart of Courthouse. I enjoyed dinner here with a friend and found the atmosphere warm and inviting. The place is fun and vaguely kitschy (old outboard motor hanging on the wall anyone?). The music is jazzy and upbeat. The service was friendly, however their system of picking up food is a little bit confusing. You are given a placard with the name of a Louisiana city on it, which they call when your food is ready. No one called my city and my food was sitting on the counter for a while before I noticed. The food itself was really good. The muffaletta was excellent. It was rich and salty and the olives absolutely made the sandwich. I enjoyed the gumbo but it didn't stand out and was a bit oversalted. I also sampled some of my friend's side of roasted cauliflower, which surprised us both that it was served cold. The beignets were really well done. They are caked in powdered sugar and if you're not careful, you will leave with a fine dusting of sugar all over your pants like I did. I will be returning to Bayou Bakery to take advantage of the good happy hours and try some of the other New Orleans classics on the menu.
(4)Daniel B.
Abita beer on tap and fresh hot beignets (yeah, so it not Cafe du Monde, but probably the best you will get in the DC region). We have been here a couple of times and never leave disappointed, the food is always really good (and the coffee looks to be well done as well, if you are into coffee). With a very consistent decor this place looks like it could be back in New Orleans. I gotta try out the crawfish night that they hold periodically, seems like a safe place to try this dining experience that I have somehow missed.
(4)Laura E.
Chicory coffee was good but the beignets were disappointing. And the chai tea latte was lukewarm at best. Glad I went, another go to spot off my list but will not go out of my way to go back.
(3)Susan J.
The muffuletta wasn't as good as before, but the soup of the day, portabella with rosemary, was actually interestingly tasty.
(3)Lily Z.
3.5 STARS I am a fan of their smoky chicken sausage gumbo and flavorful muffuletta (nice balance of meat and olive salad sandwiched in between a lightly toasted bun that really brought out the fragrance of the sesame seeds). The arm dip was bland and served with starchy gravy, not really something I will order again. The pillowy beignets with a generous dusting of powdered sugar was a sweet finish to my lunch at Bayou. The atmosphere was casual and comfortable as you would expect for a cafe. However, I wish they give people order numbers and hire an expediter instead of making periodic loud announcements over the intercom when an order is ready.
(4)Kat V.
love love love love loooooooooooooooove bayou bakery. My experience was more than pleasant. Went for brunch after the farmer's market across the street and ordered the bleu cheese mac, beinets for dessert and a latte. It was the most perfect brunch, the decor is adorable and the casual-style service was good as well. I was transcended to New Orleans and forgot I was in Arlington. I would love to return to try the other items on the menu.
(5)Christy F.
My first time here and we came right when lunch started so everything was fresh. I saw a lot of people said that things were not warm or seemed old, so I tried to time it so I would miss the lunch rush as well as get fresher food. We got the cubano sandwich, creole pilgrim, deviled eggs and beignets. The pilgrim was great. The cubano had a bit too much mustard for my taste but the net was good and not fatty. The eggs have some Cajun spices on it but they are good just different. I also has a side of greens. I wasn't fond of them and I usually love greens. Skip those. I couldn't eat the beignets right away so they were cold by the time I got to them. I also got a carrot cupcake to eat later. It's was better then most I get. I got in line twice. The first time the guy was really fast. The second time the lady seemed stressed and it took a lot longer. I did notice the sandwiches are made in large groups. So if you want it fresher I would suggest making a special request like no mayo or mustard and it would be fresher.
(4)Cheryl L.
Was in the mood for some beignets after seeing this spot on Unique Sweets show, so I decided to check it out yesterday during my metro ride into DC. Overall, the place had friendly service and tasty beignets.... Still not as delectable as the ones in New Orleans. In addition, I tried the deviled eggs. They were on the salty side, so I will stick to desserts only. Next time I will try their pralines which looked delicious! I would definitely return!
(3)Mike W.
First of all, there is amazing coffee here (they use Counter Culture beans; some of the best!). Good NOLA food. Good breakfast items. Fresh ingredients. Wide variety of items. Just go. Enough said.
(5)Yasmine B.
I adore this lovely Arlington coffee house and eatery. The start attraction is the beignets, which are freshly made, 3 to an order. The salad is fresh on most Friday nights they have an shrimp dish that is finger lickingly good:) In the fall they have a pecan pie that is unbeatable - wish they had this on the menu all year round! I also like the atmosphere - it feels like a homey, friendly place where you could hang out, unwind and catch your breath after a busy spell. When you are done, you have to remember to bus your own tables!
(4)Tu-van L.
I agree with Jack F. Bayou Baker is more like a Cajun-themed coffee house than a Cajun bakery and eatery. Located in the Courthouse metro neighborhood of Arlington, Bayou Bakery is a pretty casual, laid back cafe decorated like what you expect a Louisiana cafe would look like (i.e. with Cajun kitsch). The decor in addition to the friendly staff add to the laid back vibe I really like about this place. Beignets are the closest in the DMV you'll find to the native style, but not quite what it should taste like. It's still yeasty and airy with lots of powdered sugar piled on it, but something is with the dough flavor that makes it more tangy and less sweet than the original. No cafe au lait made with the authentic coffee-chickory blend. Coffees brewed from Counter Culture beans. Which makes for a good cuppa Joe, but not necessarily NOLA-style coffee. Gumbos are satisfying. Mufaletta was tasty but just a slightly gussied-up deli sandwich with a tiny bit of olive tapenade. Satisfying but not solid or innovative enough to go out of my way for anything else on the menu. Bayou Baker is good for what it is: a solid alternative to your average cafe and eatery.
(3)Mark A.
I agree with posters that the place has a cool interior and feel. However, as someone from the deep south and with expectations of anything 'bayou', this was off the mark. I got the biscuit with turkey sausage, egg, and cheese. Sounds great but what I got was a biscuit that was steamed up with the items. A square scrambled egg was more like what I've experienced at a Hampton Inn for breakfast. And the sausage didn't have the flavor I was hoping for. So, If you go, stay away from the biscuits and roll the dice on something else. As for the coffee, it had a heavy taste and would instead go for the machine made coffee vice the brewed stuff. So if you don't like that coffee you won't like this one. As a bonus, at least they have Abita beer and that gets a second star.
(2)Carey A.
Desserts are great, especially the red velvet cupcakes! I wasn't a fan of the first sandwich I got there, something with turkey. It was extremely dry! On our last go around I ordered the chicken salad sandwich and it was pretty good. Unfortunately, they just ran out of red velvet cupcakes on our most recent visit : ( They get a 4 out of 5 just for their cupcakes!!!
(4)Amanda M.
We ordered: gumbo...chicken & andouille sausage -delicious and hearty andouille sausage...spicy, smoked pork sausage, served with dijon mustard -the sausage was definitely spicy and the dijon mustard didn't cut the spice it added to it but in a different way, the pairing was great braised collard greens...8 hour braise, bacon, cider vinegar, crushed red pepper -tasted like soggy greens, it said braised in bacon fat but I didn't taste any bacon, just water mac & cheese...flavor of the day -the flavor of the day was tomato and the dish was lukewarm and barely any cheese, uber soft macaroni noodles with some tomato sauce Downside: self service with dirty tables and uncomfortable seating.
(4)Jennifer C.
Sigh. I really want to LOVE Bayou Bakery. But I just can't. Maybe I've been to NoLa too many times but IMHO Bayou Bakery doesn't have what it takes. The biggest problem I have is that it's overpriced. I feel like in order to get a real meal here for two, you're spending around $50-60 for counter service and food that's good, but not great. I'd rather go somewhere else for $60. If you go only for the specials, you do okay, but ordering off the regular menu runs your bill up , fast. The Chew Date etouffee was really disappointing. The boudin is good. The shrimp appetizer was really pricey for very little shrimp. On the up side, the staff is pretty friendly. The coffee is really good. The beignets are only marginal compared to Cafe DuMonde but if you're desperate... buy the mix :) If you find yourself in Courthouse with money to burn then give it a shot. I probably won't be going back. Nothing terrible, but not great and pricey for what you get.
(3)Matt K.
I ate here on Saturday night, 3/9/13. I'm disappointed. The jambalaya really skimped on the ingredients. Four tiny pieces of sausage. Two shrimp. Vegetables strangely lacking. For fourteen dollars, I expect more than a bowl of rice. To be fair, the rice tasted good, but this was not jambalaya. The Catahoula (a hot dog with creole mustard and vidalia onion marmalade) sounded really appealing, but came out of the kitchen at room temperature. The skin on the hot dog was also extremely rubbery and difficult to bite through. I thought the Dat-O (the Bayou Bakery version of a homemade Oreo) might provide some redemption, but although it looked fantastic, it was difficult to eat. Both cookies were very stale. I recognize that this might be an attempt to be true to the texture of an Oreo, but it was hard to eat. In my opinion a fresh, soft cookie would have been a huge upgrade. You've probably noticed a few people here and there mentioning concerns with Bayou Bakery's system for food pick up. Personally, I have no problem with the mechanics of the system, but while I was eating my meal I witnessed the cook announce somebody's order one time and walk away from the counter, where the food sat for the next 10 minutes or so. It was neither crowded nor loud. The cook could have made some sort of additional effort to get the customer their food. The customer could have been in the rest room, or God forbid, wasn't paying attention the first time. To witness that kind of apathy from an employee was a real turn off. I could say I might give this place a second chance over breakfast, but I probably won't. First impressions are important.
(2)Ideen S.
What a cozy concept coffee shop and bakery! I had the Mixed Greens Salad (which included goat cheese and candied pecans) and the Rooibos (red) tea. The service was very friendly and prompt, and everything tasted pretty good (and for not that much money!). I'll definitely be back!
(4)Jose O.
I tried the Gumbo which came in a small bowl $4 or cup and a bigger cup or bowl $7. I have never tried Gumbo before to be honest but I found their Gumbo to not have much taste. It was really smokey in flavor and didn't have much meat in it. I probably could have had a better Gumbo at Safeway to be honest. The ambience is really nice and waiting for your food u are assigned a name on a card which gave it a ok vibe. All in all the place has potential but as someone who had never had Gumbo this made me have second thoughts about ordering Gumbo in the future from any establishment if thats how its supposed to taste.
(3)Chelai J.
Came here a few months ago with some friends for a late lunch. The beignets were tasty and I had the arm drip. It was delicous. The free refills are a nice touch. I was there with two friends and we all hadn't gotten together in a while so we stayed 3 hours. Enjoyed the relaxed spot to eat and catch up.
(4)Dats V.
Sunday morning farmers market trip. Sat outside with a large latte and some beignets. Food came out pretty fast but the beignets were undercooked. Raw dough in the middle. However, I can still give 4 stars because my coffee was amazing! I'll be back for that SOON and ill give the beignets another shot.
(4)Todd F.
Fantastic place. This restaurant has great food for everything; coffee for breakfast, variety of plates for lunch, and AMAZING desserts. Great place for Sunday brunch or a cute date for desserts.
(5)Roll T.
Food & Wine apparently thinks the best muffaletta is not made anywhere in the city of New Orleans but rather in the middle of Arlington, VA. Let that sink in for a minute. That is the equivalent of ranking party schools and not ranking LSU #1. Just like there is simply no other school that can party as hard as those Bengal Tigers, it seems beyond improbable that the best muffaletta would be found outside Louisiana borders. I decided to investigate. The results? It's not a bad sandwich. The bread and meats were fine, but the olive salad is really off. There isn't enough vinegar from the gardenia to even hold the slightest bit of bite. The relish is spread incredibly thin. Sure, I appreciate the use of good meat just as anyone might, but the key to this sandwich lies in the use of that amazing olive spread and it's severely lacking at Bayou Bakery. If they fixed the olive salad, I'll readily admit this was better than expected.... but not the best muffaletta I've ever had. If you want a decent sandwich that might be considered one of the best sandwiches in Arlington, then Bayou Bakery's muffaletta isn't a bad bet. If you are looking for the best muffaletta in the country (or simply one of the ten best sandwiches of any sort in the nation), then you are in the wrong state, both literally and figuratively.
(3)M T.
Overall, our visit was pleasant. The beignets are excellent, deviled eggs were "very yummy" according to my daughter... and my son loved the gumbo (he's tasted enough to know). :) However, my cappuccino tasted a little off. I know they serve Counter Culture Coffee so I had high expectations... but it just tasted odd. Perhaps just that day maybe? The dirty chai tea was also disappointing... a tad too sweet. I did like the fact that there is a small outdoor seating area for a quieter atmosphere. Inside can get a little loud. Would definitely visit again. :)
(4)Marco A.
I've only been here once; I had green tea and beignets w/hot chocolate. The Beignets were solid but not awe inspiring, the hot chocolate was rich and not overly sweet. I gave this place a a four star rating because I loved the setting. I sat on a couch for a couple hours reading and listening to strong New Orleans jazz, an afternoon well spent. It's obvious some real thought went into decorating the place, it was very comfortable. I'll be back to try some of their sandwiches. If I lived closer I might be a regular here.
(4)Arlene T.
3.5 stars I stopped this morning for chickory and beignets. It is not Cafe Du Monde, but it will due for Virginia. I enjoyed the decor and music. My son and I will definitely have to make an effort to come during the day to try some real food. The beignets did not taste the way I am use to or how I make them. I am sure it has something to do with the batter and they are not bad. They are not as fluffy either. They are somewhat flat which I thought was weird. Definitely has to be the batter. I will update my rating once I try a real meal which I cannot wait. I am dieing for a muffaletta.
(3)Lauren K.
I was excited to try Bayou Bakery since I just moved back to the D.C. area after a 3 year stint on the Gulf Coast, of which I spent a lot of time in New Orleans dining at many great restaurants. I also cook most of the menu items myself since my entire family is from the Gulf. I went with a friend for the Bayou Gras celebration. I have to say that it made me feel right at home. I sipped a cold Abita beer while chatting it up with LSU alumni. My friend and I split a sampler that included gumbo, jambalaya, and a muffelata. All were on par with what I have been accustom to on the Gulf. I really liked the smokey flavor of the gumbo, you could tell that they started with a thick roux. The olive salad on the muffelata was great too! I even want to applaud them for having delicious oysters on the half shell provided by Rapphannock Oyster Bar. They were fresh and delicious. The king cake made the experience complete. I am looking forward to the spring time when I can stop by BB to get a delicious Abita Strawberry Harvest.
(4)Renee B.
Beignets are fantastic! Love the atmosphere and outdoor patio. Best americano in the neighborhood!
(5)Kevin K.
Every time that I go back to Bayou I think it really makes me think that this little corner shop in the heart of courthouse can do no wrong. The arm drip is a fattys' recurring meaty dream, the BLT with the bentons bacon is just phenomenal. I can't say how many times I have left work just a little earlier to catch these lunch specials at the end of the day. Though the breakfast and the beignets are still the absolute best I have to say that this place is getting better and better. Specials on the weekend like biscuits and gravy and grits and grillade is something to look forward to. The gumbo and jambalaya is spot on with it deep smokey flavor from the roux. Gotta love this place. Cheers and happy eats! (again)
(4)Jeff B.
I live right down the street and come here all the time. I would even go as far as saying that this is the best cafe in Clarendon. The food is always delicious and the staff is always friendly. Even though it may seem pricey, I am willing to pay a bit more for this kind of cafe over Starbucks or the like. I am a huge fan of their lattes and the sandwiches they make are always tasty and you can tell that they are made with fresh ingredients. The beignets here are excellent, though I confess that I have not been able to find another place in North Arlington to compare them to. The baked goods are way better than the processed stuff you find at other "chain" cafes. Overall, a great spot to grab a coffee and perhaps a snack or light lunch. Also a great place to sit down and relax. A bit pricey perhaps, but I think the food and the service is well worth it.
(4)Matthew W.
Wonderful place. The muffuletta was better than Central Grocery. Be sure to get extra olive salad on it. The beignets are good, but not quite as light and airy as Café du Monde. I wish I could eat here more often.
(5)Mokes A.
I work in the area and regularly stop by here for a quick coffee or tea, and occasionally I pop in when I have time to sit and read the paper, enjoy the beignets, and just enjoy the ambiance. The staff are great. Always helpful. And the people who hang out there are all chill. I recommend the ginger turmeric tea. Yum!
(4)Andrew H.
Went here from all the hype that surrounds this place. I've read food articles that praised this place as having some of the best sandwiches around. So for the past year, I've been trying to go to this place, and finally did today. Unfortunately, this place did NOT meet the hype. I got the Muff-a-lotta sandwich which everyone keeps pumpin (the article I read said this was one of the best sandwiches in the area). The muff-a-lotta which is essentially an Italian sandwich w/ olives and italian seasonings on a sesame seed bun, it DOES NOT come with lettuce or tomatoes, it's just straight meat, cheese, and bread. It was really a basic sandwich, I could've made it, even Potbelly's "A Wreck" sandwich blows this crap out of the water. I don't know why anyone gave this sandwich any respect, it's really a "hype-a-lotta" because it was a very basic sandwich, which actually left a very bad aftertaste for half of the day b/c of the weird olives and seasonings mix they had. The gumbo also fell really flat, that's the one thing a cajun place CANNOT screw up, and this one was very bland. The gumbo I make every Fat Tuesday blows this out of the water, and I've never even been to Nawlins'. Never going to this place again, just doesn't meet the hype it was given. I do give credit to the indoor decor, I liked the southern rustic look w/ make shift furniture. It gives a lil personality and something different to the very cookie cutter Courthouse/Clarendon area, but unfortunately, this place does not give cajun food justice.
(2)Matt C.
The food is good, but it ain't New Orleans. First the positives: The atmosphere is nice, the staff is friendly and helpful. The food is good. The beignets are fairly decent. Cornbread is really good. The negatives: The food is really expensive for the amount you get. Echoing what a few others have said regarding the jambalaya. A small bowl for $14. Rice is the cheapest food product known to man. Although it is good, the portion size is more like $5. Also with the amount of meat you get in it, you could almost call it vegetarian. Pork Sausage biscuit (weekend brunch) is a tablespoon full of pork on a biscuit. Both the pork and biscuit are good, but it is a 3 bite biscuit. Overall: I like the place and the food is good. However, the prices with the current portion sizes is what would keep me away.
(3)Ryan H.
I can't really seem to find too much wrong with this place.. Abita on tap..Check! Good Louisiana Style Food...Check! Good Music in the background.. Again Check! My only issue is that I always walk out of here feeling like I could have still eaten a little more. Whether that is the fact that I walked in with a giant appetite or the food was just that good?.? Still to be determined. I'll be back!
(4)Frank G.
Great bacon, egg and cheese biscuit. Turkey sausage is good as well.
(4)Brandon S.
I stopped in here because my boyfriend mentioned he saw the chef as a contestant on Chopped and because the menu looked intriguing. I ordered the muffaletta (I refuse to call foods by cutesy made-up nicknames) and a bowl of gumbo. I didn't realize until after my card had been run and I was signing the receipt that I was charged for a cup rather than a bowl. This turned out to be fortuitous for me, however, as the gumbo literally tasted like smoked earth. This has to be the only gumbo recipe in the world that calls for fresh mud. My dad's family is from Louisiana. Two of my best friends are from Louisiana. This is NOT what gumbo is supposed to taste like. I tried to combat the dirt flavor with salt to no avail. The muffaletta was excellent, though. I'm going with 3 stars because the everything else the other customers ordered looked great, and my sandwich was great, even though I spent $4 on a cup of liquid mulch.
(3)Adriana B.
BEST. MUFFALETTA. EVER. like ever. Staff is polite, and the coffee drinks and beignets are delicious.
(5)Hillary M.
My fiancé and I love Bayou Bakery! We have made it part of our weekend routine. Ambiance: Bayou Bakery caters to all people, old, young, families, you name it and you will see it at Bayou. We haven't been here once when we haven't had to dive for a table but I think that only speaks to how yummy the food is. The service is great as well, the staff is always willing to answer questions and offer recommendations. Food: We've tried most items on the menu and haven't met anything we didn't like. Of course the beignets are amazing, and you can't go wrong with their sandwiches, the sides are great too! Some our favorites include the Chips and Dip, Macaroni and Cheese (they use mini shells and the flavor changes everyday), Creole Pilgrim, Grilled Pimento Cheese and the Bayou Chopped. Best of all the bill for 2 is always under $30 and that's when we go all out! Our next step at Bayou Bakery is to stop by for some of their yummy sounding cocktails in the evening. I have no doubt that they will not disappoint!
(5)Dylan K.
Pretty lousy. Got beignets, biscuits and gravy, cafe au lait, and a bacon, ham, egg, and cheese biscuit sandwich. My bill was $17. The beignets were under cooked and overly doughy - much better at Lousiana kitchen in bethesda. The biscuit(s) and gravy, was one biscuit with pretty awesome gravy on it - for $5. bad deal. Cafe au lait - meh. Egg sandwich was bad. The egg was some premade patty, no choice of cheese. The bacon was okay i guess. The "asian" i went with got some deviled eggs and beignets. Eggs were okay but it was three half hardboiled eggs for $5. Awful deal. Will never be back. And it was packed. Ugh
(2)Anastasia B.
One word : " OVERRATED". I paid $14 dollars for a hotdog and a so called "bowl" of jambalaya. The bowl size was dissapointing If I said I hated the food, I d be probably lying, but I sure did choke on that bill a little. Not worth the upcharge!
(2)Jared H.
First time here. I love it! Ordered Jive Turkey. The bread is perfect. Inside of the sandwich is warm, fresh, complex. I am so happy to see a new alternative to all the chain lunch places.
(5)Danielle H.
I wanted to like this place, I really and truly did. I had heard such good things and I absolutely love Cajun and Creole food. But sadly, despite it's unique ambiance and decor, this place had the most disappointing lunch that I've had in ages. I went on a Sunday afternoon and grabbed a menu. When I reached the counter, I ordered a sandwich. The cashier looked at me, rolled his eyes, and said "It's SUNDAY. We don't have the regular menu, just what's on the chalkboard. Ugh." I know it's annoying when customers don't follow protocol, but I had never been before. I wasn't aware they had Sunday-only specials that excluded the regular menu. I ordered jambalaya, my cliched-but-favorite New Orleans dish; I quickly ordered my husband a muffalata sandwich from their special "Sunday" menu and a bacon praline. The bite I took of his muffalata was pretty good. I thought $7 was a little steep for a rather small sandwich with no side and no drink, but I chalk it up to ambiance and popularity of the restaurant. My jambalaya was a sad, pitiful mess. For one thing, it tasted like Zataran's mix jamabalaya that had been sitting in the fridge for a week and then nuked in the microwave. It was greasy, the texture was gummy, and there were four tiny pieces of sausage in the entire bowl and nary a shrimp to be seen. The flavor was also a bit off--I can't quite identify why but it really, really didn't taste homemade. Despite the fact that I had been starving when I entered the restaurant, I left my small bowl of rice (after I had picked out the miniscule pieces of meat) half-eaten. We split the praline and even THAT was disappointing. I enjoy blending salty and sweet but this praline was overwhelmingly bacon-flavored. The smoke taste was absolutely overpowering the sweet and the chocolate and just left a bad taste in my mouth when we were done. Other reviewers claim that the bakery fare is good--maybe I'll give this place one more chance. Just not for substantive food.
(2)Taylor M.
Great casual place for breakfast in Arlington (haven't been at other times). Coffee and beignets are good. Also like the biscuit sandwiches.
(4)Conrad C.
I've been here twice now and have tried a few different items. My impression is that Bayou Bakery is either hit or miss. For instance the muffaletta is really good, with a nice sesame bun and high-quality ham. The chicken salad sandwich, on the other hand, is just decent. They give you a lot of avocado, which is appreciated, but the chicken salad itself isn't great. The avocado does most of the heavy lifting in the sandwich. More recently I tried a cup of the gumbo. I enjoyed it, although it was a touch on the bland side. I had to add some hot sauce to give it more flavor. The meats like the sausage and chicken are good, although of course it could always use more. It comes topped with some rice to mix in to give it more heft. Today they had a Cuban sandwich special. These were not prepared to order, but they would heat them up once you ordered them. It was a fine sandwich, but they went overboard on the mustard. The crusty French bread it was served on was delicious, however. Wifey had the Creole Pilgrim, which had dry turkey (just like Earl's, maybe it's a Courthouse thing), but the bread made up for some of its sins. I really like the ambiance here and want to like Bayou more than I do, but to me it's only worth of an occasional visit.
(3)Tim C.
Atmosphere: Great. Nice decor. Feels like you're in a New Orleans cafe Food: The Muffalotta, Bitter Pig, pimento cheese sandwiches and gumbo are all good (not great). The beignets are deliciously fantastic. Now... the BLT (only available on Tuesdays). Their BLT is perhaps the best BLT you will eat. It has applewood smoked bacon, sun dried tomatoes and mayo. I'm not a fan of mayo but it's really wonderful on it. The bad part is the sandwich's smokiness stays with you for the rest of the day. But who cares. The staff and owner/chef are all very friendly and courteous. Would not hesitate to go back.
(4)Stephen T.
Just had my first experience at Bayou Bakery and I loved it! Great food, great coffee, and a very pleasant atmosphere. Food: I had the sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit and all components were tasty. I especially liked the locally sources turkey sausage from a fantastic Georgetown butcher. Beignets were delicious: fluffy, hardy, and covered in the traditional powered sugar. Drink: I love espresso, and there is definitely a spectrum of quality. My espresso macchiato was rich and silky with a wonderful flavor. And at 4 oz., It was the perfect size. Price: Very reasonable! Everything was limited to just a few dollars. Great value for such tasty food and drink!
(5)Peter D.
What a great breakfast- are we in the French Quarter? Because I feel like it with the fluffy biscuits and the best Beignets in the city. The BBQ is great too, I like it on my breakfast sandwich with lots of pepper jelly! No wonder this place is on the cover of the Post. Secret is out!
(5)John G.
My girlfriend, her daughter and I went here this past weekend, in my never-ending quest to find fun and unique places to drink coffee and eat delicious food (living in the hinterlands of Ashburn, our options are limited). I have to say, I was not disappointed! We ordered biscuits, some gigantic Oreo-like creation for the kid and, of course, beignets! All were delicious. The chicory coffee could have been better and per a certain 8 year old, the hot chocolate tasted "weird" but I cannot confirm. Their menu was huge and my only regret, food-wise, is that I did not get to sample more items! The place is not huge but we got here early enough and got a table. Luckily for us, we got there right before the morning rush. I imagine that it would be great place to chill out during non-peak hours. The service and staff were great! The little one has a nut allergy and, after mentioning that to our server, she very diligently explained what foods did, and did not, have exposure to peanuts. The music and decor was very N.O., and added to a fun, relaxed atmosphere. They also get points for being the vehicle by which we added "beignets" to the 8 year old's vocabulary! Great place! We'll definitely be back!
(4)Caitie H.
Went for a Saturday morning brunch, and was extremely satisfied. The bloody mary was outstanding, and the beignets were amazing. The veg-head sandwich was very good as well, but could have used a little more spice. As a first timer I was a little confused when I walked in and ended up staring gape-mouthed at the menu on the wall behind the order bar for a while before deciding on an order. The people who worked there seemed a little impatient with me and kept asking what I wanted rather than providing some guidance, or perhaps a menu that I could hold in my hands. So that's my only complaint, but they were busy so I won't let it affect my opinion too much.
(4)Donald B.
Another over-hyped eatery which sticks to the formula of semi-ethnic fare designed for the Yuppie-fied Ballston/Court House/Clarendon bland palate. I've eaten here twice just to see if my initial impressions were off, and NOPE! This place is way overrated. Where to start? How about the "authentic" beignets which taste merely like fried dough sprinkled with honey and powdered sugar. So disappointing since I've actually had beignets from the legendary Cafe du Monde in New Orleans, and the ones at Bayou Bakery taste like doughnuts and are not light and fluffy. My muffaletta was on the smallish side which was disappointing since I paid $7 for it. The olive salad was super oily and the predominant flavor was salt. The salami, ham, capicola and other meats were fine but pretty hard to mess up cured meats. My biggest disappointment is reserved for their gumbo. The roux, which is the traditional base of any gumbo, had that burnt taste which is indicative of the flour not being slowly incorporated into the melted fat (either vegetable oil or butter). If you come on the weekends, expect super long waits for both indoor and outdoor seating and lines out the door. IMHO, Bayou Bakery is not worth this aggravation. But if you are the type who enjoys wearing the latest H&M, Forever 21, or J. Crew attire and giving Bro-Hugs while you chat about last nights goings on at (fill in the blank) hot spot in Arlington, then you'll love Bayou Bakery.
(1)Valerie F.
One of my favorite places in Arlington! All the food tastes great, sandwiches are pretty substantial and the beignets are so tasty. I also love getting the french press coffee. It has a great, quirky atmosphere so it's a great place to hang out with some friends after work or on the weekend.
(5)Emily A.
This place was a fun little breakfast spot on a Sunday morning. The line was pretty long, and we struggled to find a seat. We ended up sitting outside in the 100 degree weather. I built my own biscuit with bacon, eggs and cheddar. My husband did the same with the sausage instead of bacon. We also got an order of beignets. Our friends ordered grits and the pulled pork. It all tasted pretty good and the food came pretty quick. I also ordered the "rebirth" drink. It was really good on a hot summer day! The bad part was that the biscuits that our sandwiches were built on completely fell apart so we were kind of eating the eggs and bacon/sausage in our hands with crumbled biscuits all over the place. The bacon was also kind of over-cooked and in tiny pieces rather than laying smoothly on the sandwich. Like I said, the taste was good, but they need to rethink the construction and eat-ability. The beignets were pretty good. They were no New Orleans Cafe de Monde beignet, but they were pretty good overall and were completely covered in powdered sugar like Cafe de Monde. Also, because it was such a hot day and the only seat left were outside, we needed water. The pitcher of water were empty most of the time we were there. They really need to be cognizant of that on hot summer days. The finally refilled them right before we left. Overall, the price of the food here was very good. We got a good amount of good food for a small bill.
(3)Charles S.
We loved Bayou Bakery. Stopped for beignets and coffee early on a cold Sunday morning. The locale is cool -- selling NOLA-ness along with the food. Comfortable, clean. David Guas was busy taking orders and supervising. And I don't know many places where the owner is there hustling at 8:00 am on Sunday. (Check out the video clips on the website.) Got to go back for the food food. I can imagine BB is jammed at lunch and dinner.
(4)Julian V.
So even though David Guas made a tongue-in-cheek/snide remark about me ordering Abita Strawberry, I guess it kind of goes along with the fact that Abita Strawberry isn't exactly one of the more masculine beers. I don't care. It's not like I ordered Smirnoff Ice or Zima or something. Abita Strawberry is freaking delicious, and Bayou Bakery had it. Kudos for that. They actually have a great assortment of Abita. When I went, it was: Amber, Turbodog, Purple Haze, Jockamo, Mardi Gras Bock, Root Beer, and of course, Abita Strawberry. You laugh now, but seriously, when it heats up a little bit, nothing tastes better than Abita Strawberry. It really is the perfect springtime beer. (Okay not really, everyone knows hefe-weizens/wheats are the way to go). I want to give this place five stars, but I can't. I just don't feel it'd be right, and it's only because I'm a fatty. And I like huge, or even fair portions. The portions here are kind of ... lacking. That was my initial reaction to the place. They tried to make me feel like at $7, 8oz./a cup of jambalaya was a steal, but it wasn't. I don't care if it's Clarendon, that's not really completely worth it. I know, I know, it's hard being a new business in town and breaking even and all that jazz, but still. I don't mind paying $7 a portion, or even $10 a portion, just make it worth my money. HOWEVER. The jambalaya was freaking amazing. I'm not sure if it's love as much as meticulousness that goes into the food. Although I'm more a fan of chicken and sausage jambalaya, I think Guas might have converted me. He used such a rich seafood stock in his jambalaya, that the flavor is carried all the way through. Also, it didn't seem as salty as other jambalayas (probably because most people just dump a ton of Tony's [Chachere's]) in. Despite not being salty, there was still great flavor, and a great heat to it. Kind of a spicy finish, but nothing unmanageable for the bland palates that are Virginia eaters. I really could have eaten three or four portions, but that would have costed $21-$28. Sad to say, the King Cake was not as good as I'd have hoped. When "bakery" is part of the name, you'd think that's what they do best. I agree with Guas in that there's no room for cream cheese or fillings in king cake. Guas' king cake was not as sweet as most other places I'd had in New Orleans (Randazzo's, Haydel's, Gambino's, hell....Rouse's even). I'm not sure if he dumbed down the cinnamon filling due to Virginia being health conscious. But then get this, the icing and sugar topping are super super sweet. Like sweeter than I remember (and I'm pretty sure I remember as I was in New Orleans four days before eating at Bayou Bakery). For most people, the king cake will come off as really awesome. For picky New Orleans ex-pats like myself, it might be a bit different from what you're expecting, but in all honesty where else are you going to get decent King Cake around here? The staff were pretty friendly, and despite it being PACKED for Fat Tuesday, they managed to keep it together. The decor feels right, and if nothing else, this place might have given me a reason to actually come to Court House/Clarendon. (Besides Ray's the Steaks of course). But PLEASE David Guas, can ya come up on the portions a little bit?
(4)Ryan L.
Snobby service. Asked for a double long shot and was practically ridiculed for it. Asked to be poured into a to go cup and was told by the barista that "I [he] can't pour my espresso into a cup but you can do it yourself." Then he did it anyways. Wtf? Horrible service and the espresso isn't even great.
(1)Rob P.
The food is pretty good. The coffee is not so good. Overall, worth going if you're in the neighborhood. Not worth seeking out. It's a shame that Bayou decided to go with Counter Culture coffee. Like so many other "non-chain" places in DC, it gets its beans from the same source as everybody else. To me, that's not very unique.
(3)Michael H.
I miss this place. We used to go here on Sunday mornings when the line at Brooklyn Bagel was out of control, until we realized that this place was way friendlier and had better coffee and just stopped going to Brooklyn Bagel altogether. Definitely try the biscuit sandwiches, and splitting one is kind of a mess. Also a must try (at least once) is the beignets (huge powdered sugar covered donut). I almost gave this 4 stars, because I'm not a huge fan of their lunch foods, but then I remembered that their happy hour specials are usually pretty good.
(5)Jeff P.
I think maybe this place is still a work in progress, at least I hope. I had made trial run here a couple of weekends ago with my girlfriend. Had the muffaletta. It was decent. But today, I decided to go all-out and really try it out. I went around 12:30 pm, which yeah --- it's in the heat of the lunch rush, but it was lunch time, right? Strike 1: Advertised on their chalkboard was a shrimp roll. I order and am told, "We're out. We have to poach the shrimp." Fine, I ordered the "Arm Drip Roast Beef Sandwich" and a bowl (not a cup) of gumbo. Strike 2: So, they have this system when your order is ready, they call out a random Cajun French word. For this experience, I had "plaqamines." Here's the problem, with mostly Hispanic kitchen staff, their pronunciation of Cajun French is difficult to understand. Needless to say, I had ordered to dine in, and despite my order being called, I didn't hear it. Nor did I see it because it was packaged to go. And this all before the first bite of food. Strike 3: Altogether, the price was $17. That's a little high for a New Orleans-themed cafe. Being from the Gulf Coast and spending way too much time in New Orleans than I care to admit, the food was OK. It was packaged to go in a way that took something away from the dining experience - a squished sandwich and gumbo in a styrofoam cup that had been sitting in a window. Disappointing to say the least. Thing is, Bayou Bakery doesn't have a lot of competition. It's probably a good place to get chicory coffee and beignets, but at lunch it lacks.
(2)Holley M.
I have been here 3 times now. Haven't tried much beyond the beignets, coffee and the biscuit with sausage, egg, and cheese. The french press coffee is good. The beignets are wonderful. The rest, not so good. The sausage biscuit was lacking. The egg looked microwaved and the sausage seemed old. Wouldn't get that again. Would like to try the muffaletta. The beignets and coffee are worth going for but not much else. They put the milk/cream/sugar by the front door which is a pain. If you get the french press, you have to get up multiple times to get milk or cream for your coffee. They should give you a little pitcher of milk. Would be a nice touch.
(3)Ross M.
Ugh. What a complete ripoff. I feel like I've been scammed. $12 for a breakfast sandwich and iced coffee??? Seriously? Come on. It wasn't good at all. The coffee was nothing special, tasted kind of bleh. Java Shack right down the street has better coffee and it's cheaper. My biscuit with bacon egg and cheese, was some lame yucky biscuit, square microwaved egg, McDonald's cheese and thick over salty bacon. Brooklyn Bagels right across the street has better sandwiches, and for a lot cheaper. I guess the cool interior is what you pay for. Ugh, never again. This isn't even a freaking bakery! It's a Panera Bread factory with a Bayou twist. If you want a real bakery go check out Heidelberg's in Arlington and Cenan's in Vienna.
(1)Jack F.
CliffsNotes: More like a Cajun-themed coffee house than a true Cajun bakery or restaurant. You won't find many dishes actually from the Bayou area, in fact it's as if the menu was intentionally peppered with words like "creole" and "blackened" for some resemblence of Cajun cuisine. Nonetheless, it's a cozy coffeehouse and the food is decent by it's own right. [Original Visit: December 2, 2010]
(3)Pear M.
Yelp should really let us give half stars, this place was a solid 3.5! My sister came home from a vacay in New Orleans a couple months ago raving about beignets. So when I heard that David Guas was opening his own bakery in VA to spread the beignet love, I was excited to finally try one. I made the trip on a Saturday afternoon and got an order of beignets (which come in 3) and a cup of the gumbo. Since i have nothing to compare the beignets to, I thought they were yummy, very powdery and doughy doughnuts. My sister said they weren't as good as the ones she had in N.O., but not bad at all. The gumbo was perfect for the cold and windy day we just had, but I thought it was a little thin. The gumbo from R.T.'s on Mt. Vernon Ave is better imo. The decor is very cute, they try to incorporate a lot of N.O.-esque elements; it's not something you see anywhere else in Arlington. It also had a very homey feeling to it -- there were a few LSU fans having coffee and beer in their couch area watching the LSU game. That was pretty cool. I'll be back to try their other treats and coffee! ::Update 12/08/10:: - Went back and tried the butternut squash soup. Found a winner, ladies and gents!
(3)Spencer C.
This is my favorite coffee shop in Courthouse. The coffee is good, the food is delicious (yummy beignets!) and the staff is SO friendly. I love their breakfasts and brunches, but their other dishes are good as well. I definitely recommend this place to everyone!!! I also know that they donate food to the Arlington street people assistance network ASPAN across the street (which helps end homelessness). Love a business that believes in social justice!
(5)Shawn L.
This is the only venue I have found in the area that comes close to authentic New Orleans cuisine. Amazing! Everything is great and they even have Abita Beer!
(5)Samantha E.
Picked up a bacon biscuit and sausage biscuit and they were nothing great. The eggs on them were pre-made little discs and the bacon was much to crunchy and scant. The sausage was flavorful but not spectacular. The best part of it all was the biscuit. It was light and fluffy.
(2)Ashley K.
A friend recently introduced me to Bayou, and I really love this place. At first, I thought it was just a bakery cause--duh--it's called Bayou BAKERY. But it's MUCH more than that. They have an amazing selection of coffee...my friend and I are big fans of the pour over, which is your choice of coffee freshly ground and brewed slowly with a steady stream of hot water through a filter cone. They also have a variety of interesting/delicious unique beverages, like their hibiscus iced tea and ginger iced coffee. I go here mostly for beverages, but I get food from time to time, and I've always been impressed. Their breakfast sandwiches are delicious. I love that they're served on a biscuit. I've also had the deviled eggs (yummy!) and the shrimp roll, which is their special on Fridays. Their cupcakes are awesome (of course), and the rest of the baked goods always look AMAZING. Thursday nights they have half-priced bottles of wine and $3 pimento cheese with Triscuits for ladies (and yes, they are really Triscuits, from the box, like you buy at the grocery store. And they are delicious with the pimento cheese). Most importantly, the staff here are amazing. Everyone is always friendly and helpful. The pour overs take a few minutes to make, but they never get impatient or annoyed that I order one almost every day.
(5)Michelle K.
Bayou Bakery does two things well: coffee and beignets. The restaurant boasts different seasonal coffees, from mint-basil to cinnamon roll to ginger-iced, and all are well-done. While I'll definitely go back to Bayou Bakery for those two items, I'm going to stay away from everything else. As a huge fan of New Orleans food (who isn't!?), I was excited to try this little corner restaurant. However, like pretty much every other Louisiana-themed restaurant in the DMV, Bayou Bakery falls way short of the food I had while in New Orleans - in fact, it's not even comparable. By far, the most egregious error at the bakery is the praline. New Orleans' pralines literally melt in your mouth...they are amazing in every way. The praline at Bayou Bakery was rock solid. I felt like I was eating cement. It was so terrible and not at all close to anything you'd get in New Orleans. I may or may not have chipped like seven teeth when I bit into it. Just for reference, I've tried the arm drip (average), the bitter pig (slightly above average), the mac & cheese (I'd rather have Kraft), the dat-o cookie (nice brown sugar flavor in the cookies), and the snowball (disappointing). Go here for the coffee and beignets (as I'll continue to do) and you won't be disappointed. Go for anything else, and you'll realize that Bayou Bakery falls far short of its Louisiana aspirations.
(2)Katie G.
Nice addition to the area. Cozy, friendly space. I tried the arm dip--and the meat was tender and tasty, although I didn't find it very exciting. If you want to add ketchup to something, it may be boring. I agree with an earlier reviewer on the system of calling names. People can't hear/understand the person calling out names. Must be a better way. They need to buy better napkins--I think they're recycled, which is nice, but they totally fall apart and then you get stuff all over you--so you use more napkins, which defeats the purpose of using recycled napkins. Looking forward to going back.
(4)Rose D.
I love Bayou Bakery and have been going there since it first opened up. I enjoy supporting local businesses and hands down, Bayou Bakery has the best coffee in town. However, this morning, my experience was not good. My husband and I ordered the coffee to-go (as we usually do). It tasted horrible - almost like turpentine. It was like the staff used old used grounds from the day before. It was so bad, that we both poured out the coffee and immediately went to Starbucks. We also purchased the yogurt and granola to go. Bayou makes their own granola and it is delicious! However, I noticed that the woman preparing it was not sanitary. After she scooped the granola into the to-go cups, she used her bare hands to pick up pieces of granola that dropped on the counter and the outside of the container. She then put those pieces back into the main granola container. She had no gloves on and she did not wash her hands before touching the food directly. Unfortunately, this is the second time I have seen the granola handled poorly. There is no excuse for an establishment to not follow proper food safety protocol. I noticed this morning that a lot of the staff looked new. I hope that they review food codes and standards with their staff - as well as how to brew coffee! Until then, we will be at Starbucks!
(2)Derek P.
Tasty beignets. Great biscuits.
(4)Amisha S.
This place is great to meet up for coffee with friend(s) as it's spacious, quick service.
(4)Andy M.
Bakery with purple haze...who would've thought? Outside and inside seating ls pleasant
(4)Andy B.
I have been here a few times now, mostly at night and mostly on Friday's to have the BBQ shrimp. Consistency is a major issue. I have eaten the shrimp multiple times and it is almost always different. One time it was amazing and all the rest it was OK. The one difference I noticed on why the one night was amazing was the Chef was in the house. He didn't cook it but i guess the cooks paid a little more attention when the boss is around, not a good indication of quality. I went this past Sunday during lunch. looking at the menu i found quite a few dishes that i wanted to get, but little did i know, there were a set of rules that eliminated all of my choices. For instance hardly anything is served before 1pm, after 12 most of the specials are sold out, and that some dishes aren't served on certain days (and i am not talking about the specials). Suggestions: 1) The draw is clearly in the food, so have a steady menu that you don't need to decoder ring to figure out. if they served consistent food every day of the week, i would eat there much more often. 2) i have never seen a restaurant with a bigger identity crisis. It's a partial bakery, partial bar, partial restaurant, partial coffee shop. Figure out what you want to be and go for it. I hope they choose restaurant. 3) It wouldn't kill you to hire a busboy. I find it lackluster and cheap to just let people clean up after themselves. Yeah we live in a civilized world but, let's face it, some people are more civilized than others, and after a few of the latter, you're forced to eat in an inch of someone else's powdered sugar. Reason for two stars instead of one: beignets are good. the meatballs are good. and the BBQ shrimp are amazing about 10% of the time. and i like the guy that works at night, not the guys that work during the day.
(2)Michelle N.
In case I ever need to remember how to pronounce beignets: Ben-YAY! Because that's exactly how excited I get about eating them. A friend suggested we meet here and I had their daily special for dinner which was shrimp creole - the shrimp was fantastic but I didn't care for the rice. I sopped up the juice with the super crusty garlic bread. But what was really worth the trip were the beignets. I wish I had eaten them there on the spot since they were freshly cooked but I had gotten them to go. Even cold they were fantastic, and even zapped in the microwave for a few seconds they were amazing. I can only imagine what kind of euphoria I would have been in had I ate them on the spot. Oh and they come three in a pack which is a steal! Service was good and you get a fun name card when you put in your order. The atmosphere is very chill and the decor was unique. If you park at Penn parking garage around the corner on 15th, Bayou Bakery will validate your parking for up to 2 hours, in the evenings or weekends.
(3)Meredith R.
Just returned here after my 3rd visit since the place opened. I love the place and the atmosphere! I had a diet root beer, the creole pilgram (turkey sandwich with argula, gouda, and dijonaise on a crusty loaf, panini style) and the tomato gazpacho. The gazpacho was delicious and probably had pureed breadcrumbs in it, crutons on top. My brother also ordered the creole pilgram and we both pretty much demolished them - I'm so stuffed! That was a lot of food for a girl, but I'm hitting up spin later, so I'll burn it off :) The only complaint about the sandwich is that it was slightly on the dry side. I would have loved a tomato on it - that would have made it perfect! My brother had the bottled soda that was reddish in color (can't remember the name at the moment) and also had the Zapps chips, which if you've never had them are divine. I have had their salads before and they are good. I noticed a lot of ladies in there were ordering the mixed salads and then a plate of begniets to share, which is what I'm totally going to do next time! I might add a cup of gumbo - I've also had that there and thought it was pretty good, but you have to like your gumbo on the smokier side to enjoy this gumbo, I didn't remember it being very tomato-y. Overall, adorable lunch place that is not a bar disguised as a restaurant or a chain fast-eating place in Courthouse.
(4)Robert P.
Arrived after lunchtime. Good service; friendly guy taking orders. I ordered grilled chicken salad with avocado (this was not the spread, but REAL chunks of avocado) on 7-grain Texas toast. Pretty darn good sandwich. Friend ordered muff-a-lotta which is a crazy was of spelling the real thing. He liked it. Ordered it with extra olives and said that made it really good. Coffee could have been hotter, but I did not ask for another cup which they surely would have given me. My bad. We both had an order of beignets. Three to a plate. Way too much. Don't make that mistake. Of course, we finished all of them anyway. Piglets! Friend said the ones in New Orleans were fluffier and lighter, but these were my very first ever beignets and I was just as happy as a pig in shit eating all three which were good! The weekend brunch menu looks yummy. Have to try that sometime.
(4)S V.
Bring a friend or 2 -- the 'must try' beigniets are great, but come 3 to an order and are like a full sized lump of donut with tons of sugar on top -- and if you eat more than one you wont have room for the other good breakfast/brunch items. Small place, and has outside tables too.
(4)Toya D.
The April DC Food Blogger Happy Hour was hosted here on Wednesday. I was impressed by the menu selection (and prices) and don't travel to Virginia often (read: ever!) for dining, so I was anxious to get here. I was greeted with beads, a nice cup and my option of beer (tap) or Rum Punch (more up MY alley). The Rum Punch was delish. One was just enough to quench my thirst. The gumbo (chicken and sausage) was really good. Just enough season, without all the unnecessary burn-your-tongue spices. At $7, I could've used a larger bowl. My serving seemed more like a cup, which is $4. Took a few bites of the muff-a-lotta, which was really good -- although I'm not a big fan of olive-anything. The olive spread was nice with the warm meats and cheeses. The sandwich could've been larger, too, actually. They serve Zapp's chips. Never had them before and I normally don't sway to kettle chips, but the Cajun Crawtator flavor was really good. I'm pretty sure I ate most of the bag that wasn't mine to begin with. (Ooopsies!) I also grabbed a bag of porKorn (peanut-caramel popcorn, benton's bacon) on the way out, but haven't cracked that open yet. Sure looks good though. Gotta go back for the beignets.
(4)Daniel F.
Dinner- shrimp creole was good, as were beignets, but the portions were small for the money... $35 for two, no alcohol & we're still hungry
(3)J M.
I want to love this place, but - they can't seem to execute the menu they have written. EVERY time, the staff preparing the food makes an error or serves me the wrong item. The execution is awful. Today I paid $10 for my lunch (the bayou chopped salad), only to get back to my desk and find there is NO BACON on it. How can you leave out the only meat? Bayou needs to retrain, or better yet, replace their staff and it might have a chance to turn around. I hope they do, because the menu offerings all sound so good - wish I could actually get them.
(2)Jeremy C.
This is a nice little spot to get a quick bite for breakfast or brunch. Upon walking in you are always greeted by the friendly and very helpful staff, which make up for the slightly over-priced food and drink. My girlfriend and I shared the jambalaya, gumbo and beignet. They were all pretty good, especially the beignets, but again the menu seems over-priced. If you are searching for a local place to go for a different type of breakfast/brunch, Bayou Bakery is not a bad choice, but it would not be my first choice.
(3)MJ S.
Ordered a French press to share. Best idea we could have had. It was strong and good. The beignets were okay. Not quite like the ones you would find in New Orleans but good.
(3)Marigold D.
I really wanted to licks this place but it just feels like its trying way too hard. For example, drinking out of mason jars is cute and theme-y but in actuality not all that comfortable. The coffee is good but the food is all over the place. I think they should cut down their extensive menu and work on bringing up the quality of the food.
(3)Suwei C.
My husband and I heard this place has good food, so we went there this Sunday morning. It is so disappointing, and the customer service is so terrible. We notice this place is packed, when we first went in. So we were thinking about taking the food home. While my husband was ordering the food, a table open up. I went there to take the table and waited until he came back with a order number "Lincoln" (in this noise place, when the order is called, you will not pay attention for some name is not yours). So when "Lincoln" is called after twice, I went up there pick up my order. I did not see my coffees. So I asked the girl, her reply was first " I don't know." " You need to pick up the drinks over there;", She was pointing to the end of the line where people were ordering. "Should I pick up the drink first, then come back for my food?" "I DON"T CARE!" She rolled her eyes! So I was carrying my food try, went back against the line and asked another guy helping the order: "I ordered two drinks with the food..." He did not even check my order "Lincoln," but made two regular coffees (not we ordered cafe latte & cafe au lait) and put them all the way at the end of the order line! So I carried my food again, went against all the people lining to order to pick up the two drink I did not order! The design of the flow dose not make any sense! When I went back to my table, my husband was kicked out of the table! A waiter came and told him this table is for more than 3 people, and then put a sign on the table! The sign was not there when I set down! So I end up carrying a very heavy try and had no seat! Where is the "helpful" waiter, when I need my order to be completed and correct! We end up seating on a small bench with no table in front of us. I just want to finished my food quickly and get out. I was expecting a nice cafe experience, but it turn up to be a tiresome experience of getting food and finding seats! The table was quickly taken by TWO girls when I am looking around for a table for two! And they just ignored the sign and enjoy. And the waiter did not say a word to them! My husband did not like the food, as he has been Cafe Du Monde many times in New Orleans. The beignets were soggy. And the sugar was all over us, when we could not even have napkins as we were sitting on a side bench! I ran home to wash my hands!
(1)Katy L.
In reality this is more of a 3.5 Boyfriend and I went there for breakfast on a Sunday. I knew perfectly well it would be packed, but I had accepted that before we arrived. Walked in, and it was quite hot and humid in the place, but not too horrible. It was a pretty humid day outside. Grabbed some menus and waited in line and ordered. We were lucky enough to find an empty table so we sat and waited. And waited. And waited. The coffee took about 15 minutes to come out. The food another 20 after that. I get the rush and get that everything is made to order, but 15 minutes for a cafe au lait? Eh, not buying it. The whole process was slightly disorganized. You order and get a number/parish name, and it is for both drinks and food. You then have to double back to get the coffee and wait in the same place people are waiting for food. While waiting, I had to listen to the barrista berate his co-worker, calling her an idiot in front of about 10 people. All of that aside, it is really all about the food, which was tasty. I went here with a hankering for beignets and it satisfied my craving, not to the level of Cafe du Monde, but still pretty good. Piping hot, covered in powered sugar. The biscuits were warm and buttery, but the egg on the sandwich was obviously a pre-made processed egg patty. All in all, the food will bring me back, but I will be better prepared next time.
(3)Lesley H.
I really dont understand how this place gets bad reviews. I am in love with bayou bakery and insist that my friend take me everytime I go visit her now. Granted we only go for breakfast but I literally have nothing bad to say about this place. It is a little hard to find places to sit sometimes but thats only bc this place is so dang popular... but I can't really hate on it for that.... and honestly its not ever ridiculously crowded.... at least the times i've been. Now to the drinks...... so i dont drink coffee but my friend does and she RAVES about their lattes. she was in love with their cinnamon roll latte... or something like that... but it was only seasonal and last time we went she got the red hot latte and said it was amazing as well. since i dont drink coffee i did get their hot chocolate once. it was pretty dang good. i had to use A LOT of self control to keep myself from drinking it all before it was beignet time. Now my favorite part.... FOOD! so since we always come for breakfast i always order a biscuit sandwich along with beignets... of course. There biscuits here are delicious. You can definitely tell that they are homemade. They arent too dense, doesnt leave a buttery sheen on your fingers, not dry... just perfect... well with one downside... they kind of fall apart. While the outside of the biscuit is golden brown with a good crust hte inside is quite moist... moist NOT doughy... it really is delicious but it falls apart in your hand while youre trying to eat your sandwich. I usually get my sandwiches with ham, cheese, and egg. The egg does look kind of odd. its like a perfect square cut out of what im guessing is a pan of scrambled eggs. Just looks odd taste fine. The cheese they use is a pretty sharp cheddar which I love. Lastly obviuosly the beignets here are freaking amazing. You get 3 for $3. They always come out fresh. They are light and airy on the inside and they come with NO shortage of powdered sugar. Trust me after you eat them you will have powdered sugar all over your mouth and face.... its actually a little bit embarassing... but whatever... its completely worth it!
(5)Bill M.
Okay we found it and was it worth the trip the beignets taste like the real deal. I have to say the coffee smelled really good. Upon walking in the line looks like it will take a while but it moves rather quickly. As others have pointed out you get three beignets on a small plate covered with powdered sugar, you wonder how you are not going to make a mess. But the taste was out of this world good. Okay in response to Rod's review yes the parish card thing to call you when your order is ready is a little cumbersome but they are proud people and with the accent I couldn't understand them either. But it is such a small thing, I do agree with other reviews that they could try to keep the tables cleaner but i guess they just get overwhelmed with customers.
(5)Mark K.
Considering I'd rather eat from a barn floor than most of Virginia's restaurants, this place is decent for the price. They have a selection of bear claws, donuts, cinnamon buns, sticky rolls, jelly filled pastries, chocolate chip cookies, fruit tarts, blueberry muffans, wedding cakes, whole wheat bread, croissants, and the regular fare that you'd find at any coffee shop. They have free milk and sugars you can pour into your coffee and stir around. I will say that for a place that prides itself on its New Orleanian heritage, there's no heart, soul, or secret spice to any of the food here. Definitely worth a look if you're in the area and need a cheap coffee! (Both in taste and price)
(1)Matt L.
There's not many better lunch spots to introduce friends to a new eatery than Bayou Bakery. A great setting, a great location, and a menu that can appeal to all tastes. The sounds of Louisiana are therapy for the ears, and it's really great to see so many patrons with smiles on their face. I feel that the celebrity chef naming convention has past the point of no return in its misuse, but owner and Executive Chef David Guas is definitely a notable Chef w/ his own cookbook, and appearances on the Today Show, and supporting cameos on the Food Network. The great thing about Chef Guas is that you stop in the BB, and he's at the counter taking orders (Look for the Elvis impersonator w/ the Chops). It's just really refreshing to see someone with the business savvy that he has, but also with the passion for food, and the love for the people eating the food. Leaders lead from the front, and it's very evident that he understands that. Our group of three went with two muff-a-lotta's, and an Arm-Drip, all from the sandwich offerings. The muff-a-lottas had great freshness and flavor. Many olive tapenades are too-heavy, or over-utilized, but the Olive Salad that serves as the dressing for the sandwich was perfect. The toasted sesame seed roll that serves as the bread really adds to the whole package. The Arm-Drip lived up to it's name, as the creamy gravy will drip out with every bite. My dear friend raved about the tenderness of the roast beef, and all that remained were a few drips of gravy, which says it all. BB has a great selection of snacks as well from deviled eggs to a bacon & blue dip. We went with the hot nuts, which are essentially VA peanuts and creole seasoning. The menu listed bacon fat as well, but we couldn't detect any of it after going through the whole mini mason jar of which it is served.. Maybe next time. With lunch rush hour, there may be a bit of a wait, but with the music, and the spacious atmosphere, it flies by. This is a "bus yourself" establishment, which I think is great, as we as a culture have really become pretty big slobs. If you are on the fence about making a stop in, stop thinking and just go. You won't regret it!
(5)Brian D.
Awesome vibe. Unreal coffee. Great biscuit sandwiches. You order from a counter so it's very efficient. Breakfast menu could be bigger but what I had was phenomenal so it makes up for it. Need to try the chicory coffee next time
(4)Natalie F.
Being from NEW ORLEANS, this place is on point. My boyfriend and I moved up a few months ago and were feeling a little homesick. We saw BB was having a Saints viewing party and had Abita Amber so we put the address in our Garmin and sought out our people. The ambiance was great. The people were great. The food was even better. While I don't doubt the salads are good, who gets a salad in New Orleans?! Would you go to Italy, get a salad and then complain the dressing is too thick? Please. When in Rome... When at Bayou Bakery, eat like a New Orleanian! We had the Gumbo, the Gulf shrimp mirliton and of course the beignets! Phenomenal!!! If you've ever been to New Orleans and actually have an appreciation for REAL New Orleans style food, this is the place you. You'll feel like your back home. If you don't like it, well...I'm sad to say, you've been up north way too long. Stop in and enjoy the food, atmosphere and the company. It's a nice little get away from the city. The owners are so friendly! Showing the Saints games are a huge plus too!
(5)Jennifer B.
Ordered a King Cake from Bayou Bakery for a Birthday party. The ordering process was pretty simple, and it was ready on the day I scheduled. Bayou Bakery supplies you with Mardi Gras beads and a nice card explaining the tradition of the King Cake. The only thing that amused me was that the restaurant did not stick the traditional plastic baby in the cake for liability issues. I understand why, but chuckled nonetheless. After inserting the baby myself, I served it to my friends--some of whom are from Louisiana. They really enjoyed it. Thought it was a good stand-in for the ones they are used to having in Louisiana. The cake was moist, delicious, and not overly sweet. The bakery says the cake serves 10-12 people, but I think we ended up serving 15 with it. Everyone was satisfied by the time the cake disappeared. I would gladly order from them again.
(4)S. Paul L.
Good food. The Muffaletta (sp?) sandwich was very tasty. Good coffee as well. This place gets ridiculously packed in a hurry, so I'd highly recommend trying to hit it during the off-hours.
(4)Anna A.
So, last week I was handed this adorable bag of popcorn, which was tied with a baby blue ribbon. Ah that cute eight inch silkiness. Without knowing where it's from or how it was made. (Where did you come from, where did you go) The sticker just stated -- "Arlington, VA - Bayou Bakery Coffee Bar and Bakery." Eating and inspecting each puffy piece with tongue to identify the strange flavor - is it salted caramel or sweet caramel? I figured it was popped in pig fat. ONLY AFTER reading the three other reviews posted on yelp, I realized it is bacon and caramel. Oh yeah, it is bacon. Lord has mercy. Should be a sin to enjoy such lusciousness! On another note, had a friend try two pieces and they stated that it's not Garrett's. They believed the bacon was not properly used. Although they may be bias towards popcorn not from Chicago, the bacon surely tastes different from your expectation of a typical crispy bacon slice. Strange. Addicting. Intriguing. Get some. Share with others and see their reaction!
(4)Elodie T.
I really like the atmosphere and the food, although I will have to come back for more samplings of the menu. ;) I think, if anything, the seating (seat-yourself) is the only negative part but if you come after the lunch rush, there are available seats. I ordered a Bloody Caesar salad (I think? It's not on the online menu) which had some sundried tomatoes and a few other things. I also got the Chai Latte- good, although I think I'd still ultimately choose Starbucks' over this one. Friends ordered another salad and the Arm drip, as well as the mimosa and the French press coffee. The mimosa was on the small side, whereas the French press coffee came in a HUGE French press- enough for 3 cups! It was good coffee. :) The arm drip also looked AMAZING. We shared the beignets- lovely, although I personally can't compare it to the real thing from New Orleans since I've never been. Had a good time teasing friends and the 'explosions' of powdered sugar when they bit down. I concur with whoever said to not wear black! I can definitely see myself being here and eating beignets all afternoon. If only I lived closer!
(4)Jessica H.
So disappointed. I came here after being released early from jury duty next door, before the mad lunch rush, and had time to leisurely peruse the lunch menu. I settled on a Bayou Chopped Salad with chicken (basically a cobb) and some cheese sticks and some berry iced tea. The cheese sticks were good, but that's a given, right? The salad had SO little dressing. Or the dressing was so thick that it just didn't get around much. It was just a bland salad. A lot of food for the price, but I don't usually get just a salad for lunch, so I figured I should eat the whole thing... which took some effort since it was so bland. Not really planning to come back after that. Sigh.
(2)Bonnie F.
Great neighborhood coffee shop. The food is delicious and the setting/ambiance feels like New Orleans (having just come back from NOLA I can attest to that) The coffee is excellent (or teas if you are in the mood) just a great all around neighborhood spot. I go there for coffee with clients, lunch with clients, or on Saturday morning in my gym clothes. They have started a new HH that I think goes all night long. I enjoy having a new HH spot in the area and the craft beer was excellent.
(5)Justin C.
I had forgotten about this place and just how bad it was, then last night on our way to the DC Brau beer and crab festival at Quarterdeck I spotted it again and the recollection of the worst jambalaya I've ever had came back to haunt me. It's a cute enough place, and I've heard they do some legit beignets, which is the only thing saving it from a dreaded 1 star review. The night was much more memorable for Robert Griffin III's upset Heisman Trophy win over Andrew Luck, followed by a rockstar-esque birthday bash hosted by Tia and her roommate Heather just a few blocks down, but Bayou did everything it could at the time to attempt to stand out, just in the wrong way. I started with some deviled eggs. They were deviled eggs, not much to say about them. Like most deviled eggs in this area they were overpriced for what they are, except these had virtually nothing else added to them to distinguish them from the typical preparation. I guess maybe there was a dusting of cayenne, but that's not really too uncommon. They reminded me more of what some lady, who can't cook otherwise, brings to the office Christmas party, rather than something I've just paid for in a restaurant. The eggs paled in comparison though to the offensiveness of the jambalaya. There are a handful of people here (fortunately they're in the minority) who have called this jambalaya things like "amazing" and "divine", which makes me wish that Yelp had a block user function, because I would clearly never trust their opinion again. They failed on not only an execution level but also a fundamental level, failing to prepare any semblance of food that a Creole would be proud to call their own. Honestly, just look at it ( yelp.com/biz_photos/RlVQ… ). Does that plate entice you in any way? Maybe if you really love just a ton of rice and no meat, it might. But the problem with that was the rice was so horribly undercooked that it was quite often hard. The lack of meat aside, there was almost no seasoning, and certainly no depth of flavor. Where is the rich stock, or the peppers, onions, or tomatoes? The executive chef here is supposedly a native of New Orleans, so I highly doubt it was him preparing this debacle, but it does speak volumes about the lack of quality control over recipes that he must have created.
(2)Laurie L.
Good food good atmosphere but the coffee is never hot and has to be heated in the microwave. Service is good and people are nice.
(3)Jess G.
Coffee, chai tea, beignets...what more do you need in life? I actually skipped the coffee and got chai tea, which was served in a nice big mug with a good amount of spice! I love the homey atmosphere that makes it like a much better version of Panera with real dishes and silverware, as well as very good food. You do pick up your food yourself when your number is called, get your own silverware, and clean up your table, but it's worth it! I got a salad because I had already had some breakfast. I wasn't expecting much, but the salad was actually really good! It was a huge portion that was hard to finish, but i did because the flavors were all so good and the ingredients were fresh. The mixed green salad has apples, goat cheese, caramelized pecans, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The beignets were of course really tasty, as long as you have someone to tell you that you still have powdered sugar on your face (which, you will, for a while - it's worth it). My boyfriend also got the build-a-biscuit, which he liked a lot (and it was nice they had non-pork options). Also - parking on the weekend? So easy! We found plenty of street parking less than a block away. You can't beat that!
(4)Nicole C.
the biscuits are divine, especially with the pepper jelly. The Capt. Chai Tea is also worth it. The biscuits and gravy were a little "meh" according to my boyfriend, but he has very high standards so take that with a grain of salt. The only bad thing about this place is that they stop serving biscuits at noon on Saturday, and there is never a time when one should stop serving biscuits.
(5)Noelle P.
I LOVE Bayou Bakery - the rumors are churning about it's impending arrival in Capitol Hill, and I just can't wait. The biscuits are delish, the bacon is even delicious-er and if you're looking for a beignet, and you've gone too far north and east, this is the next best spot outside of NOLA. The vibe is laidback and colloquial - you're bound to sink into an arm chair next to a stranger who will soon be a friend. My only request - fountain sodas!
(5)Antonio M.
**BEIGNET REVIEW ONLY*** Hot, steamy, fresh and slightly sticky goodness that will make your toes curl as you suck your fingers and passionately yell, "Ohhh yuuuum YESSS!" Get your mind out of the gutter ya sicko freak! I'm not talking about that, I'm talking about Bayou Bakery's made-to-order beignets. Their beignets are amazing pastry treats that will have your body convulsing with orgasmic enjoyment as soon as the warm flaky beignet goodness touches your lips. Each order comes with three perfectly made beignets covered in a beautiful layer of powdered sugar. Pair your beignet order with a freshly made latte and you have heaven on earth! I guarantee that as you sit there enjoying your latte and begin licking the sugary powder from your fingers, you can't help but think how these beignets are like a little piece of perfectly fried sex on a plate. That is all you need to know about them. If you're not drooling (or sweating) after reading this, then run to Bayou Bakery and try a beignet for yourself. Yes, you're welcome....now go, get some! :-)
(4)Pica S.
I lived around the corner for years and have been here many, many times. I can't believe it only has 3.5 stars at the moment, and that people are complaining about authenticity (shudder), or their food not being up to snuff after they took it home in a paper bag. That's like docking pizza a star for being soggy after you steam it in a cardboard box! The best things here are the breakfast biscuits, and you've got to at least split an order of beignets, they're perfectly fried, light with the right amount of puff. You'll get all the powdered sugar you could possibly want and more. People comparing them to rosy memories of Cafe du Monde ... yeesh ... I promise, if you had them next to each other you would change your tune. There's like 3 ingredients in a beignet, it's all about the technique, and these are great. Everyone knows about the breakfast, so if you come on the weekend, come early or expect to have to put a little effort into scoring a table (seating is first-come, first-serve) ... i.e. don't show up with big group at 10 on a Saturday. I would kill to work nearby, I'd be here like every day for the breakfast biscuits and coffee. I love coffee, here they brew Counter Culture and there are free refills. I'm not a huge fan of the Baroida, which they have on tap often, but still prefer it over the alternative of not drinking it or trekking to Java House where they don't have any of this food. Pralines are not my favorites but are excellent (don't know a better source in DC), and they now have a praline scone which is a must-eat if you at all like scones. Brownies and other baked stuff is great. You are in a bakery, you should order a sweet treat. And before close, you can get discounts. Food-wise I've had a few things. Definitely recommend the gumbo. The muffaletta actually has a different name and isn't trying to be a giant NO-style one, it's smaller and basically mashed meats. All the food is good, and pretty consistent, like 3.5-4 stars out of 5 depending on what you order. For under $10 that is awesome. I'm not one of those bacon freaks, but if you like bacon you will not go wrong ordering something with it here. Also, everyone who works here is very friendly, it's a great atmosphere. From the outside you'd never know it, it looks like another mediocre Arlington place from the street. There are outside tables, which are nice when the weather is good, and help ease the crowding inside on weekend mornings. A great place to meet and chill with friends on nice day.
(5)Dennis G.
4 of us stopped on a Saturday around 2 in the afternoon. I would have thought that this would normally be well past a lunch hour rush, but it wasn't the case. The place was packed, and I know why. They serve good food at reasonable prices. It's not very big so finding a table can be a challenge and some people seem to linger over their tables long ofter they've consumed their meals, but there is so much going on that it is understandable. If you haven't tried it and you're in the area, by all means do so. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Wonjin C.
A friend from out of town came so we took a risk and came here! We ordered an arm drip sandwich, beignets, gumbo and ice coffee! Let me say this - the arm drip sandwich was amazing. The sandwich consists of thickly sliced roast beef that is very smooth. It cuts really well so that you dont pull out the whole slice with a bite. The roast beef is covered in a gravy that isnt overly salty and is just enough where you won't feel like you are going to die. There is a good amount of sweet and soft onions mixed in with the heaping amount of melted cheese on top of the sandwich. The bread also soft and compliments the sandwich well. Just a warning - not a first date sandwich, its super messy but super worth it! Gumbo was also good! I loved the pieces of sausage and chicken in the gumbo! It wasn't overly salty which made me like it more. There is probably a table spoons worth of rice right on top which is goes well with the gumbo! Now the beignets - they honestly weren't the greatest? It's not something I am looking forward to grabbing the next time I come here. They were just caked with powdered sugar and weren't very flavorful. It just tasted like a doughnut with no sugar in the actual bread portion? Coffee was good - tasted like standard coffee to me! I did love however that you can get FREE refills on your coffee if dine in! Looking forward to going again and trying more things!
(4)Sharron W.
love the beignets and biscuits. gets crowded on the weekends but the food makes up for it!!!
(5)Rob K.
Delicious coffee and the biscuit breakfast sandwich was outstanding. Have not had anything else. Nice decor inside and pleasant ambiance.
(5)Michelle A.
This place is great! Five of us were here this morning with our three babies, and we had a great breakfast sitting comfortably in the back on the couches. I had a bacon and chive scone that was awesome, and a french press pot of coffee that was good- a little strong, but good. I also tried the beignets- they were really light and fluffy and not too sweet. The place is great, not sure it's very Louisiana but it's definitely got an industrial feel- very chic. Canning jars turned into light fixtures, rustic wooden flooring, vintage hutch turned coffee sideboard... very homey. The only thing I didn't like was the special of the day- grits. I expected them to be a bit more authentic. They looked like they were instant grits from a container, made with milk and maybe some grated cheese. I don't think I'd get them again. But I'd go back there in a second! It's awesome!
(5)Joe S.
I stumbled upon this place the other day. I caught a hint of fried dough in the air and looked for it's source. Interesting ordering system: You get a card with a Cajun name on it and you wait for them to call it to get your food. I got a cappuccino and beignets. The cappuccino was the best i've had in the DC metro area. Absolutely perfect. The only down side was i couldn't find white sugar and ended up using the raw stuff. Not a deal breaker but I prefer white sugar in my coffee. The espresso was smooth and the cream was steamed to the perfect consistency. The beignets were pretty super hot and covered in powdered sugar. They were pillowy yet still chewy and full tasting. Not airy and light. They fried them well; no oily mess in the bag. Well done Bayou Bakery.
(4)FU Y.
I give it a top ranking for customer satisfaction, but disclaimer up front...this is a very narrow review, so it deserves a helping of skepticism. I wanted to try a beignet and B.B. met the test of conveying how great they are with their version. Not being from La., beignets seemed sort of like a bucket list item. You don't want to die without having enjoyed one. I can cross that off and add something to regularly kick a doughnut's ass to how I roll. Nice!
(5)Natalie W.
My entire family is from the great state of Louisiana. My mother introduced beignets to me as a child, making them from scratch in our home in Maryland. It is not an easy task and most people just can't get it to that authentic Cafe Du Monde perfection. However, I find that this place, makes me feel as close to New Orleans and my childhood memories as I can sitting in Arlington, VA. I can confidently recommend these beignets to my family and friends alike and know they will get the real experience. Absolutely freaking delicious! Now, they also have Boudin sausage...I will say their version of this is not exactly what I remember eating in the bayou, but it is very tasty nonetheless. Boudin is really something you need to get from some random Texico in the middle of no where in the swamps of Louisiana to fully appreciate it. But this place has great beignets, and the rest of the food from what I hear, is also pretty dang good. Oh! and Cafe O' lei with the beignets...YUMMY! I have to admit, breaking the gluten free diet for this place is worth it.
(4)Samantha G.
This team is as good as it gets. Extremely personable, clean and efficient. My fiance and I were here for the first time on lunch, today. Someone (I hope by accident) grabbed our order. We were waiting for a while because we didn't know. When the (owner- I assume) realized what happened, he prepped the food on the fly and had it right out with sincere apologies and a cookie- that tasted absolutely AMAZING. My fiance said that his BLT was the best sandwich he has ever had. The food is amazing... the people are amazing.. and its a great location. It's a MUST DO!
(5)Nima B.
This was written on 2.23.12. I just forgot to post it. Anyhow, I wanted to order food but the menu was limited to only a few items since it was Fat Tuesday. For $19 I got a 1 hot tea, a sliver of King cake and a terrible overpriced drink which they called a "Hurricane". Not the best cake at all and I was hungry. The drink was NOTHING close to a Hurricane. I have had my fair share of Hurricanes at Pat Os in Nola. The drink I received was a yellowish sour tasting drink. It had an acidic taste you get in your mouth after a nice puke. Maybe they were trying to make a hand grenade? Having lived in New Orleans for years and being a LSU alum I was beyond disappointed. My gf was shocked they charged $12 for a tiny sour puke drink. She tried a sip and immediately said "nasty". The bearded guy behind the counter assured her it was a hurricane and the cost was $12. It would have been nice if the owner was either behind the counter monitoring employees or at least checking on customers. It may be smart to interact with new faces to ensure they have a good experience. Just a thought. I only give it two stars because people had LSU and Saints gear on. Geaux Tigers and long live the Who Dat Nation! Saints may be coachless but never hopeless. Maybe I will give the Bayou Bakery another chance in the distant future.
(2)Amber W.
My husband and I LOVED this place!! So unique and cool vibe - such a great place to hang out and enjoy some delicious food! My husband ordered the cuban sandwich that is only on the menu every so often and let me tell you.. delicious!! I am originally from Tampa, FL and I know a good cuban.. that was a GOOD cuban!! ;) Their desserts looked really good and will have to make a trip back just to try them!
(5)Megan A.
This is a great "go-to" spot for brunch in the Courthouse/Clarendon area. They have great coffee and beignets! YUM
(4)Daniel R.
I love the Bayou Bakery. I've been for breakfast several times and have not been disappointed. It's really the chicory coffee which keeps me coming back. It's delicious and reminds me of coffee in New Orleans. The beignets are very tasty if not up to the standard of the Cafe du Monde. Still they are much better than the no beignets I can get anywhere else in DC! Breakfast sandwiches are very good and the Bloody Marys are also excellent. If I didn't have to cross the river to get here, I would probably come every weekend.
(4)Whitney R.
I have mixed feelings about this sweet little place. The atmosphere and decor is 5 stars. It has the perfect mix of rustic and Nawlins. However, the food is about 2 stars. The portions are tiny and the flavors are very average. I got jambalaya which had 99% rice and 1% meat. I've made much better jambalaya from a 99 cent box of Zatarains. Amongst the rest of my group, the gumbo was way too peppery (pepper was the main flavor rather than other traditional Cajun spices) and the bbq was completely average. The beignets were definitely tasy, but nowhere near on par with the original Cafe Du Monde. All in all, sweet little place to hang out get coffee and beignets but NOT a place I will be returning to for an actual meal.
(3)Ben V.
Just had beignets and an americano here. They were superb, I will most defiantly be back to this place to try their other things. Also great music and nice general ambiance. Any place the plays The Meters is alright by me.
(4)Gracie H.
Today was my first time at this place and it was a cute little place, had the turkey sandwich with melted gouda cheese...yum!! Kinda disappointed there were no free refills on the tea but it was a good cheap eat so I'm not complaining. The food was fresh, the bread was warm and flakey, and it was good. Cute little place.
(4)Eston M.
Brilliant! I've been by for brunch a few times and love their biscuits and oatmeal, and the hot chocolate and apple cider are delicious. The food is inexpensive, too, and good enough that they could probably get away with charging a buck or two more. As much as I wish for more seating, I've never had to wait for a place to sit down. I could see myself swinging by on a lazy afternoon and kicking back with a book and coffee.
(4)Kristi H.
Can't wait to go back there!
(5)Niki S.
Love coming here for an after work snack. The staff is always friendly, and the food fulfills my desire for some NOLA cooking. Helps that they often have LivingSocial instant deals.
(4)Austin O.
I like this place, and its nice to have something different in courthouse, but it seems to me that it could be much better with a few changes: 1) The bread on the sandwiches isn't very good, and it gets really dry when they toast it. I spent about two minutes coughing after taking a bite of my veg-head sandwich. The veggies were good, so some better bread would be nice. 2) They have a biscuit sandwich with sausage and egg, and the biscuit is really good, so why do they ruin it by putting on a gross McDonald's style microwaved egg-disk and a flavorless, not-sure-if-its-real-meat suasage patty? 3) Why do the beignets have so much powdered sugar on them? Maybe that's "authentic," but literally sugar flies everywhere when you take a bite, and it ends up everywhere. The coffee is nice, nice atmosphere, but some kinks need to be worked out with the food.
(2)Paul W.
Disappointing. Although my only point of reference is the French Quarter, I can genuinely say their beignets and chicory coffee were not good. My date and I didn't even finish our order.
(2)Antonio P.
Proprietors that educate, food that comforts and a relaxing vibe. as was mentioned to the guy at the next table, if i were writing a novel this is where i'd hang out. the beverages were fulfilling and funk was playing in the background. want to know where something is sourced from? it's probably the owner's local or distant friend. this place has got essence..
(4)Fred K.
I agree with the 3.5 star ratings mentioned below, but since it's a new business I will give them 4 instead of 3. Excellent muffaletta (which they call a muffalotta for some reason) with a tasty olive salad mix. The gumbo was good, but I would have preferred more of a kick to it. I skipped the beignets and had a couple pralines, which were very nice. Overall a nice addition to the Courthouse area in Arlington.
(4)T L.
The other reviews are pretty accurate on the following: 1. thin napkins 2. it can be hard to hear your name card The service didn't take long; we were there a little bit after the lunch rush. The food was good but slightly different than what I've tried in New Orleans. Although, the beignets were good I think the outside was a little soft for me. I like it with a crunch on the outside. Still good though! I also liked the gumbo and wish they had a larger size. I recommend the muffalotta sandwich but I don't remember it being that greasy in NOLA. Although it was different than the first gumbo, muffalotta and beignet I've tried in NOLA, it wasn't bad. I'd return. I don't know where else I can get beignets that cheap close by my place! Btw, don't wear black if you're going to order the beignets. It can get messy!
(4)Justin L.
Quality of the food is excellent. Limited menu but everything is consistently great. Service is fast and friendly enough, the owner has put some thought into the design of the place (love the shutters on the wall), although I think the atmosphere would be improved by limiting the amount of sunlight that gets in. The coffees are really varied and creative, only 1 brand of beer (Abita) but at least they are craft. Seems like it would be a great place for breakfast, lunch and casual dinners. Head and shoulders above most of the other mediocre places in the immediate area.
(5)Christie E.
Arm drip sandwich, gumbo, beignets and french press to share was a great brunch for me! The sandwich has plenty or roast beef and will satisfy a french dip craving. The bread is tender, not soggy and still holds a crunchy, chewy texture. I don't know enough about gumbo to critic, but I was satisfied with my experience. The beignets are warm, chewy and slightly crisp and goes so great with french press coffee. I really enjoy coming here, especially on Saturdays when the farmer's market is open!
(4)Isabel H.
While the beignets at Bayou Bakery are good, this little cute neighborhood cafe will have to work harder on its brunch menu to keep the locals coming. By noon, they had run out of the two sandwiches that I tried to order today (a Sunday, when they should have been prepared for a crowd) and so I ended up ordering a shrimp sallad. It was good but not substantial and it arrived in a plastic container! That is less than appealing if you're looking to spend a cozy brunch with friends in a place that has a great atmosphere and where one would not expect a fast food kind of experience. The line was long and the wait for the food even longer, but that may change as the kitchen gets its routines down and gets used to the crowds. However, running out of sandwich material and being cheap on the size of the sallad is not OK. (See Busboys and Poets for great sallads). Also, there was no omelette or any egg dish with a nice rich New Orleans filling - I missed that on the menu. As a local, I hope it survives and purchases some cute sallad dishes. Isabel H
(2)Steve E.
Yum!!! Great joint! The Arm Drip roast beef sandwich? Incredible! The muffolotta? Yum! Ask for extra olive mix! And the desserts are fabulous! Can't leave without a beignet! Go here now! And go early!
(5)Reba K.
location: right by the courthouse metro station, lots of metered parking. set-up: order at the counter, grab a table, wait for your nola-flavoured "name card" to be called (mine was claiborne), pick up your order from the counter. noticed they were pretty inefficient: only one register open with 20 people in line, took 15 minutes for my french press and 25 minutes for my beignets & gumbo. way too long for "self-service." food: the gumbo was served in a coffee mug (read: not too many spoonfuls), but delicious: comforting rice, flavourful sausage, thick broth. the beignets were ok...i mean, fried dough sprinkled with powdered sugar is always going to be good. what i was looking for though, was downright amazing - hot, fluffy, slightly crispy, melt-in-your mouth. was a little disappointed. ambiance: clean (read: not exactly a nola-vibe), huge windows letting in lots of light, crowded for saturday brunch.
(3)Peter D.
I would love it if this review was primarily about the food, but I wasn't able to order anything aside from beignets, and therein lies the problem. Even on weekends, Bayou Bakery doesn't serve breakfast OR lunch between 11am and 11:30am, and when my girlfriend and I got there shortly before 11:30am last weekend, we were told they were running behind and there wouldn't be anything aside from beignets until noon! I have never in my life experienced a restaurant that has almost no food available late on a weekend morning, and maybe the worst part is how unapologetic the people there were about the whole thing. The beignets were good, but I'll be hesitant to return.
(2)Faith F.
I got a "sno-ball" and it was syrupy sweet. I also got a praline. It was ok, not bad, not great. I was also completely annoyed with the lounge rules. It's not that they were unreasonable (no feet on table, no lingering with the internet connection, wear shoes, etc)... but the signage was annoying. It didn't seem as though they have any of these issues, why act like we are five. And if you have a lounge, expect costumers to use it. What's next: Covering the couch in plastic?
(3)Jeffrey K.
Went for coffee and beignets and was not disappointed. Both items really did remind me of those served by Cafe Du Monde. Not nearly as much character as the original (think Starbucks) but, hey, it's Arlington, VA not New Orleans.
(4)Christy L.
Beignet! Beignet! I miss it so much..... 1 order is not enough for me.. Even my 9 years old can have more than an order. Coffee is great as well. Gumbo soup for breakfast? It works!
(4)Jake W.
The food is hit or miss, but the atmosphere is quite nice and the beignets are delicious.
(3)Noor S.
Take this with a grain of salt as they are new and might improve tremendously. Music is way way too loud for the vibe they're going for, to the point it interferes with conversations. Both sandwiches ordered (1 turkey and 1 roast beef special, can't remember the names) were really bad. Dry, overcooked, bland, and in the case of roast beef slathered in turkey gravy straight out of a can. We both tossed ours out and went and got lunch elsewhere. Terrible ordering system - hand you a card then they try to make themselves heard over the sound of bad jazz. Food took forever to be prepared and it's inefficient enough that you'd be hard pressed to get in and out in an hour. Overrpriced drinks (no fountain) served in 10 oz cups or glass bottles. Iced tea overbrewed and awful. In all, I can't recommend Bayou in any way shape, or form. I might give them another shot down the road, but it'll be a good long while. Hope everyone else has better experiences there though and that they improve in the coming weeks!
(1)Taylor G.
Yeah, so far I can't get behind this place the way I want to. The first time I was there I was getting a latte to go. It was delicious, but it seriously took FOREVER. I mean I ordered and then waited at least 15 minutes. Not really my ideal service. Second time I ordered in and I had an egg and cheese on a biscuit and a latte. The service was better this time and the egg and cheese biscuit was good, but nothing special. My real complaint is with the latte. This time it had coffee grinds in it!! That is my number one pet peeve with coffee. Eww, yuck. Especially a latte, come on... I paid more for that?! We'll see, hopefully it gets better if I visit again.
(3)Drew M.
From the moment I walked in the door I knew it would be a good breakfast. The staff was very friendly and welcoming which was a great first impression of Bayou Bakery. The beignets were light and delicious, although they had more powdered sugar than I could have imagined so I had to dust a lot of it off to get to ny desired level of sweetness. I also ordered spiced cider which was spot on, and a turkey sausage egg and cheese biscuit which was excellent when augmented with hot sauce. Overall a great breakfast at a reasonable price so I'll definitely be coming back here soon.
(4)Trish J.
Sandwich was ok at best. Dessert wasn't very good either
(1)Hannah B.
Being a big fan of bakeries, I felt obligated to try out this place. From the outside the window paintings seemed a little out of place, but going inside had a very cool feel to it. I ordered the arm dip sandwich and the beignets. The order didn't take long at all. The beignets were delicious. Maybe a bit to much powdered sugar, but they were gone in a couple minutes. The arm drip was pretty well priced for $7 considering its size. It was big enough for me to have it for lunch for two days. The only thing was it was a bit bland, it definitely needed a bit more seasoning. Overall the experience was a delight and I will definitely be returning.
(4)Scott P.
Good biscuits, nice biegnets, not quite Morning Call but I'll be back.
(3)sarah s.
3.5 stars. Had the gumbo, which was delicious, the beignets, and the porkorn. The beignets were a little heavy and not that authentic-but it's fried dough rolled in sugar, how bad could that be? The porkorn, which is a caramel corn/bacon confection, was disgusting. It should be caramel corn with a hint of smoky bacon-ness; instead, it's like eating bacon grease popcorn with a hint of sweetness. Bottom line- if I lived in the neighborhood, I'd go back, but it's not worth a special trip.
(3)Judi R.
My first impression was a positive! Got there bout 11am parked inside the garage next door. Smiling faces upon entering the bakery ....no line... I came for the beignets & cafe au lait... ok... & some gumbo. I was very satisfied with my food! I like GOOD coffee but the first cup was weak ... got another cup with a shot of espresso & that kicked the flavor up for me. Beignets were like little pillows of goodness loaded with confectionary sugar & gumbo tastey good! Atmosphere cozy-casual..very comfy.... about noon the crowd came for lunch... I will return here ...enjoyed some "Me" time in this place! Got beignets to go...so good!
(4)Stephanie W.
This place is completely fabulous. I used to live in New Orleans and this little shop has captured all the right things from Louisiana to make it feel great, not cheesy. Fresh press coffee - wonderful. Beignets - as good as I've ever had outside of LA. Biscuits - delicious. "Sticky station" with jellies and honey - love. I can't wait to go back and try more LA treats I saw on the menu!
(5)Beth B.
I noticed that alot of the reviewers have never been to New Orleans and lack a point of reference when reviewing whether the food at Bayou Bakery is authentic. I just returned from my second visit to Bayou Bakery and, as a frequent traveler to New Orleans, I am here to attest to the authenticity of their food. The biscuits are more cakey than Southern flakey, but full fo flavor. The bacon is nice and smokey and well cooked. The special sandwich today, The Bitter Pig, was moist and tender sliced pork and the bread was good and crusty, something you don't see alot north of Louisiana. Loved the Arm Dripper - it was wet without being soggy and full of beefy flavor. And the beignets are the best I've had outside of New Orleans. The to-go beignets even come in a little white bag, just like they do at Cafe du Monde. The service is very friendly, the space is fun, and the music is fantastic. Am looking forward to going back to try dinner! If you haven't been - go!
(4)Allison B.
This review is specifically for Bayou's summertime treat - the sno-ball. Delicious... especially on a 97 degree day. My friend and I had the strawberry sno-ball with a drizzle of the condensed milk. Really, really satisfying. We'll be back again, for sure, to try the rest of the flavors!
(4)Christina A.
I called in an order for pickup. As I walked in, I noticed that it was bright and cute inside, and kinda N.O.ish so I was encouraged. I ordered the gumbo and a creole pilgrim sandwich. The gumbo was not good. At all. I had to douse it with hot sauce just to finish the cup. And it was $4, for a tiny cup. No thanks. Moving on, I was all excited to see the pressed sandwich inside, which I ordered with the dijonaise on the side. (I HATE mayo but love mustard so I wanted the option). Um ok the dijonaise IS mayo, and not only did it come on the side, but they put it on my sandwich as well. Oh wow yum extra mayo. The sandwich was decent but nothing remarkable and the mayo was a big big turn off. I would come back to try some of their sweets as they looked delicious, but won't be going out of my way to return for lunch.
(2)Elizabeth S.
Today, I heard about the turkey meatloaf sandwich on special and just had to have one. I zipped over there after work and called ahead to order. David answered and informed me that, sadly, the meatloaf was the lunch special. Just as I was about to go home completely dejected, he offered to check in the back for any extras -- and guess what!! There were two left, one with my name on it. WHOOOOHOOOO! Man, it was G-O-O-D. Juicy turkey meatloaf on a delicious Texas toast with some kind of pesto...grilled to perfection....it was freaking awesome. This special ain't no joke, folks. Thanks to David for hookin' a sista up!! I'm a fan of the loaf -- and y'all should be too!
(5)Yee W.
I only had pralines there and they were good, super sweet. heard that other food there is also good but haven't had a chance to try. enjoy the interior design with wooden tables, couches...glad to support a new, independent bakery shop in the neighborhood.
(4)Rachel S.
The customer service is extremely friendly and funny. It has a great atmosphere to get some work done via their free wi-fi while enjoying an excellent coffee. If you are like me and need your caffeine to be a legitimate human being-get an extra shot of espresso in the latte. It will be delicious though.
(4)Allison W.
Just stop whatever you're doing and head over to Bayou Bakery! I went today for the first time and am in love. It was a rainy afternoon, perfect for indulging in all of their comfort foods -- gouda, rosemary, carmelized onion mac & cheese, seafood gumbo and a killer veggie sandwich. For dessert we split a plate of beignets and the dat-o which is somewhere between a homemade oreo and a whoopie pie. Crispy chocolate cookies held together by sugary white frosting....sigh. (Luckily there were plenty of left overs, so I can re-create the bliss at home for dinner tonight.) Also, they have wi-fi and what looks like some good happy hour specials. I believe this will be my new favorite refuge during my period of unemployment. Thank you Yelpers for directing me to this gem that is close to my home but which I never would have stumbled across on my own.
(5)Heather M.
It's ok. Hate the coffee. Ordered an iced mocha twice, and on both occassions it's oddly tasted like olive oil (and both my dining partners agreed). Wouldn't order the breakfast biscuit again, also got that twice and both times it was really dry and so crumbly it disenigrated in my hands after the first bite. Best thing I tried was the hot dog, which was good, but was a chrizo not a hot dog and was pretty small for $7.
(2)Mike R.
Here's another one that suffers the high expectations of making the Washingtonian Cheap Eats list and then just being ok. We went for lunch and the sandwiches sounded so much tastier than they actually were. From the reviews and menu the breakfast is what I really want to give a try, but I suspect it won't live up to my expectations either. If I were in the area and in the mood for an ok sandwich I might stop in again, but it's just not that likely.
(3)Jen S.
Cute idea. Off-kilter execution. Bayou Bakery's one of those places that warrants the most cliché Yelp phrase: "I wanted to like this place." But it pretty much sucks all around. Went for a Sunday bite before the matinee across the street. It's an order-at-the-counter type place, which doesn't have to be a bad thing but turns out that way here. The menu board is out of sight until you're right in front of the cash register, so each person has to be hand-held through the process once they reach that point, drastically slowing the line. The woman told us, with enthusiasm that they had the WHOLE breakfast menu available at that time but only two sandwiches. This *whole* breakfast menu consists of a biscuit with choices of turkey sausage, egg and cheese for extra money or granola and yogurt. Yes, that's the WHOLE damn breakfast menu. No Louisiana pancakes, no French Quarter French toast, no Cajun omelet. And the two sandwiches were both beef ones. So as limited and uninventive as the menu is, it took an impressively long time for our name to be called for the food, which was mostly served in disposable containers. The salads we ordered were in full-on plastic to-go containers, despite the fact that we were eating in, and there were no recycling bins. For $28, we got two sausage, egg and cheese biscuits, which were fine but a little cold; a small coffee; two small salads, which were devoid of the ingredients they were said to have contained -- namely the expensive items like avocado; and a very small and rather tasteless cup of butternut squash soup. Its only redeeming quality, which is far from redeeming Bayou Bakery in my eyes, is its cozy atmosphere and honor-system book exchange.
(2)shoaib a.
the DC area is really missing out on cajun food. Having said that, you can get your cajun on at Bayou Bakery but don't expect it to count as your visit to NOLA. The beignets, which I'll assume are their signature item, are good but not great. I really like the fact that they have a wide variety of coffee drinks here. It's funny because when i think NOLA, i actually think of the really great coffee culture that's really grown in the Big Easy. The biscuits I ordered were hard as rocks and that really stunk. I'll go back and try them again hoping they get it right. Bottom line, this place has serious potential. If they get they their menu down, Bayou Bakery will be slammed and blow up and you'll have heard it from me first that this place is huge. I'll be heralded by everyone yelp land for my foresight. (just kidding). At the least, BB is a very good place for southerners to grab some southern food and bring back their accents that many have either lost or disguised. As a Georgia boy, I'm lookin' forward to eatin' here again!
(4)Brianne C.
3.65 stars. The pad of my middle finger still glows an angry scarlet after my encounter with Bayou's piping hot beignets last night. Lightly topped with powdered sugar (in contrast with the heaping mound at Cafe du Monde), the beignets are surprisingly soft and light, with buttery richness tucked into the layers. Their scrumptious beauty is unsurpassed in the area, and I love dunking them in a mug of chicory coffee. The barbecue shrimp are equally thrilling, swimming in a sauce of butter, peppers, Worcestershire, and spices with an accompanying soft baguette for sopping up extra flavor. It is a filling and satisfying savory dish, causing the gumbo to seem somewhat unfinished, as it needs more depth of flavor. The mustard-laced deviled eggs and shrimp with onion remoulade are also good choices, but less memorable when pitted against the glorious barbecue shrimp. But the king cake, full of butter and allspice and finished with powdered sugar icing and sprinkles, will save any day, while the decor makes you relax and raise your voice animatedly after an Abita. The menu system can be a bit confusing, as almost nothing is served all day, so your best bet is lunchtime, when the largest selection of items are available. The front counter goes out of its way to accommodate what you're craving, and has good alternate suggestions when specials have run out. I will be returning to try the muffaletta, pimientos, and boudin sausage while feasting on all my favorite things.
(4)N M.
As a New Orleans transpant living in DC, I can't even begin to describe how happy it makes me to see my favorite items available a few metro stops away. I only had the opportunity to try the beignets (served all-day long) and coffee and chicory. I hope to write a follow-up review once I've tasted some of the entree options as well. The five stars is due in large part to the atmosphere that the owners have created and the level of detail they've given to this spot. Rather than calling a number when your meal is ready, they give you different Louisiana parish names to identify your order. The music selection (at least during my visit) was strictly New Orleans music including Louis Armstrong's "Do You know What it Means to Miss New Orleans?" I in fact do know what it means to miss New Orleans, but this spot helps me get through it much easier.
(5)Jennifer J.
As much as you will want to eat the beignets in your car on the way home, try to wait. Otherwise, you will look like the last scene in Scarface, but with powdered sugar. I couldn't wait. They were hot, perfectly crispy on the outside & perfect on the inside. EXCELLENT. I had a lot of "'splaining" to do as to why there was powdered sugar all over my car, but it was totally worth it. Staff is super! Very friendly and always packed, even at 2pm on a Wednesday. I wanted a Po'Boy, but they were all sold out, breaking my heart. The Gumbo was excellent with a great spicy flavor. Very good. I had a little incident with the coffee I bought. Some jerk had opened the creamer container all the way, (lunchroom prank style) and when I tried to pour my cream, the top came off, spilling coffee and creamer all over. The staff was nice and helped clean it up while someone else got me another cup. They could have given me the eye roll ( i probably would have) but they were sweet about it. My advice is to get there at the beginning of the shift. Chef Guas is amazing and comes up a NOLA Supper Hot Plate daily. I hope he wins all those awards he is nominated for!! If you can't make it in for lunch or dinner, just go get some awesome coffee and a Beignet or breakfast. You will swear you are at Cafe Du Monde in NOLA, except for the cold weather, no Dixie, and the euphoric feeling you get when in the Big Easy. Otherwise, save the plane fare and get on over to Bayou Bakery.
(4)Sally H.
I love the sandwiches here! I've had almost all of them including a few from the daily menu. I also really like the Mac & Cheese. The ones I've had were a little soupy but I enjoyed them. Yes, the beignets are beyond amazing and beg for their ginger coffee as an accompaniment. Just make sure you aren't wearing black when you get them. The only reason I have given them 4 stars is because most of their sandwiches are only available until 3pm on weekdays and odd times on weekends. I don't work in the area but live in it. I would be here for dinner all the time if I could grab a sandwich and bring it home.
(4)Ambi C.
I had brunch here with my two friends and I have to say I am sad it took me this long to find this spot! Although they don't offer the egg and cheese biscuits after noon, they should really have them available 24/7 because they are in such high demand, the walnut and cheese salad and the biscuits with pepper jelly were great. My only issue is that the staff is not as helpful and nice as I had expected.
(3)Robin F.
I've been a few times, but a little mixed on how I feel: 1. Atomosphere = good 2. Coffee = too strong and bitter 3. Cappucino = really good 4. Biscuits for me = not a fan bad after taste; but for the boyfriend = great 5. Beignets and other pastries = good 6. Service = friendly, but slow at the counter End result is if I want to meet a friend in Courthouse I would go, but if just want a good cup of coffee I'd probably go to Northside Social
(3)Anne B.
Lemon. Chess. Pie. Never heard of it until I saw it there. Best decision of my life was to indulge in $3.14 Pie on Pi Day. Do yourself a favor. I'm a picky eater and they sometimes don't get all of my particulars correct - but I don't see that a reason to take away an additional star. The menu is a little bit more limited than I'd like to see, but overall, a great addition to Court House.
(4)Chuck W.
New Orleans transplant here - so I was excited about Bayou Bakery (especially since I heard they have boudin). Been twice now and the result is that they've got a nice vibe going and it's a great idea in this market. BUT they need to keep working on the product. First, the gumbo is AWFUL. Simply the worst gumbo I have ever had. It supposed to be a complex flavor with a number of different essences going on, and the gumbo is just flat, boring and wholly unappealing. The whole point of gumbo is the flavor, so they need to fix this as soon as possible! It isn't terribly difficult so somebody there is just sleeping on the taste. The sloppy roast beef sandwich was very good and they've got the flavor right. I'll definitely have that again. The beignets are pretty good on the taste but they still don't have it quite right - perhaps it is a climate situation (not being at sea level for instance) or something in the water, but the beignet should be hollow in the middle. I've had them twice now and they were doughy in the middle both times, which gives the whole experience a different texture. But the taste is right. But again, the atmosphere is attractive and it's a great idea. They just need to work on some of the food. And serving that gumbo in a place with fleur-de-lis all over it is just an insult! Of course, I'll be back many times. Still haven't had the boudin, apparently that's only at night.
(2)Peter B.
Saw Bayou Bakery immediately after I had gotten back from New Orleans and knew that I had to scope it out. The decor is nice, with a nice mix of zydeco and blues for a soundtrack. While it can appear a bit too kitschy (e.g. the Mardi Gras beads and LSU tiger on the table in the back), I liked it overall. Another plus: there is a bottle of Crystal hot sauce on every table- a Louisiana necessity. All that is missing are the canisters of Tony Chachere's seasoning throughout the restaurant- add a few of that and bayou humidity and you would think that you were in Metairie or somewhere in Uptown. In terms of food, this review specifically addresses the "Sno-balls" of Bayou Bakery. As stated, I had just gotten back from NOLA and had a hankering for a sno-ball a la Hansen's (as an aside, Hansen's is the greatest snoball I've ever had...even better than every one I ever had in Baltimore). The sno-ball was not at ALL like a true NO snoball- instead of the fluffy, snow-like ice of Hansen's, I got flaky, big chunks of ice. The Wedding Cake syrup (a very NOLA flavor) was good. It was not a true New Orleans snowball (though it did use a NOLA ice machine), though they approximate the charm of Plum Street Snowballs by putting the desserts in little paper buckets (a la a Chinese restaurant). Overall, a decent stop. I will need to try the Po Boys there to see if it can be considered in the same, rarefied air as a Parkway Bakery or Mahoney's po boy.
(3)Hannah T.
This review will be biased because I've only had their sweets...but I love their sweets. Their cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies are heavenly. Coffee is strong and delicious. I've also had their beignets, which were good. I've been to Cafe du Monde in New Orleans, and find the Bayou Bakery beignets comparable (albiet less powdered sugar- which is probably a good thing), however, I would never identify myself as an authority on beignets. Also, not sure if this is a seasonal offering, but this past month, they've been selling Abita Strawberry Harvest Lager. Yum! I thought one could only find this in New Orleans, so this was an exciting find for me.
(4)Abby C.
Food/Cost: (3.5/5) I came here yesterday, a Saturday, around noon to grab lunch and to get some work done for school. It was packed! I ordered the Creole Pilgram Sandwich ($6.54 w/tax) (shaved blackened turkey, arugula, smoked gouda, dijonaise -- all on a panini-fied on a baguette), and my friend ordered the Muff-a-lotta ($6.54 w/tax) (salami, mortadella, smoked ham, provolone, olive salad on muffaletta bread). We swapped halves so we could both try two sandwiches. Both sandwiches were good. The Dijonaise on the Creole was fantastic and made the sandwich for me, though the turkey was dry. The Muff-a-lotta was a bit too salty for me, but the olive salad was fabulous on the bread. After occupying our table for an hour, we went back for round 2 - Beignets ($3 for a order of 3), Apple Cider ($2.25), Cappuccino, Latte, and Chai Tea Latte ($4.09 w/tax). The apple cider here is amazing -- the flavor is concentrated -- I wish it wasn't seasonal (today was the last day they sold it for this season) The Beignets were average -- they weren't light and fluffy enough for me. Further, my Chai was one of the worst I've had -- flavorless and watered down. I'm not sure if that's because I got it with soy milk, but I've done that many times at other cafes... My friends didn't think much of their coffee drinks either. Ambiance: (3/5) Though there is free wifi here, making Bayou a regular studying location is unlikely because there are very few electrical outlets here. Bayou has some cool decorative features like the croc head near the bathroom, the recipe wallpaper in the bathrooms (yes; go check it out), and the colorful shutters above the cashier area. Still, despite its obvious attempt at decorating, there's something slightly off about the set up. The dining space is broken up into counters, booths, and tables. Then, there's a more casual lounge area in the back with couches and coffee tables -- plus a big screen TV. It's just all to much for a space that doesn't have any elements to tying everything together. Location: (4/5) Bayou is conveniently situated right by the Courthouse metro stop, which makes it easy to get to for lazy folk like myself. Service: (2.5/5) You order your fare at the cashier, they give you a card with the name of a parish from Louisiana (pretty creative I thought) and you wait for your parish to be called from the food window. They straighten up the tables one in awhile, but there are signs telling patrons to bus their own tables, so it's really a self-service type of place. Overall: (3.25/5) Bayou Bakery does some things right (sauces in sandwiches, breads, and spurts of creativity), but falls terribly short in other respects (namely, coffee drinks). If you're in the area, coming to Bayou's for a sandwich and beignet could be worthwhile, but there's no reason to make a special trip.
(3)Randy M.
Ok I did not like "The Bayou" Bakery. It is now like one hour later and I had ordered what they call the "Creole Piligrim Sandwich" and let me tell you it is like a lead weight on my stomach! It is like eating a pile of sun-dried bricks! The "turkey" is dry and heavy and the Cheese is "burnt" and then i dont know but evey time i get this sandwich here or other ones it is the same "business". My stomach feels full of sement and i want "pepto bizmall". I am not geting 'lunch' here again i am tired of tummy aches!
(1)Kaitlin E.
This place is a very fun, pleasant place to enjoy a lunch. The decor is very New Orleans and the staff is super friendly and helpful. The food is fresh and delicious. They advocate recycling which I am a fan of.
(5)Laura F.
So yummy... I had visions of eating delicious hot food somewhere cozy for lunch, and this place really satisfied. While I choked a bit at ordering something called an "Arm Drip", my sandwich was tasty and well made. It was a hugely messy, nine napkin, don't-eat-in-front-of-the-boss roast beef sandwich, and every bite was delicious. My husband had the caesar salad and butternut squash soup, which was a special. The caesar was pretty normal, and the dressing a little fishy (anchovy fishy, not sketchy fishy). The soup was steal-worthy. I tried to take it from my husband every time he looked away. It was creamy, well seasoned, and just enough to get a good taste without being too full. I'll definitely heading back there - they dealt well with the long lunch line, and they're a fairly quick option when you want to sit down somewhere.
(4)Chantelle A.
After just returning from a long weekend away in New Orleans and really enjoying the southern hospitality feel I got from that very short trip, me and friend decided to stop in at Bayou Bakery for Sunday brunch. Upon entering the Bayou, I loved the atmosphere of this little cafe, I loved the chalkboard menu, I loved the southern music....I didnt love the line though. On this sunday afternoon, it was pretty crowded and I felt like a hawk while I waited for someone to get up from one of the few tables. I tried the Muffa lotta (spelling?) and a Reg Cafe au Lait while my friend sampled the famous beignets and the French Press coffee. Whats a muffalotta you ask? A sandwich full of salty coldcuts and olive salad and it was AMAZING. Unhealthy as it sounds...I would gladly come back for one of those weekly. The beignets were warm and yummy but it didnt have that WOW factor like the ones from Cafe du Monde. But it came pretty close....but the Cafe au Lait and the French Press coffee was an O in a cup :)))) strong and flavorful...just how I like it! This is the type of place you can come, hang out for hours while reading the paper or chatting with friends without feeling rushed. Although its not New Orleans...I can still experience Southern Hospitality without the long drive/flight to the bayou!
(4)Taylor T.
French press coffee, piping hot beignets, and a cozy cafe atmosphere-what's not to love about Bayou? I've been here a couple of times on trips home to VA and each time I leave wishing they had a New England location. The staff is so sweet and friendly and I love the rustic decor with mismatched antique shutters and New Orleans themed knickknacks. It can definitely get crowded on weekend mornings, but the line moves quickly and beignets and sandwiches are always made to order. I haven't tried it yet, but the fluffy sausage biscuit with melted cheese looks like the kind my grandpa used to make from scratch. Definitely worth the wait, in my opinion. If you want to avoid the crowd, try to stop by in the late afternoon during the week, you'll have the place to yourself. I'd recommend getting the beignets to eat-in so they don't get soggy in a to-go bag. I've never actually been to Cafe du Monde, but this is what I imagine their hot, sugary beignets taste like, and they are amazing. Seriously, though, who doesn't like pillows of fried dough showered with confectioner's sugar? Kudos to the cute guys working the counter who made braving hurricane Irene totally worth the coffee + beignets this morning!
(4)Valerie H.
Are the beignets authentic? I have no idea BUT they are deep fried dough of yumminess, coated very generously with powdered sugar. Drizzle it with honey and indulge! The beignet order comes in 3, so come hungry or share. Discarding any would be a shame. Wearing black? Eat with extreme caution. 02.09.12. I had a mid-morning coffee date with a gal pal and had my baby girl in tow. My go-to order is beignets and chai. At 10:00AM, we had no problems with seating to include a clean high chair for baby girl. They have booths, tables, and couch and chairs in the back. While we were there, they had a steady stream of customers. It seems like they have their ordering system down, handing out placards with Cajun/Louisiana-associated words when you order. I am a creature of habit. For the many times I have been here, I rarely order anything other than beignets. I do enjoy their muffaletta sandwich as well, although I didn't order one this visit. The item that also caught my eye this visit was a bacon-cheddar scone, which was delicious. Overall, I think this place offers a pleasant experience (with or without kids).
(4)Alene Y.
My family is Cajun and since I recently relocated to the area I had low hopes of finding any REAL Cajun food in this area. My secret prayers have been answered. The prices are low and you get quality food with fresh ingredients. The beignets are served hot and are wonderful! The creole pilgrim is delicious and served with thick cuts of real turkey. The gumbo was a little bland since I love spice, but it was authentic. They also serve boudin, but only after 5 p.m. I haven't tried it yet, but I will return often.
(4)Jocelyn R.
Love, love, LOVE. We went for breakfast, and it was pretty crowded, but still possible to get a table. Super impressed with their basic latte, which came out with a little heart in the foam (cute!). Also, had a biscuit with turkey sausage, egg, and cheese, which was delicious - not greasy like a lot of breakfast places. And of course, we had to try the beignets, which did not disappoint. Super messy, but totally worth it. It's also not too pricey for the quality. The café itself is super cute, and very cozy for a cold day. It's a great place to escape for a few minutes and enjoy a nice warm latte. I also noticed that they have ladies night on Thursdays with half-price bottles of wine. I will for sure be back. You should def make a trip over to courthouse and check it out!!
(5)Theresa S.
I came here for a dinner with a friend, who had been dying to try this place. I had the chopped salad and a cup of the sweet corn and shrimp chowder. The salad was good, but the bacon bits were spare. The chowder was very tasty! Large, sweet shrimp and fresh tasting corn. I could easily eat a bowl of that. I had a bite of my friend's raspberry flavored snowcone/ball thing. Shaved ice with syrup. It was refreshing, but not amazing. I was pleased by the good customer service from those behind the counter. No room in my stomach for beignets, but I'll have to try it next time!
(3)Erina N.
I really like their style. It's New Orleans!!! +Sweets are soooooo good! Brownie...yum +food is very good - a little small portion but perfect for girls! +Atmosphere - nice and cozy +People - very friendly and helpful
(4)Petite F.
After having a taste of Bayou Bakery's excellent King's Cake at a party a couple of weeks ago, I returned with a friend for a late breakfast and to pick up a pre-ordered King's Cake to take home. I was anticipating a real treat, and was SO disappointed when I arrived. What I didn't see in other reviews (I checked after coming home) was a comment about the actual smell of the interior. While the decor is nice, the smell of fried food/oil/grease is overpowering. I was there for over an hour, and my clothes, hair, and coat just reeked! I had to put everything in the wash, and was dismayed to find out that my guest did exactly the same thing. The smell was still with me at night!! My 'meal' was rather expensive given what I ordered--a biscuit with an egg, sausage, and a cup of hot chocolate. The biscuit was so dry it crumbled every time I tried to have a bite. I had to use a fork and knife to eat it! (The menu does say 'crumbly'--they're right!) And the egg... ugh. It was a processed yellow square. The hot chocolate was ok, but it wasn't what I'd call hot. Lukewarm, maybe? The King's Cake I brought home was not as good as the one I'd had previously--I had to search for the cheese, whereas the one I'd had before had a nice layer and texture. I'm also wondering now if it didn't sit a little too long in its plastic bag, as the whole thing seemed rather limp, for lack of a better word. I really wanted to like this place, but the suffocating oil smell alone is enough to make me stay away.
(1)Vicki D.
I have been looking forward to the opening of the restaurant for weeks now. Today I made the journey to Arlington to give them a try. Ordered the Muff-A-Lotta sandwich, beignets, and an unsweetened iced tea. The "mean" tea was so dark and cloudy I had to sip it to make sure the cashier did not accidentally hand me an iced coffee. Unfortunately it was also bitter, indicating that it was probably over-brewed. The muffalotta sandwich was delicious but really small for the price -- $6 -- and did not even come with chips. I was so disappointed with the beignets. Good beignets should be hot and crispy on the outside with a light, airy center. These were undercooked and tasted raw and doughy. They collapsed when I bit into them. The bottoms looked golden brown, but the tops were still white under their blanket of powdered sugar. I should have sent them back. I will give them another chance, but they better get the beignets right for me to drive that far for hot dougnuts.
(3)J K.
Hibiscus iced tea was amazing! The biscuit breakfast sandwiches and beignets were delicious as well. I can't wait to come back and try lunch or dinner!
(5)John M.
A great addition to the otherwise boring assortment of eateries in Court House. In addition to good food, the espresso bar is great (Much better than Starbucks). For those with a conscience, they also use local, organic producers for most of their products.
(4)Jeff E.
This place is awesome. Love the ambiance and their gumbo is stellar. If you can sneak in for a coffee and a benet then absolutely do because you will not regret it. Staff is friendly and helpful. If you can go when it's not crowded its a great place to hang out and read the paper with some great food.
(5)Jennifer P.
I work at Courthouse and, after 10 years of working in Old Town, I realize how spoiled I was and what a wasteland it is here, lunch-wise. Sure, there are a few good sit-down places, but if you just want something decent to take back to your office because you're *so important* that you can barely leave your desk, it's pretty dire. Then Bayou opened up. I go here at least once a week for lunch and I escape here when the office pressure cooker starts rattling. Sit here on the sofas, VPN-ing it in, it's great! I love the shrimp dishes--Shrimp caesar salad, shrimp salad sandwich, whatever they're making, it's good--the soups are terrific, french press coffee is wonderful, and, though I usually try to avoid the dessert stuff, I do like a Dat-O (like a big homemade Oreo) on occasion. The customer service is fantastic. OK, it's not fast food at the Wendy's down the street, so you're not going to be in and out in 15 seconds. The staff is so cheerful and has a great attitude. Once, I tried a new iced tea and decided I didn't like it, so I went up and they gave me a plain iced tea, no problem. Then they realized they forgot an ingredient in the new iced tea, fixed it up, and brought one over for me to try. So, that was nice. Lastly, the owner just put out some nice outdoor chairs and a sofa and a decorative fence and it looks great--cheers to him for beautifying the corner.
(5)Crystal B.
Just had to put in a word for how cool the guys working here are. One dude was really funny and had great recommendations on things to try from the menu. The other guy recommended trying this really nice smoky whiskey with my order of a "Dat-O" (some kind of giant Oreo-looking cookie sandwich). So yeah, if you didn't know since it's not immediately obvious, you can order whiskey here! Beer too. We were a group of about 20 people and size wasn't an issue. There was a fair amount of space on a weekday night, and a few outdoor seats as well. Heard good things about the gumbo, and the shrimp sandwich, but haven't tried them.
(4)Charles H.
There's nothing like having beignets and french pressed coffee after paying a parking ticket down the street (Arlington County rock on). Bayou Bakery definitely brings some NOLA comfort food in NOVA.
(3)Linda C.
This bakery has a really nice vibe with friendly staff and nawlin's style decor. I have tried the coffee and salad here and both were expertly made. I will have to go back and try the evening happy hour specials.
(4)Gokhan T.
I enjoy those kind of places. Beignets are really yummy while buscuits are probably the worst I have had for a while. The best is to grab a bagel from brooklyn bagel, come here and order your latte and beignet. Enjoy.
(4)Mary P.
The food and service was great. I ordered the binets, Cajun pilgrim sandwich and had a side of collard greens and a bowl of red beans and rice. (Of course it was too much food to finish.) The sandwich and collard greens were my favorites. The red beans and rice was good but its way better at Okra's Louisiana Bistro (in Manassas). The restaurant is clean and the service is really friendly so we really enjoyed our first visit here!
(4)Sasha B.
I've eaten here a few times but what it really comes down to is the beignets - these are amazing and worth the trip. Yumz.
(4)Mark S.
Had a very weird experience at Bayou Bakery this Sunday. Apparently, it was the first time they had opened on Sundays, and you could tell: Friend and I arrived at the same time as an elderly gentleman, and we all tried opening the locked door, despite wait staff inside staring back at us, and notes on the door stating they're open on Sundays from 8am (this was about 8.15am). After a short wait, one of the staff opened the door for us, and sheepishly admitted that "I guess we're open today...?". Odd. Ordering the food was comical: "Can we have X, Y, and some Z?" - "Oh we don't have those on Sundays" ... then why advertise dishes and even simple things like croissants if you arbitrarily don't offer them? The wait for the food was OK once we were allowed to know what was and what wasn't available, but the food itself was a bit off: The beignets were bland (how do you eff up something as simple as a beignet?!), the sausage biscuits horribly oversalted and dry. I'm all for trying out new bakeries and eateries, but I'd wait to try these guys until they've figured out Service 101, at the very least.
(2)Graig M.
Love this place. I can't bring myself to order anything except the beignets and coffee though. I've been probably a half dozen times, mostly when I'm just having a lazy day walking around Clarendon/Courthouse and want a snack and a cup of coffee. I like the laid back atmosphere and music they play. The beignets, while absolutely a mess (as to be expected), are on point. I walked in one day with my sax jazz book and I thought they were going to make me play for my food. I'm only giving 4 stars because I've only had two things from their menu... I'll definitely be back though to try the rest... someday...
(4)K H.
The space is interesting and reasonably comfortable, although the tables weren't being cleaned after being cleared by patrons. My companions were very happy with their gumbo (although more rice would have been welcome) and Mac and cheese. The beignets were cooked a good deal more on one side than the other, but were okay. I ordered a salad with grilled chicken. I should mention that if anything is going to go poorly in a restaurant, it will be with my order. I ordered a green salad with grilled chicken and a biscuit. The greens were okay, but the cuke had the more translucent edge around it that points to its having sat in water too long. The chicken was ice cold and very undercooked - almost crunchy. I did not eat it. I then realized I hadn't gotten my biscuit. I went back to the counter, got the attention of the man at the register and told him. He told one of the 2 women putting together orders to get him a biscuit. I waited several minutes before inquiring again. The biscuit was then MICROWAVED. I ate it because I was hungry. It was a great biscuit ruined by the nuking, which was sad. The owner was on Chopped or one of the other Food TV network shows, which is what made me think it would be good. I was disappointed.
(3)Jewelyn W.
I am a huge fan of Bayou Bakery. My family is from New Orleans and while I only lived there for a few years, it's a city that absolutely gets into you and can make you who you are. Bayou Bakery brings that back. I tried them the instant they opened, chowing down on some fresh beignets and some cafe au lait! After some time (because seriously, delish!) I tried the Arm Drip, the Gumbo, and the Creole Pilgrim. All were fantastic! More recently, I've started following the shop on facebook. That's when I became aware of their daily Mambo Combo's and their delicious nightly Chew Dat's. Check their website for the meal of the day, but definitely go check it out! Their Friday Night BBQ Shrimp with crusty french bread is absolutely to die for!!!
(5)Meg D.
Great ambiance here. We really like the muffalattas and my husband digs the devilied eggs. We've had mixed experiences on the shrimp - it was been both delicious and of questionable freshness - the grilled shrimp portions are also a bit small. The coffee is delicious. The pimento cheese sandwich was one of the most disgusting meals I've ever had the misfortune to order - the consistency of the cheese is ALL WRONG - very fluffy like whipped cream, and it pretty much squished out of the sandwich with each bite. I have eaten and made pimento cheese and it's not supposed to be light and fluffy. I couldn't even eat half of it. Without the pimento cheese sandwich experience this might have been a 4 star review, but *shudder* I can't forget it.
(3)Luvs T.
It was just ok...the cafe au lait was decent, a bit watery. The beigniets were doughy and I can taste the flour even though it was cooked through. My kids didn't care for the beigniets and they love donuts. However, the grits and brisket was pretty good. Sunday brunch was crowded with tight seating. Not rushing back any time soon.
(2)Shannon B.
Like some other reviewers I've never been to New Orleans, but I love this little spot in Arlington. I'm a fan of the cafe au lait, the beignets, and the caramel bacon popcorn. NOM. I've never made it for their lunch or dinner offerings, but if I ever get a job near there I'd better start putting in double time at the gym as well.
(4)Sandy J.
This review is strictly for the breakfast here. For the lunch and dinner, I'd probably give this place 2 or 3 stars but it's really excellent for breakfast. Sadly, I've never been to New Orleans so I can't say if these beignets are anything like the originals. Still, it is perfectly fried dough doused in powdered sugar. What's not to love? The beignets are perfect with the french pressed coffee. I only visit DC once or twice a year so I usually go a little crazy here and get the coffee, beignets and biscuit sandwiches. So delicious!
(4)Edward M.
Where's the seasoning? This place came highly recommended. Went for lunch yesterday (Sunday) morning. The line is out the door. Ordered a side of gumbo, the cheesy grits with BBQ Brisket and a side of Bayou potatoes. EVERY dish was bland. I am not a picky eater, love everything, never touch the salt shaker. I immediately went for the salt shaker and pepper mill. Still, no flavor. walked out! I guess people either go because it's "unique" or I ordered the wrong things. Potatoes are easy to grill...they were unflavored and not baked long enough. Fire the chef!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)C P.
This Bayou is worth visiting I visited Bayou Bakery around 8:30 PM on a Saturday night. I found a parking space right next to the Bayou, which was a good sign of things to come. It was only a half hour before closing, but the staff was as cheerful as if they had just opened. The special of the day was a andoulle and shrimp jamabalaya, and I ordered that along with some beignets and a glass of lemonade. The lemonade was nice and tart, and came in a mason jar (nice touch!). There was only one other couple there at the time, which allowed us to check out the surrondings. I liked what I saw a lot. The front part of the bakery has tables with chairs, and then they have a back lounge like area (with a big curtain to separate the two), with a tv and comfy seats and couches. I could easily envision relaxing back there. They call out the food according to name, and you pick it up yourself at a window down the bar. My jambalaya was really good, with just enough kick in it to make a flavorful, but not overwhelming. I thought the portion was just right. They were kind enough to provide me with the beignets AFTER I finished my meal (another nice touch). Those beignets were really good. They do not skimp on the powdered sugar. I had noticed the abundance of baked goods at the counter (it is, after all, a bakery). I decided to take with me to go some of their chocolate chip banana muffins, chocolate chip cookies and a couple bags of the porcorn (caramel corn with bacon). The muffins were EXCELLENT the next morning for breakfast. And the cookies-lets just say i should have bought more. But the coup de grace was the porkorn. I took them to the home of a friend as a gift so we could watch the True Blood premiere while eating them. It was so good we devoured it within minutes. That Porkorn is highly addictive. This Bayou is worth the trip. Grab some Porkorn on the way out.
(5)pathic d.
My family and I were visiting the DC area and stayed at a hotel 2 blocks from the Bayou Bakery. We ended up eating breakfast here every morning of our stay. The coffee and beignets are excellent! While we were there we tried the oatmeal, yogurt, muffins, scones and biscuits. Unfortunately, we never got to try them out for lunch or dinner, so I cannot speak to those offerings. For starters, I was not a tremendous fan of the biscuits, because I felt they were too crumbly. I'm used to a little more fat to hold them together than what they offer. They had good flavor, but it was difficult to eat a biscuit sandwich when the biscuit kept falling apart. Biscuits aside, everything else I tried from there was really good. The yogurt was exceptional, and you can get it with fruit and granola added. Additionally, I really liked the savory bacon, cheddar, and chive scone. Ultimately, what drove us back was the beignets. Who doesn't love fried bread? (Warning: do not wear dressy blacks to eat the beignet, because they put a TON of powdered sugar on them.) Served piping hot they practically melt in your mouth. And at $3/3, they are reasonably priced as well. Finally, the folks who work there are great.
(4)Sarah S.
A decent N'awlins eatery in DC...I'll take it. I enjoyed the food, the vibe, and the quirkiness of Bayou Bakery. The biscuits are fantastic - soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with tons of flavor. (I ordered mine with egg and cheese.) And of course, I could not leave this place without ordering a trio of beignets. I actually found them more appetizing than the ones at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans; they were less greasy, had better texture, and topped with a manageable amount of powdered sugar - I didn't leave covered in it. Finally, while I'm not a fan of the ultra-strong chicory coffee, I was very pleased with the cappuccinos. Next time I'll check out their lunchtime options... It's inexpensive, cozy, and it satiates those low-country cravings. Go there.
(4)Elina T.
I've only been twice and have only the cupcakes and tea, but I really like the feel of this place. Accents like the mason jars, the couches in the back, and the give and take book shelf, make it feel very homey. I'm a big fan of homey, especially on days when I need to work, but want to get out of the house. I've had the chocolate cupcake with chocolate buttercream, which was very good. My husband had the banana chocolate muffin, which he liked as well. They serve you loose leaf tea, which they bag themselves (original, I think). Refreshing to see something different in Arlington. We need more non-Starbucks coffee shops. Will be back to try the food.
(4)Alex M.
Someone's been cooking the beignets behind my back! If you yearn for a delicious taste of old New Orleans, look no further than the Bayou Bakery located a stone's throw from the Courthouse in Arlington. Without a doubt, this little cozy shop packs a lot of Louisiana punch- serving up tasty favorites from New Orleans in a small but friendly shop, you can count on getting cheap beignets (3 for $3), tasty muff-o-lotta's ($6) and a host of more-or-less New Orleans treats. Also a nice touch is the Meat and Cheese plates that run between $4-$7 and provide a nice mix for an after work coffee. they appear to be a coffee shop that also serves blue-plate specials.. odd as that seems, it actually works here - giving off the feeling of a neighborhood eatery mixed with coffee shop. If you're from the state shaped like a boot, you'll probably be in seventh heaven, other will enjoy a nice cup of coffee and some tasty treats, but probably won't become regulars.
(3)Hannah B.
I think I LOVED the decor more than I did the food. The bathroom has all these neat photos and recipes papered on the wall. The whole place has a great bakery/coffee shop/cajun feel. Very nicely done decor. As for the food, I think I set my expectations too high. The Beignets are good but flat/small compared with Cafe Du Monde. The biscuits are tasty and crumbly. The freshly made turkey sausage is good and flavorful. I was disappointed the eggs looked like the fake kind that come in squares. The pain au chocolat was really good. I do want to go back and try a muff-a-lotta and some brownies.
(3)Ashley S.
It's alright, and really, I'd make it three stars if it weren't so over priced for what it is. It's a nice space, but not as clean as it could be. The food is slightly above average. There's nothing wrong with it, but it's not the most memorable meal I've had. It's not exactly authentic Cajun, but it's ok for an Arlington take on an ethnic food.
(2)Holly B.
We had heard lots of good things about Bayou Bakery so when we found ourselves in need of a late afternoon lunch we were excited to try it out! Unfortunately, they only serve their entrees during certain times of day. So Breakfast in the the morning, lunch around noon and I'm not sure if they do dinner or not. Needless to say if you come in for lunch in the late afternoon you are SOL my friend. But not to worry. We tried the gumbo, which was delicious, even if in a smaller than I'd hoped for coffee cup. We split a goat cheese, spinach, walnut salad (they made an exception on their entree rule for us for a salad only) which was also fantastic. The beignets were meh. We'd really come to try some of their bread and sandwiches so we'll be back during regular people hours to try again!
(3)Krissy R.
Pretty good food-- not a ton of choices for lunch, but when I went I had a chicken sandwich and it was decent. The atmosphere is cute but it isn't extremely inviting, and if you want tap water to drink you are stuck with the tiniest cups known to man. I heard that the beignets are delicious, but I didn't try them when I went for lunch. There was a line forming when I visited, so it was pretty crowded. I was lucky to find a couple of free seats, but it was in the back of the restaurant and the coffee table that I had to use for my food and water was really really low. It made for an awkward eating experience, so if I had the option to get an actual table I think things would have been better. The service was pretty good (it was refreshing to have someone working at the register that was professional, speedy, and friendly), and I like there is an easy system for grabbing your food when it's ready (they give you cards and call the name on your card when your food is ready). My friend got coffee and she said that the coffee is really delicious. I'll be back to try the beignets, but I don't think I'll go during the lunch rush. If I go during a slower time of day I think I'll be able to relax a bit more.
(3)Sara H.
A real gem, lots of unusual things that are hard to find elsewhere. Great ambiance, so comfortable. especially like the biscuits and the pimento cheese.
(5)Kimberly B.
This cold weather really stirred up a gumbo craving. Fortunately, I managed to drag my husband back to this place after giving it a few disappointing tries when it first opened. Today, we had the grillades, gumbo, mac n cheese, collards, muffaletta, pralines, and the banana pudding. Things were GREAT until we got to the banana pudding. My favorite gumbo is darker and runnier, but I sure didn't leave any of Bayou Bakery's in the bowl. The muffaletta sandwich is what really hit the spot, this one tasted just like home. The olive mix was perfect. I just don't know what to say about the banana pudding except is was awful. I had just seen David (owner/chef) on Chopped and had hoped he would have made it to the dessert competition for the show, but anything remotely similar to that banana pudding topped with canned whipped cream served in a plastic cup would have been an embarrassment. How 'bout some sweet potato pie topped with fresh whipped cream? Or some good banana pudding? Overall, I was pleased. The boudin is served only at night, so I'm sure I'll make an evening trip to give that a try along with a few other things.
(4)Ra C.
Over Memorial Day weekend, they were having a special crawfish boil to celebrate the holiday. When I read online that they would be serving crawfish for dinner, I knew where I'd be dining on Saturday night. We got there towards the tail end of the crawfish dinner, and there was a noticeable line. Seating was definitely limited because it was so crowded; but it wasn't that long of a wait before a table freed up. My husband and I both ordered the crawfish dinner, 1lb of gigantic crawfish, served with a side steamed potato and corn, all for $15 a platter! Because of the high demand though, by the time our order was up, they ran out of potatoes and corn. But what blew my mind was that the owner apologized and offered us free soup and beignets as a consolation. I was really touched by the level of customer service. When we got our dinner, we both couldn't get over the gigantic crawfish. I don't think I've ever seen them so huge. They were steamed and seasoned perfectly! I only needed to add a little bit of hot sauce on the side for that extra kick. We also got the shrimp and corn chowder which was sweet and oh so savory. There was a great blend of black pepper to give the creamy texture a perfect hint of spiciness. We also got the gumbo. The soup was filled with crab and andouille sausage. I was not a huge fan of the broth though, I kept adding more hot sauce cause I felt that it was a little too bland for my taste. First up for dessert were the beignets smothered in powdered sugar. Each bite sort of transformed me back to Cafe du Monde in New Orleans. The beignets were so light and fluffy and served right out of the deep fryer, they were still warm when we bit into them. As a side note, do not wear a black dress, as you will get powdered sugar all over yourself. For the past few weeks, I had been reading about these famous sno balls all over twitter and blogs. So needless to say, I had to order them as well. I got the wedding cake flavor, which reminded me of an almond cake. The shaved ice proved to be an amazing palate cleanser. On a hot day, it was so refreshing and sweet. The flavored ice just melted and oozed with flavor. I loved every spoonful and can't wait to try a few other flavors next time I'm there. The restaurant is very eclectic and the customer service was amazing. I was very impressed with my first visit there. The owner even came up to us after we finished our dinner to ask how everything was and to apologize again for the potato and corn. I loved that for being as busy as they were, she remembered who we were and took some time to come over to our table. As we were winding up our dinner, I kept glancing up at the menu behind the register. There were so many tempting pastries, sandwiches and salads. We will definitely be making future trips here and try out more items.
(4)Karen S.
I have been to Bayou Bakery many times to do some work and sip coffee. The staff are always super nice to me even when I stay for 3 or 4 hours. The coffee is delicious, the beignets are tasty but messy. The muffins are good. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
(5)Ben B.
Not a fan of this place. My girlfriend and I came here a 9am this past Saturday since no other places were open at that time. We both got a biscuit with sausage and egg with their tators. She also got an orange juice and I got some coffee. The total came to $28?!? The biscuits were dry and the sausage and eggs were processed/frozen. Wayyyyy over-priced for the quality.... over-priced period! I heard a famous chef runs the kitchen... was he famous for being on kitchen nightmares?! Definitely not worth the money and I definitely won't go back!
(1)Jamil B.
edit: I had to dock them a star after my most recent visit. They don't offer free coffee refills. This is bad business for a diner type place IMO...especially when your coffee is above the $2 mark and the eat in mug holds less coffee than a small to-go cup of coffee. Get over the name and just go for the food. I'm no NOLA snob, never been for an extended stay to know whether this is authentic or not...what I DO know is that there aren't a lot of quality breakfast type spots in ARLINGTON and this is one that should be at the top of everyone's list...there is room for a few good breakfast cafe type places in Arlington and this one fits in perfectly. Northside is great yes, but I wouldn't even compare the two because they aren't even the same "genre" if I may.... Now on to the food....it's great, fresh, tasty and reasonably priced. Quick service and ample comfortable seating.. AMPLE AND COMFORTABLE! ...meaning you don't have to swim through a sea of laptop squatters, hipsters, yuppies and weirdoes just to place an order and then find a clean spot inside to eat. That's saying a lot.. Get yourself a biscuit and coffee and enjoy.
(3)Richard W.
Courthouse area of Arlington is coming of age with regards to interesting and good places to eat. Bayou Bakery has great beignets, hot with just enough powdered sugar and a perfect complement to the chicory coffee. The barbeque shrimp I had one Friday night were great and the muffuletta was fantastic. The only reason I cannot give them more that three stars is the gumbo was not spicy enough. It had good flavor, but no kick. Hot sauce is on the table, but it was not tabasco, I think it was crystal which is not spicy enough for me. Add some spice to the gumbo or give us real hot sauce...next time I go I will take a bottle of hot sauce from my personal wall of flame. Update to my initial review, taking Bayou Bakery down to two stars. How can you have the name Bayou and serve Shrimp Creole with no seasoning...it was blander that Shrimp Chow Mein. In the future I will stick with bignets and the sandwiches.
(2)Evan D.
The food here is great, but the staff really deserves a lot of praise! They are amazingly friendly and willing to help customers figure out exactly what they want to order and what would make a great dish. I highly recommend the beignets, they are outstanding!
(4)Robert S.
Best cappuccinos in the courthouse/clarendon area. Along with that, they have an awesome muffaletta sandwich. Of course, great beignets too.
(5)Loesje T.
Having lived in NOLA and eaten the best food on the planet I was pleased to try Bayou Bakery. The gumbo was nice but the roux wasn't thick enough. Still the taste was there. The sandwiches were very good but alas, unless you have the local New Orleans bread they will never taste the same. But for this area they were up to par. Next time I'll try the jambalaya which is supposed to be divine. Zatarains is everyone's hamburger helper in NOLA but the real thing takes time, we'll let the Bayou Bakery do that. The beignets were delicious. It's the same boxed mix they use in Lousiana. Believe me, no one I know makes the dough by hand not even in New Orleans. The staff was nice but not Louisiana friendly. Didn't meet the chef but saw him one day. A little full of himself/ themselves for a cafe. I wish them well, I'll go back again and hopefully the atmosphere will improve. A nice place for a memory and a meal.
(3)M A.
Everything is good but nothing is amazing. For the owner/chef being from NOLA I was expecting better. As I said everything is good, and it all tastes fresh. But the real NOLA flavor is missing. The gumbo is somewhat bland. The nightly blue plate specials are simple and satisfying. The prices are also a little high, $7 for a hot dog is pushing it. (Although I think the hot dog is the best thing on the menu). The best thing about Bayou Bakery is the the french press chicory coffee. It goes great with beignets. While I liked the beignets, my dining buddy from NOLA was unimpressed. She said they were too cakey. Overall it is a satisfying place. I was hoping Bayou Bakery would be the down home corner place, but it is still lacking a little something extra.
(3)Arjay U.
love this place... especially their famous beignets !
(4)Jon G.
Lackluster and sometimes rude staff, overpriced coffee that is on par with Starbucks. Sometimes the bakery's okay. I think the key is to always remember your customers, they are the ones who support you......or not
(2)Evi D.
Came here on a sunny Saturday morning with a friend. The line was a bit longer than I thought it'd be, but it moved fast. We got some coffees, beignets, grits and breakfast biscuit. The beignets and coffee were the best. I wish I had ordered my biscuit with some cheese, since it was a little dry. The decor is cute, and seating wasn't too hard to find. I like the jugs of water you can fill up on. Wish there was more outdoor seating. I'll definitely stop by for dinner sometime!
(4)Loy G.
it's like krispy kreme had an illegitimate beignet baby in the french quarter and brought the baby back to northern virginia. it's not authentic cafe du monde beignet but who cares. you can't say no to bayou bakery's light and freshly fried beignet generously dusted with powdered sugar. they melt in your mouth while leaving your smiling face coated in sugar. i inhaled a whole plate and washed it down with some french pressed coffee. not sure i tasted any chicory in the coffee, but that's a good thing in my opinion. my brother and i also sampled the grillades and biscuits and gravy, which were unfortunately forgettable. that being said, i'll definitely stop in for coffee and beignet when i'm back in the area.
(4)Rod S.
Great coffee, good food, but one HUGE gripe is that they try this cute system where instead of taking your name for your order they give you a card with a parish name on it. Problem is the kitchen staff usually can't pronounce it and/or nobody hears their parish. So you'll just hear some poor cook keep saying "Madison?! Madison?!" over and over. Otherwise good spot. Good mixed drinks and authentic NOLA coffee.
(3)Andrea A.
Love it here. Great place to chill. Great coffee & food. Beignets are awesome.
(5)Bella D.
Went this morning to finally check this place out. Agree with many other reviews on the decor and music and atmosphere. Truly wonderful and authentic. I did feel like I was back in NOLA. Had a cafe au-lait -- it was just like the ones at cafe du mond. yay! The beignets, however, were dense and sort of greasy with the powdered sugar packed on top. Also had Benton's bacon biscuit with eggs and cheese. The biscuit itself is great, flaky, crispy on the outside, soft and crumbly. The egg looked fake and was a disappointment, the bacon was smoky but sorta chewy (I like my bacon crispy). I wish I had seen the jalapeno jelly earlier so I could have put it on my breakfast sandwich. Conclusion: I will definitely go back for the cafe au lait and check out their lunch/dinner items. Not feeling their breakfast time options.
(3)Lai L.
I wish I could give this 2.5 stars because half of the items Ive gotten from here were awesome and half were not so good...in fact, bad. Good: biscuits, cheese Bad: Eggs- seem microwaved and rubbery Good: They supposedly have turkey sausage (i dot eat pork) Bad: They have miraculously run out of turkey sausage all three times ive been there Good: iced lattes are awesome! Bad: mimosa tastes like they used wine because the champagne was super flat Good: the ambiance is great and the decor is lovely (SUPER) bad: THE GRITS ARE BLAND AND GROSS! They didnt have any taste whatsoever. Dont waste your $5. Please! Ive been there three times now and i think im done with this place--too inconsistent.
(2)Genell H.
I went to enjoy some of their sweets. Next time I will have to try their savory meals :) I had beignets for the first time ever and they were soooo yummy! So soft and fluffy and that 1/2 inch thick layer of powdered sugar on top...yuuuum. I'm hooked! Too bad there is not a place in Baltimore that sells these. I also had a side of the chicory coffee that had subtle notes of chicory. The atmosphere was nice too with the New Orleans theme. There was also a lounge area that I would have liked to sit in, but there were people camped out using the internet...not cool... I'll definitely go back again next time I'm driving through VA.
(4)Soo C.
Yum yum yum! Lively music, great for people watching. hot delicious beignets. In fact, I want one just writing about them now. Make sure that you eat them as soon as you get them and be sure to cover yourself and don't laugh while you eat them otherwise you'll be covered in a blanket of powdered sugar. The biscuits are also delicious and their coffee is FABULOUS! They have special coffee drinks which have been a hit every time I've tried a new one! Often the owner is right back there making your coffee or taking your order too. What a great place! I can't wait to try one of their bloody mary's with pickled okra!
(5)Emily P.
I am more than a frequent customer at Bayou. This bakery is right below my office, so I am in there almost everyday. The service is excellent -- the staff is extremely friendly and the food comes out relatively quickly. The food is delicious, especially the meatball subs and veghead sandwich. The food is relatively cheap in comparison to surrounding restaurants/cafes, the decor/ambiance is really warm and cozy, and they have great specials ($10 pitchers of Abita!). I've never noticed "d-bag/yuppie" customers... in fact, I think the clientele is pretty rare for the area of Arlington. Also, the heavenly hash is to die for. So good. Totally deserves 5 stars.
(5)A. N.
Not impressed. First, it's super-overpriced. A basic turkey sandwich was $7.50, and getting chips and a drink brought it to over $10! And annoyingly, there was a tip line on the credit card receipt; I left a tip, but then I still had to come up and get the food for my table. (Can we all agree to stop tipping at places without waitstaff?) The sandwich was dry and lacking in flavor, and it didn't have many toppings. Honestly, Subway is much better than this place.
(2)Rachid C.
Food: 4 Ambiance: 5 Service: 4 Started out with the muffa-lotta myself, while my girlfriend tried the boudin. My sandwich was tasty, and it wasn't overly stuffed with meat (no biting into a whole cow/pig). I could have used a bit more of the olive tapenade, though. My girlfriend's boudin came on a platter with saltines and a knife. She grew up in Louisiana and knows what's up. The boudin was great (I tasted some, too), but it would have been better served with biscuits instead of crackers. Both meals were adequately spiced, in our opinion; maybe some of the other items lack heat, as WaPo food critic Tom Sietsema claims, but I didn't find that to be the case for us. Next up, we ordered two espressos and two orders of beignets. While the latter were outstanding (and extremely hot), we found the coffee to be way too acidic. Perhaps the café au lait would have been a better choice. Meanwhile, the service, decor, and ambiance were excellent. The cashier was friendly, and the expediter who served up our food was even friendlier. My only complaint on the service side of things is that you're put in the awkward situation of adding a gratuity to your credit card slip when you order. I guess if you like to tip based on both service and quality of food, then bring cash to drop in the tip jar or on the table on your way out. All in all, this is a great place to eat. I am looking forward to trying out more of their menu. It's not a pretentious place at all, and it has a lot going for it. Do yourself a favor and ignore Tom Sietsema's poor review.
(4)Joe C.
Awesome spot! Best deviled eggs in town.
(5)Reed B.
If you don't like the Bayou Bakery you are a major corncob. For New Orleans lovers this place holds true to everything the 'City That Care Forgot' has to offer. Their menu isn't particularly elaborate, though everything is good. The turkey sandwich had an unbelievable cheese on it, the roast beef sandwich had the right level of debris on it. All their desserts are delicious. The beignets are good, not Cafe Du Monde but very good nonetheless. Make sure to not wear dark pants when you eat these, lots of powdered sugar. Great selection of Abita, all the seasonals. The decor is incredible, it's not some place that's filled with beads, Mardi Gras, and Saints gear, it's true New Orleans with lots of things that can only be appreciated by true lovers of the city. This place pays attention to every detail, and gets it right. The only thing that hurts the Bayou is that it doesn't have a lot of outside seating, and the view in Court House isn't particularly great.
(5)Leslie H.
I am slightly obsessed with this place. It is adorable and the food is amazing. I used to live in New Orleans, so I'm very particular about Cajun inspired food, but this place is amazingly delicious. I love the atmosphere and all of the authentic New Orleans quirks they included. The chef is there regularly working behind the cash register and he is such a pleasant friendly guy--gives it such a neighborhoody feel. My only complaints are that the food is a little small and the beignets aren't as good as the originals--it seems like they tried to make them healthier, and well..it is fried dough with powdered sugar..you know what you are getting into. I love this place, though!!!! Get the Abita Root Beer :)
(5)Zach A.
First try of this place, maybe walking in at noon and having them tell me they are out of king cakes and only had 3 sandwiches to offer (really one if you through out the hot dog / veggie only) ... so opted with the gumbo Should be a good staple right? No chicken to speak of and hardly any vegetables. If you want sausages with sauce / rice than ok but expecting a bit more. Will go back for another try before counting out tho
(1)Linh O.
Don't go on Sundays until after 1-2pm. Otherwise this place will be super jam packed with people trying to get their amazing beignets and other breakfast foods. The one time I came here early in the morning they were out of all sorts of stuff. Otherwise this place offers a really nice relaxed atmosphere to enjoy great food. Get: mixed green salad, muffalotta (not spelled right), any of the sausage dishes, and the beignets. Be forewarned that if you go on Sunday mornings you may end up with a salad with missing ingredients (apples in our case).
(3)Will D.
What do you want? Authentic Cajun entrees? Awesome pralines and beignets? Abita on tap? If so, this is your place! While everything here is really good, pay attention to the daily specials, especially the mac and cheese on Thursdays.
(5)Moni F.
I was so excited to have a meeting down the street from Bayou Bakery since being a native New Orleanian and having lived in Baton Rouge and Lafayette I always want to support my peeps. The place is really cute with a warm feel but really should not be labeled "bayou" since it really is not a true Louisiana "bayou" restaurant. When I hear "bayou bakery" I immediately think of food that I cook or get back home--pecan pie, southern tea cakes, doberge cake, bread pudding, etc..true Louisiana sweets which are not here..Actually nothing looked appealing to me in the bakery case. There were pralines but just looking at them they didn't resemble any praline I've seen. Real pralines are melt in your mouth sugar crack. These looked dry and hard. Also where is the seafood??? It was lunch time and not a fish/shrimp dish on the menu. I don't eat meat so could only get the grilled pimento cheese. I had to try the beignets and have to admit that although not traditional beignets-- but more of a yeasty doughnut-- they were not bad but I guess its hard not to like deep fried bread smothered in powdered sugar. If I'm in the area I wouldn't mind stopping in again for coffee and beignets, maybe they will add some real Louisiana dishes by then..---Side Note--I am not sure why customers are given the names of Louisiana areas to be called out when their order is ready but PLEASE stop it! It comes off really corny and contrived.. I feel like since we won the Super Bowl(Who DAT!!) And with LSU having a kick ass football team( Geaux Tigers!!) some businesses are trying to capitalize on Louisiana's popularity and I don't blame them but being corny and contrived is NOT at all Louisiana!! The first name of the customer would be so much more personal and natural.
(3)Jennifer T.
Came with high hopes. Used to live in New Orleans, where my love of food and drink all began. Nice ambience. Food and drink was oh-so-close, but missed the mark. Grillades and grits would have been great, but were lukewarm. In fact all of our dishes were not hot enough--including the coffee. Beignets were soft and too doughy--needed more time in the deep fryer. Hope the king cake I bought will earn BB some redemption.
(3)Sarah C.
Stopped here for lunch yesterday with two coworkers. I had the jambalaya, and they had the chicken salad and spicy tuna sandwiches. Overall, the food was good and flavorful. Portion sizes seemed slim when compared to costs, and that's my only gripe. However the prices and portions are comparable to the area... so it's a mini gripe. My coworkers raved about the lemonade they got with their sandwiches, by the way. Might have to try that next time. I'd say this one is worth visiting again.
(4)Tee D.
I've been wanting to try this place, but I'm always too lazy to cross over to VA. There are several seats/tables, and the lines move pretty quickly, so you're most likely to get a table, especially if your party is smaller. My friend was disappointed they didn't have your typical brunch items- scramble eggs, sausages, pancakes, etc. They're more coffee, bakery, sandwich, biscuits, soup, and some brunch side items (potato, grits, etc). I like beignets, so this is one of the few places to get it. It was great!! The sandwich and coffee I got was okay- comparable to other places, but definitely one of the better ones. Great place in the area.
(3)Edgar B.
The cappuccino was really good. The beignets are really tasty! They got our order wrong and only gave us three of our four beignets orders. They fixed that really quick. Good place, good atmosphere. Would visit again. Correction, they did not get our order wrong. Another customer stole one of our beignets orders . They gave us a new one really quick. They give you cards with name on them and call out the names once your order is ready. We had Livingston. Apparently someone thought they called their name and came and took our beignets, those dastardly fiends! Hands off the goodies!
(4)Victoria L.
On a mission to try out the beignets, my family and I made an order of beignets and two cappuccinos. Each order comes with 3 average sized beignets priced at $5 (I believe). I've had a lot of different types of beignets in the past, and I thought this one was okay. In my opinion, it was too doughy and bland. It wasn't as good as we had hoped, but still tasty. On the other hand, the cappuccinos were warm and subtle in flavor. It was a nice cup of cappuccino to enjoy with the family! Inside the restaurant, the decor delivers a Southern charm in addition to ample seating at the bar, booths, couches, and tables. The service was also fast and friendly! Bayou Bakery is a pleasant spot to enjoy some Louisiana-style food and baked goods while catching up with friends or family in Arlington. I would definitely come here again to try the other options on the menu, including the various wines and their brunch menu.
(3)Nekia S.
As a true transplanted southerner, I give it a solid "meh". Tried the beignets and Pork Biscuit for breakfast. The beignets were too dense compared to how you'd get them in New Orleans, but the flavor was good. Maybe a touch too yeasty. The pork biscuit was disappointing. It looked more like a sloppy joe than pulled pork. Too much sauce, no big meaty chunks but tiny bits of chopped pork. And biscuit itself was again, just okay.
(3)Neha J.
I really want to give this place more stars because the beignets were fresh and out of this world and the restaurant itself has a great, fun New Orleans charm but overall the experience wasn't the best. Firstly, we decided to sit outside because it was a gorgeous day. They gave us an order card for our table so we figured that they'd look for us to serve the food when it was ready. We waited almost 20 minutes with no food and found it sitting inside on the counter. Apparently you have to pick up the food yourself and just call out the name on the order card. No one had told us to be ready for that so we were sitting outside while our food was getting cold inside. Secondly, we ordered biscuit sandwiches and the biscuits were incredibly dry and almost chalky. We had to spread lots of butter and jam into our sandwiches because they were just not easy to chew at all. Maybe this was because they were sitting in the counter for almost 10 minutes... Finally, this may be me being picky, but when I order iced coffee, I shouldn't have a tough time sticking the straw in the cup. The cup was so full of ice (and barely any coffee) that I couldn't even get my straw in the cup and had to sip it until it was melted enough to use the straw. Overall, not the greatest. Go for the fresh beignets and a cute place, but not for the service...
(3)Chris C.
Great place to get a nice NOLA styled breakfast or lunch. They have so many different varieties of coffee, beignets, muffaletta, boudin, and regular muffins etc. I really enjoyed the beignets even though they obviously aren't as fluffy as the orignial Cafe du Monde in NOLA. It's great for getting my beignet fix when I crave it. I highly recommend it if you're close by. They have street parking and parking is free on Sundays.
(4)Richard C.
I've always wanted to go to New Orleans for some real cajun food... But for now this will have to do. Came here with my gf and tried the gumbo, muffaletta, and of course some beignets. The gumbo was missing something. I took a bite with the shrimp and was not impressed. It needs to be spicier and just more effort. Though it was my first time having one, the muffaletta was amazing. Packed in between the breads was a stack of meat and melted cheese! One word to describe beignets... ADDICTING. It came in 3s. Deep fried dough with powdered sugar on top but it might as well be cocaine. Eating it while it was warm should be the only way to eat it. So if you order some please do yourself the favor of eating it asap. Will def come back to try the jambalaya and other foods!
(4)Tia D.
I came here for brunch, and it was pretty good. I had the beignets and biscuit. Plus, I ordered a muffin, cookie, and scone to go. (Don't judge me.) The beignets and biscuit were great. I have been to Cafe du Monde, and I thought these were better. They aren't as big, so they don't leave you feeling gross and like you just ate an entire loaf of fried Wonder bread. I also loved the blueberry jam. As for the cookie, it was peanut butter, and it was certainly not my favorite. It could definitely have been softer. I have yet to try the scone and muffin, but I am certainly excited :) The prices are also extremely reasonable, and the place just achieves a perfect feeling of being at a cozy home.
(4)Christopher G.
Located in heart of Courthouse, next door to the courthouse, lays a New Orleans themed coffee shop. While parking may be a hassle (paid street parking or paid parking lot that each fill up quick), this place is definitely a worth a try. Conveniently located near all the office buildings, this is a great place to go for your coffee needs while at work. Although the espresso drinks may not be the best in the area, their NOLA-inspired beignets are delicious. The teas and iced coffees seem to be the fan favorites of this shop. The shop is also an excellent place to people watch, get work done, or study (as long as the NOLA themed music over the loud speakers don't bother you). I would definitely come here more often if it was closer to me. But whenever I'm in the area, I know where my caffeine cravings will be satisfied.
(4)Katina K.
Had read some cool articles about this place so decided to stop by with my boyfriend. Let's just say, I was disappointed. We ordered a biscuit breakfast sandwich, coffee, and the famous beignets! The coffee was mediocre and the biscuit sandwich was awful. It had the fake microwaved eggs and was not a quality sandwich that I'd expect at a bakery such as this place. It just tasted and looked fake. The saving grace of the restaurant was the beignets! They were amazing, so warm, and doughy, and mounted with ample amounts of powdered sugar... so good! Food was a 2, other than the beignets which were a 5. The service I would say is a 3. The staff was friendly but didn't experience enough of them to have much to say.
(2)Megan B.
I want to love this place. I want to give it 5 stars because I love giving credit where credit is due. However, this place isn't 5 stars. The food is good. The muffalotta was delicious, but sadly overpriced and small. In NOLA you order muffalotta and it's as big as your head! This one is a mini version that's priced at $8.50... For the sandwich only... Nothing else. So I ordered a side of Mac and cheese. It's pretty fantastic, but it runs $7 for a side! You can't go here without ordering beignets, another $3 for 3. This meal (water to drink) cost me $20! I couldn't really believe my ears that my simple lunch set me back $20! This same meal in NOLA, in the French Quarter, would have been at least $5 less. The food is tasty, I just think the portions are small and overpriced. If you're on the company's dime, you should totally check this place out. If you're dinning on your own dime, don't come hungry. I'll have to check out the happy hour since they offer $3 specials.
(3)Diana S.
It took me way too long to try this place considering it's across the street from the heavenly leather reclined AMC Courthouse. Now I know that Bayou Bakery has got you covered for all of your Big Easy cravings. I came here on a Saturday morning with some friends visiting from out of town. We tried a few items from their limited brunch menu. For the biscuits and gravy, , I guess it fell short for me because it was made with ham and not juicy bits of sausage (I knew this before ordering but stayed hopeful). Their biscuits were good but not my favorites because I like mine more buttery and fluffy. My hot cup of Counter Culture coffee was delicious and props to them for having alternative sweeteners like agave and simple syrup! I will definitely need to come back and try the cheesy mac and pimiento cheese as well as the beignets!!
(3)Morgan C.
This Louisiana themed joint is located on the corner of N.Courthouse and Clarendon. They have plenty of space and seating options, good jazzy music, and free wifi. I ordered a coffee and a biscuit/sausage/egg/cheese breakfast sandwich. The $9 tag didn't shock me, but had me expecting more. When I was handed my coffee there were flakes of something floating on it, I asked "is this cinnamon or something?" And the reply: "no, it's probably coffee grinds or something". Sweet. That said, the coffee was good. My sandwich, however, was not very good. Dry biscuit that had clearly been sitting out a while. Egg was cut from a large block of cooked egg. And the sausage was dry and as hard as cardboard. All in all it was disappointing. So, two stars. If Id left feeling like I got what I paid for, it would be three. Corner Bakery and Brooklyn Bagels are within one block. Maybe check them out.
(2)Kimberly S.
Laissez les bons temps rouler! A trip to Bayou Bakery is my tried-and-true prescription for wanderlust. Sure it's missing that certain joie de vivre that New Orleans has, but it's warm and welcoming atmosphere and delicious Cajun inspired dishes are all I need to re-charge and re-enter the world...Let's just say I've spent many rainy Saturdays here. Chew Dat: + A cup of their gumbo is positively soul warming. + Made fresh-to-order, their begniets come warm and melt-in-your-mouth. Piled high with powdered sugar, they are the perfect coffee treat to share with a friend. + Umm hello Zapp's potato chips. Served with their chunky bacon and blue cheese dip, it's junk food heaven. + Crawfish boils in the summer and Abita beer -- I can't imagine a more perfect day! + Homemade biscuits: Freshly baked, warm and crumbly. Good as a breakfast sandwich or with gravy. For LSU or Saints fans, they have a cozy back nook with televisions so you can cheer your team on with other like minded folks.
(4)Jen B.
Bayou Bakery has done really well and is an Arlington gem. The food isn't given enough credit (likely due to NOLA differing greatly from other cooking styles). Today I had a Mixed Greens salad, Cauliflower Soup, Spicy Tuna Sandwich and Beignets. My favorite of those tried was the Cauliflower Soup. I must admit, I was skeptical on cauliflower, but the spices truly made it a delight on a cold day. The Beignets were excellent as well. There was a large crowd/long line due to King Cake pickup today (yes, you can pre-order King Cakes). The dining room was chilly (but Arlington does often doesn't see temperatures in the teens), so I'm guessing this is NOT always an issue. I am hopeful Bayou Bakery continues to keep it small and local as it truly does well due to the uniqueness and attention to detail (décor and menu selection). I also like that they host a block party for Mardi Gras and participate in the local Clarendon/Courthouse Mardi Gras parade. I saw many Arlington residents teaching their children about Mardi Gras which made it particularly fun to eavesdrop. The Bayou serves Counter Culture coffees (similar to Northside Social) and the baristas are good natured and as spirited as the decorations.
(4)Rebecca M.
I'm not a coffee drinker so when I go into a coffee shop whether it's a Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, or a neighborhood joint, I am often faced with a dilemma: what to order. Now I'm not an expert on Bayou Place, but I can say that their Creme Brûlée Latte is one of the best drinks I've ever had in my life. If I could have ordered 14 of those while keeping my dignity intact, I would have done so. I may or may not have conspired on reasons to go to Courthouse just so I could have this beautiful elixir. Now I can't speak for the food besides the delicious Virginia Ham and Cheese a Croissant, but for what it's worth I found that delicious too. Not last-meal-on-earth delicious, but definitely good.
(4)Zach H.
I'm huge fan of Cajun food and I finally got a chance to stop in for dinner. I've been to New Orleans and have lived all over Florida. I'm no Cajun food expert, but I've certainly consumed a fair amount of it. It's a no-frills, walk-up-counter spot (and a pick-up window) with the décor and casual vibe like you're sitting in a friend's house down near the bayou. With a separate room with big TVs and LSU and Tulane paraphernalia, it looks like it doubles as a sports bar so it adds another fun element to Bayou Bakery. My friend and I ordered a couple Cajun favorites -- Gumbo and Jambalaya -- in addition to the special of the day which was Turkey Meatloaf served with Mashed Potatoes and Collard Greens. The Gumbo took me all the way back to my visits to New Orleans. It's some of the best gumbo I've had in a looooong time. The jambalaya was good, but a little underwhelming and the presentation was questionable which smashed look as if someone stacked a plate on top. The extremely satisfying turkey meatloaf was seasoned well and the collards tasted like a southern grandma poured her heart and soul into it. It was comfort on a plate. Overall, the food was pretty good and great place to get your Cajun food fix. The service was great in helping us narrow down our choices. Sadly, I didn't get a chance to try any of the baked goodies. So I look forward to trying some of their sweet treats soon.
(4)Paul C.
Iv'e returned twice for Sunday breakfast and wanted to update. It's still 3 stars. One visit i had the "Hungover Hog". Pulled Pork w/ potatoes,gravy and a poached egg on top. I really liked this dish, but wish there was a biscuit under the pork and gravy.Love the gravy. A good value at $12, easily a meal for 2. My other visit i got the Grilliades and Grits. Roasted Beef and a tomato gravy over grits. Love the grits, but the beef was a little chewy in spots. At $12, i expect a lot more. All in all, a good experience. I will return.
(3)Emily L.
This place is great. There is never bad time for some coffee and a chat with your close friends. They also have good beignets. You should check out this place
(4)Rachael B.
I enjoyed my breakfast stop here. It's a strong competitor in the "cheap eats" category. We got two biscuit sandwiches and an order of beignets for around $11. The biscuit was super crumbly, which made the sandwich kind of hard to eat, but it was nice and buttery and fresh. The beignets were hot and fresh. Not perfectly light and fluffy, but pretty darn good nonetheless. We went back and got the praline scone, which was delicious. They serve Counter Culture coffee, always a plus, and there's lots of seating. Seems like a good place to post up and do some work for a few hours. Looking forward to trying their lunch offerings.
(4)Issa C.
I am writing this review because this place is completely overrated. People - PLEASE STOP rating a whole restaurant because you had the doughnuts once and liked them! Side note - I mean, how hard is it to make a doughnut taste good? Really. I mean, it's fried, it has sugar on top. That's not rocket science. We are humans. "Fried" and "sugar" are universally good to just about all of us. Anyway, the rest of the menu is bland, lackluster, and sometimes nasty. Service is slow. The place is generally left dirty by patrons in a "clean your own" type of scenario. So, really the food sucks and there are no redeeming qualities to this place. TL;DR - In 4 years, I've never had anything worthy of the hype. Avoid this place - or at least go in with the understanding that it's not actually anything approaching "Good" and that you must order the beignets because sugar. My experience w/ Bayou Bakery. I live one block from Bayou Bakery. I've been in the area for almost 4 years now. I've gone to Bayou Bakery at least half a dozen times to try different things over that 4 year span. Not once have I enjoyed anything there, except for the beignets - SORTA. I'm not being vindictive. I didn't try to hit on the cashier, and get rebuffed, and now I feel I have to put the place down because my ego and sense of self as a person are completely rocked. No. I've given this place SO MANY chances, and every time reaffirms the fact that nothing here is good. Yet, I keep seeing people coming here saying "We saw the good reviews, but were disappointed..." and I just have to say: DO NOT BUY INTO THE HYPE. This is not a "real n'awleans food is better" elitist argument or something. I have not been to New Orleans. I am not some southern food snob. As food with flavor - It's just NOT GOOD. Even a simple caesar salad here was wilted and tasteless. The only flavor was from the gobs of Parmesan cheese shaved over top of it. It was literally about as good as those pre-prepped bowls of salad you buy in the produce aisle at Safeway. Things I've tried here: Grits w Sausage Egg and Cheese Biscuit Caesar Salad Various muffins and other biscuits Gumbo Beignets As I said above, there are other qualities to a restaurant, let's try those out: How's the atmosphere? Crowded. Odd shaped furniture plus overcrowding makes it uncomfortable to move around. Squeezing and stepping over the corner of a table where other people have their food sitting at shin height is uncomfortable and awkward. How's the cleanliness? I've never seen someone who works there tidying up after people. It's a DIY model where you clean after yourself. That is a fine model, if your patrons actually do that and don't leave their crumbs all over the place. It's fine if you don't serve beignets with cocaine powder wafting across the table like a sandstorm on the arabian peninsula. It's fine if your seating is not kitschy old couches with velvet upholstery that love to collect people's droppings and store them for the winter. How's the service? Slow. You'll wait forever for your food, and in my experience - and echoed in other reviews - when you finally get your order it'll be wrong 50% of the time. How are the prices? Well, this is Arlington, so probably the majority of places around here could get dinged for being too pricey, but yeah, it's pricey for what you get.
(2)Eric N.
Really average. The only reason it gets two stars is for the beignet. It was hot and delicious. Otherwise the food was not impressive and service was sort of douchey. I would come back only for the beignet as dessert.
(2)Cory N.
Such a great place!! Had the beignet, hot tea, and the hog hangover with fresh squeezed OJ!! The rest of my group had the bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit. I don't think that the biscuits were as great as the other reviews shared, but I'm sure that they were home made and tasty!! The egg is odd... a very odd square shape form, it's so odd, it through me off because of how unnatural it seemed. The star of the breakfast was the fresh OJ and beignet. No one in my area serves these and i love them!! Such a treat!! :) I would go back, and again, and if I lived here, I would be a regular. I went early on a Sunday (near 9am), and there was a small line- but after that, the line went out the door, and stayed out the door the entire time my group and me were enjoying our food. It was a nice day out and we ate outside on their patio! Go early. and enjoy!!
(5)Mahad G.
Cool little coffee house. Great coffee, solid food, don't sleep on the beignets! The beignets are so good when they are fresh, i have definitely burnt my tongue because they were too irresistible to let them cool
(5)Peter M.
I really wanted to like this place. I guess I just don't go there often enough to know all their idiosyncrasies. The order process is confusing, and it would be a big help to diners if the order taker would simply tell you "You need to pick up your food over there and your drinks over there" It was moderately busy, and customers were bouncing around like pinballs to find out the answer to the same question "Do I pick up my coffee here?" I asked the barista if I pick up my coffee on this end and he did not answer my question but just said in a cocky response that "I've got a lot of drinks in process" I said, "that is great, but do I pick up the drinks here? then he said yes. Bayou seems to have a lot of rules but they don't tell you, you just have to read the signs posted everywhere. The food was good, and the coffee was good. Service and process needs some help. I recommend they ditch the signs and just bus the tables. For a $13 breakfast entree you should not have to cart your dirty dishes across the restaurant.
(2)Darren N.
Coffee and beignets! The Spicy Mexican Chocolate Cortado, made with cinnamon, cayenne and chipotle is one of my favorite hot drinks here that comes with quite the kick! I'm a fan of their biscuits, and I like to come for brunch and get the build-a-biscuit option. The biscuits are indeed buttery and crumbly, so this makes keeping the sandwich in one piece difficult. Well worth the trouble!
(4)Random B.
I've been here twice and haven't been disappointed. I've gotten their build a biscuits. After all my add-ons, they got a little pricey but they were really good! Their beignets are good too.
(4)Cassie H.
First off....if I could give this establishment a negative 5 I would. I would not eat at Bayou FAKERY again even if it were free. I'm sure you are asking yourself "why". Well I shall tell you my little grasshopper. First negative is the flow/size of the eating area. My 3 co-workers and I walked in and stood around looking homeless, just hoping someone would scarf down their food so that we could have somewhere to sit. We were nervous about going ahead and ordering because we didn't want to have to hold our food in our hands. Thankfully two nice ladies told us they were leaving....10 minutes later they finally did and just in time for us not to bail on Bayou Fakery. Oh how I wish we had but anywho... First Positive....the decor. It does put you in mind of the Business District and the French Quarter but I was not there to please my eyes...no I wanted to please my belly (yes I channeled Fat Bastard). So they get no points for that. ESPECIALLY since we went the Friday prior to Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and they were selling king cakes for a whopping FORTY bucks! Hell to the no...complete robbery. Double Hell to the no is not cooking the cake with the baby inside, which is tradition...Don't believe me, Google it...the internet doesn't LIE people! The poor baby was just sitting there...ummmm...sorry but that kind of defeats the purpose if someone can tell where the baby is inserted! Total sham! Just go to Best Buns in Shirlington next year...trust me! Second Positive....customer service. I can't say enough about the young ladies at the counter. They were fabulous and patient and answered all of my questions without one, single eye roll. Well done - ya'll were the real MVPs! Second negative....the freaking food! I ordered gumbo, beignets, a grilled cheese sandwich and hot chocolate. I was hungry and excited to get a beignet! Miss me with the judgement. Anywho - America I took one bite/sip/whatever of that gumbo and almost gagged. The roux was the worst I've ever eaten. NO LIE! My co-workers tried it and agreed it was not good and they are from Maryland and New Jersey. No problem...maybe I'll have better luck with my grilled cheese. The cheese was 4 inches thick but at least edible. But in spite of it all the negatives could have been vanquished from my memory with one bite of the most delicious sweetness. The beignet....(in my Damon Wayans from In Living Color voice) HATED IT! How on earth do you mess up a beignet? Cafe Du Monde sells the mixture....BUY IT PEOPLE! I took one bite and gave them away. A beignet it was NOT! Trust me! I sat there utterly disappointed and pissed that one patron in front of me when I was ordering said the food was good and that she could vouch for it because she was from New Orleans. America - she must have moved away when she was 5 and hasn't gone back since. Because anyone who has eaten in New Orleans or grew up in the deep south, such as myself, knows that the cook can NOT be Cajun, Creole nor Southern. He/She has NO training in what makes Southern cooking so good. The fact this place was packed to the brim just lets me know half of Arlington has never had real Louisiana/Mississippi/Alabama cooking b/c they were smashing this stuff and I couldn't even stomach it. Unfortunately, I can not give this place a "Laissez les bon temps rouler". For you Bakery Fakery patrons that means "Let the good times roll". You would know that if you really knew what New Orleans, the culture and the cuisine was. No shade....ok, maybe a little. :-)
(1)Prairie S.
I live close by, so I stop in every so often, just HOPING on the off chance that the 'hype' of this place will live up to its actual experience. My hopes have been consistently dashed. The flow of this restaurant displays the efficiency of the New Orleans emergency management officials evacuating the city in an impending thousand year flood. Yes, utterly inadequate to the task. The service is spotty with servers coming at you from all different angles in the midst of your dining experience. Their attitude is not "customer is right". It's more like, "Don't you know we are cool?" When you order at the register, you are given the name of an obscure French Quarter street which you are expected to listen for, to pick up your order. Nobody actually explains that to you in a systematic or clear way. You just learn by bumbling around and the server yelling something all around the place until you recognize, "oh, wait a minute, that's my order...and hey, there's a card I'm holding with that...whatever she's yelling!" Then there's the issue of you have to do all your own work. You pick up your coffee at one end of the counter. But, lucky for you, you get to pick up your food order literally all the way at the far end of the same counter. Don't get your condiments where you get your order! You need to walk all the way to the front for your sugar and milk. If you want jelly for your biscuit, or syrup, or any other condiment, there's exactly ONE pot of it, and it's at what they have called a "sticky counter" (not the same as the milk and sugar counter). Are you confused yet? So with coffee in one hand and food in the other, you balance all your food and load up your condiments on a counter with NO space, and then bring it all to your table. When you get to your table, you may or may not have napkins. So you go fetch napkins. At which point, ah, you realize, you need cutlery. Well, go play search and seek for the cutlery until the sweet central-American cleaner mopping the floor (amidst patrons who are dining), takes pity on you and guides you to the cutlery sitting at the opposite end of the restaurant from the milk station and the "sticky counter". Just to get a coffee and a biscuit, you have walked several times trying to organize your snack. (It's easier, frankly, in your own kitchen). Like I said, New Orleans calibre efficiency. The food is mediocre... other reviewers have noted this. Prices on the other hand, are exorbitant, especially for the self-cleaning nature of the restaurant, variable food, and the fact that the tables are still NOT CLEAN! I will say their biscuits are quite interesting....although I thought they would be more flaky, these seem a tad more 'muffin-like' in consistency.
(2)Dee B.
4.5 stars Best cappucino I've had in a looooong time! Yes, it also took a looong time to be made, but the wait was worth. BB also gets bonus points in my book for having both soy and almond milk options, and for the upcharge not being excessive. Additionally, I was surprised to find two gluten-free options among the baked goods (the g-f choices were safely ensconced in a separate area). The chocolate crackle cookie was out-of-this-world good!!! It was chocolatey and rich and one could not tell it was gluten-free. The seating area was a bit tight and crowded, but it was Sunday afternoon. I'll definitely return to BB when I'm in the area.
(5)Harrison T.
good food and coffee. Try their fresh beignets, breakfast sandwiches, gumbo, and grits. the restaurant gets quite crowded during lunch time, and starting 11 am on weekends. I would try to go there off hours.
(4)Heather H.
Summary: Brunch (Biscuits & Gravy, Beignets, and Cajun Latté) Nestled between the usual Wilson Boulevard bars and the imposing Court House, Bayou Bakery is a welcome escape from the average Arlington dining scene. It doesn't look like much from outside, but inside, the décor is charming, warm, and... well, decidedly non-Virginian. For first-timers, the set up can be awkward. Go in, pick up a menu, and keep your eye out for specials on several backboards. Then, join the line. There are two pick up stations, one for drinks and another for food. Grab any available seat when you're done. And if you're there for brunch, try one of their cocktails! On weekends, this place gets busy. Patrons are generally well mannered and polite, coming and going in shifts, meaning waiting for a table (depending on party size of course) isn't all that painful. Staff here are very nice, and efficient -- at least when I went! As for food: I had the biscuits and gravy, which did not look at all like what I'm used to. I'm used to two open faced biscuits doused in sausage gravy -- this looks more like a bowl of grits... And it's actually a biscuit swimming in bacon gravy soup. Salty, but don't get me wrong -- for a weekend brunch, it's good. Portion size wasn't intimidating, either, meaning I didn't leave feeling overly stuffed. Beignets: probably wouldn't return for these. They were a little chewier than I'm used to, and they were swimming in powdered sugar. Not awful, just not expected. For Beignets to die for, try out Bardia's New Orleans cafe in Adams Morgan. Cajun Latté: basically, a regular latte spiked with bourbon. I can't recommend this more, and I would definitely return on a weekend just for this. It isn't going to give you a caffeine kick, but the bourbon isn't overly strong either, making this just a really nice, warm drink to sip on a slow weekend morning. Especially when it's as cold as it's been, lately! Overall, I would go again, especially with out of town friends, and definitely recommend it. It's a friendly place that's off the "beaten Arlington path", and a refreshing change from the regular brunch joints you usually hit up after a night of drinking. The only reason I do not give it 5 stars is for the beignets.
(4)Christopher H.
Come for the espresso. Stay for the food. This place is awesome, but it is definitely not for everyone. If Starbucks coffee or chain bakery places work for you, you may not want to stop here. If, on the other hand, you are looking for the best espresso in the area, original and tasty sandwiches, homey southern favorites, a little quirk and a lot of charm then this is a place you can't pass up. Personal favorites: for breakfast, Biscuits with bacon (skip the egg and cheese). Flaky, smokey goodness. For lunch, the veg-a-lotta sandwich. Unbelievable flavor and good for you too! But only available on Tuesdays, alas. For dinner, gotta go for the gumbo, unless it's turkey meatball night, and a cold Abita either way. Friendly, helpful staff. And attention to every food detail. Yes, you have to pick up your drinks and food from separate counters. Yes, if you worry about finding a seat you need to visit at off-peak hours. But, if you want something a little different - prepared by people who care a whole heck of a lot about good food and service, you can't miss this one.
(5)Caroline N.
This is a nice locally owned (I think) cafe with a cool Cajun vibe. They have a small but good breakfast menu and Cajun themed lunches ect. as well. Bfast is served until 11; although I slept in they still had quiche available for me. Quiche might not be the easiest item to reheat; it was slightly charred on the top and bottom but that hardly took away from the flavor - it was andouille sausage, kale and provolone yum. The baked goods looked really good and I regret not bring some home for the friend I was visiting. Thy also have a nice coffee selection. There are a few booths, several two tops, a high top bar seating area as well as an area with some comfy looking couches. Think Panera style with how the food is served. They give you a card with a Cajun name though and call it out when your order is ready. They also advertise nightly drink specials and have craft beer but I've only been for the bfast and coffee.
(4)Sylvia P.
Having never been to New Orleans, I can't really compare my experience to "authentic" Cajun food but I quite enjoyed my breakfast experience here. The beignets and biscuits were BOMB! Beignets were perfectly fried fluffy golden pillows with a blanket of powdered sugar. The buttery biscuits practically melted in my mouth! I sampled them with honey, pepper jelly(so so good!) and with gravy - kinda superfluous IMO, or maybe I'm just not a fan of their gravy (too floury tasting, like the roux hadn't been cooked long enough). You can also add egg for an extra 50 cents but be warned that it's a square of baked/steamed? egg and not scrambled as I was initially expecting. Stone ground oats are a bargain, and one of the healthiest items on the menu. I ordered an alcoholic latte and found that there was actually too much booze (a strange and rare complaint for me) cuz I could barely taste the coffee, but at least you get a good bang for your buck :) ! Collard greens rounded out our indulgent meal- cooked tender and nicely flavored with vinegar, spices, and ham. The service is warm and welcoming, as is the funky decor. Finding a table can be difficult since you won't want to leave once you're there - but they have both indoor and outdoor tables, as well as comfy couches in the back where you can kick back and do some reading. There's plenty of reading material on the bathroom walls too - they're wallpapered in magazine clippings- in case you have a strange desire to explore new recipes while doing your business...
(4)Matt L.
Everything here is better somewhere else. They are successful because of their location. I just had a Cuban from there that was tasteless and the bread was stale (not even pressed) this was the lunch special by the way. With chips was $10 If you want a good muffaletta go the the Italian store. If you want awesome Beignets go to Smith & Wollensky in DC. Everything here is just average except they have decent coffee but not norlins coffee but its OK.
(2)Dani P.
It's across the street from the courthouse and across from Jerry's. I almost drove past it when looking for it, because it's very unassuming looking. I've never been to New Orleans, but I imagine that this business is like a restaurant in New Orleans was put on a truck and driven to Arlington. It's a casual setting; you order your food, pick it up at the window, and when you're done eating you bus your own plates. I ordered the andouille dog, a mac and cheese, and a capt chai tea latte. It cost me $24 dollars, which to be honest, was kind of expensive. Despite the price, it was very tasty. The sausage is huge and causes the potato roll to completely fall apart, so prepare for lots of napkins. The mac and cheese has red pepper in it, so it has a nice bite. There's a crispy top layer of bread crumbs too. I greatly enjoyed my chai tea latte with captain morgan. They offer other alcoholic coffee drinks too, which I'll possibly come back to try. My cousin and I ordered beignets to go, and those are inexpensive. Just a suggestion: don't eat them in the car, wait til you get home or else your car will explode in powdered sugar. I think calling instead of Bayou Bakery it should be Bayou Cafe, since they do have baked goods, but they don't seem to be the highlight.
(3)Billy B.
Awesome Mac and cheese, but the gumbo was not that great. All the pastries are incredible.
(3)Paulette B.
The food was good, but the place is dirty. The man taking our order was rude and didn't want to explain anything on the menu. I wish I knew what to get. I was rushed. At least what I got tasted very good.
(2)Joseph S.
Awesome atmosphere, great pastries, and the cheese grits rock. Love this place and the outside seating.
(5)Matthew E.
When I think of the south... I think of southern hospitality and this place is not! No smiles, no eye contact, no friendly service here. I came in for a coffee and do a few emails before a meeting. Not a bad spot to work from but power outlets would be nice. Just still can't believe how unfriendly the service was. Coffee was good and the food here is good (had it in the past), but some good staff friendly staff would be nice.
(2)Athena C.
God I was here almost every morning for a week when I came down to Arlington for job training. They have some really good stuff!!! They coffee is alright to be honest. However, their pastries and sandwiches are awesome! You have to get their beignets and eat them while they are fresh. Their biscuits are so buttery and soft too. Their cheese sandwiches are also filling and what can I say, cheesy! If I ever have to come here for business trip, I will love to return!
(4)Bob B.
I had to work across the street and needed some caffeine and food. Nice place, very warm welcoming atmosphere. Unfortunately they have the most unfriendly girl working the counter who thinks she is still 18 and the cats meow. No eye contact, no customer service skills and self absorbed. That and the expensive Arlington prices out me off.
(2)Alfred B.
This place is pretty awesome! It is a GREAT place to hang out and spend time with friends, family, and significant others. They have great food and their coffee is most excellent - especially their french press coffee. So far I've only had their chicken gumbo, and a few of their sandwiches, but that's enough for me to give this place 5 stars. The food is fresh, made quickly, and just taste's good. The ambience is very relaxed and "cultured" with cool, rustic, and random artistic pieces all over the room. There are a couple couches and chairs in the back of the restaurant where you can watch the sports game on their flat screen TV. They have a good amount of seating, but I would't recommend going here with a party bigger than 6 people. It is more geared toward a smaller and intimate group. There is also an outdoor area with a couch and a few round tables that seat 3-4 people if you want some sunshine. Ah yes, and if you've never tried beignet - DO IT. It is a square or sphere of fried hot dough sprinkled with sugar. It is a glorified doughnut...a fancy doughnut and it is delicious. The food is great. The sandwiches are hearty and the soups and drinks are full of flavor. It's a great place to relax, study, read, or just hang out with a group of people for a few hours. Excellent cajun style food! Check it!
(5)Anna H.
Location is convenient, food is pretty good. Tea selection is pretty scarce but straight to the point I guess. Since they claim to be a bakery I would expect a lot more baked goods, but alas it's not that big. One more thing I really don't enjoy- only one plug in the whole place. I get it, the place for hanging out, but I need to charge my phone sometimes or plug in my laptop since I come to Bayou to work only. Anyways, it's not bad at all and worth visiting, it's just not great.
(3)Tuve F.
Best place in Courthouse for a good cappuccino. I go for weekend brunch and like their biscuit sandwiches with egg and cheese. Our young daughter enjoys their oatmeal and fresh croissants. Come early on the weekends though as tables fill up fast. Outside seating out front, including some cushioned chairs, is a plus.
(4)Oggie E.
Try their BEIGNETS. By the way, it's pronounced "BEN-YEY" to those who are beignets-virgins. I had been saying it wrong, they were giving me this "aren't you acquainted with french culture idiot" (i am not complaining, it's just funny) look every time i say it. It's a fried doughnut that's airy and delicious. I love everything thats fried. An excessive amount of powdered sugar on beignets make you look like you are a crack addict as one of the reviewers mentioned it. I tried their BLT couple times, the bacon tastes pretty good! Coffee is above average and I like this cafe so much! The seating section looks comfortable, just like you are home or somewhere thats cozy. I have never had bad customer service here so far.
(5)Megan P.
I love, love, love Bayou Bakery. I've been here a few times and each time I'm satisfied. Their coffee is great and good quality. I love that they use as much local vendors as possible including local honey, wine, cheese, meats, etc Their beignets alone are worth a trip here. Just be prepared to look like a drug addict when the powdered sugar ends up all over your face and down the front of your shirt. It takes a special talent to not get it everywhere. I've had both their grilled chicken salad and muff-a-lotta sandwiches. Both were so delicious and really hit the spot. I loved that the chicken salad has only a hint of mayo, so you don't feel like you're eating a mayo sandwich. The avocado and alfalfa sprouts are a perfect compliment.
(5)Cathy H.
I was a beignet virgin prior to dining at Bayou Bakery. Needless to say, I had not had the privilege to try Cafe Du Monde's beignets, but I would imagine they are everything Bayou Bakery's beignets are if not better. When i was done eating, I looked like a crack addict -- white powder all over my nose, cheeks, and even my clothes. And it was glorious. Bayou Bakery is, well, a bakery/cafe and has an order-at-the-counter-then-grab-your-food-and-eat system, so service is almost non-existent, but I prefer it that way sometimes. Everything is made to order, including these fried pockets of joy. They come out piping hot - crispy on the exterior and soft on the interior. As each plate only had three beignets, I would encourage you to order at least two if you've got a dining partner. I shared my plate, but could've easily put down three on my own. They have a nice selection of hot loose-leaf teas, so I recommend ordering one to balance the fried goodness. Aside from beignets, I also tried their gumbo, which was consisted of vegetables, shredded chicken, and spicy andouille sausage. Very delicious and flavorful. Highly recommended! I eyed their other selections and will definitely return to try their salads and sandwiches. There is also a chocolate whoopie pie-like treat called the "dat-o", except instead of cake, they're cookies. I will be back.
(5)Caroline C.
Great food, great music, but holy cow over priced!!! I left with a happy tune in my head but still hungry and now poor. Friendly staff & I'd go back, but probably just for an app and beer.
(3)dave o.
Very relaxed, great music, and here is an ode to the foods. My faves: The gumbo- Hallelujah Absolutely great. The boudin -- Now that is a cajun treat!!! Excellent. A fun presentation and one true to the region: Boudin, crackers, spicy mustard. Oooh la la. Excellent. Have you tried their coffee? Damn good. Get a French roast. Damn better. Great addition to the area.
(5)Nora T.
This place is always packed on the weekends. I can't resist the biscuits and gravy, cheese grits, beignets and coffee. Cozy atmosphere full of Arlington locals. Casual setting where you're expected to bus your own tables which I don't mind one bit. Definitely my favorite place to grab breakfast on the weekends when I have a little time to spare.
(5)Sylvia A.
I feel that there aren't enough cafe/ bars in the area.. so I was happy to find this place. It has a Convenient location. I love the ambience and decor and the food is good.
(4)Beth K.
Came here for lunch with two coworkers because we felt like venturing out of Rosslyn and trying something new. We got there around 12:30, and there were lots of people but it wasn't unmanageable. The menu was behind the counter, which was filled with delicious looking baked goods. The ambiance was also really fun - kind of rustic and a nice change from the posh attitude most DC places try to have. The guy who took my order was super friendly, and answered my questions about the different menu items and made some changes to my sandwich as requested. I ordered a mufaletta, which, isn't my typical sandwich but it sounded delicious. I'm wierd and don't love olives, which I realize is a defining component, but I ordered it without them, and added lettuce and onions. I also got a side of the "blackened cauliflower" which was a seasonal item on the side. The food came out fairly quickly, and we snagged a table outside. There was also a condiment bar with hot sauce, pepper jelly, salt, pepper, etc. My sandwich was large and delicious, especially great for the price ($7.50ish). The meats were delicious, and I appreciated that it came out just like I asked. The onions were fantastic, they were sauteed and had a great flavor that was peppery but caramelized and sweet at the same time. The cauliflower was a disappointment though. I thought "blackened" meant roasted or blackened somehow, but instead it was just steamed cauliflower with no seasonings whatsoever, served intentionally cold, with a side of buttermilk dressing, which was similar to a ranch. I just don't really understand why you would serve cold, steamed cauliflower with a side of dressing. My friend tried the gumbo which was tasty, though I haven't eaten much gumbo, and the other had the Jive Turkey sandwich, and she enjoyed it .We also tried the beignets, which were tasty but a little dough-ey compared to others I've had. I have mixed feelings b/c the staple foods from here were delicious, and I thought the sandwich prices were reasonable. I just felt that the cauliflower really threw it off for me.
(3)Tyler D.
This was my first time here. I went with my friend on a Sunday for breakfast. I wanted to try this place based on the yelp reviews, but was highly disappointed. Why I'm giving it two stars: The beignets are the only things that tastes good at this place. Also, the staff are very friendly and took the time to go over the menu with me. And the prices are reasonable. So, I ordered a biscuit with eggs and cheese; it was the worst biscuit I've ever had and was really disappointed that they couldn't meet the standards on such a basic element. I also got a yogurt with fruits. The only fruits that were with the yogurt, were apples, and they were rotten. I got their daily brewed coffee, and it was terrible. So, as I said, if you are really craving beignets, you can try them here. But, there are better place in the DC area for that. One final note, if you are a vegetarian, my friend who came with me was, and she struggled as most of the special meals they had were made with meat; well besides that yogurt -_-
(2)Jules W.
Great coffee & beignets. Nice brunch menu. Often very busy & hard to get a table, but with good reason.
(4)Nicole O.
The staff here is very friendly and I like the laid back atmosphere. Depending on the time that you arrive, you might have to fight someone for a powdered sugar seat; If you do snag one, you might be bumping elbows with the table next to you since the two-tops are tricky to maneuver around. I always get the beignets -- they're required eating. I almost always get the muffa-lott-a which is jam-packed with layers upon layers of meat and topped with a flavorful olive tapenade. I don't know how it took me so long to experience weekend brunch at Bayou. I customized a breakfast biscuit to be on a croissant and subbed in the homemade pimento. The result was a creamy, buttery, indulgent breakfast sandwich with a nice protein punch from the egg and turkey sausage. But the real star was the cappuccino. Made with counter culture espresso (La Forza on the weekends) and--my preference--almond milk, it is surprisingly creamy and chocolate-y. I went back a few days later and tried the Spicy Mexican Cortada, gumbo, and Virginia mac & cheese. The cortada was very nicely spiced (think spicy hot chocolate with caffeine). The savory offerings were a bit of a miss. The gumbo tasted like canned beans and was a bit thin for my taste. The mac was much better than the gumbo but nothing too special. Our slice of king cake had two tasty bites in the middle, but the top and sides were dried out.
(4)Nikki B.
I LOVE Bayou bakery! This place gets packed though - especially on weekends. If you go - be prepared to wait for a seat or just get it to go... Either way - the crowd is worth it. The biscuits are so good- the table jam is worth getting a plain biscuit for alone! Pimento cheese is a great plate to share... But whatever you do - make sure you get a biscuit!
(5)JH K.
The only thing that was good was my latte. Im bery big on coffee. Yes it was good. I tried their famous biscuits and the beignets. The cashiers who took my order had this "we're cool" attitude towards me when I said it was my first time i was trying the skim through the menu boards which was messy and hard to grasp the whole menu. If you are going to use a chalkboard for your restaurant make sure it's easy to read. The biscuits were hugely disappointing. It's just too doughy and bready. The beignets were good though. I wanted to get some work done while having my coffee but i thought the music was too loud.
(3)Jamie Q.
Had a biscuit with egg + cheese, yogurt with granola and blueberries, and a french press to share - perfection! One of our favorite neighborhoods spots, perfect for breakfast - but get there early on the weekends, it gets crowded quickly!
(5)Dia D.
I have mixed feelings about this place. On the one hand, they were very busy on a weekend morning but the line moved quickly and our food arrived quickly. The guy at the counter was friendly and helpful. The coffee was good, the food was tasty, and portions were large. On the other hand, there didn't seem to be anything that was remotely healthy on the menu. And after my savory scone and beignet, I felt as if there was a ball of fat sitting in my stomach. Coffee for 3, 2 breakfast biscuits, 1 scone, and an order of beignets was $26. Pay attention to the name on your receipt (e.g, we were Jefferson Davis) because that's the name they will call when your order is ready. Many names were called 5-6 times because people weren't listening for the name from the receipt.
(3)Scott F.
If you are contemplating driving more than 15 minutes to eat at this restaurant, beware that whatever you have heard is overrated. Gumbo - tasted burnt. Couldn't enjoy at all. Bayou BLT - I had to go back and order twice since they didn't add to my order the first time. Then the sandwich on toasted white bread was just ok. I feel like I would have enjoyed a regular BLT more without the oven cured tomatoes. Mac & cheese - tasted ok but it was cold in the middle. muffalatto - this sandwich was way overrated. Firehouse subs does a better sandwich. Overall this was not a great experience. The counter staff was friendly but not very helpful. I was really looking forward to this experience and was VERY disappointed.
(1)Zahira P.
This place is just incredible! I LOVED the food -- beignets, biscuits, coffee -- lots of French presses filled with goodness. Apparently all of Arlington knows this too, so it does get crowded. The staff also did something that really touched me. We ordered two macchiatos (tiny coffees -- just a shot with a "mark" of milk) but got two mochas. Not only did they happily change the order, they refunded the difference ($5 and change) in cash without my asking. They didn't doubt me or anything. It was really, really sweet and just made my day (thanks, Brian, and the lovely lady barista who was on staff with you that day -- I *so* appreciate how fantastic you are!). There are so many great details -- a wall made from window shutters, calling out Louisiana historical figures ("LAFAYETTE!!!") instead of my funny, hard-to-pronounce name... unique place and really great. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Meek Y.
Overrated, overpriced, I'm not sure why this place is so popular. I have twice gone here and the first time the food was cold and made me sick. The second time, the owner who is a huge douchebag YELLED at my wife for walking up to the countertop because he didn't give her cheese on her sandwich like she ordered. He then told her that she had to go and pay for the cheese and then under his breathe muttered that "these people always try to get freebies". What a piece of work this loser is.
(1)Lauren F.
Fantastic restaurant with a fantastic owner and staff! David Guas puts his best in everything he makes for Bayou Bakery. The food here is amazing. Also, they have incredible desserts. Don't go there without having the beignets and Dat-Os! My only complaint is that they're not located down the street from me.
(5)Ibrahim A.
It's good for a quick casual brunch. It's difficult to get a table on Sundays, but the food is good and cheap.
(4)Lawrence A.
Went here for brunch on New Year's Day. Our table had the BLT and the biscuits and gravy, and the beignets. The BLT was great. The bacon was crisp and plentiful and worked well with the arugula and tomatoes. The toast was perfect. The biscuits and gravy had great flavor too and was filling. Now, I have never had beignets so I cannot compare them to other places but they were yummy! Service was ok just know that you bus your own tables. It wasn't crowded and seating is a little cramped but I chalk that up to the charm of the place.
(4)Jesse A.
Visiting from San Diego and staying nearby. I've been to New Orleans a few times, so if you asked me if the beignets compare, I would say "NO." They were served warm but took awhile to make. They were good but not comparable to the real ones. The decor does not resemble a French Quarter cafe at all. Looks like they bought a few souvenirs and placed it on the wall. The service is really slow and the ordering process is odd. They hand you a card with a French name on it and yell the name when it's ready (if you can understand what they are yelling) you grab your coffee on one end of the counter and then wait another 15 minutes for your food which is delivered on the opposite end of the counter. The Latte I ordered was good, it just took 15 minutes to make. My 13 year old son ordered a hot chocolate and took a few sips and said " it taste weird" My daughter tried her hot chocolate and said the same thing" dad this taste weird" I tried it and sure enough "it taste weird" Indifferent about returning to this place while I'm here.
(3)Chris M.
I thought this place was great. I'm from Louisiana and the gumbo was amazing. We also tried the jambalaya and it too was pretty good. We also had the beignets they were also great. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that it's Mardi Gras and I wanted to try their king cake but they were sold out. I just wished they would have made more so I could have tried it.
(4)Jen F.
3.5 stars. I'll round up because I'm in a good mood. LUCKY YOU, BAYOU. Bayou is a coffee shop/eatery with ATTITUDE. It's cute- you can sit inside or outside and just relax with your drink and some snacks. They had a bunch of delicious looking pastries behind the display window (I wanted that pie!). You can also order sandwiches, soups, salads, etc. They have a "sticky table" where you can use honey, jams, and all kinds of other fix'ins on your food/drinks. Here's the drill- you order at the counter, get your food and sit down. Think of a Starbucks meets Le Pain Quintoden meets a hipster coffee shop. I would totally come here to get work done or study, or just read a book. It's that kind of atmosphere. Bayou is super close to the Courthouse metro so it's a nice meeting spot for some coffee or a casual brunch. It's also organic and green friendly with their compostable cups and whatnot. I was about to pick up a bag of their super delicious looking homemade granola before I remembered granola is basically frosted flakes parading as a health food. Sorry for the tangent, it just looked really good.
(4)Jon C.
I'm just sitting in here right now doing some work, and all of a sudden some Charlie Parker comes on, followed up by some trombonist with some attitude (I think Trombone Shorty maybe?), and now I'm just having a good time doing work. The decor isn't like... what you should expect to find walking into a random cafe in NOLA, but it's a lot of stuff that's certainly symbolic of the city. The food is always good, with a nice variety of teas and good coffee. And of course, BEIGNETS. This review benefits a lot from the fact that I loved NOLA when I was there, but hey. It sure isn't working against them!
(5)Kate H.
Tressa made our gender reveal party so special with a customized cake! She made the cake after my appointment on a Friday night so I could have it for our celebration on Saturday. So flexible and so easy to work with. Thanks again!
(5)Suj L.
I was really excited to try this place, it having won all kinds of accolades and attention. Unfortunately, although it was good, it wasn't as mind-blowing as all the hype (says the former New Orleanian). The atmosphere is great, very Marigny, casual and vibrant. The vocabulary order cards (all with different parish names) are very cute, and the beignets were very good--light, fluffy, and covered in copious amounts of sugar. However--and I know it sounds really weird--the oil was too clean for them to taste truly authentic. They were TOO fluffy and pretty to be perfect Cafe du Monde replicas. But they were good! The biscuits were what I was most excited about, having heard much ado about them and all their award-winning glory. However, they were the biggest let-down of the morning, and why this review went from a 4 to a 2.5. I got one with cheddar, turkey sausage (extra props for making their own sausage and offering healthy turkey, though), and one of their signature baked eggs, cut to fit the biscuit. The biscuit was crumbly, but not very fluffy, and not very rich, though. The egg and turkey sausage could have been seasoned a little more to make it less meh. All of that would still have been a great experience if it had been made fresh, though. They forgot to ring up my sandwich, so I had to go back with the rest of my hot food waiting, and I was so shocked when I saw them assemble it, slide it into something, and have it ready in an instant. I'd been waiting for my food before, so I don't know if it's standard practice, but based on the resultant texture of the egg and biscuit, and the lukewarmness of it all, I can safely assume that they NUKED it. Microwaved it to a sad, flabby tower of disappointment. What brings it back up a half-star to the 3 and maybe a 3.5? The croissants. Holy shit. Layered properly in butter, perfectly crispy on the outside, airy and chewy and moist on the inside, this is the closest to a European croissant I've had in the States yet. The almond croissant was generously coated in toasted almonds, and the almond paste filling was delicious and plentiful enough that I had to take half out. The regular croissant was heaven. So would I go back? For coffee and a croissant, absolutely. But skip the biscuit sandwich. You can pay less for a microwaved biscuit sandwich at McDonald's.
(3)Chef N D.
Ok so Bayou Bakery...I was confused when I walked in. My coworkers had me set on some King Cake but they were sold out when I got there. So I walks in and it's a four piece band playing traditional New Orleans music. Not sure if that happens every day. They were pretty decent and they engaged with the customers so that was cool. The kids in the place seemed to enjoy them. Now on to the food. My drink was some kind of Bayou Gator Aide it was whiskey, mint, and something else. Blah...not great. Maybe if I had more whiskey. Food wise I started off with beignets however it's spelled. They were good. My only gripe with those was too much powdered sugar. Also had the jambalaya it has shrimp and smoked sausage. That was good too. Bigger shrimp could have made it better. But it was a huge serving. For the entree I had the BBQ Cajun shrimp. These had a good taste. But it was in some kind of gravy and it came with like a poboy roll but the sauce was not sopable. You don't know what that means go google sop. How to make that better is bigger shrimp. This was overpriced too. Downsides of this place, the wall menu is confusing and damn near unreadable. Lots of kids were in here...not sure if that is a constant but it was a distraction. I'm still confused is this place a bakery or a restaurant. Guess it can be both. I was neither impressed or unimpressed. The place has potential just needs some tweaks.
(3)Flo S.
I remember coming here with some fellow bootcampers over a year ago and we had decided that we were going to have our CHEAT dessert here after eating our hearts out at Uncle Julios up the street. I suggested this place because of their beignets and wanted to try whatever sweet things that were calling our names. Beignets were made to order and were piping hot and soooo good that Sunday afternoon. We ate outside and proceeded to place all of of our delicious treats in the center for easy access. So, here we were just ravaging these these sweets since had deprived ourselves for so long and being really strict with our diet for an entire month. Forks were flying all over the place and we were inhaling every smell, tasting every bit and eagerly waiting to move on to the next victim, I mean beignet, cupcake, muffin, dat -o's etc. We had a great time that afternoon and it was the perfect ending to the start of a lazy Sunday brunch. Fast forward a year later...and my job moves literally diagonal to the Bayou. What a dangerous way to live and trust me I have. I've tried their cupcakes (which are no more) and moved on to the red velvet cake and German choc cake. They are both really good choices. As for their food, I've tried their shrimp salad, Veggie sandwich etc. All equally good. I heard their gumbo is amazing and so is their other food. All seem to be freshly made and I love using real silverware and eating off of a real plate. The only con about this place is that I wish that I didn't smell like a restaurant/bakery when I left. My colleagues can tell where I've been when I walk back to my office. Not a good thing when you are trying to be good and you smell like you were baking in the kitchen. So, hmmm..maybe they need to do something with their ventilation system. All in all, a great place with lots of charm and great atmosphere.
(4)Charles W.
I give them the benefit of doubt. I've eaten here before and bought a King Cake for Mardi Gras here. The food was excellent my first visit. Last night I had jambalaya which was really good and a muffleta which was good even without the Gambino bread. They substitute a sesame bun. My gumbo last night tasted like bottom of pot burnt mud. It was the worse rendition of sausage and chicken gumbo this Louisiana guy has ever had. Which really surprised me for this place. I'm hoping my next visit will be what I've come to expect
(3)Ana B.
Tasty and fun atmosphere! Only problem, they are trying to run as a "order/pay at the counter and then go find a place to sit" establishment, but their layout is all wrong for it and they are a little too popular to handle that. So once you do come out victorious in the Bayou Bakery hunger games and win a table, you still have to munch on your food with roughly 25 people standing right next to you and staring you down, seeing if they can will you to eat faster with their mind alone. So maybe avoid the busy hours or aim for getting a table in back, away from the line/entrance. Good luck. Oh, and please don't be that person that goes and "claims" a table with you jacket before you've ordered your food, even though there are clearly other people who have already ordered waiting for a table. People who do that are THE WORST.
(4)Mochi K.
We came in for breakfast sandwiches and a French press. The barista didn't want to make the French press and asked the front counter woman to make it....The line was 20 people deep and there was no way the front counter woman could handle making it. 10 minutes later the breakfast sandwich came out but still no coffee. After waiting for another 10 minutes the French press was done and so were our sandwiches. At this point, we needed to take the coffees to go. We asked for 2 to go cups and the other front counter guy told us they charge for cups. Well, if we didn't get our coffee after finishing our sandwiches we wouldn't need to go cups. The pre Madonna barista needs to check her attitude. Will not be back.
(1)Ivan M.
I give it a 3.5! I came here to get some breakfast with the girlfriend. I ordered some biscuits and gravy and she ordered grits; for drinks, she got a cappuccino and I got a chai tea. The biscuits and gravy were delicious just like my chai tea, gf said that she both her items were good too. I also ordered some bacon that was pretty meh, well it was more charcoal than bacon to be exact. For dessert I got a red velvet cupcake that was ok (not really fresh tasting), and my girlfriend got a scone that was delicious. I'll give this place another shot in the future, when I try some of the jambalaya.
(3)Amy R.
Pretty bummed about this place. I had high hopes, but the food is barely mediocre. The Beignets are good. Don't order the "arm drip" sandwich, it looks and tastes like vomit. The jambalaya lacked flair and ingredients other than rice. Won't return :-(
(2)Rebecca O.
Lots of good breakfast options, and they have counter culture coffee (some of the best, in my opinion). Since their New Orleans themed they have beignets, and they're delicious. I had the bacon and cheese biscuit. I love a good biscuit, but these were too fluffy. Because of this, they fall apart easily. Not my favorite type of biscuit, but they have their place. There are plenty of options here to try out, and if all else fails, get the beignet and coffee.
(4)Rachel M.
Major red flag I knew this couldn't possibly be authentic - they serve the boudin with mustard. Mustard. They tried really hard with the decor, even though in my entire life of living in southern Louisiana I never thought such random things like boat propellers were indicative of necessary pieces to hang on your wall. All of this could have been forgiven if the food was even relatively good. Not great, but just good. I don't know how they mess up beignets, but they did. They were heavy instead of being light and hollow inside. The boudin was terrible in flavor and the texture of the casing was all wrong. I'm still flabbergasted by the mustard, it's supposed to be so tasty you don't even NEED CONDIMENTS. The other food is fine, but as an actual native, it was all incredibly disappointing, especially when Cajun food is so easy to replicate.
(2)Gretchen P.
Fantastic location (right on the corner across from the main Court House parking lot), delightful interior, AND a mean chai latte to boot? Consider me officially a fan of Bayou Bakery. Can't wait to come back and spend a little more time sampling other goodies from here the next time I'm lounging around Court House! I felt like Goldilocks (er, Purplilocks?) with my latte: not too sweet, not too hot, not too anything -- it was juuuuust right! Of course, I may already be slightly biased due to the fact that an adorable old gentlemen who was having coffee with his wife stopped by our table more than once to compliment me on my hair, hahahaha. But hey, props to Bayou Bakery for attracting a clientele with such faaaabulous taste! ;)
(4)Lauren K.
Stopped here for a casual breakfast on Sunday morning. It's a little corner shop that is light and casual and adorned with New Orleans memorabilia. The menu is simple but not without variety. I went for the bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit and, despite the delicious looking menu, I would've ordered it ten times over. Everything about it just hit the spot. I also got the french press coffee and beignets which were both also very tasty in their own right.
(4)Marianna O.
Bayou Bakery is a wonderful place where you can get the best caramel sauce skim latte in the DMV area. And I mean the absolute best. David Guas, the owner, started out as a pastry chef, so the caramel sauce and some of the other desserts really are one of a kind. I love getting their soup of the day. I've tried the cauliflower and broccoli ones, which were really delicious. I've had a number of other dishes here including their chicken salad sandwich, turkey meat balls, the boudin, all of which were excellent. I've also tried the gumbo but it's not my thing. I can't speak on its behalf because I generally don't like gumbo. Nevertheless, my partner and I come here every week usually on the weekends for our coffee fix, something delicious to eat, and to lounge on the comfortable couches and sofa chairs for an hour or two. Food network is usually on the tv and the place gets filled up on the weekends, but there is plenty of seating. Additionally, they have a great happy hour here for beer and small snacks for $3 5pm to 9pm, Monday to Friday. Overall, I highly recommend trying this place out.
(5)Ed F.
I downgraded. The people are nice but the last couple of times I've been here the sandwiches have been bland and the beignets have been oily.
(3)Demetria C.
One of my absolute favs for breakfast or lunch. Breakfast: ham, egg, and cheese on a homemade biscuit. French Press coffee or pour over! Lunch: Gumbo and roasted chicken salad sandwich! Their andoile dog is absolutely fantastic. Great snap on the dog, and the onions and mustard on top give it a great bite. Add a delicious cocktail too! Love the atmosphere, of course try the beignets! Always hot and sugary!
(5)Deb H.
Loved this place! Definately got the mac and cheese
(5)