Fresh Baguette

I write this review with genuine disappointment. I used to be a huge fan of Fresh Baguette — so much so that I would drive 45 minutes to the Rockville location before the McLean shop opened. I even stood in line at 5 a.m. for the McLean grand opening, which is not something I would normally do. That’s how much I believed in the product and the brand. Unfortunately, something has changed. Customer service aside, the quality — particularly of the baguette — has declined significantly. What is most concerning is that the baguette is no longer a baguette in any meaningful sense. The loaf I purchased recently from the McLean location lacks the defining characteristics of a proper baguette: there is no irregular, open crumb structure, no light and airy interior, and no slight chew that one expe

Everything I’ve eaten here has been amazing! From the pastries to the little croissant bagels, YUM!! I’ve had the plain croissant, chocolate croissant, kouign amann, and the eclair. All delicious. And I love their cro’gel - croissant bagel. They have them in a large size and a mini. I always get the mini so I can enjoy some pastries too. I do wish their coffee offerings had more, like I always want a chai and they don’t have that. But that’s okay. I also like that they have a little market with European snacks and treats, makes this place different from others.

Who ever made the croissants today should never be allowed to make them again. It’s a solid brick of bitter dough. This is the worst croissant I have had anywhere, which is a shame since usually these are the best. But this level of failure is not forgivable. It’s obvious from their outside they aren’t right and should not have been sold to customers.

I had the Norwegian sandwich with smoked salmon and the coffee eclair. The sandwich was a little dry and needed more cream cheese but tasty. The coffee eclair was good and very rich. I would probably try other menu items in the future. It was in the same building as my dentist so good for a quick bite. Staff is friendly and they also have an outdoor seating area which is nice. Worth a try if you’re nearby. The French theme is interesting and they also sell items that you can’t find elsewhere.

Fresh Baguette in McLean is a go-to spot and never disappoints. The bread is always fresh and well-made — exactly what you'd expect from a quality bakery. Beyond the baguettes, they offer a great selection of pastries, sandwiches, and other options that keep you coming back for more. What truly stands out is the team; friendly, efficient, and genuinely welcoming every time you visit. Thank you & God bless you and your family 😊