French Bakery

We were considering lunch at the Chestnut Hill Coffeeshop (love it there) but saw the handmade sign pointing down the hill to the French Bakery and reconsidered for a heartier meal. I didn't like it from the moment we stepped inside but stayed out of guilt when the middle-aged waitress (owner?) continued to stare and wait for us to look at the specials. The place is a dump - in back of the counter are stacks and stacks of papers, with more stacks off to the side of the counter as well as on two sides of the dining room. It looks like a cluttered office space (don't people go out to lunch to escape the office?). The tables are tiny; there is a long row set up side-by-side that would be a disaster for communicating if every seat was filled - lucky we were the only ones in the row. The other tables have metal chairs that are more commonly found in an ice cream parlor. The ham and cheese on a toasted croissant was dry and hard, with American-sized portions of meat and cheese. The coffee had nothing French about it. There were no chocolate croissants in sight. The waitress forced a slice of chocolate cake on us that was disgusting - dry with ultra gooey frosting - I couldn't force myself to take another bite. I will not go back, I can't even believe this place has managed to stay open. Pros: Bottomless coffee Cons: but the toasted croissants are dry and rock-hard more

I have been going to the French Bakery since I was four years old (no joke) and though nothing there has changed (even the owners/servers), that is exactly as it should be! The menu and the decor is warm, simple and inviting. This is the perfect place to go if you miss that cafe you left in New York, Paris or Florence or simply want an inexpensive, casual place to enjoy a buttery turkey, cheese and croissant sandwich and coffee with you best friend! Always wonderful! Pros: Cozy, Inexpensive, Yummy Food Cons: Hours more