We always enjoy our lunches. Maria is so nice and helpful. I love the chicken noodle soup and often get the chicken avocado club. They specialize in made from scratch items, fresh baked bread and herbs from their garden. Everything is fresh and we love supporting local, small businesses read more

I had been curious about trying Rising Loafer Cafe & Bakery, but unfortunately, my first interaction with the place completely changed my mind. I was walking back from Trader Joe's while working as a babysitter, pushing a stroller with a two-year-old who was asking for a snack, holding flowers, and doing the usual "let me make sure my wallet didn't just disappear into the bottom of my bag" scramble. I briefly pulled the stroller over and squatted down to check my bag, making sure I was out of the way of people walking by. Maybe a minute had passed when an older woman came up to me and said, "Did you know you're blocking the entrance?" I was honestly caught off guard because I had only stopped briefly and was focused on the child in my care and my belongings. I responded, "Ma'am, I've only been parked here for maybe a minute," and she replied that she was "just telling me" that I was doing that. What made the interaction even more uncomfortable was that she continued standing very close to me and stayed in my face throughout the exchange. It wasn't until I stepped back and started to leave that she seemed to back off as well. I understand wanting to keep a business entrance clear, but the way she approached and continued the interaction felt unnecessarily confrontational. And If I truly was in the way, there are certainly polite ways to communicate that. What bothered me was the unnecessarily curt approach. I was clearly a young woman with a small child in a stroller, my hands full, briefly stopped--not setting up camp outside the bakery. I also believe this woman may have been the owner, based on what I've seen mentioned in other reviews, although I can't say that for certain. If she was, that makes the interaction even more disappointing. I was actually intrigued by the café and considering coming back to try the food or coffee, but after that experience, my interest is gone. Maybe she was having a bad day, and I truly hope that was the case. I can't say whether it had anything to do with my age or appearance, but the interaction felt unnecessarily rude and left a bad impression. Customer service starts before someone even walks through the door. A little kindness goes a long way--especially when you're speaking to someone who is visibly juggling a toddler, a stroller, flowers, and life in general. Be nice. That's it. That's the review. read more

I got a latte and cookie. The coffee was burnt and bitter tasting. The cookie was quite dry after the first couple bites. The owner was defensive when I asked if the coffee is a stronger bitter roast. Not my kind of cafe, I dont recommend it. read more

I love these people who run and own the risks g loader and they share their love through their food. Today they were cooking peaches for their delicious scones as this is also a bakery. Their homemade loaf of bread is just over $8 and you will never purchase another presliced bread from the supermarket. We sat outside on a pleasant coolish day for Lafayette and I live this peaceful corner for this busy small town. read more

Rising Loafer Cafe & Bakery - Decaf Americano 100% tasty 0% bitterness - Bakeries Near Me - Lafayette, California

I had no idea Rising Loafer Cafe & Bakery existed until a couple friends told me about it as we were planning a brunch together, despite that I go to the Trader Joe's here all the time! Beautiful outdoors with its plants and menu laid out, and a very homey interior. Surprisingly the place wasn't full at all a bit after 11AM. There were a lot of options on the menu, such as omelettes/scrambles, savory crepes, eggs benedicts, French toast, and so much more. I decided to go for a cappuccino and it looked really good. Foam on top, dusted with some cinnamon. Great and fun presentation, but the taste was alright. Foam tasted fine, but the espresso/coffee itself gave me a bit of that instant flavor. I tried the combo crepe which came with chicken, avocados, cheese, etc. I got a side of their soup along with it. The broth was good, but the chicken inside the soup was more on the dry side. The crepe was alright. The avocados and cheese (and some of the veggies in there) were fine, but the chicken itself was bland and dry. Good dish, but taste wise, I expected a bit more. My friends got a scramble with potatoes and the French toast. They ask what kind of bread after ordering the toast, and we thought it would be that bread on the side, but it was the bread used for the French toast! So that French toast tasted very healthy with multigrain lol. Their cinnamon raisin sounds really good, as well as some of their baked goods, so if I come back here, maybe I'll give those a go. read more

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A local gem in Lafayette, everything (including the bread!) is made fresh in the kitchen! My mom and I stopped in for a quick breakfast and were treated with friendly, quick service. We ordered an omelette and pastrami sandwich both of which were 11/10 in terms of flavor, and presentation. The sandwich bread had a great crunch to it as well. I came out feeling full but light and I'll definitely be going again. Please stop by and support our local businesses!! In addition to food, they also have a range of bakery items to check out :) read more

Friendly neighborhood bakery cafe with delicious baked breads, fresh ingredients, and attentive service. My daughter and I ordered sandwiches (chicken salad for her, avocado melted jack for me) with potato salad on the side and both of us were happy with our lunch plates. The owner suggested I try my sandwich with the fresh ortega chiles and I'm so glad she did! I loved the freshness and added flavor of the chiles. The potato salad wasn't what we expected, and while we both thought it was OK, it wasn't a big hit with us. We will definitely return for the delicious sandwiches however! We'll go for fruit or soup on the side in the future. read more

Rising Loafer Cafe & Bakery - Chicken Salad sandwich and Avocado Melted Jack sandwich, both with potato salad on the side. - Bakeries Near Me - Lafayette, California

The Rising Loafer is located in a charming corner shop with a lovely outdoor area surrounded by plants. Inside, it's a cozy place, perfect for meeting friends and having a wonderful meal. And it's also a bakery, with delicious scones and a great variety of breads. The menu is varied, and all the food my friends and I have had there is nourishing and delicious. The owners are delightful people who, as Pat C. said share their love through their food. The service is excellent as well. The Rising Loafer is a sweet haven and respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and the perfect place for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a snack. I bet you'll love it as much as I do. read more

Was rushed into making a to go order of just one not very good muffin. No offer of coffee to gag it down with. Won't be back for sure.

We'd eaten at the Rising Loafer occasionally over many years and generally thought it was good. Recently there for lunch and noted that there were only two other parties there while the shopping center was jammed. We noted that our table was sticky and the silverware wasn't very clean looking. The grilled chicken sandwiches at almost $20 each were just okay, but not grilled enough to melt the cheese. The service was friendly but slow considering how empty it was. I think this business is not keeping up as it should. But I would like to see them survive and prosper. read more

Horrible service. Over priced! Food is just ok. Not worth the trouble. I'll never go back there again.

I had a lovely breakfast of French toast, eggs, and bacon with my friend. The food was tasty, the coffee was just right and most importantly the service was amazing. I enjoyed the ambience and felt like it was a nice little retreat right here in downtown Lafayette. I'll be heading back shortly. read more

Old lady was amazing, so polite and humble, food was good, many items r organic, ordered coffee cappuccino and latte, crepe's- combo and egg sausage, environment was good, old vibes read more

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What a cute little spot right next to the Lafayette post office! The lady who owns and runs the place with her husband is so sweet. She cares deeply about her customers and the community. Also, the menu emphasizes clean organic food. If you're looking for a nice simple spot for breakfast or lunch, this is a lovely little place. Plus, you're supporting a local business that has been in Lafayette for many years! read more

I come here to buy the bread that they make fresh there everyday and let me tell you it's freakin delicious. My favorite place to buy bread. I love all the different types but my go to would probably country oat. Try the bread! read more

Rising Loafer Cafe & Bakery - Beautiful - Bakeries Near Me - Lafayette, California

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I have spent the nicest 2 hours today at the Rising Loafer. 1st.. you need to know they make their own bread and baked goods. The smell was heart-warming. It's owned by an older eastern European couple who run it themselves. Why was that important to me? The woman looks and speaks like my great aunt Bessie who passed when I was about 17. I loved that woman. My mother didn't tell me she passed until after the funeral, so finding the Cafe touched my heart in a way I didn't know I needed. The food was was made with love, organic love.. I had the spinach salad which was very enjoyable. When I told her how much I liked it she told me every bite a different taste and texture. She also told me " good girl " when I finished my plate They pay attention to every plate that goes out. The scone I had was the shortbread type with lots of apricots folded over inside . Many cups of hot tea later, I was a happy full filed woman. The prices are what you'd expect these days. 16 and change for the salad. My whole bill was about 28.50 with out tip. I will be back. read more

Loved my breakfast here. I got the Joe's Special egg scramble, mushrooms, onions, cheddar cheese, so good! I had mine with a side of fruit instead of potatoes. It came with a small bite of breakfast pastry. Everything including the staff were great. Will definitely return. read more

Lovely mom and pop cafe in Lafayette. So friendly with small town service. Got delicious bread to go!

I've been going to The Rising Loafer in Danville since the 80s. The bread was 100, the sandwiches were pretty good. The spiced ice tea was one of a kind. What ruins the Lafayette experience is the crabapple owner Maria who cannot seem to realize that her waiting tables days should have been over decades ago. I'd say get the food to go, but you still risk an interaction either way this brusque, abrasive, and dare I say borderline illiterate owner who for several years now has been driving this business into the ground. Avoid at all costs, in fact don't even come NEAR this restaurant; as other reviews will indicate, she is barking and snapping at people in the restaurant, outside the restaurant, and even people in the parking lot! read more

Hmm where to begin??? NOT KID FRIENDLY Have you seen Seinfeld's "soup nazi" episode? Well, Kinda felt like I was in a tv drama when we dined here - ‍ Pls Read other reviews before coming here. First off, I called before coming in as there was 8 of us, 2 adults rest 6 kids, ages 10-11yo. We were coming from a Girlscouts camping trip & we are not local to this area. Owner answered phone & "I guess we can seat you somewhere". I should of took that as a clue. When we arrived, lots of outdoor seating available so I asked if we put the 6 kids on one table & 2 adults sit apart from them to get some adult conversation. She blew up in front of the kids & said "this is the best I can do to accommodate you & if you don't want it then You can go" so shocked I grabbed 2 extra chairs to make 8 seats & sat down. We were sitting so tight but made it work. She then pushed the menus onto the girls and said to them they better look at the menu & order now as she cannot wait. As we were eating, one of the girls started to feel ill after having the French toast, upset stomach, so I asked owner inside if she had ginger ale, she blew me off and said we don't have any of that here & had an annoyed look that I interrupted her inside. So I decided to run to Trader Joe's while the other girls finished up their food. It took me about 10 or so minutes to come back so by this time, the other mom had paid the bill. The girls were enjoying the live music that was playing in the front of the stores. As I was walking to the table, I overheard her say "they are done eating and paid & I don't know why they are still sitting here" I quickly gathered all my belongings & told the girls, it's time to go, we are not welcome here anymore. The girls later commented " that lady is very mean". She is abrupt and condescending when she talks to you, customer service skill are lacking, might be time for her to retire. 1 start for *Food came out fairly quickly, looked good & mine was very tasty to me* read more

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-ZERO 's Wish I had read the reviews before coming here. Had it not happened to me, I would have found the prior reviews hard to believe. A few months ago a friend told me about this breakfast spot and I have been looking forward to stopping here on the way to/from one of my rare, long drives from Roseville to Oakland/Berkeley. On the way back from an Imaging appointment in Berkeley, I decided to finally stop here & have breakfast. My initial plan was to have it to-go, in order to beat the afternoon traffic back to Sacramento/Roseville. Upon entering the place I notice it is a bit dark and dank. An elderly woman approached me with a menu and told me to have a seat (instead of asking will I be dining in or out). Ok, no problem it should be nice to have a sit down meal instead of in the car.. but first, I asked to use the restroom and the elderly woman pointed to the kitchen area which I had to walk through in order to get to the restroom. After quickly using the restroom (under 3 minutes) I was washing my hands and noticed loud banging on the walls right next to the bathroom so loud I began to feel uncomfortable... I hurried up and seated myself at the table where the elderly woman placed the menu. I took 2 pics and sent to my friend to ensure I was at the right place (he couldn't remember the name). He phoned me immediately and the elderly woman came to me asking to take my order (as I was on the phone). I smiled and asked her to give me just a moment as this is my 1st time and I wasn't sure what I wanted. She responded "I know, else I would know who you are.." I then smiled and replied "I'll just need a few minutes to decide"... within 60 seconds she came back and said "well, I need to get your drink started what do you want" feeling rushed I made it simple and asked for water, no ice. Less than a minute later she came back with water and rushed to take my order, which I barely had time to decide. Again, I asked her to give me just a moment. As I was sitting there reading the menu, I noticed the older man who was in the kitchen kept staring at me through the plants on the counter. When I would look at him and smile he continued to stare at me with no emotions what so ever. I started to feel awkward like I was in a scary movie or the twilight zone. I looked around and noticed there is no smell of food (a MAJOR red flag) only an old mildewy smell.. I started to feel like I was not welcome and leery that they would perhaps spit or put something in my food. That is the look and attitude that I was getting... just as I was having doubts of eating there my phone rang (saved by the bell!) I got an urgent call that I had to rush back to Sacramento right away.. To thank the elderly woman, let her know that I have an emergency and have to leave, I got up from the table and walked outside to where she was taking orders. She twisted her face and spewed at me "I knew when you first came in you didn't come to eat- you just came to use the bathroom! I know how you are- I can look at you and tell! I am [inaudible, due to her accent]!! I am native to this land!" She pointed down to the ground where she stood and proceeded to yell "Go! Leave! Have a nice day!" as she shunned me with her hands and walked away... 3 other patrons saw the interaction. The 2 women were just as appalled as I (the elderly man sat and watched in silence) One of the women was so nice, she told me to have a nice day and safe travels. I left there pretty upset and shocked. Born in Berkeley, California in the 70s, I have NEVER in my years been so disrespected and felt so offended by patronizing someone's establishment. I refuse to spend my monies where I am disrespected, not wanted and appreciated. I will NEVER eat at this place. It stinks in there. They are very rude, mean and wicked. Note: Trader Joe's is only a few feet away. If I just needed to use the restroom I could have and SHOULD HAVE just gone there. Besides, the customer service and store is much more pleasant. Also note: I am Native American, or what some people refer to as Black... read more

Rising Loafer Cafe & Bakery - Inside - Bakeries Near Me - Lafayette, California

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Delicious food and beautiful lattes. Friendly and cozy atmosphere. My family always has a great time here.

If they're still in business maybe you should give them a try. Maybe the Crabby Lady owner has learned to be nicer now to attract business. The gentleman owner who originally greeted us seemed kind. We got up and left before ordering (due to "Crabby") maybe their food is good. read more

BE AWARE- Horrible Customer Experience Today my 2 teens were about to order some drinks and lunch when they put their purchases (from the surrounding shops) on the chairs outside where they planned to sit. There were 3 people inside and nobody outside at this time. They were quickly and rudely approached by an angry woman with an accent and black curly hair wearing glasses. She asked them their age. Then insisted that they are old enough to read and could have read the sign posted that the tables are for customers only. My teens responded and began to apologize and explain when she cut them off saying that she needed to pay her rent and if they (the teens) didn't buy something then she wouldn't have money for rent. She carried on about how shes struggling financially to pay her taxes as well. Both my kids were really looking forward to relaxing and dining while they look over their purchases when this troubled woman harassed them and really messed up their day There are so many spots in Lafayette where there is excellent customer service and food. Looking at the recent reviews my teens probably saved themselves from a bland experience- not to mention it seems like they have something against teens and kids. read more

Honestly take 40 minutes with your Family and count your blessings for a lovely Homemade Breakfast or Lunch in the Heart of a Mom and Pops Restaurant tucked away in Lafayette California. Ive been in Laffayette for 17 years and Lafayette is changing with new ideas and fast paced ideas for Restaurants and forgetting the true heart and class of Lafayette. The Rising Loafer is a Diamond and hidden jewel and definitely worth every bite!! Please take the time to appreciate the Rising Loafer read more

Mmmm Heaven on a fork! If you want to try the best chicken salad ever, get yourself to Rising Loafer Cafe & Bakery! Served with fresh roasted cashews and a raspberry vinaigrette to die for, this is the dish that makes family and friends from out of town want every time they visit. It's also our favorite place for breakfast, lunch, or brunch. High quality organic food beautifully crafted makes this locally owned restaurant a standout in our small city known for great restaurants. read more

Rising Loafer Café and Bakery, owned and operated by Maria and Ahmed, is my FAVORITE breakfast joint in Lafayette. The restaurant is the most sustainable business in the region, winning numerous environmental leadership awards. Their food is made with seasonal, fresh ingredients; Rising Loafer makes the best omelets and daily fresh-baked bread. They recently started serving daily dinner specials, which are a must get for the busy family. Rising Loafer is a place with guilt-free, delicious food that's good for your body and our community. Maria and Ahmed and like family and gems of Lafayette's "Restaurant Row." read more

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Just had a wonderful meal of a Turkey Havarti sandwich and the Loafer scramble! Everything here is always so good. Thank you, Maria and Ahmed! read more

Delicious and fresh tasting! Wonderful service. We were treated like honored guests.

Poor ambiance and horrible customer service from the owner. I witnessed the owner harassing someone that was parked next to the cafe because their car was parked with the engine on for a few minutes! Wow! She proceeded to take pictures of the driver, put her body behind the car, blocking the driver from leaving. There was a child in the backseat of the car that looked very scared. She appeared very emotionally unstable and not safe to be around. Unfortunately, this is not the first time I have seen her harass people. I have been tempted to call the police to report her erratic and emotionally unstable personality. Definitely not returning. read more

Never too busy. Food is so so and not worth the money. The owner Maria barks and harasses people passing through that narrow walkway to/from the post office and parking spaces that are in front of the cafe where there are large planters she put out making the walkway so difficult to walk through. read more

I'm going to have to say a three is a very generous rating... Sadly, we ate here today and really weren't able to eat the meals we were served... I ordered the ham,cheese and egg crêpe. Full of eggs, and some dried deli, ham and a little cheese. There was no flavor, no seasoning, no herbs or sauce, and it was very dry. Crepe was like a thick pancake folded in half. BF had an egg breakfast with potatoes. We don't even think they seasoned the eggs. There are so many wonderful breakfast restaurants in Lafayette, we made an error because we used to go to the Rising Loafer in Danville years ago. The couple who were running the business were nice. read more

Service is excellent and the food is like home cooked comfort food with all organic ingredients and freshly made. Their eggs Benedict is out of this world with the best hollandaise sauce and their chicken salad is out of this world. It's a small little restaurant in Lafayette worth trying it's like going to have home cooked comfort food. Out door seating is available as well as indoor. read more

Absolutely TERRIBLE SERVICE. The waitress/owner was incredibly RUDE and inconsiderate. Even though they have outside seating, they are pet unfriendly. I never write these but this was Honesty the WORST experience at a restaurant in my life. I will never come back. Also I was DISAPPOINTED BY THE FOOD, it was not good at all. read more

I tend to agree with all who saw the dark side of the lady who serves and obviously served us today too. Left a bitter taste even though the ham crepes was actually good. Never going back there again!! read more

Very disappointed from the service and from the arrogance of the owner . Especially once I walked in with my good Asian friend that felt a very bad vibe from the worker that laughed at her accent. Shame on you there is no place for racism in the Bay Area. Stay away from this place . I wished i would never walked in to this place. read more

I ordered Joe special and didn't enjoy the food at all. I had to wait for the dish over 40 minutes! On a Wednesday! Also the service staff isn't very nice and welcoming, seems like they don't like what they're doing or liking their life! I definitely won't come back and not recommending on this place at all read more

The bread is out of this world!!! They make it in house every day. The coffee is served beautifully and the offer alternative dairy options. The service is relaxed but stellar! The vibe is super chill, quaint and lovely. Definitely recommend it for a brunch/ breakfast spot with friends! read more

Had an order of the fresh baked Sourdough Loaf (~$7): freshly-baked sourdough bread made available on Fridays. Food was delicious, staff was familiar (having seen a picture of the café on Kiva), and the ambiance was understated. read more

We were a large group yesterday, Father's Day. The owner was warm, welcoming and helped put together the seating outdoors for the 10 of us and took our orders right away. The food came quickly and was exactly what we ordered. Everything was delicious. I plan on making the trip to Lafayette, through the tunnel, more often just to come here again. I wish I could give more than 5 stars. read more