A Disappointing Rainy Evening at Boulangerie Atelier 85
I was stuck inside on a rainy evening, and my feet were just as soggy as they'd been for days. I needed a coffee and something tasty to lift my mood. There are plenty of cafes and shops on Riga Prospekt, where I used to live in a guest house. One place that had been calling my name for ages was 'Atelier 85'. I'd walk by it every day, peeking through the windows. Finally, on that fateful evening, I decided to give it a try.
My kid was trying to dissuade me, saying there were pizzerias and bakeries that were cheaper and tastier. But I was determined to check it out.
Entrance to the bakery 'Atelier 85'My Take on Atelier 85
'Atelier 85' from the outsideThe bakery had a bit of a retro vibe, like something from the Soviet era. Maybe it was the name that gave it that feel. The bakery itself was small, but it was divided into two sections.
First section:
There were about 4-5 small tables, a display counter, a self-service area for extra cups, napkins, and so on, and a trash can.
And the second section:
The display counter with farm produce and some Eastern teas and sweets... There was also a counter with discounted items '-50% off', but when we were there, there was nothing on sale.
The display counter.
You could buy almost anything you wanted, including fast food, snacks, business lunches, drinks, and baked goods.
The restroom was password-protected, and the cashier gave you the password when you bought something.
I was a bit torn - on one hand, the name and the fact that they sold everything from breakfast to dinner, cakes, milk, and so on, made it feel like a gathering place for friends. But on the other hand...
The interior was a bit... unclear... Bleak beige, brown, and dark.
The staff was calm and polite. No questions asked.
The dining area was clean.
The Assortment at Atelier 85
Okay, I'll give them credit - the selection was pretty good. I only got to see the prices, though! But it's a plus that they're selling new stuff - that means everything is always fresh!
We ended up getting two slices of cake and some pasta, and we even got to try different types.
The cakes were dry. I'll give them a pass since they'd been sitting out for a day, but still, they were only edible when washed down with tea or coffee.
Cake from 'Atelier 85' bakeryThe pasta was delicious. Not dry at all.
Pasta from 'Atelier 85' bakeryThe coffee was good. I really enjoyed it.
That was my coffeeNow, if you come in early in the morning or for lunch, you'll see a pretty decent selection of baked goods. I agree with that.
Cheaper options are out there, though. I mean, there are bakeries with better food and atmosphere.
My Verdict on Atelier 85
Honestly, it was a bit of a waste of time. Considering the place itself and the prices, I just didn't enjoy it.
When we sat down at that tiny table that only fit one plate and two cups, we ended up wiping it down ourselves because of crumbs... It just felt weird. I've never seen a place where you're expected to clean the table after someone leaves.
On one side, there's a couch, and on the other, there are chairs. You can only really sit comfortably on the couch because there's no space between the chairs and the counter or the passage to the 'back area'.
Honestly, I didn't enjoy it... even though I wasn't expecting much. I just wanted a cup of coffee...
From the cons, I'd say:
Cheapness. There are better options out there.Dryness of the cakes.The atmosphere in general.
I'd give Atelier 85 2 out of 5 stars. It's not a place I'd recommend, but it's not a complete disaster either. Maybe they'll improve with time, but for now, I'd say it's just an average bakery with some decent food and a weird atmosphere.
Rating: 2/5