Well the second trip was just as good as the first. Thumbs up.
(3)
Matty K.
Looking for a place to lunch, I was releuctant to come here as it looked packed and I really wanted a good fresh salad. Boyfriend insisted and we walked into a throughly packed and 7 people deep in line. We picked up a menu and I picked up the nutrition info, and we started deliberating. He decided on a combo that included grilled cheese and rustic tomato soup with a salad. I had the butternut squash soup with a spring salad. The fountain soda choices are wonderful for diet soda drinkers like us. We sat outside and waited for our food. My butternut squash soup was creamy, had a hint of curry to it, and had walnuts and dried cranberries in it. It was the perfect temperature. Hot, but not so hot that I couldn't eat it. My salad was surprisingly delicious! Field greens with dried cranberries, goat cheese (I think), walnuts, granny smith apples and dressed lightly with a vinaigrette. The textures and flavors worked perfectly together. A small sourdough roll also came with my salad and it was perfect. Sour, chewy, soft, carby all at the same time. I dipped it into his rustic tomato soup and loved his soup as well. Both meals and sodas came out to under $20. He didn't really like his grilled cheese, he thought is was too greasy.
(5)
Michelle K.
Haven't eaten there yet, but I did go in and got a loaf of the sourdough. Just as tasty as I remember it from SF.
(5)
Star G.
I dove in one afternoon for the heralded Mac N Cheese. I didn't dig it. It has fresh Dungeness Crab which I like but it just didn't do it for me. The service was cold and slow. The dish was expensive.
(1)
Morgan M.
If you love sourdough, GO HERE. If you love Sandwiches, GO HERE. If you love sourdough and Sandwiches, GO HERE. Nice environment, free WIFi. Wooop. Good cookies :)
(4)
Camille C.
Based on the trusted word of a friend, my boyfriend and I came here to try their burger. I had the Classic Burger with Cheddar, which comes on sourdough, and my boyfriend had the Baguette Burger with Cheddar, which comes on a garlic-buttered baguette. Well, my burger was hands-down the greasiest burger I've ever tried to eat. All I could taste was sourdough and grease. All of the condiments kept sliding around because of the grease oozing from the hamburger patty, so I had to cut the burger in half and pat it down with my napkin. I will give Boudin another chance and try a sandwich and/or clam chowder.
(2)
Noel d.
Thank you for opening in Sacramento! I've been here three times and every time I try something new I really like. The sourdough is second to none. The ham and tomato breakfast pizza was delicious and the clam chowder bread bowl saves me a trip to the City. I'll be regular in the Roseville store when it opens.
(4)
Jim P.
My wife and I had breakfast here recently. Neither of us was that impressed by the food. I had the "Traditional" breakfast, consisting of scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, and sourdough toast. The price was right at only $5.99, but the portions were moderately sized. This is not a place to go if you want to stuff your belly with a huge breakfast. My wife ordered a "Scramble" of peppers, Swiss cheese, and bacon. She didn't finish it all and was disappointed that there was so little Swiss cheese. They brought her the wrong order the first time, but quickly fixed the problem. We both thought the food tasted as though it came from under a heat lamp. My wife also commented that the dining room was not very clean. We probably won't be back anytime soon.
(2)
Ryan M.
Saw this going in a couple of months ago and finally went to it today. I had the chicken club sandwich which was served hot. The chicken was dry and in pieces half the size of your thumb which made it hard to keep it together. Nothing special but tasty. I give it a 3/5 but I bump my overall rating because their bread reminds me of trips I took with my family to SF and I had to have their sourdough every time. mmm...wish I bought a loaf when i was there.
(4)
sofia m.
Awesome clam chowder. Almost as good as the one in SF. Good service and good food.
(4)
Nicki M.
The food here is very good, but I am specifically reviewing their catering service. The first time they catered an event for me, they forgot plates and silverware making it very difficult to eat the salads that they brought. Today, they were over an hour late to the 11:30 lunch I had scheduled. I had customers leave and go out to eat rather than sit and wait. Very embarassing and unprofessional. Moral of the story.....do NOT use their delivery. Go pick it up yourself.
(1)
brokester c.
i crave this place at least once a week. they have a variety of sandwiches, pizza, and other entrees but i always get the combo with half a sandwich and small clam chowder in a bread bowl (you can also choose from half a pizza or salad). i will admit it's not the best clam chowder i've ever had but mos def better than anything i bought out of the can and heated up at home. i love their tuna sandwich and roast beef sandwich. basically if you are not watching your carb intake and want to warm yourself up with some clam chowder this is a good place to check out.
(4)
Darlene L.
Grilled cheese!
(3)
Scott M.
The best sourdough bread ever!!!! I visit this shop at lease twice a month and their service and food are always superb!
(5)
Chloe B.
Really like this place because it is close to work and it is one of Ben and my regular spots to meet for lunch on a slow day. Love their tomato soup, either in a bread bowl or not. Their spring salad is yummy and doing half salad/half soup is a great light lunch. For a heavier lunch, I will go for the half soup and half BLT, which is very satisfying. They also have pretty decent pizza, depending on your preferred style. I really enjoy Italian style pizza with a thinner, almost cracker-like crust. Their pizzas are definitely thinner, which I love, but not too thin for my usual deep dish/Chicago style-loving Ben. I think it says a lot for their personalized pizzas that they can please both of us. Of course, I also love this place because I used to eat here once and a while when coming into San Francisco and it gives me a little reminder of walking down the wharf. The Sacramento location has a pretty good sized outdoor eating area, which is nice on cooler days. This place can get really crowded at lunch time, which is why we usually meet for a late lunch. You order at the counter and they bring your food to you, which means no chance to run into some potentially iffy wait staff. Overall, good place to lunch but would prefer somewhere else for dinner.
(3)
Rosanna C.
One of the highlights of visiting SF for me has always been to stop by Boudin and have a clam chowder bowl. I visited here for the first time Monday. The food did take a bit to come out and it wasn't even busy. The chowder didn't even taste as close to the ones in SF, but it was still good. We ordered the pinapple upside down cake and the manager threw in another one, which I thought was really nice. The cake was sooo good. I think the prices could be a bit better. We spent 27.00 on lunch.
(3)
Christine C.
Mmmm the focaccia and the asiago bagel are delicious, and both a reasonable price. I didn't try any food though. I don't think I would...I mean nothing really stands out to me except maybe the clam chowder bowl. The staff is nice too.
(3)
Karen B.
Still makes the wallet say "ow." The BF has been bugging me forever to come here, given that we're from the Bay Area and we've had pleasant experiences at Boudin's other locations. Boudin was always kind of a treat for me, something I saved for days when I really, really needed a clam chowder. This, of course, is because their prices were not reasonable for a 19-year-old making $300 a week. but I digress... My Order: Turkey Avocado (with havarti, mayo, lettuce, and tomato on a croissant) His Order: Half a BBQ chicken pizza with clam chowder in a bread bowl Turkey and avocado, for me, if heaven on earth. However, this sandwich was just... too much. The turkey was too salty and processed-tasting, the croissant was dry, and the havarti added nothing but more salt. In fact, when I finally took the havarti off and ate a little of the cheese by itself, it was fine. ON the sandwich, it was horrible. It also came with a side salad of organic greens, which was OK. Barbeque chicken pizza is probably the best addition to the family of pizza staples the world has seen since, I don't know, Hawaiian, or Super Veggie... actually, I don't know which of these came first. Either way, the BF is a huge fan of it and orders it practically everywhere he can. In his words, it was "too oniony" and "too saucy." He has a great deal of, say, onion tolerance, but in this case, he had to pick some of them off the pizza. The sourdough was... just OK. I once heard that the reason SF is so famous for their French and sourdough bread is because the air (pressure? Humidity? I'm not sure) is somehow similar to the best bread-making regions in France. I'm not sure this is true, but the bread here was not very characteristic of the bread I've had in the city. Don't get me wrong - I'm not one of those "this is good - for Sacramento" or "it's doesn't compare to SF" types, because dammit, I like eating in this town and Lord knows I can't afford SF anyway. But... San Francisco sourdough this ain't! Afterward, the BF felt nauseous the rest of the night. I don't know what was wrong with that thing, but it has certainly deterred me from this place for at least another few months. Did I mention it's expensive?
(2)
Leopard S.
I ordered the turkey and havarti sandwich. Great sandwich but overpriced. Also seems to be crowded frequently, so this isn't going to be a quiet place to eat. I felt like I'd be better off making a sandwich at home.
(3)
Cynthia B.
still great and super busy at lunch. I pretty much only eat their baguette burgers slathered with pesto aioli. Sometimes the bread too crunchy but yesterday perfectly soft and chewy. Went with co-worker and think I've got her hooked on their food. I always take a sourdough sml round home for my husband as a consolation prize for not getting to eat with us. Managment came by asked how things were - saw many people quickly clearing and cleaning tables. again never had a complaint here!
(5)
Todd S.
Q. Is this the best sour dough bread in the world? A. no, but quite good. Q. Is this the best Clam chowder served in a bread bowl? A. No, not even close. Q. Is it worth waiting in line for the food? A. no , not at all, but their is a bakery only line that is shorter and worth getting a loaf of bread. Q. Does this restaraunt really add much to the sacramento scene? A. Not really , but the bread is worth it. Q. Can I be more annoying than writing a review in interview style? A. No probably not.
(3)
Veronica B.
I first went to Boudin after a friend suggested we meet there for dinner, since it was in my neighborhood. I hadn't even heard of the joint. I ordered a veggie sandwich and tomato bisque soup. HOLY COW - it was seriously delicious, with a good portion size that made me feel just full enough but not too stuffed. My husband and I now frequent the place regularly for any time of the day meals. Breakfast? He gets a breakfast pizza, I get a veggie scramble and hash browns. Lunch? He gets pastrami and I get the veggie combo. Dinner? I get the fish and veggies, he gets the patty melt. Bonus: incredibly affordable, good beer selection.
(4)
Andee V.
I love this place! They brought one of my SF favorites to Sacramento finally! There are tons of sandwiches and soups and salads to choose from. It recently opened but by the lunch time crowd today I can tell its already a favorite! For the best of both worlds you can order 2 of the following a half sandwich, pizza, soup or salad, for a nice lunch special. (the spring salad is so good!!) In the past I have had the clam chowder from here too and its also really good. The staff here was really nice and checked up on us a couple of times. Expect quite the crowd in the already busting Loehmanns Plaza at lunch time!!"
(5)
Anthony B.
Just ok. A little pricey for a small sandwich and simple salad of greens. Also the sandwich was not distributed well. Big chunks of chicken in the middle with nothing but bread mayo lettuce and tomato on half the sandwich. We'll go back as long as we have the 2 for 1 coupons we received in the mail.
(3)
J M.
I haven't had anything I didn't like yet at Boudin's. I love the pizza, vegetarian chili, and their sandwiches. Yum yum yum is all I have to say.
(4)
Heidi T.
If you love bread, soup or sandwiches this is your heaven! This place can get really busy at lunch time, a sign that the food is great, so be sure that you don't come at noon unless you want to be waiting for a seat. I recommend their grilled cheese sandwich with a spring salad and rustic tomato soup. It is the perfect meal for a cold rainy day and will no doubt warm your stomach and soul. 9/11/10 Updated: I'm downgrading to a 4 because of their "water" situation. If you ask for a cup of water you'll walk over and pour what tastes like sewer water. I've spoken to the manager who stated that upper management doesn't want to fork out the dough (pun intended) for a water purifier. Even the woman next to me agreed it is unpalatably foul. Beware!
(4)
Joan L.
Decided to order the burger. It sounded good, with lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo all on a sourdough roll. . . NOT! The roll was over toasted and nearly impossible to bite into. Worst of all was the meat. It wasn't grilled or charbroiled. It was microwaved and so greasy that the burger slid all over the place. Save your money and go get a REAL burger somewhere else!
(1)
Amber F.
Breakfast here is good, I've had salads for lunch as well. I like the atmosphere, it's comfortable. It's great for the kiddo, he can keep himself occupied and have a decent breakfast here. I feel like the breakfast meats were kind of weird, definitely not homemade or anything, but seemed kinda... maybe frozen and mass produced. Nothing special at all, just sort of random breakfast meat. I guess I was expecting something a bit more, but it's very simple food that looks to be pushed out of the kitchen quick. I usually have a vegetarian omelet, it's good, spinach, tomatoes, onions, peppers, it comes with this pathetic little quarter of hashed browns, they were cold this last time I went. But again, it's cheap breakfast and I'm not cooking... The toast was good, but talk about skimping on the jam, I hate that... I had to go ask for another little container of jam. Lunch, I've had salads and my husband's had sandwiches. The salads are generous and really quite good. They're fresh and pretty hearty. My husband usually gets a half sandwich and half salad, the bread is always good, overall, it's pretty good quality. We prefer lunch to the breakfast, but it's one of those things where we know what we're getting, and that's better than the unknown...
(3)
Emily S.
I'm just gonna say....MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM They have DELICIOUS Rustic Tomato soup! I love a place with good soup, and boy, do they have that! Now, if they only had heat lamps in their outdoor seating area, that would be wonderful! The bread and pizzas are good too!
(4)
Ricky D.
I'm surprised by a lot of the low reviews.. What made me try this place is that I got a buy one get one free coupon in the mail.. So I stopped by last night and ordered two melts turkey/patty. The patty melt was for me and it was sooo good. The bread had been toasted perfect and had just enough butter. My girlfriend had the turkey melt, which she really liked. At $8 a melt with no drink I don't know how often I will be back, but I definitely will..
(5)
Nate S.
Feels like a place on the down-and-out. Haphazard presentations and compositions mirror the insipidity of the food. The B+ bread can't hide the sloppy work of the kitchen (especially the nauseatingly sweet salad dressings!). Finally, they should burn in hell for bringing us orange from-a-box macaroni and cheese. Grateful Bread is just a few steps away, and while they don't serve lunch, I'd rather eat their bread straight than Boudin's mediocre cuisine. Keep driving.
(2)
Kayla W.
They have a great vegan chili! Pretty decent prices, and on wednesday and Sunday they have a butternut squash soup with candied walnuts and dried cranberries that is soo good! I always have a good experience here, and if you become a club card member you will get a free loaf of their yummy sourdough every month! Nice!
(5)
stephanie H.
Nice chain place for lunch. I have been here twice for lunch, you order up front and take a seat, nice area out front to sit. Good sandwitches, nothing to write home about but what do you expect? It looked clean and I didn't get sick from eating here.....always a plus these days!
(3)
Angel t.
Can anyone say CHAIN? So, it wasn't a unique-awe-inspiring dining experience, but the place was clean, the service was fast, and I liked my meal (mostly). I ordered the crab macaroni and cheese and they didn't skimp on the crab either, but there could have been a little more oomph to it. You know what I mean? Something was missing, maybe it was flavor? I was impressed with the option to add a mixed green or Caesar salad to any entree for just $1.99. It was a nice salad and a decent size too; probably enough for two depending on your oink factor. Oh, I guess I should mention their sourdough since that's what they're "famous" for... it was tasty, but nothing to run home screaming about... I like how they've revamped the old Java City patio to make it their own and I must say they did a nice job (bonus star). Unfortunately, a drunken homeless man decided to plant himself on the patio right next to us, so our entire meal was clouded by the man harassing people as they walked by. I was there for a little over two hours and the staff never said a word. I suppose I should have just handed over the two quarters to shut him up, but now that's a review for another day. Overall, if you're in a plain Jane mood you might like this place.
(2)
Shadi G.
It's a soup place. It's a bread place. It's a quick place. Lunch here won't bust your wallet or your gut--unlike the horrid alternative: fast food. Don't be silly and order anything but soup, salad and bread. Words to the wise: steer clear of the soup bread bowl. Order soup by the traditional bowl because you will end up throwing away half the bread, which absorbs some of the soup you'd rather be relishing. On a cold, winter's day, Boudin warms up your spirits and hits the spot in a fabulous way.
(3)
Joseph A.
My wife and I have made it a mini-tradition to stop at Boudin for lunch when trekking from the Bay Area to Lake Tahoe. The first time we really enjoyed it. We had the clam chowder in the bread bowl, which blew my mind - the "lid" from the bowl is this amazing cylinder of chewy sourdough with a crackly crust. Holy mmmm... And our kids loved the macaroni and cheese, freshly made with penne and grated cheese. So that was our little tradition. Chowder in bread bowls, and mac & cheese. But the magic has worn off a bit. I don't know if the soup has changed, but I've come to realize that it has almost no clams in it. it tastes basically like black pepper. It's actually quite tasty, but it's not much of a clam chowder. And the macaroni and cheese... some genius at Corporate decided they should stop making it fresh and instead serve Kraft macaroni and cheese. Literally. They proudly say on the menu that they make the stuff from the box. Hello? The bread is still amazing. And the cookies are awesome. And the decor is pleasant. So I'd like to give them three and a half stars, but I'm rounding it down to just three.
(3)
James D.
Boudin serve a standard clam chowder bread bowel. Pricing is reasonable and location is very convenient. It's an enjoyable experience if you come in with the mindset of soup and bread, but otherwise you'll be disappointed.
(4)
Bevan R.
So while I Looove the chowder from here and getting it in a fresh bread bowl is divine, I just cannot seem to justify the cost of a lunch here. For the price I feel like I should get more chowder but alas, I do not.
(3)
JP P.
Just left Boudin, on my way to the dentist to have him check my fillings. I think I left my jaw muscles on the table. I'll have trouble chewing the rest of the day, but damn that's good clam chowder.
(4)
C M.
If you aren't afraid of GREAT carbs in the form of yummy fresh baked bread then this is the spot. I was surprised how "un-fast-foody" this place felt though that is what I expected. I had a vegetarian pizza that was delish and at our table before I had chance to sip my wine. Yes... wine is available. Cheers! My friend had a really great chicken sandwich and salad and was very happy with it as well. Boudin SF seems a really nice use of the space formerly devoted to a great Java City coffee house. Menu - has great variety for light fare: sandwiches, pizzas, salads, soup, bread and of course, chowder. Also, cool breakfast choices. Ambiance - is very casual and comfortable but with a feeling better than just a sandwich shop. Service - great, quick, and friendly. I look forward to a return trip to try something else because the menu was more extensive than I expected and the soups and chilis in the bread bowl I saw go by looked REALLY yummy. Yeah... for a teensy piece of the big city right here at home.
(3)
Elixa S.
I've eaten here twice and am just not impressed. The crab macaroni and cheese is flavorless and slightly runny. The chicken pesto sandwich is really dry, lacks flavor, and the bread is super hard. This place claims to be a bakery yet serves bread so hard I cut my gums trying to bite into it? The prices were too high for poor quality food.
(2)
Jason W.
I love soup and my favorites are clam chowders and bisques. My favorite thing to order here is their half soup and half sandwhich combo. I usually order their clam chowder and turkey sandwhich. Absolutely a fan of dipping my sandwhich in the soup! However, i would have to say they are pretty pricey, especially for their portions and the flavor is just ok to good to me. Definately cannot compare to the bay area where the soup is fresh and not so artificial in flavor. None-the-less, Boudin is still a good place to have lunch.
(3)
Valerie W.
the BEST fresh sourdough bread without the drive to San Francisco. so yummy & cheap prices... * i had the broccoli and turkey omlete . it was like 7 bucks.. i wouldve paid ALOT more, it was that good. Boudin SF also has a glass window, where you can watch the bakers roll and make fresh sourdough bread.
(5)
Matt B.
I have popped into this place on a couple of occasions. Both times I left with a full stomach, but not overly satisfied. I probably could have gone home, made myself a PB&J and been just as content. With that said, it is not a bad option when in the area. Chowder in a bread bowl was tasty, burger on a baguette was under seasoned, and the pizza was enough for two to share.
(3)
Ellen P.
Excellent soups, specials, sandwiches, and BREAD! I had one salad once that was not great, hence only four stars. My favorites are the tomato soup, chili bread bowl, turkey cranberry sandwich, and the crab macaroni and cheese. All the baked goods here have been superb, and I don't usually like sourdough bread.
(4)
George P.
Being new in town, we were driving around trying to find a place to eat on a Sunday afternoon. When I suddenly saw Boudin in a hidden corner of Loehman's Plaza, I got excited and just had to try it. You place your order with a cashier, pay and get a number for your food to be delivered. So you don't deal with waiters and make your decisions all from the menu. Ordered the crabcake sandwich. The crabcake is between two slices of tasty sourdough bread, tomato slices and a big piece of lettuce. It's not bad, but you barely taste the crab. Choice of fries or a salad. The salad was an excellent mix of greens and a delicate dressing, $9.99. ** 1/2 stars Ordered a bowl of clam chowder (without the bread bowl). Excellent flavor, but it was mostly potatoes and an insignificant amount of clams. Comes with an excellent small piece of sourdough bread. Had to get up and get some butter. *** stars. My wife had a bowl made out of sourdough bread and a western chili. Strong cumin flavor overpowered the beans. * star Ambiance *** stars Will come back and try more dishes. The bread is just great!!
(4)
Roman R.
Deplorable. This place is a serious mess. I ordered a turkey cranberry sandwich with no mayonnaise and no tomatoes and they gave me a turkey avocado. Then I brought it back to have them fix it and they gave me a turkey cranberry with mayonnaise and tomatoes. So, I bring it back again and then they give me a turkey avocado with no mayonnaise and no tomatoes. So I'm finally to lazy to go back to this lame place so i decided to call. They apologize and offer me a free sandwich on my next visit. The problem is the sandwich wasn't even good so i'm not even sure I want to go back and get another but the inner cheapo in me insists on collecting my free sandwich. So, when I finally go back to get my sandwich I do get a correctly made turkey cranberry, but it wasn't good. I will not be going back again. nuff said.
(1)
Inigo M.
A pleasant surprise...thought they were only in San Francisco. Joe's Special was excellent...if you like ground beef, spinach, eggs, and mushrooms in something like an omelet. Try it with a sprinkle of sugar.
(4)
Jen W.
The other day, my friends and I couldn't decide on a place to eat and finally decided on Boudin. I had only been to the one in Fisherman's Wharf and I thought the clam chowder was fantastic. When I ordered my clam chowder from Boudin SF in sac, the wait in line took longer than expected, so did the food preparation. The most dissappointing part of the meal was when my clam chowder was too salty. Maybe it was just me, but my friend said it was too salty also. : ( I think the Panera on Howe is way better.
(2)
G K.
Superb service (hence 2 star) and below average food. Ordered the meat chili which was not cooked well and had to chew the beans for a while. My sister's clam chowder was also not so exciting with little flavor. Since we were the last costumers before closing, we were given free bread to take which was a nice gesture. Not a big fan.
(2)
Anabelle S.
Despite a few of the other reviews, I actually really like thise place. Granted it's not the beloved orginal San Francisco location, but still great nonetheless. I have been here a few times and loved it every time. It'a a great place to go to grab an early lunch and chat with some choice friends! As a Pescetarian, I was impressed to see a wide variety of meatless options, and my Vegetarian friend can vouch for that as well. The crab cake sandwich is wonderful, and my friend loved her California Veggie sandwich. Their breakfast pizzas are tasty as well as beautiful, especially the spinach and egg pizza. They always have a plate of goodies to sample at the counter, which is how I fell in love with their lemon curd spread on a crunchy piece of toast...the epitome of summer in one petite bite! The boyfriend always gets a bread bowl of Clam Chowder with his meal, and although it's good, it's still not as good as the original Fisherman's Wharf version. This is a go-to place for my friends and I on a nice, early summer day for some great chow and nice conversation.
(4)
Stephanie F.
Made me fall in love with Clam Chowdah!! Yummy soup, yummy bread, yummy pizza too.
(5)
Lauren D.
I have mixed opinions on this place. I love the one in SF and was hoping that this one wouldn't disappoint. I went there a few months ago and had a great lunch there with my mom, but a couple of days ago I went there in the late afternoon and it was pretty much empty, but it took forever to get in and get out with my togo dinner order. The person at the counter was really friendly, but everyone that was working with her was just talking and wasting time. I would be so upset if my employees behaved the way that they did. It also didn't seem as clean as it could have been. The pastry case was full of crumbs and the counter that I waited at was all sticky. So I think my next trip will help me decide if I like it or not.
(3)
Rosemary M.
I think the hype of this place is a thing of the past. Maybe it's better in S.F. where chowder in bread bowls hit the spot 60% of the year. Here in Sac a salad is in order 60% of the year and I must say it was a disappointment. Today I had the greens with blue cheese cranberries walnuts and vinaigrette. Add some chicken please. The plate was tiny, my chicken was uber processed scary stuff and covered in a glaze I was less than happy. J got a veggie chili that was pretty tasty. A previous visit I had a soup and half sandwich vegetarian and remember the sandwich was so sloppy with all the veggies that I had to eat it with a fork. I give them credit for the excellent sourdough roll on the side however. I prefer LaBou, Dads or even Crepeville for something of this variety. I will get more, better quality food and pay less.
(2)
Stephanie M.
I dunno, people. The Beloved and the Heiress and I came by a few weeks ago, and I wasn't thrilled. The food took a long time to come (and I do believe it sat under the hot lamps while we tapped our fingers waiting), it wasn't really that affordable, and the quality was meh. Don't bother. Go to Panera - it's only a mile down the road.
(2)
CAL L.
I had high hopes for Boudin as I love getting chowder in a bread bowl whenever I go to SF. Unfortunately, although the food is decent, I can't understand why the kitchen always takes sooooo long. I have been there 4 times since they opened. In the last 3 visits, my order took over 20 minutes each time. I had to wave down a server to see what was up, and each time they returned from the kitchen to ask what I had ordered. All I ever get is a combo -- half salad or half soup and half sandwich! The last visit, today, my turkey avocado sandwich arrived (again after 20 minutes) with no avocado. How hard is it to dish up pre-prepared soup and make a small sandwich? I don't even go during the lunch rush crush. I think they need to hire an entirely new kitchen crew.
(2)
Greg S.
We were looking forward to this place for so long, we forgot to ask if it was any good. It is pretty good, but not great-ok, some of the dishes are not even good. But the bread is as advertised, sour and fantastic. The soups, on the other loaf, are dismal. I've tried the clam chowder (in a bread bowl) and the tomato (in a bread bowl) and found them both lifeless and dull (in a bread bowl). The chowder was like a bowl of cream into which a clam had been dipped ever so briefly, and the tomato had so little flavor, it was merely a suggestion of soup without being soup itself. Go for the bread, don't stay for the soup (in a bread bowl).
(3)
Daisy N.
Great food and friendly service. Must have the breadbowl. This is a great place :)
(5)
Faith C.
Eh. I dunno. I wasn't that impressed. Clam chowder was...clam chowder. It didn't blow me away. My turkey and avocado sandwich half was SMALL. I think it was a sandwich quarter, to be honest. And it was bland. Dry turkey, barely any type of sauce. I was expecting good things from this place, but it didn't really deliver for me. Not $9+ worth it for a small bowl of soup and a microscopic sandwich, anyway.
(3)
Carissa C.
The food is yummy! Their soups & salads are great. I like the combo meal option. It's also kid friendly, which is nice! I will be back for lunch and/or dinner.
(4)
Antoinette O.
Holy crap I had no idea there was a Boudin's here! I used to live off their clam chowder in a bread bowl when I lived in SF. I've tried their other sandwiches, like the turkey with cranberry - pricey and dry. Pizza with basil was okay, I could make that at home. I haven't tried the rest of their menu, but it's a great place to buy bread.
(3)
Michelle I.
Just had lunch with gal-pal/co-worker CB... she had her usual cheddar burger.... i ventured off my wild and crazy side from the turkey/cranberry sandwich to the roast beef/cheddar.... yummy in my tummy.. tender, juicy, rare slices of beef, nice cheddar and added my signature touch to all sandwiches... globs of mustard!!! they I had never been to this place until gal pal CB recommended for work lunch get away, and it's always a sure bet for good food, service and atmosphere.. bring on the summer heat and you witll find us in the swealtering heat!!!
(3)
Grace B.
I really really love it here. I ordered a Turkey Avocado Sandwich with a side salad. The Side Salad came with a Balsamic dressing. They had the San Pellegrino Blood Orange and so we ordered that too. Went well with my food. The workers there were extremely nice and patient. I never really knew how to order since it was my first time here. So they were really nice to just wait for me. It wasnt that crowded at the time. We took it to go and ate it at home. Every taste was delicious. The bread was so fresh and so was the salad was nice and crisp. I then realized after eating my sandwich and salad that BOUDIN was known for their Clam Chowder. Maybe next time I will try the clam chowder. Im dreaming about it right now.
(5)
Michelle M.
Very satisfied with this location :) excellent service! Staff GREAT! Ordered our food for inside dinning and quick service soup HOT! Parking always hard to find and lines get long in here. On the way out picked up couple of sour dough baguettes. Don't forget their Rewards Card
(5)
Carol P.
Boudin SF is one of those places that are good but overlooked when deciding "what's for dinner?". I don't know...I guess I'd rather be eating their bread bowl clam chowder in San Francisco, breathing in that cool San Francisco air. But we're in Sacramento (breathing in that *cough* hot Sacramento air), so when you eat at the Boudin's here at Loemann's Plaza, it's not about the clam chowder. It's about the SALAD! Hot soup and bread was the last thing on my mind in the 100+ weather. I had a bogo coupon to try their new salads. I asked the cashier about them and he recommended the "bahn mi" if I like a little kick but also said the "lemony couscous" was the most popular. I got them both, which, with the coupon, came under $10. The salads were huge! Definitely enough for 2 meals but once I started on the bahn mi, I couldn't stop eating! Mixed greens with noodles, pickled veggies, cubed grilled chicken, jalapenos, cilantro, carrots, bell peppers, purple cabbage, and a sesame dressing to die for. It was one of the best salads I've ever had! Great combination of flavors and fresh ingredients. You also get a couple pieces of their delicious signature sourdough bread, but who needs bread when it's all about the SALAD!
(5)
CT P.
I love New England clam chowda. And as a genuine food/cook - I prefer to refrain from canned food. I love SF and as anybody who cruises Embarcadero knows, this is a good place to get a decent cup of soup, the bread is great and the sammies are on point. But i personally ONLY go for the chowda.
(4)
Michael T.
Those silly people leaving bad reviews must have forgot they were paying under $10 for a meal. Butter nut squash in a bread bowl and a gourmet burger, what more could you ask? Good service, good food, clean, great price. I need to come here more often! Oh and don't forget the cookies!
(5)
Nicole B.
Visited this restraunt for the first time today during lunch hour. The place was packed which is always a good sign! My friend and I were walked through the menu by the helpful staff and ended up ordering some grilled cheeses. The food was great, it reminds me a lot of Panera bread. The bread on the grilled cheese is so yummy! It is like a cheese lovers dream! Cheese bread stuffed with more delicious sharp cheese. YUM! We both opted for the greens as our side, you have a choice of chips or greens. The greens were so delicious, a crisp blend drizzled with their house vinaigrette very very good. The restaurant itself is clean and I really liked the designed sourdough that they had. Different sized lobster, sea turtles, and even pumpkins available to purchase. Overall, this place is a great spot to grab some lunch! I will be back!
(4)
Kelly G.
Yum. I often crave a good soup, salad, or sandwich. Their butternut squash soup and the grilled cheese with brie and apple is amazing. Also, I like all of their salads that I have had. Can't go wrong for a nice light meal. I am glad we have one close to us.
(4)
Brianne P.
Best grilled cheese sandwich I've ever had. Grilled cheese and tomato soup was an A+ combo. Yummy!
(5)
Vanessa Z.
Fast, friendly service and good prices. The brie grilled cheese and butternut squash soup are to die for!
(5)
Sophie M.
I'd give another star I they would just add chicken noodle soup to their soup menu! I'm extremely lactose intolerant and I can't really eat any of their soup bowls :/. I usually end up going to Panera with my friends because some of them are lactose too. Such a bummer. But other than that I love their sourdough and their staff is wonderful. However the lack of milk free choices is disappointing but my boyfriend loves boudin so we will keep coming back.
(4)
Ashley L.
I absolutely love that there is a restaurant location so close to home. Too bad they just redesigned the floor and eliminated the break proofing room. Part of my favorite features of boudins was the fact that their starter comes from a big mother dough. I used to love peeking inside the glass cube. Get the frequent customer rewards card and you can get a free loaf every month!!! JACKPOT! My favorite thing to get is a sourdough clam chowder bread bowl with the apple side salad and a loaf in the shape of a turtle to go. You can also buy cans of their soups and a variety of breads to go from large to personal loads and rolls. The casual counter ordering isn't so bad because you get to sit in nice tables and wait for a server to bring you your yummy food! I suggest sitting outside on the patio. Loehmanns plaza is very nice in the afternoon under the cool shade under the cute awnings out front
(4)
J D.
Just finished 1/2 Banh Salad 1/2 beef chili. Both were great! Excellent service and great food
(5)
Alice A.
Resisting the urge to buy all the cute animal-shaped bread, this season they have a yummy new holiday "stuffing bread" loaded with garlic, rosemary, cranberries, and other delicious things~ It is egg-free and dairy-free too (hurray vegan options)! Only $2.99 for half lb bread bowl or $7.99 for a 2lbs loaf. The staff at this location is quite informative and friendly. I will be back for more holiday bread :)
(4)
Diane Y.
Two things, sourdough bread plus some good ol clam chowda. Nothing beats that. I really like boudin and have bad clam chowder cravings from time to time so need to make regular trips here in order to satisfy my craving. I usually get the half and half with clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl and depending on how hungry I am, I order the half cobb salad or half of the italian sandwich. Both are very good. I recommend coming here for lunch but it can get pretty busy. You can't go wrong with a good bowl of clam chowder and tabasco sauce. They also have an assortment of bread and pastries. They aren't as big as panera's bakery but they are pretty yummy. I usually get a cookie or cheese danish on the side with my order. Friendly service and clean environment. Great place to go for a quick lunch!
(4)
Letie W.
The only reason I've been coming here is for the free bread you can get every month for 1 year if you sign up for their rewards card. The bread is fantastic and I really enjoy their sausage breakfast sandwich. The only downfall for me is that this place is on the other side of town and a bit far from where I live. I think I would frequent it more if it was closer.
(4)
Joanne S.
My daughter and I went for lunch today. I had been here a few times before but always gotten my food to go. Today we ate here since we wanted to look around the center. I was shocked at the service. The lady at the register was so nice and suggested some alternatives for us. I had clam chowder (my staple, love it!) and cobb salad. Both were delicious! My daughter had a turkey sandwich and said it was really good as well. While we were sitting and eating they came to check on us a couple times to make sure we didn't need anything. Very friendly service! My only complaint is they put the baked goods right by the register and I could smell them while ordering. Too tempting! Ok so its not a complaint but darn they are hard to resist. The restaurant is clean and everything I've eaten there has been delicious. Will be back.
(5)
Stacy B.
Love this place everything I've had is delicious. It's great U can have a clam chowder bread bowl without having to drive to San Francisco.
(5)
Jared W.
Not bad for a chain, not bad at all. The atmosphere at BoudinSF is almost as good as the food. Everything is clean, the seats are comfortable, and when you walk in, you feel like you've stepped off a boat onto a pier in San Francisco in the 1950s. Boudin has some great things going for it: delicious bread, tasty pastries, and decent coffee. The two best things on the menu: the grilled cheese sandwiches and the clam chowder bowl! The price is great too, and you almost never have to fight over seats!
(4)
Barbara S.
When it's cold or rainy, or I miss my parents or I'm having a bad day, I want comfort food. Boudin offers that in spades. Clam chowder in a bread bowl with a side salad or their grilled cheese and tomato soup with a spring salad are two of my favorites to eat when I need cheering up. The sourdough bread here is excellent. The clam chowder is great and my personal favorite, the grilled cheese and tomato soup is a fancier version of what I usually make at home on gloomy days. The best thing about Boudin is their customer service. I think many of the people that work here are probably students at Sac State (just conjecture on my part), but they are genuinely friendly and helpful. I always leave impressed with how we are treated there. It doesn't feel forced (even if it is). They offer great meal deals and if you sign up for their rewards card, you earn free loaves of their wonderful sourdough bread to take home and enjoy.
(5)
Alexandria M.
Go for the bread and the chowder, and don't stray. The rest of the menu items are.. ..okay. But the bread is really what you're going here for, let's be honest.
(3)
Daniel G.
Food is great service is excellent and it's in a perfect location, love coming here. Really fast food delivery after ordering
(5)
Genie e.
They use to have the best can clam chowder. I don't know happen but it the worst can clam chowder I've even had!!!!
(1)
E D.
I recently visited this restaurant and thought it was similar to Panera Bread but on a little higher level with a larger selection, and larger portions. I was a little disappointed because I ordered the Goat Cheese and Apple Salad with Chicken, but there was very little chicken. Thank goodness an employee or manager came by to see if I was enjoying my meal. I informed him of the lack of chicken and he offered to bring me additional chicken to add to the remainder of my salad. Due to time restraints, I declined. Would I visit this restaurant again, Yes! It has that healthy mix of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods!
(3)
Keely M.
My food was really good, I had no complaints while there but I got really sick after. Not blaming them but it was the only thing I had....I would go back could be fluke!
(3)
Terri W.
Great Clam Chowder. Great atmosphere. Fast service. A bit spendy.
(4)
Jessica M.
The service was fast and the food was incredible. Prices are good for the amount of food they serve.
(5)
Tam M.
I love Boudin!!! Best albacore tuna in town!!! =) not to mention, the manager came over to our table and gave us free bread with butter because I was talking to him about how much I love their multi grain bread!! It was so nice of him to do that! Good atmosphere and great vibe.
(5)
Jo M.
Best tomato soup ever! Oh, and the sourdough is pretty good, too (okay, that's an understatement: it's outstanding.)
(4)
Laisiana S.
The meal was so awesome felt as if I was at a warf in SF. I had got the clam chowder And it was delicious! The bread
(5)
Blythe M.
Great place to grab a sandwich and relax. Outstanding courteous service. This is the place to satisfy your craving for grilled cheese-lots of great options & all are delicious. Like how you can get a side salad with the sandwich choices. Join their bread club-you get a free loaf of standard bread and have to pay a small fee for some of the others but so worth it.
(5)
Dani E.
When my mom comes to visit, this is our favorite place to eat! Food is great, staff=friendly to the max, and overall great service!
(5)
Alliver V.
I am so glad that they have a Boudin SF here in Sacramento. Might as well be called Boudin Sacramento. When I am craving a clam chowder bread bowl, this is the go to spot. They offer a combo where you can get a half sandwich and a bread bowl. Boudin SF is moderately priced and This location is located in the Loehman's plaza. I highly recommend this place and I'd dine at Boudin SF again!
(5)
France A.
9:00am on a Tuesday wasn't busy. I had the Tomato, Bacon & avocado Scramble. NEVER FAILS!
(5)
Jamaica S.
As a native Sf'an I am used to good sourdough bread, fresh, with a crusty outside an soft middle, the tanginess hits your tongue and its like magic. Add clam chowder. Chili or soup to that bread and "stand by me JESUS" I'm in heaven. I've recently become more of a fan of the tuna fish, just heavenly not soggy or dry or under/over seasoned at all. I used to have to wait until I drove down I-80 towards vacaville to get it but now I can indulge as mush as I want
(5)
Missy S.
I love this place. The food is delicious. I had the grilled cheese with ham and butternut squash. Whats even better is the service. Shout out to tyler! Every time ive come in hes super friendly and helpful. My fiance even said when he comes in hes the same way. Hope management sees this. He deserves a pat on the back.
(5)
Ashley B.
Food is amazing. It really is. But the tasty good is overshadowed by the really poor customer service. The girls that work there make it so unpleasant. It's almost as though you are ruining their day by placing a special order or asking for a to go order. And don't even try curbside call in because no one will come out to get you, even if you call. I recommend trying another boudin.
(1)
Patti R.
LOVE IT HERE! Super friendly, super clean and the sandwiches are off the hook! I usually get an Avocado/Turkey sandwich on wheat and it's so delicious that I want to come back the next day! You can also pre-order different shaped breads here. We got a 'Crabby Crab' for about $20 and it took about 3 days to receive--but we were in no hurry. He was totally cute and very good to eat! (It didn't hurt...I promise...!) Parking is lot-style and can be very tight. Especially as they share it with several other businesses including a bank across the way. Watch out for the cars coming off Fulton...the usually whiz right in and if you are backing out of your spot you need to have eyes in the back of your head!
(5)
Dina G.
Today was my first experience with Boudin SF. I did an online to-go order and it was was ready when I got there... as it should have been since I had to hunt for a parking spot and then walk a half a mile. (No fault of Boudin but going to Loehmann's plaza during lunch time is just a really dumb idea.) I had the turkey and avocado and "upgraded" to a Caesar salad. They were both just , eh. The croutons on the salad were to big and it really didn't have much flavor, nor did the sandwich. I got my sandwich on the whole wheat roll and it was a very dull sandwich. The roll was to thick and was not gentle on the roof of my mouth. The portions were good sized. I probably won't be going back anytime soon.
(2)
Jenni T.
Great lunch spot! Food- 4/5. I love their Grilled Cheese Sandwiches! Soo gooey and their bread is to die for! I have tried their Traditional Grilled Cheese which is great with a cup of their Rustic Tomato Soup for dipping... The BEST! But I also love their Grilled Cheese with Apples, Brie and Fig Jam! The flavor combination is great and it is something unique you don't see everywhere. Atmosphere- 5/5. I love it in here! Soo warm and welcoming and makes it feel (a little) like San Francisco or a cute little cafe. Very nice! Service- 5/5. Cashiers are always super friendly and helpful and they get your food out fast! Everything is always made correctly and consistently which is great so you know what to expect every time. Vegetarian Friendliness- 3.5/5. They have the above mentioned grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup and probably a salad or two which I have yet to try. Decent selection for such a small menu. Overall- 4/5. I love coming here for lunch when I am craving a grilled cheese sandwich. I love that there is a place in the area that I can go to get a great hot sandwich and this is it!
(4)
Katie K.
This place is awesome! I love LOVE their clam chowder bread bowls! It's so nice having one here since I can't always make it to San Francisco...and to me Boudin's is a special part of going to San Francisco...so I'm extremely thrilled having one this close to me. They have great and fast service, and their employees are so nice and friendly. All of their food is delicious too. I always have a great experience whenever I come here, I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Joe M.
Just got a burger but it was really good
(5)
Heather S.
I really like Boudin! The clam chowder is yummy.... but the sourdough bread. GASP. I love me some good sourdough.... I am also a fan of their salads. Love that they have choices. The salads to go are HUGE! Boudin is best on a rainy day :)
(3)
Lesya O.
After hearing everybody rave about this place I thought I had better come in and try it out for myself..and it was amazing! Best clam chowder in town! The service is great, all the associates were very friendly and the manager even came by to see how everything was. Will be back soon to try the grilled cheese :9
(5)
Cassandra F.
Had lunch here the other day. I only order clam chowder bread bowls when I go to Boudin and this one was one of the best. Clams were fresh and plump, not gritty, and the chowder was seasoned perfectly. The bread is nice and crusty on the outside, and soft in the middle. Basically perfection. Service was friendly and fast and they kept the dirty tables cleared. I like when I order loaves to go they always offer to slice it without any eye rolling or attitude. Overall, much better than the Galleria location!
(5)
Mindy M.
I love this restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's had to decide what to order with the grilled Brie, apples, and fig jam sandwich; the butternut squash soup; the various salads; and more. If you go, consider joining their rewards program: you will get a free loaf of bread every month and periodically $3 off your purchases.
(5)
Mei W.
Cham clowder please! I've come to this location numerous of times and always ordered their clam chowder. It's super creamy and not too salty like most other places. There's ample amount of tiny clams and it's not loaded with just all potatoes - you know, like how Progresso clam chowders are. I've tried their sandwiches before and it wasn't all that great. My hubby recently ordered their steak sandwich and it was super dry. Just be smart and stick to a bowl of chowder, after all it is what they're known for. They have plenty of tables available for dine in and a few tables for outdoor dining during the summer. You can order at the counter and have a seat as they will bring your food order to you. Majority of the time I've never had to wait in a line when ordering. But during holiday season - whew, it's a mad house in there. This is a great place for lunch!
(4)
Ruhjeenuh Z.
Not too shabby. Not as amazing as SF but still yummy & filling. The salad was delicious and the turkey avocado sandwich wasn't bad either.
(4)
Diana F.
Clam chowder in a bread bowl is what I dream of these winter days....delicious!
(4)
Scott S.
This place is a great spot to get a good burger and great fresh bread. The staff is always friendly and the food is fresh and prepared quickly. My favorite item is the mushroom burger. They are always moist and the bun is toasted to perfection.
(4)
Grant O.
Great experience- very friendly and professional staff- really good bread!
(4)
Amanda W.
Got a last minute request for catering for a meeting and had to do a call ahead order for about 10 people. The food was packaged perfectly, was ready early and I got help carrying it to my car. It looks amazing I wish I got to eat it!
(4)
Brian B.
A great place to enjoy a nice lunch with the Misses, that's usually what I'm doing at Boudin. There's a few shops in Loehman's Plaza that we frequent so we find it pretty easy to just make an executive decision after shopping and stop in for a sandwich. If the weather is nice, I encourage the outdoor seating. Staff is friendly, mostly college kids with smiles that make it a point to ask how everything tastes on a regular basis. The food I've tried here has been delicious, mostly just soups and sandwiches though. I recently tried the Fra' Mini Ham & Brie sandwich with Rustic Tomato Soup and I have to admit, it was awesome. The soup was creamy and full of flavor with small pieces of tomato (which I'm actually not a fan of in my tomato soup). The sandwich came with moderate amounts of ham and brie and grilled nicely with good crunch. It was the perfect pairing to dip that thing into the cup of soup and I enjoyed each bite. The Turkey and Havarti is usually my go-to sandwich here because you can't really go wrong with it. The meat portions seem to be a little more on the generous side with this sandwich when compared to the grilled ham and cheese. It's a light and refreshing sandwich served on a sourdough baguette although there's been a few times when the baguette has been pretty chewy and required some extra tug. All-in-all it's just a great sandwich in my opinion. You must get the Clam Chowder in a bread bowl, at least that's my opinion. You can actually taste and recognize the clams in their chowder here, unlike most places' clam chowder. Their pastries aren't bad but usually I already have a handful of Bundt Cakes in the car from shopping so I hold out for those. Salads are a good bang for the buck if you're into those. Moral of my story - Boudin is known for their delicious breads and I think they have delicious bread. They have great sandwiches and soups and there's something refreshing and healthy about this place that I crave whether it's a cold, rainy night or an awesome spring afternoon.
(4)
Vince L.
Yummy sandwiches. I tried the crimini mushroom burger with cheddar cheese and it was awesome. One of the best sandwiches I've had in a long time. I also tried my son's grilled cheese w/ bacon. Yum.
(5)
K B.
Very delicious sandwiches and soup here. My favorite is the grilled brie cheese, apples and fig chutney, yum! Definitely not low in calories but they do have healthy choices. They also have burgers, pasta and fish on the menu. Try the butternut squash soup, very flavorful. I've never tried their baked goods but they look top notch. I've had great service on both visits and their prices are reasonablish. Nice outdoor seating, parking can be a bit tricky during peak times.
(4)
Susan W.
This is a great place for a good bite to eat if you're craving for quality sandwiches salads & soup. I always get the grilled chicken with pesto and upgrade my salad to a Caesar salad. I've tried their clam chowder both here and the original one in SF, always good! I love admiring their sourdough animal creations on display. I loved their snicker doodles wish they would bring them back! - husband loved them! :o( The staff is always changing every time I come in. Although, some days the service at the registers are a hit or miss.
(4)
Anthony H.
I came to boudins few days a go an bought some some sandwich for my friend and me. It was good. The soup and the bred are good. I will come back sometimes for the lunch during my lunch break.
(4)
Eddie C.
We learned their stuffing flavored bread and Jordan was very helpful to put what condiments to put in my clamchowder soup. Tabasco and lemons to give it a zests! #gojordan --thank you from Lucky Rabbit Tattoo Eddie
(4)
Ryan F.
The bread is the real deal. If you want fresh sourdough that's not pre-packaged like the stuff at the grocery store, this is the place to go. As far as the food I ordered, it was good but not great. I had clam chowder in a bread bowl, one of my favourite things ever. It was good chowder, but something was missing seasoning-wise. The price was good, under $7 for a meal that will keep you full for the rest of the day. Service was very good.
(3)
Nicole A.
After a long, exhausting day, I was looking forward to a quiet Friday evening with some clam chowder and a Turkey & Havarti sandwich from SF Boudin. After making the long journey to and fro, as I don't live near the restaurant, I curled up under a blanket on the sofa, starving and excited to get to my sandwich. What I found was canned tasting clam chowder and a very bland turkey sandwich, consisting of way too much turkey, too little mayo, and a huge, oversized piece of lettuce that was nothing more than a pain in the rear. Where's the cheese I had so longed for? A tomato slice maybe? So I called back and explained the situation to Ebony who, without any apology whatsoever, asks, "Well so do you want to drive it back and we'll put the slice of cheese on it??" Clearly said with disdain. When I explained the situation to her regarding the distance, she replied, again without apology, "Do you want me to send you a gift certificate for THE CHEESE?" The cheese!! Not the sandwich for my inconvenience and their error, not for the sandwich and another free for my efforts, with their sincerest apologies. Not even a freaking "I'm sorry", for Christ's sake! Given the price of the food, the bad attitudes of staff, the just 'okay' food, and the fact that sandwich/coffee shops are a dime a dozen, I will not be going back to redeem my GC for the missing slice of cheese. Unbelievable, Ebony! If you don't like a respectfully and rightfully complaining customer, don't make such stupid mistakes or get another job. It would have all been perfectly fine if you showed a little class and said something like, "Oh, I'm so sorry about that. We can either fix it tonight if you bring it back, and I'll add a gift certificate for a free sandwich for your next visit due to your inconvenience, or if that's not possible, give me your mailing address and I'll send out two gift certificates for free sandwiches in the mail to you right away." THAT'S customer service, as well as a show of maturity for owning your mistakes and apologizing for them. A bit of advice from a psychologist who spent many years in customer service while going through school. Grow up.
(2)
Joe Y.
Picked up my monthly "free loaf" of their famous sourdough bread.... Yummmmm!!!
(5)
Heather M.
This place is amazing! Every time I go here the food is wonderful, the employees are so friendly and helpful and the atmosphere is fantastic. I have gone hete several times and would suggest the grilled cheese and Turkey to anyone.
(5)
Richard S.
Great bread and love their sandwiches.
(4)
Charles R.
Came here with my girlfriend because she loved the original in San Francisco. I'd never heard of the place but she was impressed with the original. What a disappointment. I ordered a burger and clam chowder. The burger obviously from a frozen patty) was overcooked and tasteless. Don't understand how they think it is worth over $8.00. Habit burger down the street is ten times better for less than half the price. Clam chowder in a bread bowl looks good but was also quite uninspiring. I'm sure it was fresh out of the can but I've tasted better from Progresso. I definately will not be back.
Boudin SF made a great first impression on me. I have never seen such amazing-looking, enormous loaves of bread before! These are displayed right behind the register. It's worth it just to walk in and take in the sight! So, I haven't tried many of their items yet, but I will say that the Grilled Brie with Apples & Fig jam sandwich is a fantastic, delicious, eclectic mix of flavors. Onto other aspects of this place. It was clean and we were well attended to. Miraculously, my client and I were able to find a spot where I could plug in my laptop and work together for a good hour or so during the regular, busy lunchtime hour. Great first experience!
(4)
Gianna K.
Amazing food and costumer service! Definitely will be back!
(5)
Amanda M.
Great food, clam chowder is to die for but go for the bbq chicken salad really amazing! Only down fall is that you can not get hot sandwiches as part of your combo.
(4)
Michelle R.
I really love this place. The service is always super fast and friendly. The food is always fresh as well. I like how they have tables outside in the patio so you're able to sit outside and eat. You're able to purchase bread to take out too.
(5)
Steph G.
The front entrance is like an aisle of Carb porn! Not sure what a Yelper's etiquette is for yelping a place while sick? Here goes nothing... So, I've avoided this place like the plague since a few good hearted attempts when it first opened. We tried the famous crab-something (sandwich or melt, I think), mac n cheese, etc. - but every time I ate here I left like a salt bomb exploded inside me. Everything was salty, no me gusta! I was hesitant to go, but I told my friend to pick, so here I was. Baller on a budget - we rocked some coupons she had. I was able to get 2 sandos, a bowl of soup, and a treat for $13, not too shabby. I ordered The Great with Bacon and added a bowl of their garlic tomato soup. I'm guessing my congestion absorbed all the saltiness or they are scaling back, but everything tasted normal. My Grilled Cheese with bacon was delightful, plenty of bacon (which is always a plus in my book), good blend of cheese, and the bread wasn't too sourdough tasting, and they did the melt cheese on the outside of the bread. Perfect ratio of crunchy bread to stringy cheese bite. I also got the side of chips, just typical bag of plain "salty" chips. The soup had really good flavor, the texture of their tomatoes was a little creepy - I think they were sun dried tomatoes but soggy...I wasn't too sure :/ My what was supposed to be my commuters breakfast treat, became a half eaten desert: their Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin. This little guy was pretty delectable. The muffin top (hahaha) was crispy around the edges with sugar gems all over the top. It was dense and moist, and the lemon flavoring wasn't overbearing. It was tasty, overall, but man it was greasy/buttery - I have the paper bag to prove it! Overall, I can't really hate on them anymore. I'll give them a few more chances, especially when I'm not sick - let's test their salt levels again. Ballers-on-budgets, look for their mailer coupons, they are a pretty good deal! Everyone deserves a second, third, fourth, or fifth chance...right?!?
(3)
Jiong L.
Came here for the first time last week and I am in love! I love the clam chowder! It's what they're known for, and they do a great job at it. I felt like I was in SF, without the drive! Came in around 12, and it was busy. I ordered the Clam Chowder in a Sourdough bread bowl with a side of caesar salad, and it was delicious! The clam chowder was nice and warm, and the romaine in the salad was fresh. In no time, I was full and happy. The service was great as well, everyone was generous and kind. Will definitely be returning to try the different things on the menu, or maybe just to have clam chowder because I will always have a special place for it in my tummy!
(4)
F I.
We just finished eating at this location. I had the clam chowder which was ok but my California burger was just horrible. It tasted like I was eating air!!! The meat had no flavor or taste whatsoever! My daughter had the grilled cheese and I found hair in her sandwich. They get 2 stars as opposed to one star just because the clam chowder and my daughter's chocolate chip cookie were ok otherwise it would have been one star rating.
(2)
Jeremy G.
Last week this location gave me one of the warmest customer service experiences I've ever had. My friend got her food, then, 8 or so minutes later, after seeing the rest of us without plates, an employee named Dominick (forgive the possible misspelling) gave us a sincere eye-to-eye apology and some free bread compensation, AND a female employee whose name escapes me gave a member of my party a Boudin gift card when we asked her where our orders were. All in all, the food was a mere few minutes late, and the employees at this location met us with prompt compensation (fiscal AND emotional) that more than erased the very minuscule kitchen hiccup. It should be noted that my party was not pushy or upset about the small wait; the employees acted on their own judgment and will to deliver quality service.
(5)
Jake J.
Delish, as Boudin usually is. Tricky parking at this location as many will agree. The food is excellent. The prices do get a little high if you want to splurge. All in all, very good. Will be going back!
(4)
Karolyn H.
Best clam chowder in town! The clam chowder in the bread bowl is a must. Definitely will be back
If you haven't been here in a while because you had a bad experience, IT'S TIME TO GO BACK! About three years ago, this place was horrible. The food was ok, the staff was rude, they would close early, if you came in twenty minutes before they closed they would tell you to leave. I remember writing a complaint letter on their website, and was treated with the highest level of respect. I believe they did some house cleaning firing most of the old staff. Now this place is AMAZING!!!!! I've been here many times and every time I am more and more impressed, especially with the high level of customer service. Food is delicious! There is nothing better, especially on a rainy day (or any day for that matter) than grilled cheese and an amazing cup of their tomato soup (remember to ask for more croutons, as they are so buttery and amazing!) I also recommend the clam chowder in bread bowl, and the tuna sandwich which is a go to dish for me here. Also don't forget to pick up a some freshly baked bread on your way out. Ambience: Nice Food: Delicious Customer Service: AMAZING!!!!!!!
(5)
Anna S.
Not impressed at all. I've been to this Boudin and the one is Roseville. I came here today because it is near the American River Trail, where I went on a family outing. I usually get the Spring Salad at the Roseville location and decided to get that today. We came at lunch and it was pretty busy. The salad I got today was so bland and boring. Usually the Roseville location fills the bowl with spring salad and then generously layers the salad with feta, cranberries and spiced walnuts. Today I got the salad and decided to add the $1.99 chicken. This salad was SO bland. They barely filled the bowl with salad and put maybe two tablespoons of feta and walnuts. Then they put the smallest amount of chicken on top. Such a waste of money. To top it all off..they forgot the cranberries. I was very disapointed in the food and presentation at this Boudin location. I will not be back. They could should do better. I'll skip this location and go to my favorite Boudin in Roseville.
(2)
Stephanie T.
I discovered this place when I was actually trying to look for sponsorships for my organization at Sac State. I was hungry and dropped in to see what they had. I love San Francisco, so this place caught my eye! My friend suggested that I try the clam chowder, which sounded good. But the special that day was the Lobster Bisque, which sounded even better! It was probably one of the best soups I've ever had, all served in a nice, hot, and fresh sourdough bread bowl. I love the atmosphere of this place. It feels like you're not even in Sacramento anymore, which I kind of love sometimes. It's also pretty cool when the hot bread is out and the entire staff will take turns yelling out "Hot bread!!" I've been here a few times, and have also tried their grilled sandwiches, which I have to say are pretty good too. Sandwiches are one of my favorite foods, so I can appreciate a tasty sandwich made with fresh bread. The staff here is also pretty nice. I would definitely come back and eat here, or even come by to study as well, since it doesn't get super loud.
(4)
Susan H.
Sandwiches are great. I ran into one problem. I wanted a small serving of clam chowder to go with my sandwich. They told me that was not possible . they only had one size of soup unless I had a half sandwich then I could get a small soup. Is that silly or what?
(2)
Hadleigh W.
I had a sandwich with brie cheese, sliced pears, fig jam, and I added ham to it. Best decision ever to add the ham! SO good! The mixed greens on the side wasn't much, but that sandwich made up for it!!
(5)
Tina W.
One of my favorites for lunch and now breakfast. Staff is very friendly and helpful. I have been here many times and never had bad service. I usually have a sandwich salad combo. Tuna is a yummy choice. However, if you want a hot sandwich, I suggest the grilled ham and cheese. It probably has a billion calories but is totally worth it. They put parmesan cheese on the outside of the sandwich, then grill it. The cobb salad is also pretty good. The tropical tea is my favorite tea. I have stopped by just for it. Breakfast is a good value plus tasty. The egg sandwich was the hit with our family. I think it was $5. Last, the outdoor seating has an awning with shades extending down so we all don't get sunburned while eating. This is a new addition in the last 30 days.
(4)
Lauren M.
Food here is amazing. Great lunch specials. The burgers are actually really good! The bread, if course, is wonderful. They have the best sourdough on the west coast. They ship in mother dough from SF every week or two. Don't forget to ask them to cut your loaf for you!
(4)
Jason G.
The sourdough ciabatta (I guess you call it a loaf as it was a huge chunk of bread) was excellent. I really like the outer texture as it's not as chewy as a regular sourdough loaf or roll but yet still has enough balance of crunch and chewiness, while the inside is soft as can be.
(4)
Sarah Y.
Who doesn't like this place???? I grew up in the South Bay and taking a trip to SF for the day always included lunch at Boudin for the original sourdough with clam chowder. Of course that was before they built that big fancy one they have now at the warf and before they made it a chain. Either way It's still delicious. Came for the first time on a nice sunny spring day. Had the 1/2 Italian sandwich with bowl of clam chowder. I swear you can't go wrong with anything when you have meat and cheese on a Boudin baguette, that crunchy hard roll paired with salty cured meats and provolone, makes me want one right now and it's 7am! And I don't even know if I can comment on the clam chowder, it's a memory, it's walking along Fisherman's Warf with the salty ocean wind stinging my face then warming up with a bowl of this goodness. Seriously though if you have never had fresh clam chowder in SF or in Monterey then you have never had clam chowder! The best part of this lunch was it was reasonably priced. The only question during lunch was this though, "Will the sourdough taste different during our 100 degree summers?" Because if you didn't know, sourdough bread all depends on the temperature and humidity of where it's baked.
(5)
Sheryce S.
Boudin radiates comfort, from the food to the setting. There are so many things on their menu that are worth trying, however I usually stick with my staple meal of greek salad and tomato soup. It's fantastic and so flavorful! Usually this combo comes in a bread bowl, but I usually get mine without. I mean, the soup comes with a sourdough roll and has homemade croutons on top. That's plenty for me. The portion of this half soup and salad meal is pretty large and filling too. Items on their menu include: soups, paninis, sandwiches, burgers, and salads. If you really like the bread too, you can get some of it to go. They also serve breakfast, which I haven't had a chance to check out yet. You order at the counter, so tip is not necessary. Meals are decently priced and if you get a drink your total usually ranges from about $8-$12 or so.
(3)
Jon M.
We had the baguette burger great as usual! Also had the rustic tomato soup mmmmmm in a sourdough bowl. Soup is always great on a cool evening.
(4)
Kahikina R.
A good place to meet up for lunch. I had the grilled brie with apples and fig jam melt, but I also added turkey. It was delicious! The employees were friendly, atmosphere was busy but not overwhelming. I like the convenience of this place because it's so close to where I work.
(4)
Robyn M.
Monday they have vegetarian chili in a bread bowl.... oh so good! Portions are large and everything I've had has good flavor! There can be a line during lunch time but service is really fast!
(4)
Summer M.
First came here when Boudin opened because J swore by it... I'd never been to any Boudin so I wanted to try it. I remember getting a sandwich with bread SO rough and hard that it cut the hell out of the roof of my mouth. I was told that the bread had a thicker crust because it was supposed to be crunchy... I understand there's different kinds of bread but DAYMN it shouldn't be like eating a shingle! That was a few years ago and I've been back plenty of times since. Boudin is one of my favorite places for warm comfort food when it's cold outside. I've enjoyed many of their salads, soups, pasties and assorted entries, but I've never chanced getting a sandwich again.
(3)
Ruth P.
Came in today for some clam chowder. The girl at the register has great customers service. My soup was good and hot. I got a slice of wheat bread to go with it. The bread here including the sourdough is good. Will probably be back soon to try a burger. Thanks for a great experience Boudin.
(4)
Bobby R.
Best bread in Sacramento!
(5)
Loren L.
DAMN! How do I do this....hmm..let see.....I came here twice recently once by myself and the other with a pal. First visit: clam chowder bread bowl....nice guy brought it to my table, went to fetch a pepper mill for me, I look down...hair in my soup.....GD! I nicely pointed at it when he came back...our eyes had an understanding...minutes later had a pipping hot bread bowl of fine clam chowder. Could it of flown there while it was being walked to my table...sure, could it be his...sure....needless to say it wasn't a huge deal, but I felt I had to have full disclosure here. Minus 1 Star. Second visit: combo sandwich and soup. Very nice, real good no problems. The bread is just fantastic, crisp and flavorful yummy! I bought a sourdough sliced to go and it was sooo good at home making things from toast, to sandwiches this was some great bread. The menu has really grown so will I be back....yeah. Maybe they will earn that star back....guess I'll have to wait n see.
(3)
Jennifer B.
This place reminds be of Panera bread or some other mediocre fast-casual chain place. I got the clam chowder, and while it tasted good, the cans by the register made me suspect that the soup I was eating was indeed from a can. The bread was tasty, however it wasn't scooped out enough. This left me receiving more bread and less chowda'. The chowder was okay, but I think I only ate about 3 clams. Boo! My friends ate sandwiches and salads and they were all pleased with their meals. Also, this location is relatively inexpensive. My bread bowl was around $7 with tax. The turtle and gator breads were super cute. All of the loaves for sale looked fresh, fluffy and delish.
(3)
S D.
The place is clean, the food is great, but best of all- the employees are super nice! Today, I drove 30 minutes out of my way just to pick up take out!
(5)
Tammy S.
I absolutely love this place! The clam chowder is delicious; wouldn't want to go anywhere else for it! It gets crowded around lunch time but hey, it's lunch time and everyone's hungry. If you're a clam chowder fan, this is definitely the place to go to!
(5)
Prescila B.
Not sure about much other than the bread, but I'd say the bread here is close to perfect. Crunchy crust, soft middle..one of the better bread companies in the Sac area.
(4)
Yvonne N.
I swear every time I'm done eating a sandwich from any Boudin location, I leave with a sore jaw! Came here for a beautiful day's lunch with the boyfriend after some shopping. Perfect day, huh? We walk in and they were giving samples of their new salads! The Mediterranean Salad and the Thai Chicken Citrus Salad. Both were amazingly delicious! The two of us ended up ordering Clam Chowder in a Bowl with the Thai Chicken Citrus Salad and a Turkey and Havarti Cheese Sandwich. Of course, their clam chowder never fails. The Thai Chicken Citrus Salad is my new favorite! And the Turkey and Havarti Cheese Sandwich was just good. It came with a small bag of Tim's potato chips, not my all time fave but still good. Everything and a drink came up to be about $18, not bad! One thing I haven't had at Boudin's is their breakfast. Hopefully their breakfast won't have me leaving with a sore jaw. Must. Try!
(4)
Darren Y.
Clam chowder in bread bowl! You no longer have to drive out to SF to get clam chowder in a bread bowl, Boudin SF has come to Sac town. Actually it been here for a couple of years now, but it's one of my favorite places to get Clam Chowder in a sour dough bread bowl. The atmosphere pretty much the same at all the locations and I always like to see them making the bread through the display window and marvel at there creative bread creations. I usually get the soup and salad combo for $8.95, which includes Clam Chowder in a bread bowl and your choice of side salads. My two favorite salads are the spring mix which comes with cranberries, apples, gorgonzola cheese and candied walnuts.The greek salad, is a mix of cucumber, katamala olives, and feta cheese both are very tasty and full of flavor. I love to dip the excess bread into the chowder and taste the warm and creamy chowder and I usually finish the whole bread bowl as well. If you get a rewards card and register online you receive a free loaf of bread a month only for the first year when you stop in at any location. Recommendation: Try their Clam Chowder in a bread bowl
(4)
Erica C.
I love the Clam Chowder here. It's so delicious, but it's not as good as the one in SF. I always order my Clam Chowder Bread Bowl To-Go for lunch. Today it literally took 2mins for me to get my food. I was in and out of there in less than 5min. It's a great place to stop by for lunch! :) I haven't really tried any else her besides the Clam Chowder and Caesar Salad here. But everything on the menu always sounds appealing! :)
(4)
Mary M.
This has become one of my new favorite places to visit for lunches these days. On Mondays they have a vegetarian chili that is to die for; of course I get it in the bread bowl and depending on my carb-attack, I will consume most of the bowl!!! I normally get the bowl and soup combo with the mixed green salad that comes with walnuts, apples, cranberries and feta cheese. Simply delicious!!! I have also tried their meat chili and their tomato bisque soup. The chili is very hearty with just the right amount of seasonings; it could be a bit more spicier. The tomato bisque is fresh and light and satisfying. I love them all. My gf had the lobster bisque, which she said was very good too. The place does get pretty packed at the standard lunch time, so I usually try and go later around the 1pm time and I can get right in without any hassles.
(5)
Abigail L.
It was warm and comforting when I went in today around 1:30pm. It was still pretty crowded but there wasn't a huge line. I ordered the clam chowder in a bread bowl because I was craving it and who doesnt love clam chowder in a sour dough bread bowl. I demolished my chowder and the bread bowl. I noticed by the time I got to the sourdough bread bowl the rich cream soaked into the bread and it was delicious. The service was good too, they were very prompt and quick. One of the employers even came by my table and asked me how I was doing and if I needed more butter. Service was definitely better than I expected and clam chowder is delicious as always.
(4)
A M.
This place is a chain, but it maintains a few key elements that make it great, such that I'll keep coming back. Fresh baked bread in house made right in front of you. That's a huge bonus! Baguette burger was delicious, filling, but not so big that I want to vomit. It was just right for me. The toppings were fresh, and it came with a decent sized fresh salad (way better than the chips which are the other option). Also, the burger meat was particularly tender, as though they grind it really finely. It was almost mushy, but had been crisped up nicely on the outside. Usually mushy is a bad thing, but this burger meat was really, really good. My wife got a clam chowder in a bread bowl. The chowder was actually delicious. It was the classic creamy new england variety, and was as good as some of the best chowders I've had (e.g. Ivar's in their original northwest locations). I was pleasantly surprised by this. I honestly expected a good experience, but didn't expect we'd like to go back. I was wrong. We'll be back here again for sure, especially with friends and on laze weekends for lunch. Did I mention fresh bread?
(4)
Linda N.
Totally loved the vibe in here! Felt like I was in the city eating at a really nice shop. However, the menu was a bit pricey and unmemorable. You can get bread, soups, sandwiches, and all that jazz at Panera as well. It was breakfast time and I ordered a breakfast sandwich and it came with potatoes. Really good but I could've made it at home. I bought it for $4.29 Cool vibe, ehhhh food selection
(3)
Heidi H.
Came in here one morning after hubby went to the chiropractor next door. Being our first time here I wasn't sure how things worked. It was OK since as I was looking at the menus they had out and glancing at the dining room, one of the staff must have saw my confusion and told us to got to the counter and order then they would bring food to us. Hubby opted for a veggie omelet and I asked if they were ready for lunch yet and if I could order a salad and I was happy they said yes. My salad was HUGE and a good price and hubby's breakfast looked and tasted fantastic (I stole a few bites). My salad was too much for one person but hubby was glad to finish it off for me. They have Peets Coffee and tea items here and the iced tea was great. The most important thing that stood out to me here was the employees! They were all so cheerful and had smiling faces on. Every one of them seemed genuinely happy to be there and that is very nice to see. That's exactly why they got that last star. It seemed everyone had a job to do and did it well, I will certainly be back to try a few more things on the menu. Bring a friend though cause their portions are big. You can certainly get two meals out of their salads.
(5)
Joe K.
I have been going to Boudin Bakeries in San Francisco for years. Why else would you go there than for their sour dough bread and for some soup? I just read a bunch of reviews for their salads which is to me like going to a steak house and ordering fish. Repeat after me; "I am going to Boudin Bakery for the sour dough bread". Whether you get clam chowder or a chicken pot pie is secondary. It is all about the bread. When I finally got around to going to the Boudin SF Bakery in Loeman's Plaza it reminded me of any other Boudin Bakery I have ever been to, great bread, average soup. They give you a small round loaf of sour dough bread with the center cut out and a cup of soup ladled in. The center of the loaf is also on your plate with a small side salad so you can tear chunks off and dip them in your soup before eventually devouring the whole soup saturated bowl. As long as Boudin Bakeries keep making the sour dough I will keep coming back.
(4)
Rich H.
Must add tobasco to chowdah. No sweet french bread sold here. What a treat and you don't have to drive all the way to SF. Fresh Baked bread is awesome. Had the breakfast sanwich before which was awesome. Friendly staff. Will be back
(4)
Erica K.
Sourdough..... One of the things people take for granted most in life if you ask me! It is seriously a gift of the gods, and it was created in SF..... surprise surprise!!! I went to the this Boudin for lunch. The location is great and surrounded by a ton of shops (and a personal fav of mine, Loehmans!). The service was good and the people were very friendly. Grandma and I both had the chicken salad with grapes, and it was delicious! My dad had the brie grilled cheese with fig jam, and that was a home run sandwich. The only disappointment was that side salad was a bit lack luster. It wasn't really dressed, so it was very, very dry.
(4)
Cin S.
We were in the area and my significant other saw the restaurant. He said let's go and try the food. Once we saw the menu, we were sold and went inside the restaurant. The employee behind the cash register greeted us as we walked up. I decided to have the turkey cranberry sandwich while my bf had the pesto beef sandwich. When we were done ordering, we went to the drink section with huge varieties like fountain drinks, organic iced tea, and coffee within one area. The place was packed on a Saturday afternoon for a big restaurant. There are plenty of tables indoor and outdoor. The restaurant is nicely decorated with their signature cute bread animal decoration. Then, we realized this is the same restaurant as the one in the bay area since it was our first time. The food was good. I sure love my sandwich. As for my bf, the pesto beef sandwich is okay because his artisan bread was too tough. Don't get me wrong. The flavor and the meat of the sandwich were awesome. We probably are used to soft and crunchy bread. For once, my sandwich was better than my bf's order. Yay... There are plenty of parking since it is in a shopping center. We will definitely be back and will add this new place to our regular lunch spots.
(4)
Kayleigh U.
Go to lunch order: the SF combo of clam chowder with a goat cheese + fuji apple salad. Yumm!
(4)
Andres T.
The service was fast enough, but the sandwich(Toasted Chicken Club) I ordered didn't have much flavor and the bread was slightly burnt. I had heard good things about it, maybe it was just a bad day.
(2)
Lisa F.
Service- 5/5. The Cashier was quick to greet us, super friendly and helpful, and the food came out fast! Everything was made correctly, and the server followed up twice after delivery - perfect. Food- 4.5/5. We had early Sunday family dinner and our group enjoyed the Blue Note Burger, the Chili (in yummy bread bowl, of course) and the kid's cheese pizza. All were delicious, the burgers were just slightly less cooked than ordered but were flavorful, and the wine was on special, an unexpected surprise. Atmosphere- 5/5. Warm, welcoming, inviting. We'd been to the SF location and this one holds up nicely to it. Had to add a loaf of the sourdough to take home so we can enjoy during the week. We will be back, and often!
(5)
Mark Z.
Pros: Awesome bread, great service and friendly staff Cons: Clam Chowder tasted like it came from a can
(4)
Dana G.
Had to go back last night for dinner, as Tuesdays are our "date night", and this is a great restaurant to relax in. Found out the compassionate server's name is EBONY. You go, Ebony!!! You rock, friend. We need more people like you to grace us with your positive vibe and smile. And, as always, the food is well-priced, fresh, and made-to-order.
(5)
Andrew L.
This review is for the breakfast scrambles. They fill the missing mass on the plate with nasty potatoes that might as well be seasoned cardboard. The eggs were ok, the bacon good (when is bacon not good?) and the bread excellent. Overall there are 10 places I'd visit first before this place for breakfast.
(2)
William H.
I find this place to be very mediocre. I like the fact that they have soup/sandwich/salad combos, but none of the food is very impressive. Clam chowder definitely left something to be desired. At least the bread is good.
(3)
Heather C.
Um yeah... Not only have I earned 5 bucks off my next purchase (with club card) but if I fill out this little survey from my receipt I can earn another 3 bucks off. I LOVE DISCOUNTS! Boudin also has three new sandwiches along with three new bowls of stew. I had the seafood gumbo today and it was tasty! I love you Boudin! Thank you for always being my go-to lunch spot! With your once a month free bread....people are fools not to go!
(5)
Bradley H.
I went in only because I had some coupons, and after my first time I will absolutely be returning to try the rest of baguette burgers. The Hip California Burger was tasty, the baguette was a little burnt on the edges but I didn't mind. As I took my first bite I looked at my pals and said, "That is some quality beef." They looked at my with a face of question, but instantly agreed upon their first bite into the burger. I enjoyed the salad that was served with my baguette burger, delicious dressing. As for the drinks, I was a bit disappointed with the beer selection; they only served FOUR bottled beers: Bud Light, Fat Tire, Heineken & something light. Fortunately, for the wine crowd there was a plethora of wine to choose from. The Fat Tire was actually a very good choice, it complimented the burger very well. My mouth is already watering after this review and it's awfully coincidencedental that it's just about lunch time, too...
(4)
Miika M.
Sudden cold. Sudden wind. I'm craving some clam chowder and of all places, heat/ball bustin' Sacramento, my old hood of all places. I'm out with my good friend and she orders the Chinese Chicken Salad and I was not too hungry other than for some soup, so I elected for their half/half combo of turkey/avocado sandwich on wheat with their signature clam chowder. It actually was pretty good although slightly watery for my tastes (I like it thick and creamy) and the sandwich with havarti cheese was good, but the avocado was a schmear, not so good. I'd go back for a quick bite, but then again, it is a chain. Good for people on breaks and working in the area.
(3)
John S.
Not the biggest fan of chains, the atmosphere was bit sterile, but nice none the less, perfect really for Loehmanns. I don't eat gluten so i can't speak for the bread, but it looked really good. The clam chowder was excellent as it should be considering it's SF roots. I had a greek salad that I enjoyed very much, had lots of cheese and olives which are usually found only in small quantities at other places. The quality was that of a chain, but good eats for sure, would eat again. Chain stuff. Good. Not amazing, but worth it.
(4)
Kim B.
Boooo breakfast sucks here now over priced different menu with cheaper quality food we came in at 9:30 am they said they had no French toast and then later gave someone else French toast then when we asked the waitress she said only one slice was ready... Really? Don't come here unless you want to pay $10 for cold fake eggs poor quality food and Peets coffee
(1)
Sambo C.
This place is pretty good. I had the clam chowder bread bowl with Thai citrus chicken salad here. The clam chowder bread bowl was good; of course it doesn't compare to the one in SF because clam chowder over there is made fresh from the ocean. The thai chicken salad was ok. I've had better salad. Now this place isn't bad, I just expected better but I give them a plus for their chicken chipotle sandwich because my boyfriend who never eats vegetables actually ate every piece of his sandwich including the lettuce and tomato. I would come to this place again for their clam chowder. To be honest, I prefer the clam chowder here than at any other bread places like La Bou. Other than that, service was good; It was more like a purchase first place. Overall, I would come here again, it's an okay place to dine at.
(3)
Jenny J.
Love this place! Always so fresh and good service. And I got my free loaf of sourdough today with my Boudin card! It's always a go-to place for my boyfriend and I. Burgers are great here too!
(5)
Richie C.
Place this review in light of the fact I came between 12 and 1 during a weekend. The place was borderline packed. That being established, there are a few issues here worth discussing. The manager took my order at the register. Sensitive to the crowd, I was able to differentiate between rudeness and impatience here. As I tried to tell him what I wanted, he moved onto whatever topic he needed to address to get me out of line so as to take the next patrons order. Example, I ordered a sandwich, paused to consider telling him I wanted 'no mayo' - yet I couldn't get the words out because he was asking me if there was anything else I was going to order. My order took approximately 10 mintues to reach my table. Again, it's important to be sensitive to the difficult task of operating a restaurant during a rush, but I can't say Boudin was winning points. I sat near the kitchen (they have counter stools by the line), so I could observe everything happening. I counted at least 5 errors as I watched. These errors included a sent-back salad and a cook who made entirely the wrong sandwich for an order; Not the least of which that my order also was in error (I bought a bread bowl and the soup was served in a dish). Like many of my fellow yelpers, I watch t.v. shows (Food Network and otherwise) which permit me an appreciation for how hard it is to operate a busy restaurant. This particular location was teetering between success and a couple mistakes away from an absolute breakdown. The fear of that breakdown was palpable among the staff. I would suggest the manager place in a position of authority the blonde woman who works the line on Sunday, she took her position seriously and brought her fellow employess up to where the rest of the kitchen needed to be. I would also suggest that the manager mask the impending sense of breakdown in whatever way he sees functional. This could perhaps be done by his cheerily visiting the customers instead of working the register (and placing an additional employee on register). To the customer, I would recommend visiting at times other than peak hours.
I've been going here for several years and their food is always great. It's a little bit on the pricy end, around $8-$10 for a meal, but the food is generally very tasty. If you like sourdough bread, or other baked goods like cookies, this place has amazing stuff. The cashiers are friendly, and the pseudo-waiters who bring your food out are nice. My only complaint about this place is their system for ordering food, or more specifically standing in line for food. They have this weird setup where there are 2 seperate lines, right next to each other, for ordering food. Sometimes it combines into one line (like we're all trained to do since childhood), but then some brave soul walks right up to the front of the vacant second line, pissing off everyone else who was patiently waiting in one line. I've personally mentioned this to the manager, but this weird 2 line system still exists.
(4)
Steve L.
An improvement over Panera, but I would like it more if they ditched the SF from their name. We had a tasty BBQ chicken salad, clam chowder (my son loved it), and a nice grilled cheese sandwich with bacon. The roll that came with the salad, while freshly-baked, was almost as hard as a baseball and flavorless. Not a good sign at a place that boasts about its bread and tries to trade on its San Francisco sourdough heritage.
(3)
Jennifer M.
All I can say is yuuuuuuuummmmmmmm.
(4)
Chris K.
I could be biased since my brother is the head baker of this place, but they really do make great food. Nothing beats a bowl of clam chowder in SF sourdough bread bowl, just like you get on the wharf. Their burgers, sandwiches, and salads are great too. I like to buy their sourdough hamburger buns to use for sandwiches at home, and their bread bowls are perfect for using at home too ( i put andersons split pea soup in them). They also have this asiago cheese bread that is just fantastic. If you see a dorky looking guy in charge behind the glass who kinda looks like me but slimmer, thats my brother, wave at him like you know who he is, just to confuse him. He will spend the rest of the day wondering where he knows you from. but seriously, all nepotism aside, they have great food here, they have great bread here, my brother is pretty passionate about what he does, so you know all the bread and pastry here is done right.
(5)
Wayne L.
This place is always busy but worth the wait for a table. Customers order food from the counter and then dash for a table. The seating is tight in spots and the entire place is crowded but worth it. The burgers are exceptional (I had the California Burger with Havarti cheese) and the salads are tasty. Excellent service and a good price.
(4)
Stacci R.
Disgusting and Revolting Hygiene Practices. I went to the store in Sacramento on Fair Oaks Bl today and when I got to the front of the line the girl behind the register had just taken her hair down and was running her hands through her hair over and over again. After placing the band back in her hair, she just stood there and finally asked if she could help me. I asked her if she was going to wash her hands before touching my bread. She said, okay and then stood behind the register again. If I had not asked her to wash her hands, she was going to take my order and using her filthy hands, put my bread order in a bag and just hand it to me. I can't help but wonder if she washes her hands after using the bathroom. Needless to say, I walked out. Honestly, I do not know if I will return to this store. This girl represents Boudins. If she is comfortable with her lack of hygiene and sanitation, it makes me wonder if this is company wide. Too bad as I have always really liked this company. Now... I can't help but be leery.
(1)
Christopher L.
First time at Boudin SF. First think you think after walking into this place is, they have a lot of bread, must be their specialty. I'm sure they have many types of breads for you to try. Coworker recommended the clam chowder and I'm always down for a good clam chowder so that's what I ordered. We went at the peak of lunch and I got the vib that food might of came out slow. To my suprise, our tables food came out in a very timely matter. The clam chowder I happened to order was in a bread bowl with the remaining sourdough on the plate with a slice of butter for you to eat. Glad this place prides themselves in bread as my sourdough bread was very fresh. There are some places the does the clam chowder in bread bowl thing but often the bread is very hard and not as fresh. Everything from the clam chowder to the sourdough bread was great! Also something to note, while during peak lunch hours, we were actually well attended to by the waitress. Every time when one of us would finish, in almost no time she would be by to pick up out plates. I make no mention about beverage refills as the sodas, coffee and other beverages are self serve. Place was clean dispute the high pace of customers coming in and out. my only down side is that I wanted to eat light today and only ordered the clam chowder. There are many other things on the menu that I would like to try. I would definitely return to this place to taste some of their other foods, not without also ordering a clam chowder as well, which I think they sell their own brand of chowder I think.
(5)
Mark L.
It was amazing when it opened, but they have been slacking lately for sure. Last two times I have gone I have gotten brown lettuce in my salad .Also, whoever makes the sandwiches doesn't care at all. My sandwich today had so much mayo on it it was soaking through the top of the bread. The sandwiches and everything seem thrown together in a rush with no care. And dont even think about getting water. That water out of the soda machine tastes like metal every time I go there. The iced tea is also not very flavorful. Just tastes like lemon, sugar, whatever you add to it. There is hardly any tea taste to it. The staff are usually quite friendly.
(3)
J J.
I have been to this Boudin numerous times and I have been disappointed the last two times. This time they forgot the cheese on the salad and the dressing on my wife salad was missing. This is pretty basic stuff. The Manger didn't seem to really care that things were missing. I think I will take business else where. We have many great options like Daniels up the street. Also the portions are pretty small. The half sandwich is tiny.
(2)
Nicolas S.
Okay, I LOVE Boudin sourdough (grew up with it in SF) and I go here every few weeks to get a loaf and it's wonderful; definitely still a great bakery. People who complain about the bread's hardness are missing the point. That awesome hard/chewy crust with that fluffy inside is what it's suppose to be -- it's different. ;-) The food here is hit or miss as a restaurant, but I haven't tried too many dishes. The sandwiches vary from great to mediocre for the 4-5 I've tried. The soups (even the chowder in a sourdough bowl) are okay but nothing special, and the two breakfasts I've had haven't great (but that was a few years ago). For what you get it's a bit pricey. Also, while most of the time the staff is friendly, the two lines to order or buy bread often take forever, because we're stuck waiting as one of the two cashiers is chatting up with friends instead of taking orders even when there's a long line. If you want to talk, close your register and go hang out in the back... but having worked in the retail and food service biz, it's poor form to just ignore customers. So I'd give Boudin 5 stars for the bakery, but 3 stars for restaurant food and service, because I rarely recommend it to people visiting as a place to eat, but always recommend it for a great loaf of bread.
(3)
Kevin G.
Good breakfast sandwich and great cookies! Comfortable place to sit any talk. Service was friendly and quick. Very good experience.
(4)
Pia V.
This place is definitely not as good as the ones in SF, sorry folks I'm born & raised in SF so you can't fool me. But if I am ever craving a clam chowder this is the only place I will go. It is the only substitute I can find in the area that can even come CLOSE. And for that I will give you 3 stars. Their breads, however, look fantastic and I have yet to try them. The salads are great and do taste like the ones in SF ... so good for you! I recommend getting the half and half. You get more for your buck, also if you add $1 they'll usually put your chowder in a bread bowl = more food for you. ;)
(3)
Dahlia N.
I don't normally write reviews for 'chain' restaurants. Little Miss loved it and encouraged me to write this. Boudin has great fresh bread...I'm not sure if food is actually made fresh (which is why I don't review chain restaurants). I'd say closer to 3.5 stars. I ordered a brie-grilled cheese sandwich with a side of tomato soup. I loved the sandwich...but wasn't impressed with the soup. I'm a huge tomato soup fan and this was....meh. I've had better. Daughter had a clam-chowder bread bowl. Which is something that she absolutely loves. The bread-bowl is kind of small. She destroyed it like it slapped her mama in church. $22 for this food plus two drinks. Can you imagine if we got that huge cookie like she asked? Or if Love came with? I pay $40 for a gluttonous, safe meal at Chilis. JUssssayin. I like the vibe - staff is friendly. Line gets stupid and long (I hate waiting in lines - makes me anxious). I will come back for another grilled-cheese, I'm sure of it. Maybe not for the tomato soup.
(4)
Chris R.
The service was great , they give cups for water without a problem. I sat down to write and was surprised how conservative the busser was when he came by to pick up my plate. Although he didn't seem too busy, he did come by a couple times, but I wasn't gonna be one to complain in the middle of a fair length piece.
(4)
Christine H.
So thankful we have a taste of The Bay in Sacramento. I love their chowder and they also have good bread. I am just so sad it is kinda hidden away in Loeman's shopping mall. I hope this place stays open. They have great specials! Lobster Bisque was a winner for me!! So yummy.
(4)
Julie T.
An excellent pseudo-San Francisco experience, right here in Carmichael! If you have intense cravings like I do for bread-bowl clam chowder, but don't want to drive to San Fran, overpay for a touristy spot, and freeze your booty off on a windy pier, this fast food place will hit the spot :)
San Francisco eat your heart out! oh Loehmann's Plaza, thank you for housing this awesome place that gave out some killer coupons a while back, allowing me and bro to pig out. Mmm mm goodness....it's absolutely the sourdough starter secret that says it all for this long-time traditional sourdough bread, soup, sandwich legend that also now serves breakfast.... Bread: beautiful...yes, yes.. i know: adage: the whiter the bread, the deader you are....but this is BOUDIN, from Fisherman's Wharf! Located in the former space of Java City (oh how I truly, sincerely miss you, esp sitting al fresco with my cool coffee blend beverage and the always appendage: a book), I suppose this place has been open for about 3-4 years now? Too bad I missed Heather C's tip for the free loaf.... snap!! You really should be a carbaholic to truly appreciate the quality of their sourdough.... Great, safe, 'burby' section of town....large parking lot.
(4)
Janette M.
The bread is incredibly delicious, 5 star caliber good. So I think that's mainly what you pay for when you get the soup-in-the-bread bows. But price-wise, it's kind of expensive for what you get. I had the vegetarian chili with the bread bowl (I ordered it to go, so soup was served in a to-go container) and while I liked it and thought it was good, the bill came to just barely under $10 with a regular sized drink. While I took my food to go, I noticed the place was pretty busy... the atmosphere of the restaurant is sort of generic( but it is a chain, so...). The sourdough bread is sooo good, though. I'd definitely stop in to pick up some bread every now and then.
(3)
Nathan P.
I no longer go to the Roseville location because of some extremely bad attitudes from the wait staff. So now I come to the Fair Oaks for my Chicken Pesto! I have also noticed that portions are bigger *worth the price you pay*, that the staff is extremely friendly how they are supposed to be, and that the good managers from Roseville moved here. Must be why my service is back on top! Love Boudin!
(5)
Gene F.
Spontaneous late breakfast: A limited menu of acceptable but boring fare served in moderate portions. Popular with the geriatric crowd. No need to ever go back. Tip: If you want really good bread, Grateful Bread is in the same shopping center.
(2)
Brandy J.
I haven't had bad food here ever. Hot soup in a fresh baked bread bowl? Does it get better on a winter day? Don't want soup? They have hot and cold sandwiches and salads which do NOT disappoint. YUM!
(5)
Mickela G.
Grilled Brie, yum! California Burger, delicious. Tomato soup, delightful. Cookies, heavenly. And it always smells like freshly baked bread (wonder why...) Though, I've never actually had the bread. It can get a little packed during lunch and dinner, so if you go with more than yourself, send a table scout before you order. Menu isn't extensive, but what do you expect from a bakery that also sells food?
(5)
Denise D.
I really like SF Boudin! Prices are extremely reasonable (about $5.99 - $8.99), and even better when they send out their buy-one-get-one-free coupons. Today, I had the BLT which was so delicious! Much better than your run-of-the-mill BLT. It was on sourdough, with freshly-cooked REAL bacon. There were thick, fresh slices of tomato and peppery arugula. The best part though, was that instead of mayo, there was a super yummy garlic aioli. All for $7.99. It also came with either a bag of chips or some greens with vinaigrette (I opted for the greens). My friend had the Salad Combo (half salad + soup in a bread bowl). She had the Mediterranean salad which had feta and kalamata olives and other goodies that looked good. She also had the Broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl that looked delicious. $7.99 for hers too! Everything seems very fresh and the restaurant is clean. I usually place orders to go and they're always very quick- about 5 minutes.
(4)
Frankie P.
At first I thought it was just another sandwich joint, and it is. But, the outstanding service and quality of ingredients will have me coming back again and again. I ordered a turkey sandwich and it came with a side salad. The sandwich was huge and I only finished half of it so I think the price is really good for what you get. Plus, the turkey tasted like turkey and was not overly processed. Several times throughout lunch the staff came by to see if everything was okay and the manager took the time to go over the catering menu which I had some questions regarding an event I am working on. They could just right you off after you get your food, but they don't.
(4)
Christina K.
I had the Clam Chowder Soup Bread Bowl, $5, very pleasing. The soup was alright. I am giving their amazing sourdough breadbowl specifically 4 stars. It was light and crispy on the outside, followed by a moderate chewiness, and then the soft, warm, and fluffy sourdough. Either I got very lucky with fresh bread, or these guys REALLY know what they're doing. I am coming back for more bread.
(4)
Melanie I.
Love the grilled Brie and the Salads. Love sitting on their patio on a warm day. Don't love paying over 10 dollars for lunch.
(4)
Stacy G.
There was a time when I dreamed of a sunny day on Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco at least in part because it meant hot, fresh sourdough bread and clam chowder from Boudin. Now, thanks to the new Boudin store in Loehmann's Plaza, I can enjoy that delicious carb fest anytime I want without driving to the Bay area. To be honest, at first I feared this new development as I would moving to Anaheim. Does living next to Disneyland take away the uniqueness and special meaning of going there? Does having a Boudin right down the street from my work make biting into that chewy, tangy bread less enjoyable? The answer is yet to be determined. The sandwiches, soups and salads at Boudin make it a terrific spot to stop for lunch. Last time I went, I had the veggie sandwich and the clam chowder in sourdough bread. They were also offering free samples of their pastries. Wowza! They were all fantastic and I ended up buying the pineapple upside down cake. I plan on coming here all the time and I'm crossing my fingers it doesn't get old. When it tastes that good, how could it?
(4)
Sarah G.
Being a native Sacramentan, and going to school literally around the corner from this place my whole life, I have to say that I am sad that this location is no longer Java City....5 Oh Java City, you were the perfect place for everyone!! Always open when you wanted it, always full of nice social friendly people, a great spot....so Java City RIP....a moment in silence...... Now you are a Boudin SF which is fine and dandy I guess, only this spot is no longer a real hang out spot or a place you just come to meet a friend and study or catch up on life...you really have to come here if you want to eat, because if come here and only buy coffee, they just kinda stare at you.... The decor is nice, and homey feeling too and being a UC Berkeley Grad I appreciate the SF touch it has, but still it isn't a Java City :( Food wise, Erica and I got their spring salad which was really good and actually pretty large in size, complete with bleu cheese, apples, and walnuts and I would definitely get this salad again. We paired it with their BBQ chicken pizza, which does not hold up in comparison to CPK's BBQ Chicken pizza at all. It wasn't even that flavorful....and anything with bbq sauce, cheese, carbs and cilantro really shouldn't be that hard to make boring in taste, but congrats boudin you managed to do it! So come here for the salad, and their sourdough and chowder since that's what they are known for, but if you are a local you may find yourself sitting here thinking about the days it was its former self....the days it was a java city.......
(3)
Dr ED J.
I won a $25 gift card at this restaurant and used it this past weekend. I had never been to the place. My wife and I each ordered the California burger and 2 beers. I thought $9 is very high for the quality of burger. Great bun but the rest was lacking. Sandwich comes with potato chip, no other choices but mixed green. I thought this was lacking. I wanted spicey mustard but all they had was regular mustard and honey. The chef had to mix something up with horseradish. It was great, but what type of sandwich shop doesn't offer different condiments for the sandwiches and other sides? Over priced and under-delivered. I won't go back and don't recommend the place. I can get a better Black Angus burger at Carl's for half the price.
(2)
Kimmie M.
Clam Chowda in a Bread Bowl. Enough said. I love bread, I love SF. I love Boudin SF.
(4)
Kyle M.
Try the soup here! Delicious on a cold day! Also, the sandwiches are really good.
(5)
Tej K.
This past weekend the hubby and I were in the area and decided to give Boudin SF a try. We looked at the menu displayed outside before entering and decided what we were going to try. The line was a little slow (only 1 person at the cash register), but while we were waiting one of the bakers gave the little girl ahead of us a turtle sourdough loaf which was very sweet. I ordered the chicken pot pie in a bread bowl and the hubby ordered the chicken chipotle aioli sandwich with a bowl of chili. Both of us agreed that the food was delicious! I ate all of my soup and almost finished all of my bread bowl as well :). To finish off our amazing lunch we ordered 2 chocolate chip cookies. The cookies were soft and chewy with tons of chocolate chips. Great way to end the meal! The only reason for the 4 stars is that they are a bit on the pricy side. Can't wait to visit again!
(4)
Jackie F.
Now who doesn't love the sourdough from this place? I love the lunch time special they have: always get the Italian classic with a tomato bisque. Sometimes order the soup with the spring salad just to switch things up. Or just get a bread bowl of clam chowder. Really 4 1/4 stars because: ~~I prefer the clam chowder to come from stands on Fisherman's Wharf *I always forget the name of the stand, but it's the 2 or 3rd on from the street* ~~There were no seagulls attacking me ~~No bums asking me for money ~~There were no people thinking I'm a tourist and trying to scam me outta my money (I'm a young girl walking by herself with NO camera, maps, etc. Do I REALLY look like I want a tour guide???) ~~And of course, the lack of the legendary Bush Man ~~Oh and the lack of tourist (and sometimes locals) being scared out of their minds when said Bush Man scares them *Isn't it hilarious when a grown man who looks 'tough' squeals like a little girl when he jumps out at them?* For this, they get 3/4 of a star taken away..... Other than that, the bread is wonderful. Hot fresh bread with some butter and a cup of coffee (or hot chocolate) and I'm a happy Asian girl who is not even missing the rice........
(5)
Gregory R.
Great bread bowl, ok tomato soup (I'm very picky about this...a little too sweet for me but still good for not made at home) and I surprised by how much I liked the Mediterranean salad! The bread really is the highlight and a good soup and salad lunch is always nice. No positives or negatives on the service and reasonably priced. Friend thought bread was a bit tough to chew on the sandwich so be prepared for a tooth/jaw workout in that case.
(4)
Josh N.
I love the clam chowder and the Ham and Brie on sourdough is out of this world. One of the better chains out there.
As a sandwich lover, I have to just flat out admit that Boudin is amazing. There is no denying it. Not only is their bread fresh which makes for a oh-so yummy sandwich, they have fabulous soups as well. Their vegetarian chili is to die for! I could eat it for every meal for the next month and probably still want more of it. It is thick, chunky and even though I am not a red meat eater, I have had meat eaters admit that it is just as good as any chili containing beef. And not only is the food just awesome, they also make little animals out of bread! I mean come on, how cute is that?
(5)
Kirsten D.
I have a habit of going into places right as they are about to close! I ordered some salads to go... A thai chicken salad and a chicken cesar salad. They were ready quickly, cheap and tasted great. The sodas they have on tap are yummy... Coke Zero and Sprite Zero??! In past visits to this joint I have had the clam chowder which makes my mouth water. This place is perfect for a cheap, quick lunch.
(4)
lucy b.
A friend took me here for lunch last week. I am watching my bread intake and so is she... bad move. Never go someplace that specializes in bread when you are watching your bread intake... unless you wish to watch yourself intake much much bread! It reminded me of my last cruise, while they may turn your towels into every animal from the sea, Boudin has the same idea but they do it with dough. I had the Thai Citrus Salad, quite nice but not spicy. I went back to read the menu because I swore it said, "Spicy Thai Peanut Salad". Nope, that was my imagination. Maybe that I what I hoped for. Alas, I did not eat a spicy peanut anything. I ate a Thai Citrus Salad. Oh well. It was quite nice. I am certain it might have been better had I consumed the lovely roll that came with it :) When it gets cold again I am totally going back for some chowder... In a ginormous freakin bread bowl! are you in Deb?
(3)
Serena Q.
All of the breads are good for sandwiches, but you are a fool to choose anything other than the crunchy, chewy, perfect sourdough baguette. Like starting a new outfit with a pair of spanx, this bread sets the perfect canvas for whatever direction you decide to take your sandwich in. Personally, I am kind of a sucker for their Roast Beef and Cheddar, which is strange because I am usually a white meat only kinda gal, but something about the high quality of their roast beef, and the smooth creaminess of their cheddar makes this sandwich irresistable. On the white meat tip, the chicken breast with spicy chipotle mayo and avocado is bomb! MMMMMMM...that mayo adds this smoky tanginess. I should just order it with any sandwich I get now that I think of it... I havent tried the clam chowder...will have to do that soon!
(4)
Linda M.
Good, but parking sucks! Don't go during peak times! Fast service, so it's good for kids, but the kids menu lacks in terms of side options that are healthy!
(3)
rodeodlt r.
Decent sized bowl of soup for the lunch combo, but the clam chowder was bland at best. Turkey sandwich had nice portions of meat, and the fresh tomatoes were tasty. Service was friendly & attentive, even out on the patio.
(3)
Janice C.
Finally! a piece of SF in Sacramento. I absolutely am thrilled that they have a lunch combo! (where you can get, half a sandwich or half a salad or soup) this way, you get to try everything! and not order the full portion. it was raining so, it was only fitting that I order the Clam Chowder in a bread bowl. But seriously! can Boudin put in more clams in their clam chowder??? I had more potatoes floating in my creamy soup more than clams I had to get the mixed field greens salad with my soup. They were generous with their gorgonzola cheese, and the toasted walnuts were perfect. I don't know why they put granny smith apple in their salad. It was just too tart for this salad. A red delicous apple, or maybe even a pear would be better. Clean, bright interiors paired with good food, 4 stars.
(4)
Stephanie B.
I miss the old Boudin SF with the awesome Pizza selection. The clam chowder used to be really great and creamy, but now it's more watered down. I went here a couple of months ago and the menu was totally different. The present menu is pretty good. I would definitely pick Boudin over La Bou any day. This is a pretty good sandwich/salad/soup place and the quality has been somewhat amped since the last time I came. I had the salmon sandwich and it was alright. If you're a huge sandwich lover you HAVE to go a couple of miles down the road to Cafe Rolle (nothing beats that). Although, if you're going for a chowder bread bowl, I guess this is the place.. but I'm thinking Fin's fish market just across the street has a better Clam chowder, but I could be wrong ;D
(3)
Joley S.
I didn't even eat here but I won't give it a second chance! I came in on a cold Saturday morning in desperate need of some warm soup and bread. I stood in a long line and found what I wanted on the menu, when It was my turn I stepped up to the counter and ordered chicken potpie, the 17year old cashier said, "we don't have any more of that." WTH??? Its not even 11am on a Sat, there is no signage that said sorry no chicken pot pie... Nothing! On top of feeling like crap, I didn't even get an apology for wasting my time! However I left and discovered Noodles and company!
(1)
Jessica H.
This is a really great lunch place. Awesome combos for really good prices; extremely. They have great soups and salads. There clam chowder bread bowl is quite good.
(4)
Matt W.
This place is not the best representative of the Boudin chain. Yesterday, I placed an order for a turkey/avocado sandwich on wheat bread with a bowl of clam chowder. What I got was a turkey cheddar sandwich on a sourdough roll and a regular bowl of chowder. They offered to remake the order, but we were in a rush. Just get it right the first time. A few weeks ago my daughter ordered a ham sandwich and they put peanut butter on it. PEANUT BUTTER on the ham sandwich?? The redemption was that the sweet server thought it was more ridiculous than I did. I suggested that she start looking for a new job, because this place wasn't going to be in business much longer. Get it together. Here's the thing - when they do happen to make the food as ordered, there is no better value and the food is great.
(2)
Ryan F.
I think this place is getting a novelty bump. I used to eat at various Boudin SF locations a lot when I lived in SF and the food was only OK. This location is no exception. Fact is, their excellent, thick, hard crusted sourdough makes kind of a questionable sandwich. Unless you have the jaws of a bear trap, you are going to have a hard time going through one of their sandwich rolls without a knife or without compressing your sandwich filling into paste. The bread is excellent - the question is what do you do with it? I favor taking it home, cutting it up and eating it with pasta, or just with olive oil, vinegar or butter. I would not eat the prepared food here - just buy the bread.
(3)
Em L.
The food's good, the boys that work here are cute. :)
(3)
Hillery G.
We all love their bread - the canned clam chowder is also good for a fast dinner.
(4)
Denise M.
I wanted to give this place two and a half stars, but saw it had a few on average it really doesnt deserve. Had the Classic Cheeseburger. Bun, great. Lettuce soggy from the FAT dripping from the burger. This burger was greasier than any fast food joint - actually greasier than any burger I've had in recent memory. The grease made the lettuce wilt and the otherwise nice bun soggy. Must not have been a very good quality of beef. No fresh potatoes on the menu to go with it. Wine was poured out of a half-bottle into a juice glass. Is that supposed to be European? Ahh, no. Not again. Not for Dinner anyway.
(2)
Jacob C.
Good soup, good bread, good sanwiches. And who cares if the cah register girl doesnt wash her hands all the time, it helps build your immune system.
(4)
Jay M.
Okay I'm back to Boudin on my next cheat day from my diet & exercise routine & gotta have my bacon egg & cheddar. Man it was good!! I put up more pics of the place today; they decorated it nicely & had Christmas music playing so it had a nice ambiance. I found out the dark roast coffee I have been drinking there is 100% Organic! Not that coffee is any good for you organic or otherwise, but made me feel a little better about it. I included a pic of the menu that is on each table just to show that the prices are really reasonable. It makes me kinda sad to see some of the negative comments on this place here on yelp. Every experience I've had with Boudin in SF or in Sac has been outstanding, but I will say that I stick to what I know. Breakfast I have the bacon egg & cheddar, lunch I'll have the cheeseburger on sourdough with caesar salad, & when I have a sweet tooth any of their pastries will take of it. BTW did you know their a bakery & have awesome sourdough!!! Take a baguette home (they are cheap) and enjoy it; that is if your not on a low carb diet like most people are these days. Anyways that's my review, give em a shot. Peace......
(5)
Thao L.
Good first time experience. First off, the clam chowder was excellent. They ran out of bread bowls so I got two pieces of sour dough bread and a glass bowl of clam chowder instead. I also had the turkey avocado sandwich (forgot what it was called) and it was delicious as well! Reminds me of SF clam chowder. Really recommend this place instead of driving all the way to the Bay Area.
(5)
Shannon W.
I have gone for breakfast and lunch and both times were great. The bread is just like being in Fisherman's Wharf! In addition, the menu is reasonably priced and their bakery offers the various types of bread offered in SF. We tried their asiago cheese bread and it was amazing. It is great to know that a more local option is available when I'm craving Boudin's bread!
(4)
Darlene M.
I have been here plenty of times and I never been disappointed until today. I got a couple of chicken pesto sandwiches for my boyfriend and I got the crab cake sandwich. The crab cake is $9.99 a little pricey for a very small sandwich. Crab cake was very small. They burned my sourdough bread that came with the sandwich. I specify asked if the bread will be hard and the girl said no. When the bread is burned, it will be hard no matter what. The crab cake was good but its just small, its not worth the price. I took half of the chicken pesto due to I was still hungry. I don't know why my boyfriend likes this sandwich. The bread is super hard. Why would anyone want to eat a sandwich with a very hard bread. It comes with sourdough roll. I don't understand this. The sandwich lacks pesto in my opinion and it was very bland. He loves the chicken pesto. Its a mystery to me. Normally, the sandwiches are in foil container but today they wrap it in sandwich paper. I don't know if they were trying to save money or what. But I was very disappointed... Also, the girl in the register was totally rude and did not smile or helpful. I have never seen her before so maybe she was new. But the guy who gives you the ordered at the counter is still very nice and helpful.
(2)
heather l.
I went here for lunch today with a friend and got a sourdough burger. it was during lunch time. the service was very fast, friendly, an accurate. I enjoyed all the choices i had an that they ask. Also the waitress brought us our plates an offered to get anything else. she was so friendly and checked up on us even though she was so busy. I also noticed the manager helping out with getting the plates out. i thought that was awesome. the employees seemed to make a good team. the restaurant was very clean an nice decor. i sat in a comfy booth. the burger came an it was nicely put together an super yummy. juicy patty with melted pepper jack cheese on it. an the bun was a toasted small sourdough round/bun. i thought that was cute. i love sourdough. I also usually buy the garlic cheese volcano bread. super yummy. its a large sourdough round with cheese n garlic.
(5)
Monu K.
Nice place to take someone for a lunch date. They make a lot of yummy bread. If you are used to eating at Subway prices, this is probably not the best place for you.
(3)
Kim S.
The bread is unquestionably phenomenal. Fresh, flaky, soft, pure carb goodness. The food, however, is unremarkable. If my advice goes unheeded and you decide to eat here, make it soup in a bread bowl.
(3)
Ed S.
My girl loves the french toast. Sandwich's are pretty good, but just don't quite fit my pallet. They do have a pretty awesome Sourdough, which I have to give credit for. Clean place, nothing to special to mention on the atmosphere. I think with that this place would be a lot better on a cold or rainy day, but I always end up there on Sunday mornings during the spring and summer. Edit: Alright, now that I've been back a few times, I really gotta give props where it's due. This place has rockin sandwichs, there I said it. I dunno, I'm still feeling that whole "3 star" vibe, but damn if I don't want another sandwich now.
(3)
Ness S.
Ahhh a little slice of San Francisco right in our own back yard. Great place to go for lunch and apparently the whole city already knows that because the line here is out the door at about noon. They have a lunch combo with your choice of half a salad, half a pizza, half a sandwich or a cup of soup. You get to choose two and its only $7.29. Pretty good deal I would have to say. I had a spring salad and it was very tasty. The best part about this place is they serve clam chowder in a bread bowl just like you are in SF delicious!
(4)
Ruthie L.
The staff here is really friendly. The food is decent. I was a bit disappointed that my scramble came with deli turkey, but I should have asked. But the scramble was good. Their breakfast potato wedges are french fries, which is also sort of disappointing, but again, they taste good. I've had dinner here before and remember it being decent as well. What I am VERY happy with is the portion size. It's really just right, leaves me pleasantly satisfied for a long period of time. Where they really shine, of course, is their bread. It's quite tasty; I really like their multigrain bread. If you go there, you can get a card that allows you to get a free loaf of bread every month for 13 months. No purchase necessary (well, except the first time to actually get the card).
(3)
Michelle B.
This Boudin SF is not a good representative of the Boudin SF chain. The Boudin's in SF are fast paced and the food is always super delicious and fresh. It is always a bummer when you expect the same quality from place to place and you find the one that you live closest to is sub par. I came here for lunch one day and not only was the food food just average, but my friend ordered a chicken Caesar salad and they brought him a chicken salad sandwich. Kind of odd, but they did take it back and make him a salad. The chicken on my sandwich was super thin and did not look fresh at all. The sandwich overall was okay, but not anywhere near what I have experienced in SF.
(3)
Samantha V.
seriously people... This place isn't that great. I know that it's one of those chic chains, but the food is sub par, very greasy. I've felt better after eating a Mc donald's breakfast sandwich than I did after having breakfast there. I guess that the bread is good which it should be--- hence the name.
(2)
Amber M.
I've eaten here several times, with friends and solo, and I've enjoyed it each time. I agree that the clam chowder is a little watery but it still tasted very good and every sandwich I've tried was also very good. I think I'll come here later this week since I've been craving sourdough :)
(4)
Amber R.
Brie Grilled Cheese with Fig Preserves & Granny Smith Apples... YUM! My favorite vegetarian option so far!
(4)
Tiffany K.
I came here yesterday because I was craving clam chowder. My husband and I split a combo meal and asked for two bowls of clam chowder. For less than $8, it seemed like a fair deal! I liked the clam chowder. Mind you, I was craving it. Sometimes when you crave something, it tastes better when you get it. But anyway, I thought it was good! Brought back memories of being in SF. Maybe they are trying to recreate the whole SF experience a little toooo realistically, it was freezing inside! Where I work happens to set its thermostat at freezing too, so my hands were permanently numb during my whole eating experience. I didn't try anything else there, but the pizza-looking-things looked good. I would recommend this place if you are craving clam chowder or just want to see if Boudin's can recreate the whole SF experience. (I like the prints of the Golden Gate bridge and the classic jazz tunes - although later they started playing some pseudo 80s music...).
(4)
Daniel L.
Prepare yourself to have an amazing experience. Yes, this place is known for delicious bread, but there is way much more to satisfy your buds. From the burgers to the salad, this place has unique and amazing taste. When I lived in sacramento, this place was always on the top of my list for places to eat. A couple of other things to know about this place is that they make seasonal bread shapes. Yes! among my favorites are the turtle, alligator and the crab bread. These are actual large loafs of bread that you eat in the shape of different animals. I believe that during xmas you can buy a snowman, during easter you can buy a bunny, and on a regular basis you can buy turtles, and crabs. They all come in different sizes and if you want to make sure you get the one you want you can order in advance. Another thing I like about Boudin is their online order feature. You go online, order from the menu, then drive there to pick up. It is that easy. I believe they now have a special parking spot for online pick up, too cool. One time, I ordered something on line and changed my mind regarding the item. I called the store and they easily agreed to change it to something else, no problem. The bread bowls are to die for. The only thing that would put this place over the top is french fries. I could not believe it when I found out that despite their affinity to carbs, they do not make french fries. Ugh!!! Despite this, the burger with chips will blow your mind. It did not keep me from coming here and having a delish experience.
(5)
Freddie L.
Clam chowder tastes like it came out of a can and the bread was so hard, I felt like a wild animal each time I tried to take a bite of my sandwich. And at their prices, I was expecting someone to wipe the turkey and avocado off my face after the attack on my sandwich. Or at the very least, keep the place clean enough so that I wouldn't have to look at the floor and see food items scattered about (from previous diners, really). The only thing missing was the part where I had to capture and prepare my own food. Although I came quite close to that too. Aside from all that, their worst offense had to be their uneven sandwich distribution. All my turkey was in a lump and after two bites I was just eating mayonnaise and bread. I could've redistributed, but I was already feeling like an animal and didn't want to have to forage around in my food. I will give them credit though for their ability to make bread into animal shapes, which accounts for the two stars, that and the fact that the server gave us extra napkins, probably foreseeing the mess we were going to get into.
(2)
Kieran G.
Always great food and great service and in the off chance they make a mistake they take care of it right away and go the extra mile.
(5)
Sequels C.
Good food, nice service, but good god, could they take any longer??? Never understand why the ordering/paying process takes over 5 minutes per transaction. Maybe new/more register people..?
(4)
Shannan W.
Oh, the bread! Honestly, I could make a meal on the bread alone, but I did not. I had the thai chicken salad, and my fiance had the salmon club sandwich. I loved my salad! The dressing was just sweet enough but not sugary, and they didn't drench the salad with too much of it. It was fresh and perfect for a warm Saturday afternoon lunch. My fiance's sandwich pleased him, but it looked pretty small, in my opinion. The bread, though. Again, major props for the chewy but soft bread. It made my whole meal! Minus one star for being overpriced.
(4)
Nicky M.
So this is a good place to go on a cold and windy day and get yourself a nice piping hot bowl of chowda! The turkey and cranberry sandy is always a favorite as well. Everything here is pretty standard and I appreciate that. Never straying to far from what you had previous or what you think that you will have the next time. Standards...appreciated more than most realize. The bread is the star of Boudin! If the review was based on bread alone they would have gotten 4 stars. Have to love a place that you can roll in grab a couple big rounds of sourdough and head for home a hero!
(3)
Heather J.
Yummy lunch spot, good location, decent prices. I had the clam chowder bread bowl, which was only ok, chowder had a weird taste? could of just been me? Also had side salad, which had a great vinagarette. Husband loved his panini, with turkey & avacado. Son loved mac & cheese, but who doesn't? Had a small bite of chocolate chip cookie, which was yummy! Will be back.
(4)
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Address :2573 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Sacramento, CA, 95825
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Patrick N.
Well the second trip was just as good as the first. Thumbs up.
(3)Matty K.
Looking for a place to lunch, I was releuctant to come here as it looked packed and I really wanted a good fresh salad. Boyfriend insisted and we walked into a throughly packed and 7 people deep in line. We picked up a menu and I picked up the nutrition info, and we started deliberating. He decided on a combo that included grilled cheese and rustic tomato soup with a salad. I had the butternut squash soup with a spring salad. The fountain soda choices are wonderful for diet soda drinkers like us. We sat outside and waited for our food. My butternut squash soup was creamy, had a hint of curry to it, and had walnuts and dried cranberries in it. It was the perfect temperature. Hot, but not so hot that I couldn't eat it. My salad was surprisingly delicious! Field greens with dried cranberries, goat cheese (I think), walnuts, granny smith apples and dressed lightly with a vinaigrette. The textures and flavors worked perfectly together. A small sourdough roll also came with my salad and it was perfect. Sour, chewy, soft, carby all at the same time. I dipped it into his rustic tomato soup and loved his soup as well. Both meals and sodas came out to under $20. He didn't really like his grilled cheese, he thought is was too greasy.
(5)Michelle K.
Haven't eaten there yet, but I did go in and got a loaf of the sourdough. Just as tasty as I remember it from SF.
(5)Star G.
I dove in one afternoon for the heralded Mac N Cheese. I didn't dig it. It has fresh Dungeness Crab which I like but it just didn't do it for me. The service was cold and slow. The dish was expensive.
(1)Morgan M.
If you love sourdough, GO HERE. If you love Sandwiches, GO HERE. If you love sourdough and Sandwiches, GO HERE. Nice environment, free WIFi. Wooop. Good cookies :)
(4)Camille C.
Based on the trusted word of a friend, my boyfriend and I came here to try their burger. I had the Classic Burger with Cheddar, which comes on sourdough, and my boyfriend had the Baguette Burger with Cheddar, which comes on a garlic-buttered baguette. Well, my burger was hands-down the greasiest burger I've ever tried to eat. All I could taste was sourdough and grease. All of the condiments kept sliding around because of the grease oozing from the hamburger patty, so I had to cut the burger in half and pat it down with my napkin. I will give Boudin another chance and try a sandwich and/or clam chowder.
(2)Noel d.
Thank you for opening in Sacramento! I've been here three times and every time I try something new I really like. The sourdough is second to none. The ham and tomato breakfast pizza was delicious and the clam chowder bread bowl saves me a trip to the City. I'll be regular in the Roseville store when it opens.
(4)Jim P.
My wife and I had breakfast here recently. Neither of us was that impressed by the food. I had the "Traditional" breakfast, consisting of scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, and sourdough toast. The price was right at only $5.99, but the portions were moderately sized. This is not a place to go if you want to stuff your belly with a huge breakfast. My wife ordered a "Scramble" of peppers, Swiss cheese, and bacon. She didn't finish it all and was disappointed that there was so little Swiss cheese. They brought her the wrong order the first time, but quickly fixed the problem. We both thought the food tasted as though it came from under a heat lamp. My wife also commented that the dining room was not very clean. We probably won't be back anytime soon.
(2)Ryan M.
Saw this going in a couple of months ago and finally went to it today. I had the chicken club sandwich which was served hot. The chicken was dry and in pieces half the size of your thumb which made it hard to keep it together. Nothing special but tasty. I give it a 3/5 but I bump my overall rating because their bread reminds me of trips I took with my family to SF and I had to have their sourdough every time. mmm...wish I bought a loaf when i was there.
(4)sofia m.
Awesome clam chowder. Almost as good as the one in SF. Good service and good food.
(4)Nicki M.
The food here is very good, but I am specifically reviewing their catering service. The first time they catered an event for me, they forgot plates and silverware making it very difficult to eat the salads that they brought. Today, they were over an hour late to the 11:30 lunch I had scheduled. I had customers leave and go out to eat rather than sit and wait. Very embarassing and unprofessional. Moral of the story.....do NOT use their delivery. Go pick it up yourself.
(1)brokester c.
i crave this place at least once a week. they have a variety of sandwiches, pizza, and other entrees but i always get the combo with half a sandwich and small clam chowder in a bread bowl (you can also choose from half a pizza or salad). i will admit it's not the best clam chowder i've ever had but mos def better than anything i bought out of the can and heated up at home. i love their tuna sandwich and roast beef sandwich. basically if you are not watching your carb intake and want to warm yourself up with some clam chowder this is a good place to check out.
(4)Darlene L.
Grilled cheese!
(3)Scott M.
The best sourdough bread ever!!!! I visit this shop at lease twice a month and their service and food are always superb!
(5)Chloe B.
Really like this place because it is close to work and it is one of Ben and my regular spots to meet for lunch on a slow day. Love their tomato soup, either in a bread bowl or not. Their spring salad is yummy and doing half salad/half soup is a great light lunch. For a heavier lunch, I will go for the half soup and half BLT, which is very satisfying. They also have pretty decent pizza, depending on your preferred style. I really enjoy Italian style pizza with a thinner, almost cracker-like crust. Their pizzas are definitely thinner, which I love, but not too thin for my usual deep dish/Chicago style-loving Ben. I think it says a lot for their personalized pizzas that they can please both of us. Of course, I also love this place because I used to eat here once and a while when coming into San Francisco and it gives me a little reminder of walking down the wharf. The Sacramento location has a pretty good sized outdoor eating area, which is nice on cooler days. This place can get really crowded at lunch time, which is why we usually meet for a late lunch. You order at the counter and they bring your food to you, which means no chance to run into some potentially iffy wait staff. Overall, good place to lunch but would prefer somewhere else for dinner.
(3)Rosanna C.
One of the highlights of visiting SF for me has always been to stop by Boudin and have a clam chowder bowl. I visited here for the first time Monday. The food did take a bit to come out and it wasn't even busy. The chowder didn't even taste as close to the ones in SF, but it was still good. We ordered the pinapple upside down cake and the manager threw in another one, which I thought was really nice. The cake was sooo good. I think the prices could be a bit better. We spent 27.00 on lunch.
(3)Christine C.
Mmmm the focaccia and the asiago bagel are delicious, and both a reasonable price. I didn't try any food though. I don't think I would...I mean nothing really stands out to me except maybe the clam chowder bowl. The staff is nice too.
(3)Karen B.
Still makes the wallet say "ow." The BF has been bugging me forever to come here, given that we're from the Bay Area and we've had pleasant experiences at Boudin's other locations. Boudin was always kind of a treat for me, something I saved for days when I really, really needed a clam chowder. This, of course, is because their prices were not reasonable for a 19-year-old making $300 a week. but I digress... My Order: Turkey Avocado (with havarti, mayo, lettuce, and tomato on a croissant) His Order: Half a BBQ chicken pizza with clam chowder in a bread bowl Turkey and avocado, for me, if heaven on earth. However, this sandwich was just... too much. The turkey was too salty and processed-tasting, the croissant was dry, and the havarti added nothing but more salt. In fact, when I finally took the havarti off and ate a little of the cheese by itself, it was fine. ON the sandwich, it was horrible. It also came with a side salad of organic greens, which was OK. Barbeque chicken pizza is probably the best addition to the family of pizza staples the world has seen since, I don't know, Hawaiian, or Super Veggie... actually, I don't know which of these came first. Either way, the BF is a huge fan of it and orders it practically everywhere he can. In his words, it was "too oniony" and "too saucy." He has a great deal of, say, onion tolerance, but in this case, he had to pick some of them off the pizza. The sourdough was... just OK. I once heard that the reason SF is so famous for their French and sourdough bread is because the air (pressure? Humidity? I'm not sure) is somehow similar to the best bread-making regions in France. I'm not sure this is true, but the bread here was not very characteristic of the bread I've had in the city. Don't get me wrong - I'm not one of those "this is good - for Sacramento" or "it's doesn't compare to SF" types, because dammit, I like eating in this town and Lord knows I can't afford SF anyway. But... San Francisco sourdough this ain't! Afterward, the BF felt nauseous the rest of the night. I don't know what was wrong with that thing, but it has certainly deterred me from this place for at least another few months. Did I mention it's expensive?
(2)Leopard S.
I ordered the turkey and havarti sandwich. Great sandwich but overpriced. Also seems to be crowded frequently, so this isn't going to be a quiet place to eat. I felt like I'd be better off making a sandwich at home.
(3)Cynthia B.
still great and super busy at lunch. I pretty much only eat their baguette burgers slathered with pesto aioli. Sometimes the bread too crunchy but yesterday perfectly soft and chewy. Went with co-worker and think I've got her hooked on their food. I always take a sourdough sml round home for my husband as a consolation prize for not getting to eat with us. Managment came by asked how things were - saw many people quickly clearing and cleaning tables. again never had a complaint here!
(5)Todd S.
Q. Is this the best sour dough bread in the world? A. no, but quite good. Q. Is this the best Clam chowder served in a bread bowl? A. No, not even close. Q. Is it worth waiting in line for the food? A. no , not at all, but their is a bakery only line that is shorter and worth getting a loaf of bread. Q. Does this restaraunt really add much to the sacramento scene? A. Not really , but the bread is worth it. Q. Can I be more annoying than writing a review in interview style? A. No probably not.
(3)Veronica B.
I first went to Boudin after a friend suggested we meet there for dinner, since it was in my neighborhood. I hadn't even heard of the joint. I ordered a veggie sandwich and tomato bisque soup. HOLY COW - it was seriously delicious, with a good portion size that made me feel just full enough but not too stuffed. My husband and I now frequent the place regularly for any time of the day meals. Breakfast? He gets a breakfast pizza, I get a veggie scramble and hash browns. Lunch? He gets pastrami and I get the veggie combo. Dinner? I get the fish and veggies, he gets the patty melt. Bonus: incredibly affordable, good beer selection.
(4)Andee V.
I love this place! They brought one of my SF favorites to Sacramento finally! There are tons of sandwiches and soups and salads to choose from. It recently opened but by the lunch time crowd today I can tell its already a favorite! For the best of both worlds you can order 2 of the following a half sandwich, pizza, soup or salad, for a nice lunch special. (the spring salad is so good!!) In the past I have had the clam chowder from here too and its also really good. The staff here was really nice and checked up on us a couple of times. Expect quite the crowd in the already busting Loehmanns Plaza at lunch time!!"
(5)Anthony B.
Just ok. A little pricey for a small sandwich and simple salad of greens. Also the sandwich was not distributed well. Big chunks of chicken in the middle with nothing but bread mayo lettuce and tomato on half the sandwich. We'll go back as long as we have the 2 for 1 coupons we received in the mail.
(3)J M.
I haven't had anything I didn't like yet at Boudin's. I love the pizza, vegetarian chili, and their sandwiches. Yum yum yum is all I have to say.
(4)Heidi T.
If you love bread, soup or sandwiches this is your heaven! This place can get really busy at lunch time, a sign that the food is great, so be sure that you don't come at noon unless you want to be waiting for a seat. I recommend their grilled cheese sandwich with a spring salad and rustic tomato soup. It is the perfect meal for a cold rainy day and will no doubt warm your stomach and soul. 9/11/10 Updated: I'm downgrading to a 4 because of their "water" situation. If you ask for a cup of water you'll walk over and pour what tastes like sewer water. I've spoken to the manager who stated that upper management doesn't want to fork out the dough (pun intended) for a water purifier. Even the woman next to me agreed it is unpalatably foul. Beware!
(4)Joan L.
Decided to order the burger. It sounded good, with lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo all on a sourdough roll. . . NOT! The roll was over toasted and nearly impossible to bite into. Worst of all was the meat. It wasn't grilled or charbroiled. It was microwaved and so greasy that the burger slid all over the place. Save your money and go get a REAL burger somewhere else!
(1)Amber F.
Breakfast here is good, I've had salads for lunch as well. I like the atmosphere, it's comfortable. It's great for the kiddo, he can keep himself occupied and have a decent breakfast here. I feel like the breakfast meats were kind of weird, definitely not homemade or anything, but seemed kinda... maybe frozen and mass produced. Nothing special at all, just sort of random breakfast meat. I guess I was expecting something a bit more, but it's very simple food that looks to be pushed out of the kitchen quick. I usually have a vegetarian omelet, it's good, spinach, tomatoes, onions, peppers, it comes with this pathetic little quarter of hashed browns, they were cold this last time I went. But again, it's cheap breakfast and I'm not cooking... The toast was good, but talk about skimping on the jam, I hate that... I had to go ask for another little container of jam. Lunch, I've had salads and my husband's had sandwiches. The salads are generous and really quite good. They're fresh and pretty hearty. My husband usually gets a half sandwich and half salad, the bread is always good, overall, it's pretty good quality. We prefer lunch to the breakfast, but it's one of those things where we know what we're getting, and that's better than the unknown...
(3)Emily S.
I'm just gonna say....MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM They have DELICIOUS Rustic Tomato soup! I love a place with good soup, and boy, do they have that! Now, if they only had heat lamps in their outdoor seating area, that would be wonderful! The bread and pizzas are good too!
(4)Ricky D.
I'm surprised by a lot of the low reviews.. What made me try this place is that I got a buy one get one free coupon in the mail.. So I stopped by last night and ordered two melts turkey/patty. The patty melt was for me and it was sooo good. The bread had been toasted perfect and had just enough butter. My girlfriend had the turkey melt, which she really liked. At $8 a melt with no drink I don't know how often I will be back, but I definitely will..
(5)Nate S.
Feels like a place on the down-and-out. Haphazard presentations and compositions mirror the insipidity of the food. The B+ bread can't hide the sloppy work of the kitchen (especially the nauseatingly sweet salad dressings!). Finally, they should burn in hell for bringing us orange from-a-box macaroni and cheese. Grateful Bread is just a few steps away, and while they don't serve lunch, I'd rather eat their bread straight than Boudin's mediocre cuisine. Keep driving.
(2)Kayla W.
They have a great vegan chili! Pretty decent prices, and on wednesday and Sunday they have a butternut squash soup with candied walnuts and dried cranberries that is soo good! I always have a good experience here, and if you become a club card member you will get a free loaf of their yummy sourdough every month! Nice!
(5)stephanie H.
Nice chain place for lunch. I have been here twice for lunch, you order up front and take a seat, nice area out front to sit. Good sandwitches, nothing to write home about but what do you expect? It looked clean and I didn't get sick from eating here.....always a plus these days!
(3)Angel t.
Can anyone say CHAIN? So, it wasn't a unique-awe-inspiring dining experience, but the place was clean, the service was fast, and I liked my meal (mostly). I ordered the crab macaroni and cheese and they didn't skimp on the crab either, but there could have been a little more oomph to it. You know what I mean? Something was missing, maybe it was flavor? I was impressed with the option to add a mixed green or Caesar salad to any entree for just $1.99. It was a nice salad and a decent size too; probably enough for two depending on your oink factor. Oh, I guess I should mention their sourdough since that's what they're "famous" for... it was tasty, but nothing to run home screaming about... I like how they've revamped the old Java City patio to make it their own and I must say they did a nice job (bonus star). Unfortunately, a drunken homeless man decided to plant himself on the patio right next to us, so our entire meal was clouded by the man harassing people as they walked by. I was there for a little over two hours and the staff never said a word. I suppose I should have just handed over the two quarters to shut him up, but now that's a review for another day. Overall, if you're in a plain Jane mood you might like this place.
(2)Shadi G.
It's a soup place. It's a bread place. It's a quick place. Lunch here won't bust your wallet or your gut--unlike the horrid alternative: fast food. Don't be silly and order anything but soup, salad and bread. Words to the wise: steer clear of the soup bread bowl. Order soup by the traditional bowl because you will end up throwing away half the bread, which absorbs some of the soup you'd rather be relishing. On a cold, winter's day, Boudin warms up your spirits and hits the spot in a fabulous way.
(3)Joseph A.
My wife and I have made it a mini-tradition to stop at Boudin for lunch when trekking from the Bay Area to Lake Tahoe. The first time we really enjoyed it. We had the clam chowder in the bread bowl, which blew my mind - the "lid" from the bowl is this amazing cylinder of chewy sourdough with a crackly crust. Holy mmmm... And our kids loved the macaroni and cheese, freshly made with penne and grated cheese. So that was our little tradition. Chowder in bread bowls, and mac & cheese. But the magic has worn off a bit. I don't know if the soup has changed, but I've come to realize that it has almost no clams in it. it tastes basically like black pepper. It's actually quite tasty, but it's not much of a clam chowder. And the macaroni and cheese... some genius at Corporate decided they should stop making it fresh and instead serve Kraft macaroni and cheese. Literally. They proudly say on the menu that they make the stuff from the box. Hello? The bread is still amazing. And the cookies are awesome. And the decor is pleasant. So I'd like to give them three and a half stars, but I'm rounding it down to just three.
(3)James D.
Boudin serve a standard clam chowder bread bowel. Pricing is reasonable and location is very convenient. It's an enjoyable experience if you come in with the mindset of soup and bread, but otherwise you'll be disappointed.
(4)Bevan R.
So while I Looove the chowder from here and getting it in a fresh bread bowl is divine, I just cannot seem to justify the cost of a lunch here. For the price I feel like I should get more chowder but alas, I do not.
(3)JP P.
Just left Boudin, on my way to the dentist to have him check my fillings. I think I left my jaw muscles on the table. I'll have trouble chewing the rest of the day, but damn that's good clam chowder.
(4)C M.
If you aren't afraid of GREAT carbs in the form of yummy fresh baked bread then this is the spot. I was surprised how "un-fast-foody" this place felt though that is what I expected. I had a vegetarian pizza that was delish and at our table before I had chance to sip my wine. Yes... wine is available. Cheers! My friend had a really great chicken sandwich and salad and was very happy with it as well. Boudin SF seems a really nice use of the space formerly devoted to a great Java City coffee house. Menu - has great variety for light fare: sandwiches, pizzas, salads, soup, bread and of course, chowder. Also, cool breakfast choices. Ambiance - is very casual and comfortable but with a feeling better than just a sandwich shop. Service - great, quick, and friendly. I look forward to a return trip to try something else because the menu was more extensive than I expected and the soups and chilis in the bread bowl I saw go by looked REALLY yummy. Yeah... for a teensy piece of the big city right here at home.
(3)Elixa S.
I've eaten here twice and am just not impressed. The crab macaroni and cheese is flavorless and slightly runny. The chicken pesto sandwich is really dry, lacks flavor, and the bread is super hard. This place claims to be a bakery yet serves bread so hard I cut my gums trying to bite into it? The prices were too high for poor quality food.
(2)Jason W.
I love soup and my favorites are clam chowders and bisques. My favorite thing to order here is their half soup and half sandwhich combo. I usually order their clam chowder and turkey sandwhich. Absolutely a fan of dipping my sandwhich in the soup! However, i would have to say they are pretty pricey, especially for their portions and the flavor is just ok to good to me. Definately cannot compare to the bay area where the soup is fresh and not so artificial in flavor. None-the-less, Boudin is still a good place to have lunch.
(3)Valerie W.
the BEST fresh sourdough bread without the drive to San Francisco. so yummy & cheap prices... * i had the broccoli and turkey omlete . it was like 7 bucks.. i wouldve paid ALOT more, it was that good. Boudin SF also has a glass window, where you can watch the bakers roll and make fresh sourdough bread.
(5)Matt B.
I have popped into this place on a couple of occasions. Both times I left with a full stomach, but not overly satisfied. I probably could have gone home, made myself a PB&J and been just as content. With that said, it is not a bad option when in the area. Chowder in a bread bowl was tasty, burger on a baguette was under seasoned, and the pizza was enough for two to share.
(3)Ellen P.
Excellent soups, specials, sandwiches, and BREAD! I had one salad once that was not great, hence only four stars. My favorites are the tomato soup, chili bread bowl, turkey cranberry sandwich, and the crab macaroni and cheese. All the baked goods here have been superb, and I don't usually like sourdough bread.
(4)George P.
Being new in town, we were driving around trying to find a place to eat on a Sunday afternoon. When I suddenly saw Boudin in a hidden corner of Loehman's Plaza, I got excited and just had to try it. You place your order with a cashier, pay and get a number for your food to be delivered. So you don't deal with waiters and make your decisions all from the menu. Ordered the crabcake sandwich. The crabcake is between two slices of tasty sourdough bread, tomato slices and a big piece of lettuce. It's not bad, but you barely taste the crab. Choice of fries or a salad. The salad was an excellent mix of greens and a delicate dressing, $9.99. ** 1/2 stars Ordered a bowl of clam chowder (without the bread bowl). Excellent flavor, but it was mostly potatoes and an insignificant amount of clams. Comes with an excellent small piece of sourdough bread. Had to get up and get some butter. *** stars. My wife had a bowl made out of sourdough bread and a western chili. Strong cumin flavor overpowered the beans. * star Ambiance *** stars Will come back and try more dishes. The bread is just great!!
(4)Roman R.
Deplorable. This place is a serious mess. I ordered a turkey cranberry sandwich with no mayonnaise and no tomatoes and they gave me a turkey avocado. Then I brought it back to have them fix it and they gave me a turkey cranberry with mayonnaise and tomatoes. So, I bring it back again and then they give me a turkey avocado with no mayonnaise and no tomatoes. So I'm finally to lazy to go back to this lame place so i decided to call. They apologize and offer me a free sandwich on my next visit. The problem is the sandwich wasn't even good so i'm not even sure I want to go back and get another but the inner cheapo in me insists on collecting my free sandwich. So, when I finally go back to get my sandwich I do get a correctly made turkey cranberry, but it wasn't good. I will not be going back again. nuff said.
(1)Inigo M.
A pleasant surprise...thought they were only in San Francisco. Joe's Special was excellent...if you like ground beef, spinach, eggs, and mushrooms in something like an omelet. Try it with a sprinkle of sugar.
(4)Jen W.
The other day, my friends and I couldn't decide on a place to eat and finally decided on Boudin. I had only been to the one in Fisherman's Wharf and I thought the clam chowder was fantastic. When I ordered my clam chowder from Boudin SF in sac, the wait in line took longer than expected, so did the food preparation. The most dissappointing part of the meal was when my clam chowder was too salty. Maybe it was just me, but my friend said it was too salty also. : ( I think the Panera on Howe is way better.
(2)G K.
Superb service (hence 2 star) and below average food. Ordered the meat chili which was not cooked well and had to chew the beans for a while. My sister's clam chowder was also not so exciting with little flavor. Since we were the last costumers before closing, we were given free bread to take which was a nice gesture. Not a big fan.
(2)Anabelle S.
Despite a few of the other reviews, I actually really like thise place. Granted it's not the beloved orginal San Francisco location, but still great nonetheless. I have been here a few times and loved it every time. It'a a great place to go to grab an early lunch and chat with some choice friends! As a Pescetarian, I was impressed to see a wide variety of meatless options, and my Vegetarian friend can vouch for that as well. The crab cake sandwich is wonderful, and my friend loved her California Veggie sandwich. Their breakfast pizzas are tasty as well as beautiful, especially the spinach and egg pizza. They always have a plate of goodies to sample at the counter, which is how I fell in love with their lemon curd spread on a crunchy piece of toast...the epitome of summer in one petite bite! The boyfriend always gets a bread bowl of Clam Chowder with his meal, and although it's good, it's still not as good as the original Fisherman's Wharf version. This is a go-to place for my friends and I on a nice, early summer day for some great chow and nice conversation.
(4)Stephanie F.
Made me fall in love with Clam Chowdah!! Yummy soup, yummy bread, yummy pizza too.
(5)Lauren D.
I have mixed opinions on this place. I love the one in SF and was hoping that this one wouldn't disappoint. I went there a few months ago and had a great lunch there with my mom, but a couple of days ago I went there in the late afternoon and it was pretty much empty, but it took forever to get in and get out with my togo dinner order. The person at the counter was really friendly, but everyone that was working with her was just talking and wasting time. I would be so upset if my employees behaved the way that they did. It also didn't seem as clean as it could have been. The pastry case was full of crumbs and the counter that I waited at was all sticky. So I think my next trip will help me decide if I like it or not.
(3)Rosemary M.
I think the hype of this place is a thing of the past. Maybe it's better in S.F. where chowder in bread bowls hit the spot 60% of the year. Here in Sac a salad is in order 60% of the year and I must say it was a disappointment. Today I had the greens with blue cheese cranberries walnuts and vinaigrette. Add some chicken please. The plate was tiny, my chicken was uber processed scary stuff and covered in a glaze I was less than happy. J got a veggie chili that was pretty tasty. A previous visit I had a soup and half sandwich vegetarian and remember the sandwich was so sloppy with all the veggies that I had to eat it with a fork. I give them credit for the excellent sourdough roll on the side however. I prefer LaBou, Dads or even Crepeville for something of this variety. I will get more, better quality food and pay less.
(2)Stephanie M.
I dunno, people. The Beloved and the Heiress and I came by a few weeks ago, and I wasn't thrilled. The food took a long time to come (and I do believe it sat under the hot lamps while we tapped our fingers waiting), it wasn't really that affordable, and the quality was meh. Don't bother. Go to Panera - it's only a mile down the road.
(2)CAL L.
I had high hopes for Boudin as I love getting chowder in a bread bowl whenever I go to SF. Unfortunately, although the food is decent, I can't understand why the kitchen always takes sooooo long. I have been there 4 times since they opened. In the last 3 visits, my order took over 20 minutes each time. I had to wave down a server to see what was up, and each time they returned from the kitchen to ask what I had ordered. All I ever get is a combo -- half salad or half soup and half sandwich! The last visit, today, my turkey avocado sandwich arrived (again after 20 minutes) with no avocado. How hard is it to dish up pre-prepared soup and make a small sandwich? I don't even go during the lunch rush crush. I think they need to hire an entirely new kitchen crew.
(2)Greg S.
We were looking forward to this place for so long, we forgot to ask if it was any good. It is pretty good, but not great-ok, some of the dishes are not even good. But the bread is as advertised, sour and fantastic. The soups, on the other loaf, are dismal. I've tried the clam chowder (in a bread bowl) and the tomato (in a bread bowl) and found them both lifeless and dull (in a bread bowl). The chowder was like a bowl of cream into which a clam had been dipped ever so briefly, and the tomato had so little flavor, it was merely a suggestion of soup without being soup itself. Go for the bread, don't stay for the soup (in a bread bowl).
(3)Daisy N.
Great food and friendly service. Must have the breadbowl. This is a great place :)
(5)Faith C.
Eh. I dunno. I wasn't that impressed. Clam chowder was...clam chowder. It didn't blow me away. My turkey and avocado sandwich half was SMALL. I think it was a sandwich quarter, to be honest. And it was bland. Dry turkey, barely any type of sauce. I was expecting good things from this place, but it didn't really deliver for me. Not $9+ worth it for a small bowl of soup and a microscopic sandwich, anyway.
(3)Carissa C.
The food is yummy! Their soups & salads are great. I like the combo meal option. It's also kid friendly, which is nice! I will be back for lunch and/or dinner.
(4)Antoinette O.
Holy crap I had no idea there was a Boudin's here! I used to live off their clam chowder in a bread bowl when I lived in SF. I've tried their other sandwiches, like the turkey with cranberry - pricey and dry. Pizza with basil was okay, I could make that at home. I haven't tried the rest of their menu, but it's a great place to buy bread.
(3)Michelle I.
Just had lunch with gal-pal/co-worker CB... she had her usual cheddar burger.... i ventured off my wild and crazy side from the turkey/cranberry sandwich to the roast beef/cheddar.... yummy in my tummy.. tender, juicy, rare slices of beef, nice cheddar and added my signature touch to all sandwiches... globs of mustard!!! they I had never been to this place until gal pal CB recommended for work lunch get away, and it's always a sure bet for good food, service and atmosphere.. bring on the summer heat and you witll find us in the swealtering heat!!!
(3)Grace B.
I really really love it here. I ordered a Turkey Avocado Sandwich with a side salad. The Side Salad came with a Balsamic dressing. They had the San Pellegrino Blood Orange and so we ordered that too. Went well with my food. The workers there were extremely nice and patient. I never really knew how to order since it was my first time here. So they were really nice to just wait for me. It wasnt that crowded at the time. We took it to go and ate it at home. Every taste was delicious. The bread was so fresh and so was the salad was nice and crisp. I then realized after eating my sandwich and salad that BOUDIN was known for their Clam Chowder. Maybe next time I will try the clam chowder. Im dreaming about it right now.
(5)Michelle M.
Very satisfied with this location :) excellent service! Staff GREAT! Ordered our food for inside dinning and quick service soup HOT! Parking always hard to find and lines get long in here. On the way out picked up couple of sour dough baguettes. Don't forget their Rewards Card
(5)Carol P.
Boudin SF is one of those places that are good but overlooked when deciding "what's for dinner?". I don't know...I guess I'd rather be eating their bread bowl clam chowder in San Francisco, breathing in that cool San Francisco air. But we're in Sacramento (breathing in that *cough* hot Sacramento air), so when you eat at the Boudin's here at Loemann's Plaza, it's not about the clam chowder. It's about the SALAD! Hot soup and bread was the last thing on my mind in the 100+ weather. I had a bogo coupon to try their new salads. I asked the cashier about them and he recommended the "bahn mi" if I like a little kick but also said the "lemony couscous" was the most popular. I got them both, which, with the coupon, came under $10. The salads were huge! Definitely enough for 2 meals but once I started on the bahn mi, I couldn't stop eating! Mixed greens with noodles, pickled veggies, cubed grilled chicken, jalapenos, cilantro, carrots, bell peppers, purple cabbage, and a sesame dressing to die for. It was one of the best salads I've ever had! Great combination of flavors and fresh ingredients. You also get a couple pieces of their delicious signature sourdough bread, but who needs bread when it's all about the SALAD!
(5)CT P.
I love New England clam chowda. And as a genuine food/cook - I prefer to refrain from canned food. I love SF and as anybody who cruises Embarcadero knows, this is a good place to get a decent cup of soup, the bread is great and the sammies are on point. But i personally ONLY go for the chowda.
(4)Michael T.
Those silly people leaving bad reviews must have forgot they were paying under $10 for a meal. Butter nut squash in a bread bowl and a gourmet burger, what more could you ask? Good service, good food, clean, great price. I need to come here more often! Oh and don't forget the cookies!
(5)Nicole B.
Visited this restraunt for the first time today during lunch hour. The place was packed which is always a good sign! My friend and I were walked through the menu by the helpful staff and ended up ordering some grilled cheeses. The food was great, it reminds me a lot of Panera bread. The bread on the grilled cheese is so yummy! It is like a cheese lovers dream! Cheese bread stuffed with more delicious sharp cheese. YUM! We both opted for the greens as our side, you have a choice of chips or greens. The greens were so delicious, a crisp blend drizzled with their house vinaigrette very very good. The restaurant itself is clean and I really liked the designed sourdough that they had. Different sized lobster, sea turtles, and even pumpkins available to purchase. Overall, this place is a great spot to grab some lunch! I will be back!
(4)Kelly G.
Yum. I often crave a good soup, salad, or sandwich. Their butternut squash soup and the grilled cheese with brie and apple is amazing. Also, I like all of their salads that I have had. Can't go wrong for a nice light meal. I am glad we have one close to us.
(4)Brianne P.
Best grilled cheese sandwich I've ever had. Grilled cheese and tomato soup was an A+ combo. Yummy!
(5)Vanessa Z.
Fast, friendly service and good prices. The brie grilled cheese and butternut squash soup are to die for!
(5)Sophie M.
I'd give another star I they would just add chicken noodle soup to their soup menu! I'm extremely lactose intolerant and I can't really eat any of their soup bowls :/. I usually end up going to Panera with my friends because some of them are lactose too. Such a bummer. But other than that I love their sourdough and their staff is wonderful. However the lack of milk free choices is disappointing but my boyfriend loves boudin so we will keep coming back.
(4)Ashley L.
I absolutely love that there is a restaurant location so close to home. Too bad they just redesigned the floor and eliminated the break proofing room. Part of my favorite features of boudins was the fact that their starter comes from a big mother dough. I used to love peeking inside the glass cube. Get the frequent customer rewards card and you can get a free loaf every month!!! JACKPOT! My favorite thing to get is a sourdough clam chowder bread bowl with the apple side salad and a loaf in the shape of a turtle to go. You can also buy cans of their soups and a variety of breads to go from large to personal loads and rolls. The casual counter ordering isn't so bad because you get to sit in nice tables and wait for a server to bring you your yummy food! I suggest sitting outside on the patio. Loehmanns plaza is very nice in the afternoon under the cool shade under the cute awnings out front
(4)J D.
Just finished 1/2 Banh Salad 1/2 beef chili. Both were great! Excellent service and great food
(5)Alice A.
Resisting the urge to buy all the cute animal-shaped bread, this season they have a yummy new holiday "stuffing bread" loaded with garlic, rosemary, cranberries, and other delicious things~ It is egg-free and dairy-free too (hurray vegan options)! Only $2.99 for half lb bread bowl or $7.99 for a 2lbs loaf. The staff at this location is quite informative and friendly. I will be back for more holiday bread :)
(4)Diane Y.
Two things, sourdough bread plus some good ol clam chowda. Nothing beats that. I really like boudin and have bad clam chowder cravings from time to time so need to make regular trips here in order to satisfy my craving. I usually get the half and half with clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl and depending on how hungry I am, I order the half cobb salad or half of the italian sandwich. Both are very good. I recommend coming here for lunch but it can get pretty busy. You can't go wrong with a good bowl of clam chowder and tabasco sauce. They also have an assortment of bread and pastries. They aren't as big as panera's bakery but they are pretty yummy. I usually get a cookie or cheese danish on the side with my order. Friendly service and clean environment. Great place to go for a quick lunch!
(4)Letie W.
The only reason I've been coming here is for the free bread you can get every month for 1 year if you sign up for their rewards card. The bread is fantastic and I really enjoy their sausage breakfast sandwich. The only downfall for me is that this place is on the other side of town and a bit far from where I live. I think I would frequent it more if it was closer.
(4)Joanne S.
My daughter and I went for lunch today. I had been here a few times before but always gotten my food to go. Today we ate here since we wanted to look around the center. I was shocked at the service. The lady at the register was so nice and suggested some alternatives for us. I had clam chowder (my staple, love it!) and cobb salad. Both were delicious! My daughter had a turkey sandwich and said it was really good as well. While we were sitting and eating they came to check on us a couple times to make sure we didn't need anything. Very friendly service! My only complaint is they put the baked goods right by the register and I could smell them while ordering. Too tempting! Ok so its not a complaint but darn they are hard to resist. The restaurant is clean and everything I've eaten there has been delicious. Will be back.
(5)Stacy B.
Love this place everything I've had is delicious. It's great U can have a clam chowder bread bowl without having to drive to San Francisco.
(5)Jared W.
Not bad for a chain, not bad at all. The atmosphere at BoudinSF is almost as good as the food. Everything is clean, the seats are comfortable, and when you walk in, you feel like you've stepped off a boat onto a pier in San Francisco in the 1950s. Boudin has some great things going for it: delicious bread, tasty pastries, and decent coffee. The two best things on the menu: the grilled cheese sandwiches and the clam chowder bowl! The price is great too, and you almost never have to fight over seats!
(4)Barbara S.
When it's cold or rainy, or I miss my parents or I'm having a bad day, I want comfort food. Boudin offers that in spades. Clam chowder in a bread bowl with a side salad or their grilled cheese and tomato soup with a spring salad are two of my favorites to eat when I need cheering up. The sourdough bread here is excellent. The clam chowder is great and my personal favorite, the grilled cheese and tomato soup is a fancier version of what I usually make at home on gloomy days. The best thing about Boudin is their customer service. I think many of the people that work here are probably students at Sac State (just conjecture on my part), but they are genuinely friendly and helpful. I always leave impressed with how we are treated there. It doesn't feel forced (even if it is). They offer great meal deals and if you sign up for their rewards card, you earn free loaves of their wonderful sourdough bread to take home and enjoy.
(5)Alexandria M.
Go for the bread and the chowder, and don't stray. The rest of the menu items are.. ..okay. But the bread is really what you're going here for, let's be honest.
(3)Daniel G.
Food is great service is excellent and it's in a perfect location, love coming here. Really fast food delivery after ordering
(5)Genie e.
They use to have the best can clam chowder. I don't know happen but it the worst can clam chowder I've even had!!!!
(1)E D.
I recently visited this restaurant and thought it was similar to Panera Bread but on a little higher level with a larger selection, and larger portions. I was a little disappointed because I ordered the Goat Cheese and Apple Salad with Chicken, but there was very little chicken. Thank goodness an employee or manager came by to see if I was enjoying my meal. I informed him of the lack of chicken and he offered to bring me additional chicken to add to the remainder of my salad. Due to time restraints, I declined. Would I visit this restaurant again, Yes! It has that healthy mix of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods!
(3)Keely M.
My food was really good, I had no complaints while there but I got really sick after. Not blaming them but it was the only thing I had....I would go back could be fluke!
(3)Terri W.
Great Clam Chowder. Great atmosphere. Fast service. A bit spendy.
(4)Jessica M.
The service was fast and the food was incredible. Prices are good for the amount of food they serve.
(5)Tam M.
I love Boudin!!! Best albacore tuna in town!!! =) not to mention, the manager came over to our table and gave us free bread with butter because I was talking to him about how much I love their multi grain bread!! It was so nice of him to do that! Good atmosphere and great vibe.
(5)Jo M.
Best tomato soup ever! Oh, and the sourdough is pretty good, too (okay, that's an understatement: it's outstanding.)
(4)Laisiana S.
The meal was so awesome felt as if I was at a warf in SF. I had got the clam chowder And it was delicious! The bread
(5)Blythe M.
Great place to grab a sandwich and relax. Outstanding courteous service. This is the place to satisfy your craving for grilled cheese-lots of great options & all are delicious. Like how you can get a side salad with the sandwich choices. Join their bread club-you get a free loaf of standard bread and have to pay a small fee for some of the others but so worth it.
(5)Dani E.
When my mom comes to visit, this is our favorite place to eat! Food is great, staff=friendly to the max, and overall great service!
(5)Alliver V.
I am so glad that they have a Boudin SF here in Sacramento. Might as well be called Boudin Sacramento. When I am craving a clam chowder bread bowl, this is the go to spot. They offer a combo where you can get a half sandwich and a bread bowl. Boudin SF is moderately priced and This location is located in the Loehman's plaza. I highly recommend this place and I'd dine at Boudin SF again!
(5)France A.
9:00am on a Tuesday wasn't busy. I had the Tomato, Bacon & avocado Scramble. NEVER FAILS!
(5)Jamaica S.
As a native Sf'an I am used to good sourdough bread, fresh, with a crusty outside an soft middle, the tanginess hits your tongue and its like magic. Add clam chowder. Chili or soup to that bread and "stand by me JESUS" I'm in heaven. I've recently become more of a fan of the tuna fish, just heavenly not soggy or dry or under/over seasoned at all. I used to have to wait until I drove down I-80 towards vacaville to get it but now I can indulge as mush as I want
(5)Missy S.
I love this place. The food is delicious. I had the grilled cheese with ham and butternut squash. Whats even better is the service. Shout out to tyler! Every time ive come in hes super friendly and helpful. My fiance even said when he comes in hes the same way. Hope management sees this. He deserves a pat on the back.
(5)Ashley B.
Food is amazing. It really is. But the tasty good is overshadowed by the really poor customer service. The girls that work there make it so unpleasant. It's almost as though you are ruining their day by placing a special order or asking for a to go order. And don't even try curbside call in because no one will come out to get you, even if you call. I recommend trying another boudin.
(1)Patti R.
LOVE IT HERE! Super friendly, super clean and the sandwiches are off the hook! I usually get an Avocado/Turkey sandwich on wheat and it's so delicious that I want to come back the next day! You can also pre-order different shaped breads here. We got a 'Crabby Crab' for about $20 and it took about 3 days to receive--but we were in no hurry. He was totally cute and very good to eat! (It didn't hurt...I promise...!) Parking is lot-style and can be very tight. Especially as they share it with several other businesses including a bank across the way. Watch out for the cars coming off Fulton...the usually whiz right in and if you are backing out of your spot you need to have eyes in the back of your head!
(5)Dina G.
Today was my first experience with Boudin SF. I did an online to-go order and it was was ready when I got there... as it should have been since I had to hunt for a parking spot and then walk a half a mile. (No fault of Boudin but going to Loehmann's plaza during lunch time is just a really dumb idea.) I had the turkey and avocado and "upgraded" to a Caesar salad. They were both just , eh. The croutons on the salad were to big and it really didn't have much flavor, nor did the sandwich. I got my sandwich on the whole wheat roll and it was a very dull sandwich. The roll was to thick and was not gentle on the roof of my mouth. The portions were good sized. I probably won't be going back anytime soon.
(2)Jenni T.
Great lunch spot! Food- 4/5. I love their Grilled Cheese Sandwiches! Soo gooey and their bread is to die for! I have tried their Traditional Grilled Cheese which is great with a cup of their Rustic Tomato Soup for dipping... The BEST! But I also love their Grilled Cheese with Apples, Brie and Fig Jam! The flavor combination is great and it is something unique you don't see everywhere. Atmosphere- 5/5. I love it in here! Soo warm and welcoming and makes it feel (a little) like San Francisco or a cute little cafe. Very nice! Service- 5/5. Cashiers are always super friendly and helpful and they get your food out fast! Everything is always made correctly and consistently which is great so you know what to expect every time. Vegetarian Friendliness- 3.5/5. They have the above mentioned grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup and probably a salad or two which I have yet to try. Decent selection for such a small menu. Overall- 4/5. I love coming here for lunch when I am craving a grilled cheese sandwich. I love that there is a place in the area that I can go to get a great hot sandwich and this is it!
(4)Katie K.
This place is awesome! I love LOVE their clam chowder bread bowls! It's so nice having one here since I can't always make it to San Francisco...and to me Boudin's is a special part of going to San Francisco...so I'm extremely thrilled having one this close to me. They have great and fast service, and their employees are so nice and friendly. All of their food is delicious too. I always have a great experience whenever I come here, I highly recommend this place!
(5)Joe M.
Just got a burger but it was really good
(5)Heather S.
I really like Boudin! The clam chowder is yummy.... but the sourdough bread. GASP. I love me some good sourdough.... I am also a fan of their salads. Love that they have choices. The salads to go are HUGE! Boudin is best on a rainy day :)
(3)Lesya O.
After hearing everybody rave about this place I thought I had better come in and try it out for myself..and it was amazing! Best clam chowder in town! The service is great, all the associates were very friendly and the manager even came by to see how everything was. Will be back soon to try the grilled cheese :9
(5)Cassandra F.
Had lunch here the other day. I only order clam chowder bread bowls when I go to Boudin and this one was one of the best. Clams were fresh and plump, not gritty, and the chowder was seasoned perfectly. The bread is nice and crusty on the outside, and soft in the middle. Basically perfection. Service was friendly and fast and they kept the dirty tables cleared. I like when I order loaves to go they always offer to slice it without any eye rolling or attitude. Overall, much better than the Galleria location!
(5)Mindy M.
I love this restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's had to decide what to order with the grilled Brie, apples, and fig jam sandwich; the butternut squash soup; the various salads; and more. If you go, consider joining their rewards program: you will get a free loaf of bread every month and periodically $3 off your purchases.
(5)Mei W.
Cham clowder please! I've come to this location numerous of times and always ordered their clam chowder. It's super creamy and not too salty like most other places. There's ample amount of tiny clams and it's not loaded with just all potatoes - you know, like how Progresso clam chowders are. I've tried their sandwiches before and it wasn't all that great. My hubby recently ordered their steak sandwich and it was super dry. Just be smart and stick to a bowl of chowder, after all it is what they're known for. They have plenty of tables available for dine in and a few tables for outdoor dining during the summer. You can order at the counter and have a seat as they will bring your food order to you. Majority of the time I've never had to wait in a line when ordering. But during holiday season - whew, it's a mad house in there. This is a great place for lunch!
(4)Ruhjeenuh Z.
Not too shabby. Not as amazing as SF but still yummy & filling. The salad was delicious and the turkey avocado sandwich wasn't bad either.
(4)Diana F.
Clam chowder in a bread bowl is what I dream of these winter days....delicious!
(4)Scott S.
This place is a great spot to get a good burger and great fresh bread. The staff is always friendly and the food is fresh and prepared quickly. My favorite item is the mushroom burger. They are always moist and the bun is toasted to perfection.
(4)Grant O.
Great experience- very friendly and professional staff- really good bread!
(4)Amanda W.
Got a last minute request for catering for a meeting and had to do a call ahead order for about 10 people. The food was packaged perfectly, was ready early and I got help carrying it to my car. It looks amazing I wish I got to eat it!
(4)Brian B.
A great place to enjoy a nice lunch with the Misses, that's usually what I'm doing at Boudin. There's a few shops in Loehman's Plaza that we frequent so we find it pretty easy to just make an executive decision after shopping and stop in for a sandwich. If the weather is nice, I encourage the outdoor seating. Staff is friendly, mostly college kids with smiles that make it a point to ask how everything tastes on a regular basis. The food I've tried here has been delicious, mostly just soups and sandwiches though. I recently tried the Fra' Mini Ham & Brie sandwich with Rustic Tomato Soup and I have to admit, it was awesome. The soup was creamy and full of flavor with small pieces of tomato (which I'm actually not a fan of in my tomato soup). The sandwich came with moderate amounts of ham and brie and grilled nicely with good crunch. It was the perfect pairing to dip that thing into the cup of soup and I enjoyed each bite. The Turkey and Havarti is usually my go-to sandwich here because you can't really go wrong with it. The meat portions seem to be a little more on the generous side with this sandwich when compared to the grilled ham and cheese. It's a light and refreshing sandwich served on a sourdough baguette although there's been a few times when the baguette has been pretty chewy and required some extra tug. All-in-all it's just a great sandwich in my opinion. You must get the Clam Chowder in a bread bowl, at least that's my opinion. You can actually taste and recognize the clams in their chowder here, unlike most places' clam chowder. Their pastries aren't bad but usually I already have a handful of Bundt Cakes in the car from shopping so I hold out for those. Salads are a good bang for the buck if you're into those. Moral of my story - Boudin is known for their delicious breads and I think they have delicious bread. They have great sandwiches and soups and there's something refreshing and healthy about this place that I crave whether it's a cold, rainy night or an awesome spring afternoon.
(4)Vince L.
Yummy sandwiches. I tried the crimini mushroom burger with cheddar cheese and it was awesome. One of the best sandwiches I've had in a long time. I also tried my son's grilled cheese w/ bacon. Yum.
(5)K B.
Very delicious sandwiches and soup here. My favorite is the grilled brie cheese, apples and fig chutney, yum! Definitely not low in calories but they do have healthy choices. They also have burgers, pasta and fish on the menu. Try the butternut squash soup, very flavorful. I've never tried their baked goods but they look top notch. I've had great service on both visits and their prices are reasonablish. Nice outdoor seating, parking can be a bit tricky during peak times.
(4)Susan W.
This is a great place for a good bite to eat if you're craving for quality sandwiches salads & soup. I always get the grilled chicken with pesto and upgrade my salad to a Caesar salad. I've tried their clam chowder both here and the original one in SF, always good! I love admiring their sourdough animal creations on display. I loved their snicker doodles wish they would bring them back! - husband loved them! :o( The staff is always changing every time I come in. Although, some days the service at the registers are a hit or miss.
(4)Anthony H.
I came to boudins few days a go an bought some some sandwich for my friend and me. It was good. The soup and the bred are good. I will come back sometimes for the lunch during my lunch break.
(4)Eddie C.
We learned their stuffing flavored bread and Jordan was very helpful to put what condiments to put in my clamchowder soup. Tabasco and lemons to give it a zests! #gojordan --thank you from Lucky Rabbit Tattoo Eddie
(4)Ryan F.
The bread is the real deal. If you want fresh sourdough that's not pre-packaged like the stuff at the grocery store, this is the place to go. As far as the food I ordered, it was good but not great. I had clam chowder in a bread bowl, one of my favourite things ever. It was good chowder, but something was missing seasoning-wise. The price was good, under $7 for a meal that will keep you full for the rest of the day. Service was very good.
(3)Nicole A.
After a long, exhausting day, I was looking forward to a quiet Friday evening with some clam chowder and a Turkey & Havarti sandwich from SF Boudin. After making the long journey to and fro, as I don't live near the restaurant, I curled up under a blanket on the sofa, starving and excited to get to my sandwich. What I found was canned tasting clam chowder and a very bland turkey sandwich, consisting of way too much turkey, too little mayo, and a huge, oversized piece of lettuce that was nothing more than a pain in the rear. Where's the cheese I had so longed for? A tomato slice maybe? So I called back and explained the situation to Ebony who, without any apology whatsoever, asks, "Well so do you want to drive it back and we'll put the slice of cheese on it??" Clearly said with disdain. When I explained the situation to her regarding the distance, she replied, again without apology, "Do you want me to send you a gift certificate for THE CHEESE?" The cheese!! Not the sandwich for my inconvenience and their error, not for the sandwich and another free for my efforts, with their sincerest apologies. Not even a freaking "I'm sorry", for Christ's sake! Given the price of the food, the bad attitudes of staff, the just 'okay' food, and the fact that sandwich/coffee shops are a dime a dozen, I will not be going back to redeem my GC for the missing slice of cheese. Unbelievable, Ebony! If you don't like a respectfully and rightfully complaining customer, don't make such stupid mistakes or get another job. It would have all been perfectly fine if you showed a little class and said something like, "Oh, I'm so sorry about that. We can either fix it tonight if you bring it back, and I'll add a gift certificate for a free sandwich for your next visit due to your inconvenience, or if that's not possible, give me your mailing address and I'll send out two gift certificates for free sandwiches in the mail to you right away." THAT'S customer service, as well as a show of maturity for owning your mistakes and apologizing for them. A bit of advice from a psychologist who spent many years in customer service while going through school. Grow up.
(2)Joe Y.
Picked up my monthly "free loaf" of their famous sourdough bread.... Yummmmm!!!
(5)Heather M.
This place is amazing! Every time I go here the food is wonderful, the employees are so friendly and helpful and the atmosphere is fantastic. I have gone hete several times and would suggest the grilled cheese and Turkey to anyone.
(5)Richard S.
Great bread and love their sandwiches.
(4)Charles R.
Came here with my girlfriend because she loved the original in San Francisco. I'd never heard of the place but she was impressed with the original. What a disappointment. I ordered a burger and clam chowder. The burger obviously from a frozen patty) was overcooked and tasteless. Don't understand how they think it is worth over $8.00. Habit burger down the street is ten times better for less than half the price. Clam chowder in a bread bowl looks good but was also quite uninspiring. I'm sure it was fresh out of the can but I've tasted better from Progresso. I definately will not be back.
(2)Jen Y.
Good except for my wilted salad with lettuce cores. I've been here a few times, mostly when I went to school in the area. The burgers are consistently juicy and very filling. Sandwiches have mostly been good, although I didn't think the crab melt was worth it. The soup is hit or miss. Sometimes I'm like, why didn't I just buy progresso? I have the most trouble with the salads...not the entrée salads, but the ones that come with your food. I have found wilted leaves and cores every single time. The service, however, is always wonderful. Everyone is sweet and the tables are cleaned very quickly. The bread is great, too.
(3)Lynn P.
Boudin SF made a great first impression on me. I have never seen such amazing-looking, enormous loaves of bread before! These are displayed right behind the register. It's worth it just to walk in and take in the sight! So, I haven't tried many of their items yet, but I will say that the Grilled Brie with Apples & Fig jam sandwich is a fantastic, delicious, eclectic mix of flavors. Onto other aspects of this place. It was clean and we were well attended to. Miraculously, my client and I were able to find a spot where I could plug in my laptop and work together for a good hour or so during the regular, busy lunchtime hour. Great first experience!
(4)Gianna K.
Amazing food and costumer service! Definitely will be back!
(5)Amanda M.
Great food, clam chowder is to die for but go for the bbq chicken salad really amazing! Only down fall is that you can not get hot sandwiches as part of your combo.
(4)Michelle R.
I really love this place. The service is always super fast and friendly. The food is always fresh as well. I like how they have tables outside in the patio so you're able to sit outside and eat. You're able to purchase bread to take out too.
(5)Steph G.
The front entrance is like an aisle of Carb porn! Not sure what a Yelper's etiquette is for yelping a place while sick? Here goes nothing... So, I've avoided this place like the plague since a few good hearted attempts when it first opened. We tried the famous crab-something (sandwich or melt, I think), mac n cheese, etc. - but every time I ate here I left like a salt bomb exploded inside me. Everything was salty, no me gusta! I was hesitant to go, but I told my friend to pick, so here I was. Baller on a budget - we rocked some coupons she had. I was able to get 2 sandos, a bowl of soup, and a treat for $13, not too shabby. I ordered The Great with Bacon and added a bowl of their garlic tomato soup. I'm guessing my congestion absorbed all the saltiness or they are scaling back, but everything tasted normal. My Grilled Cheese with bacon was delightful, plenty of bacon (which is always a plus in my book), good blend of cheese, and the bread wasn't too sourdough tasting, and they did the melt cheese on the outside of the bread. Perfect ratio of crunchy bread to stringy cheese bite. I also got the side of chips, just typical bag of plain "salty" chips. The soup had really good flavor, the texture of their tomatoes was a little creepy - I think they were sun dried tomatoes but soggy...I wasn't too sure :/ My what was supposed to be my commuters breakfast treat, became a half eaten desert: their Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin. This little guy was pretty delectable. The muffin top (hahaha) was crispy around the edges with sugar gems all over the top. It was dense and moist, and the lemon flavoring wasn't overbearing. It was tasty, overall, but man it was greasy/buttery - I have the paper bag to prove it! Overall, I can't really hate on them anymore. I'll give them a few more chances, especially when I'm not sick - let's test their salt levels again. Ballers-on-budgets, look for their mailer coupons, they are a pretty good deal! Everyone deserves a second, third, fourth, or fifth chance...right?!?
(3)Jiong L.
Came here for the first time last week and I am in love! I love the clam chowder! It's what they're known for, and they do a great job at it. I felt like I was in SF, without the drive! Came in around 12, and it was busy. I ordered the Clam Chowder in a Sourdough bread bowl with a side of caesar salad, and it was delicious! The clam chowder was nice and warm, and the romaine in the salad was fresh. In no time, I was full and happy. The service was great as well, everyone was generous and kind. Will definitely be returning to try the different things on the menu, or maybe just to have clam chowder because I will always have a special place for it in my tummy!
(4)F I.
We just finished eating at this location. I had the clam chowder which was ok but my California burger was just horrible. It tasted like I was eating air!!! The meat had no flavor or taste whatsoever! My daughter had the grilled cheese and I found hair in her sandwich. They get 2 stars as opposed to one star just because the clam chowder and my daughter's chocolate chip cookie were ok otherwise it would have been one star rating.
(2)Jeremy G.
Last week this location gave me one of the warmest customer service experiences I've ever had. My friend got her food, then, 8 or so minutes later, after seeing the rest of us without plates, an employee named Dominick (forgive the possible misspelling) gave us a sincere eye-to-eye apology and some free bread compensation, AND a female employee whose name escapes me gave a member of my party a Boudin gift card when we asked her where our orders were. All in all, the food was a mere few minutes late, and the employees at this location met us with prompt compensation (fiscal AND emotional) that more than erased the very minuscule kitchen hiccup. It should be noted that my party was not pushy or upset about the small wait; the employees acted on their own judgment and will to deliver quality service.
(5)Jake J.
Delish, as Boudin usually is. Tricky parking at this location as many will agree. The food is excellent. The prices do get a little high if you want to splurge. All in all, very good. Will be going back!
(4)Karolyn H.
Best clam chowder in town! The clam chowder in the bread bowl is a must. Definitely will be back
(4)Jon C.
Had a late night dinner with the family.. I always love the service here. There is always a smile to greet you at the register. Kids had the bread bowl which was good. I had the Tuna Salad Sandwich that was ok. My Fiancé had the Fra' Mani Artisan Ham & Brie. Bread was a little tuff. We did have dinner late so that may have contributed to tuff bread. She said her sandwich was ok. We don't get a chance to eat out much during the week so maybe I had a higher expectation of the food quality. For our, once in a while weekday dinner outing, it was.... Ok. The kids ending with snickerdoodle and peanut butter cookies. They LOVE the cookies. It will be awhile before I return for dinner. I will be back for the cookies and FRESH sourdough bread though.
(3)Alex T.
If you haven't been here in a while because you had a bad experience, IT'S TIME TO GO BACK! About three years ago, this place was horrible. The food was ok, the staff was rude, they would close early, if you came in twenty minutes before they closed they would tell you to leave. I remember writing a complaint letter on their website, and was treated with the highest level of respect. I believe they did some house cleaning firing most of the old staff. Now this place is AMAZING!!!!! I've been here many times and every time I am more and more impressed, especially with the high level of customer service. Food is delicious! There is nothing better, especially on a rainy day (or any day for that matter) than grilled cheese and an amazing cup of their tomato soup (remember to ask for more croutons, as they are so buttery and amazing!) I also recommend the clam chowder in bread bowl, and the tuna sandwich which is a go to dish for me here. Also don't forget to pick up a some freshly baked bread on your way out. Ambience: Nice Food: Delicious Customer Service: AMAZING!!!!!!!
(5)Anna S.
Not impressed at all. I've been to this Boudin and the one is Roseville. I came here today because it is near the American River Trail, where I went on a family outing. I usually get the Spring Salad at the Roseville location and decided to get that today. We came at lunch and it was pretty busy. The salad I got today was so bland and boring. Usually the Roseville location fills the bowl with spring salad and then generously layers the salad with feta, cranberries and spiced walnuts. Today I got the salad and decided to add the $1.99 chicken. This salad was SO bland. They barely filled the bowl with salad and put maybe two tablespoons of feta and walnuts. Then they put the smallest amount of chicken on top. Such a waste of money. To top it all off..they forgot the cranberries. I was very disapointed in the food and presentation at this Boudin location. I will not be back. They could should do better. I'll skip this location and go to my favorite Boudin in Roseville.
(2)Stephanie T.
I discovered this place when I was actually trying to look for sponsorships for my organization at Sac State. I was hungry and dropped in to see what they had. I love San Francisco, so this place caught my eye! My friend suggested that I try the clam chowder, which sounded good. But the special that day was the Lobster Bisque, which sounded even better! It was probably one of the best soups I've ever had, all served in a nice, hot, and fresh sourdough bread bowl. I love the atmosphere of this place. It feels like you're not even in Sacramento anymore, which I kind of love sometimes. It's also pretty cool when the hot bread is out and the entire staff will take turns yelling out "Hot bread!!" I've been here a few times, and have also tried their grilled sandwiches, which I have to say are pretty good too. Sandwiches are one of my favorite foods, so I can appreciate a tasty sandwich made with fresh bread. The staff here is also pretty nice. I would definitely come back and eat here, or even come by to study as well, since it doesn't get super loud.
(4)Susan H.
Sandwiches are great. I ran into one problem. I wanted a small serving of clam chowder to go with my sandwich. They told me that was not possible . they only had one size of soup unless I had a half sandwich then I could get a small soup. Is that silly or what?
(2)Hadleigh W.
I had a sandwich with brie cheese, sliced pears, fig jam, and I added ham to it. Best decision ever to add the ham! SO good! The mixed greens on the side wasn't much, but that sandwich made up for it!!
(5)Tina W.
One of my favorites for lunch and now breakfast. Staff is very friendly and helpful. I have been here many times and never had bad service. I usually have a sandwich salad combo. Tuna is a yummy choice. However, if you want a hot sandwich, I suggest the grilled ham and cheese. It probably has a billion calories but is totally worth it. They put parmesan cheese on the outside of the sandwich, then grill it. The cobb salad is also pretty good. The tropical tea is my favorite tea. I have stopped by just for it. Breakfast is a good value plus tasty. The egg sandwich was the hit with our family. I think it was $5. Last, the outdoor seating has an awning with shades extending down so we all don't get sunburned while eating. This is a new addition in the last 30 days.
(4)Lauren M.
Food here is amazing. Great lunch specials. The burgers are actually really good! The bread, if course, is wonderful. They have the best sourdough on the west coast. They ship in mother dough from SF every week or two. Don't forget to ask them to cut your loaf for you!
(4)Jason G.
The sourdough ciabatta (I guess you call it a loaf as it was a huge chunk of bread) was excellent. I really like the outer texture as it's not as chewy as a regular sourdough loaf or roll but yet still has enough balance of crunch and chewiness, while the inside is soft as can be.
(4)Sarah Y.
Who doesn't like this place???? I grew up in the South Bay and taking a trip to SF for the day always included lunch at Boudin for the original sourdough with clam chowder. Of course that was before they built that big fancy one they have now at the warf and before they made it a chain. Either way It's still delicious. Came for the first time on a nice sunny spring day. Had the 1/2 Italian sandwich with bowl of clam chowder. I swear you can't go wrong with anything when you have meat and cheese on a Boudin baguette, that crunchy hard roll paired with salty cured meats and provolone, makes me want one right now and it's 7am! And I don't even know if I can comment on the clam chowder, it's a memory, it's walking along Fisherman's Warf with the salty ocean wind stinging my face then warming up with a bowl of this goodness. Seriously though if you have never had fresh clam chowder in SF or in Monterey then you have never had clam chowder! The best part of this lunch was it was reasonably priced. The only question during lunch was this though, "Will the sourdough taste different during our 100 degree summers?" Because if you didn't know, sourdough bread all depends on the temperature and humidity of where it's baked.
(5)Sheryce S.
Boudin radiates comfort, from the food to the setting. There are so many things on their menu that are worth trying, however I usually stick with my staple meal of greek salad and tomato soup. It's fantastic and so flavorful! Usually this combo comes in a bread bowl, but I usually get mine without. I mean, the soup comes with a sourdough roll and has homemade croutons on top. That's plenty for me. The portion of this half soup and salad meal is pretty large and filling too. Items on their menu include: soups, paninis, sandwiches, burgers, and salads. If you really like the bread too, you can get some of it to go. They also serve breakfast, which I haven't had a chance to check out yet. You order at the counter, so tip is not necessary. Meals are decently priced and if you get a drink your total usually ranges from about $8-$12 or so.
(3)Jon M.
We had the baguette burger great as usual! Also had the rustic tomato soup mmmmmm in a sourdough bowl. Soup is always great on a cool evening.
(4)Kahikina R.
A good place to meet up for lunch. I had the grilled brie with apples and fig jam melt, but I also added turkey. It was delicious! The employees were friendly, atmosphere was busy but not overwhelming. I like the convenience of this place because it's so close to where I work.
(4)Robyn M.
Monday they have vegetarian chili in a bread bowl.... oh so good! Portions are large and everything I've had has good flavor! There can be a line during lunch time but service is really fast!
(4)Summer M.
First came here when Boudin opened because J swore by it... I'd never been to any Boudin so I wanted to try it. I remember getting a sandwich with bread SO rough and hard that it cut the hell out of the roof of my mouth. I was told that the bread had a thicker crust because it was supposed to be crunchy... I understand there's different kinds of bread but DAYMN it shouldn't be like eating a shingle! That was a few years ago and I've been back plenty of times since. Boudin is one of my favorite places for warm comfort food when it's cold outside. I've enjoyed many of their salads, soups, pasties and assorted entries, but I've never chanced getting a sandwich again.
(3)Ruth P.
Came in today for some clam chowder. The girl at the register has great customers service. My soup was good and hot. I got a slice of wheat bread to go with it. The bread here including the sourdough is good. Will probably be back soon to try a burger. Thanks for a great experience Boudin.
(4)Bobby R.
Best bread in Sacramento!
(5)Loren L.
DAMN! How do I do this....hmm..let see.....I came here twice recently once by myself and the other with a pal. First visit: clam chowder bread bowl....nice guy brought it to my table, went to fetch a pepper mill for me, I look down...hair in my soup.....GD! I nicely pointed at it when he came back...our eyes had an understanding...minutes later had a pipping hot bread bowl of fine clam chowder. Could it of flown there while it was being walked to my table...sure, could it be his...sure....needless to say it wasn't a huge deal, but I felt I had to have full disclosure here. Minus 1 Star. Second visit: combo sandwich and soup. Very nice, real good no problems. The bread is just fantastic, crisp and flavorful yummy! I bought a sourdough sliced to go and it was sooo good at home making things from toast, to sandwiches this was some great bread. The menu has really grown so will I be back....yeah. Maybe they will earn that star back....guess I'll have to wait n see.
(3)Jennifer B.
This place reminds be of Panera bread or some other mediocre fast-casual chain place. I got the clam chowder, and while it tasted good, the cans by the register made me suspect that the soup I was eating was indeed from a can. The bread was tasty, however it wasn't scooped out enough. This left me receiving more bread and less chowda'. The chowder was okay, but I think I only ate about 3 clams. Boo! My friends ate sandwiches and salads and they were all pleased with their meals. Also, this location is relatively inexpensive. My bread bowl was around $7 with tax. The turtle and gator breads were super cute. All of the loaves for sale looked fresh, fluffy and delish.
(3)S D.
The place is clean, the food is great, but best of all- the employees are super nice! Today, I drove 30 minutes out of my way just to pick up take out!
(5)Tammy S.
I absolutely love this place! The clam chowder is delicious; wouldn't want to go anywhere else for it! It gets crowded around lunch time but hey, it's lunch time and everyone's hungry. If you're a clam chowder fan, this is definitely the place to go to!
(5)Prescila B.
Not sure about much other than the bread, but I'd say the bread here is close to perfect. Crunchy crust, soft middle..one of the better bread companies in the Sac area.
(4)Yvonne N.
I swear every time I'm done eating a sandwich from any Boudin location, I leave with a sore jaw! Came here for a beautiful day's lunch with the boyfriend after some shopping. Perfect day, huh? We walk in and they were giving samples of their new salads! The Mediterranean Salad and the Thai Chicken Citrus Salad. Both were amazingly delicious! The two of us ended up ordering Clam Chowder in a Bowl with the Thai Chicken Citrus Salad and a Turkey and Havarti Cheese Sandwich. Of course, their clam chowder never fails. The Thai Chicken Citrus Salad is my new favorite! And the Turkey and Havarti Cheese Sandwich was just good. It came with a small bag of Tim's potato chips, not my all time fave but still good. Everything and a drink came up to be about $18, not bad! One thing I haven't had at Boudin's is their breakfast. Hopefully their breakfast won't have me leaving with a sore jaw. Must. Try!
(4)Darren Y.
Clam chowder in bread bowl! You no longer have to drive out to SF to get clam chowder in a bread bowl, Boudin SF has come to Sac town. Actually it been here for a couple of years now, but it's one of my favorite places to get Clam Chowder in a sour dough bread bowl. The atmosphere pretty much the same at all the locations and I always like to see them making the bread through the display window and marvel at there creative bread creations. I usually get the soup and salad combo for $8.95, which includes Clam Chowder in a bread bowl and your choice of side salads. My two favorite salads are the spring mix which comes with cranberries, apples, gorgonzola cheese and candied walnuts.The greek salad, is a mix of cucumber, katamala olives, and feta cheese both are very tasty and full of flavor. I love to dip the excess bread into the chowder and taste the warm and creamy chowder and I usually finish the whole bread bowl as well. If you get a rewards card and register online you receive a free loaf of bread a month only for the first year when you stop in at any location. Recommendation: Try their Clam Chowder in a bread bowl
(4)Erica C.
I love the Clam Chowder here. It's so delicious, but it's not as good as the one in SF. I always order my Clam Chowder Bread Bowl To-Go for lunch. Today it literally took 2mins for me to get my food. I was in and out of there in less than 5min. It's a great place to stop by for lunch! :) I haven't really tried any else her besides the Clam Chowder and Caesar Salad here. But everything on the menu always sounds appealing! :)
(4)Mary M.
This has become one of my new favorite places to visit for lunches these days. On Mondays they have a vegetarian chili that is to die for; of course I get it in the bread bowl and depending on my carb-attack, I will consume most of the bowl!!! I normally get the bowl and soup combo with the mixed green salad that comes with walnuts, apples, cranberries and feta cheese. Simply delicious!!! I have also tried their meat chili and their tomato bisque soup. The chili is very hearty with just the right amount of seasonings; it could be a bit more spicier. The tomato bisque is fresh and light and satisfying. I love them all. My gf had the lobster bisque, which she said was very good too. The place does get pretty packed at the standard lunch time, so I usually try and go later around the 1pm time and I can get right in without any hassles.
(5)Abigail L.
It was warm and comforting when I went in today around 1:30pm. It was still pretty crowded but there wasn't a huge line. I ordered the clam chowder in a bread bowl because I was craving it and who doesnt love clam chowder in a sour dough bread bowl. I demolished my chowder and the bread bowl. I noticed by the time I got to the sourdough bread bowl the rich cream soaked into the bread and it was delicious. The service was good too, they were very prompt and quick. One of the employers even came by my table and asked me how I was doing and if I needed more butter. Service was definitely better than I expected and clam chowder is delicious as always.
(4)A M.
This place is a chain, but it maintains a few key elements that make it great, such that I'll keep coming back. Fresh baked bread in house made right in front of you. That's a huge bonus! Baguette burger was delicious, filling, but not so big that I want to vomit. It was just right for me. The toppings were fresh, and it came with a decent sized fresh salad (way better than the chips which are the other option). Also, the burger meat was particularly tender, as though they grind it really finely. It was almost mushy, but had been crisped up nicely on the outside. Usually mushy is a bad thing, but this burger meat was really, really good. My wife got a clam chowder in a bread bowl. The chowder was actually delicious. It was the classic creamy new england variety, and was as good as some of the best chowders I've had (e.g. Ivar's in their original northwest locations). I was pleasantly surprised by this. I honestly expected a good experience, but didn't expect we'd like to go back. I was wrong. We'll be back here again for sure, especially with friends and on laze weekends for lunch. Did I mention fresh bread?
(4)Linda N.
Totally loved the vibe in here! Felt like I was in the city eating at a really nice shop. However, the menu was a bit pricey and unmemorable. You can get bread, soups, sandwiches, and all that jazz at Panera as well. It was breakfast time and I ordered a breakfast sandwich and it came with potatoes. Really good but I could've made it at home. I bought it for $4.29 Cool vibe, ehhhh food selection
(3)Heidi H.
Came in here one morning after hubby went to the chiropractor next door. Being our first time here I wasn't sure how things worked. It was OK since as I was looking at the menus they had out and glancing at the dining room, one of the staff must have saw my confusion and told us to got to the counter and order then they would bring food to us. Hubby opted for a veggie omelet and I asked if they were ready for lunch yet and if I could order a salad and I was happy they said yes. My salad was HUGE and a good price and hubby's breakfast looked and tasted fantastic (I stole a few bites). My salad was too much for one person but hubby was glad to finish it off for me. They have Peets Coffee and tea items here and the iced tea was great. The most important thing that stood out to me here was the employees! They were all so cheerful and had smiling faces on. Every one of them seemed genuinely happy to be there and that is very nice to see. That's exactly why they got that last star. It seemed everyone had a job to do and did it well, I will certainly be back to try a few more things on the menu. Bring a friend though cause their portions are big. You can certainly get two meals out of their salads.
(5)Joe K.
I have been going to Boudin Bakeries in San Francisco for years. Why else would you go there than for their sour dough bread and for some soup? I just read a bunch of reviews for their salads which is to me like going to a steak house and ordering fish. Repeat after me; "I am going to Boudin Bakery for the sour dough bread". Whether you get clam chowder or a chicken pot pie is secondary. It is all about the bread. When I finally got around to going to the Boudin SF Bakery in Loeman's Plaza it reminded me of any other Boudin Bakery I have ever been to, great bread, average soup. They give you a small round loaf of sour dough bread with the center cut out and a cup of soup ladled in. The center of the loaf is also on your plate with a small side salad so you can tear chunks off and dip them in your soup before eventually devouring the whole soup saturated bowl. As long as Boudin Bakeries keep making the sour dough I will keep coming back.
(4)Rich H.
Must add tobasco to chowdah. No sweet french bread sold here. What a treat and you don't have to drive all the way to SF. Fresh Baked bread is awesome. Had the breakfast sanwich before which was awesome. Friendly staff. Will be back
(4)Erica K.
Sourdough..... One of the things people take for granted most in life if you ask me! It is seriously a gift of the gods, and it was created in SF..... surprise surprise!!! I went to the this Boudin for lunch. The location is great and surrounded by a ton of shops (and a personal fav of mine, Loehmans!). The service was good and the people were very friendly. Grandma and I both had the chicken salad with grapes, and it was delicious! My dad had the brie grilled cheese with fig jam, and that was a home run sandwich. The only disappointment was that side salad was a bit lack luster. It wasn't really dressed, so it was very, very dry.
(4)Cin S.
We were in the area and my significant other saw the restaurant. He said let's go and try the food. Once we saw the menu, we were sold and went inside the restaurant. The employee behind the cash register greeted us as we walked up. I decided to have the turkey cranberry sandwich while my bf had the pesto beef sandwich. When we were done ordering, we went to the drink section with huge varieties like fountain drinks, organic iced tea, and coffee within one area. The place was packed on a Saturday afternoon for a big restaurant. There are plenty of tables indoor and outdoor. The restaurant is nicely decorated with their signature cute bread animal decoration. Then, we realized this is the same restaurant as the one in the bay area since it was our first time. The food was good. I sure love my sandwich. As for my bf, the pesto beef sandwich is okay because his artisan bread was too tough. Don't get me wrong. The flavor and the meat of the sandwich were awesome. We probably are used to soft and crunchy bread. For once, my sandwich was better than my bf's order. Yay... There are plenty of parking since it is in a shopping center. We will definitely be back and will add this new place to our regular lunch spots.
(4)Kayleigh U.
Go to lunch order: the SF combo of clam chowder with a goat cheese + fuji apple salad. Yumm!
(4)Andres T.
The service was fast enough, but the sandwich(Toasted Chicken Club) I ordered didn't have much flavor and the bread was slightly burnt. I had heard good things about it, maybe it was just a bad day.
(2)Lisa F.
Service- 5/5. The Cashier was quick to greet us, super friendly and helpful, and the food came out fast! Everything was made correctly, and the server followed up twice after delivery - perfect. Food- 4.5/5. We had early Sunday family dinner and our group enjoyed the Blue Note Burger, the Chili (in yummy bread bowl, of course) and the kid's cheese pizza. All were delicious, the burgers were just slightly less cooked than ordered but were flavorful, and the wine was on special, an unexpected surprise. Atmosphere- 5/5. Warm, welcoming, inviting. We'd been to the SF location and this one holds up nicely to it. Had to add a loaf of the sourdough to take home so we can enjoy during the week. We will be back, and often!
(5)Mark Z.
Pros: Awesome bread, great service and friendly staff Cons: Clam Chowder tasted like it came from a can
(4)Dana G.
Had to go back last night for dinner, as Tuesdays are our "date night", and this is a great restaurant to relax in. Found out the compassionate server's name is EBONY. You go, Ebony!!! You rock, friend. We need more people like you to grace us with your positive vibe and smile. And, as always, the food is well-priced, fresh, and made-to-order.
(5)Andrew L.
This review is for the breakfast scrambles. They fill the missing mass on the plate with nasty potatoes that might as well be seasoned cardboard. The eggs were ok, the bacon good (when is bacon not good?) and the bread excellent. Overall there are 10 places I'd visit first before this place for breakfast.
(2)William H.
I find this place to be very mediocre. I like the fact that they have soup/sandwich/salad combos, but none of the food is very impressive. Clam chowder definitely left something to be desired. At least the bread is good.
(3)Heather C.
Um yeah... Not only have I earned 5 bucks off my next purchase (with club card) but if I fill out this little survey from my receipt I can earn another 3 bucks off. I LOVE DISCOUNTS! Boudin also has three new sandwiches along with three new bowls of stew. I had the seafood gumbo today and it was tasty! I love you Boudin! Thank you for always being my go-to lunch spot! With your once a month free bread....people are fools not to go!
(5)Bradley H.
I went in only because I had some coupons, and after my first time I will absolutely be returning to try the rest of baguette burgers. The Hip California Burger was tasty, the baguette was a little burnt on the edges but I didn't mind. As I took my first bite I looked at my pals and said, "That is some quality beef." They looked at my with a face of question, but instantly agreed upon their first bite into the burger. I enjoyed the salad that was served with my baguette burger, delicious dressing. As for the drinks, I was a bit disappointed with the beer selection; they only served FOUR bottled beers: Bud Light, Fat Tire, Heineken & something light. Fortunately, for the wine crowd there was a plethora of wine to choose from. The Fat Tire was actually a very good choice, it complimented the burger very well. My mouth is already watering after this review and it's awfully coincidencedental that it's just about lunch time, too...
(4)Miika M.
Sudden cold. Sudden wind. I'm craving some clam chowder and of all places, heat/ball bustin' Sacramento, my old hood of all places. I'm out with my good friend and she orders the Chinese Chicken Salad and I was not too hungry other than for some soup, so I elected for their half/half combo of turkey/avocado sandwich on wheat with their signature clam chowder. It actually was pretty good although slightly watery for my tastes (I like it thick and creamy) and the sandwich with havarti cheese was good, but the avocado was a schmear, not so good. I'd go back for a quick bite, but then again, it is a chain. Good for people on breaks and working in the area.
(3)John S.
Not the biggest fan of chains, the atmosphere was bit sterile, but nice none the less, perfect really for Loehmanns. I don't eat gluten so i can't speak for the bread, but it looked really good. The clam chowder was excellent as it should be considering it's SF roots. I had a greek salad that I enjoyed very much, had lots of cheese and olives which are usually found only in small quantities at other places. The quality was that of a chain, but good eats for sure, would eat again. Chain stuff. Good. Not amazing, but worth it.
(4)Kim B.
Boooo breakfast sucks here now over priced different menu with cheaper quality food we came in at 9:30 am they said they had no French toast and then later gave someone else French toast then when we asked the waitress she said only one slice was ready... Really? Don't come here unless you want to pay $10 for cold fake eggs poor quality food and Peets coffee
(1)Sambo C.
This place is pretty good. I had the clam chowder bread bowl with Thai citrus chicken salad here. The clam chowder bread bowl was good; of course it doesn't compare to the one in SF because clam chowder over there is made fresh from the ocean. The thai chicken salad was ok. I've had better salad. Now this place isn't bad, I just expected better but I give them a plus for their chicken chipotle sandwich because my boyfriend who never eats vegetables actually ate every piece of his sandwich including the lettuce and tomato. I would come to this place again for their clam chowder. To be honest, I prefer the clam chowder here than at any other bread places like La Bou. Other than that, service was good; It was more like a purchase first place. Overall, I would come here again, it's an okay place to dine at.
(3)Jenny J.
Love this place! Always so fresh and good service. And I got my free loaf of sourdough today with my Boudin card! It's always a go-to place for my boyfriend and I. Burgers are great here too!
(5)Richie C.
Place this review in light of the fact I came between 12 and 1 during a weekend. The place was borderline packed. That being established, there are a few issues here worth discussing. The manager took my order at the register. Sensitive to the crowd, I was able to differentiate between rudeness and impatience here. As I tried to tell him what I wanted, he moved onto whatever topic he needed to address to get me out of line so as to take the next patrons order. Example, I ordered a sandwich, paused to consider telling him I wanted 'no mayo' - yet I couldn't get the words out because he was asking me if there was anything else I was going to order. My order took approximately 10 mintues to reach my table. Again, it's important to be sensitive to the difficult task of operating a restaurant during a rush, but I can't say Boudin was winning points. I sat near the kitchen (they have counter stools by the line), so I could observe everything happening. I counted at least 5 errors as I watched. These errors included a sent-back salad and a cook who made entirely the wrong sandwich for an order; Not the least of which that my order also was in error (I bought a bread bowl and the soup was served in a dish). Like many of my fellow yelpers, I watch t.v. shows (Food Network and otherwise) which permit me an appreciation for how hard it is to operate a busy restaurant. This particular location was teetering between success and a couple mistakes away from an absolute breakdown. The fear of that breakdown was palpable among the staff. I would suggest the manager place in a position of authority the blonde woman who works the line on Sunday, she took her position seriously and brought her fellow employess up to where the rest of the kitchen needed to be. I would also suggest that the manager mask the impending sense of breakdown in whatever way he sees functional. This could perhaps be done by his cheerily visiting the customers instead of working the register (and placing an additional employee on register). To the customer, I would recommend visiting at times other than peak hours.
(3)LM B.
This was my first time here. And it will be my last. I had heard good things about boudin when I lived in San Francisco. People said I should go and try the clam chowder in the sourdough bread bowl. So, I saw one here in Sac at Loehman's plaza and I decided to give it a shot. First, my fiancée and I waited about ten minutes before anyone greeted us. Great first impression, boudin. The sad part is that the guy that helped us looked like he was the manager...and he didn't even greet us. Anyway, I order my soup and sandwich and I ask for the clam chowder in the bread bowl. Then he tells me that they're out. SERIOUSLY?! How does a bakery run out of something they're supposed to be famous for? In any case everything was down hill from there. My fiancée ordered a chicken Caesar salad and the chicken was so cold it hurt our teeth. My clam chowder was bland and unseasoned as was the turkey sandwich I had. All in all, it was not worth the $20 I spent. I knew I should've just went to Bento Box.
(1)Ted F.
I've been going here for several years and their food is always great. It's a little bit on the pricy end, around $8-$10 for a meal, but the food is generally very tasty. If you like sourdough bread, or other baked goods like cookies, this place has amazing stuff. The cashiers are friendly, and the pseudo-waiters who bring your food out are nice. My only complaint about this place is their system for ordering food, or more specifically standing in line for food. They have this weird setup where there are 2 seperate lines, right next to each other, for ordering food. Sometimes it combines into one line (like we're all trained to do since childhood), but then some brave soul walks right up to the front of the vacant second line, pissing off everyone else who was patiently waiting in one line. I've personally mentioned this to the manager, but this weird 2 line system still exists.
(4)Steve L.
An improvement over Panera, but I would like it more if they ditched the SF from their name. We had a tasty BBQ chicken salad, clam chowder (my son loved it), and a nice grilled cheese sandwich with bacon. The roll that came with the salad, while freshly-baked, was almost as hard as a baseball and flavorless. Not a good sign at a place that boasts about its bread and tries to trade on its San Francisco sourdough heritage.
(3)Jennifer M.
All I can say is yuuuuuuuummmmmmmm.
(4)Chris K.
I could be biased since my brother is the head baker of this place, but they really do make great food. Nothing beats a bowl of clam chowder in SF sourdough bread bowl, just like you get on the wharf. Their burgers, sandwiches, and salads are great too. I like to buy their sourdough hamburger buns to use for sandwiches at home, and their bread bowls are perfect for using at home too ( i put andersons split pea soup in them). They also have this asiago cheese bread that is just fantastic. If you see a dorky looking guy in charge behind the glass who kinda looks like me but slimmer, thats my brother, wave at him like you know who he is, just to confuse him. He will spend the rest of the day wondering where he knows you from. but seriously, all nepotism aside, they have great food here, they have great bread here, my brother is pretty passionate about what he does, so you know all the bread and pastry here is done right.
(5)Wayne L.
This place is always busy but worth the wait for a table. Customers order food from the counter and then dash for a table. The seating is tight in spots and the entire place is crowded but worth it. The burgers are exceptional (I had the California Burger with Havarti cheese) and the salads are tasty. Excellent service and a good price.
(4)Stacci R.
Disgusting and Revolting Hygiene Practices. I went to the store in Sacramento on Fair Oaks Bl today and when I got to the front of the line the girl behind the register had just taken her hair down and was running her hands through her hair over and over again. After placing the band back in her hair, she just stood there and finally asked if she could help me. I asked her if she was going to wash her hands before touching my bread. She said, okay and then stood behind the register again. If I had not asked her to wash her hands, she was going to take my order and using her filthy hands, put my bread order in a bag and just hand it to me. I can't help but wonder if she washes her hands after using the bathroom. Needless to say, I walked out. Honestly, I do not know if I will return to this store. This girl represents Boudins. If she is comfortable with her lack of hygiene and sanitation, it makes me wonder if this is company wide. Too bad as I have always really liked this company. Now... I can't help but be leery.
(1)Christopher L.
First time at Boudin SF. First think you think after walking into this place is, they have a lot of bread, must be their specialty. I'm sure they have many types of breads for you to try. Coworker recommended the clam chowder and I'm always down for a good clam chowder so that's what I ordered. We went at the peak of lunch and I got the vib that food might of came out slow. To my suprise, our tables food came out in a very timely matter. The clam chowder I happened to order was in a bread bowl with the remaining sourdough on the plate with a slice of butter for you to eat. Glad this place prides themselves in bread as my sourdough bread was very fresh. There are some places the does the clam chowder in bread bowl thing but often the bread is very hard and not as fresh. Everything from the clam chowder to the sourdough bread was great! Also something to note, while during peak lunch hours, we were actually well attended to by the waitress. Every time when one of us would finish, in almost no time she would be by to pick up out plates. I make no mention about beverage refills as the sodas, coffee and other beverages are self serve. Place was clean dispute the high pace of customers coming in and out. my only down side is that I wanted to eat light today and only ordered the clam chowder. There are many other things on the menu that I would like to try. I would definitely return to this place to taste some of their other foods, not without also ordering a clam chowder as well, which I think they sell their own brand of chowder I think.
(5)Mark L.
It was amazing when it opened, but they have been slacking lately for sure. Last two times I have gone I have gotten brown lettuce in my salad .Also, whoever makes the sandwiches doesn't care at all. My sandwich today had so much mayo on it it was soaking through the top of the bread. The sandwiches and everything seem thrown together in a rush with no care. And dont even think about getting water. That water out of the soda machine tastes like metal every time I go there. The iced tea is also not very flavorful. Just tastes like lemon, sugar, whatever you add to it. There is hardly any tea taste to it. The staff are usually quite friendly.
(3)J J.
I have been to this Boudin numerous times and I have been disappointed the last two times. This time they forgot the cheese on the salad and the dressing on my wife salad was missing. This is pretty basic stuff. The Manger didn't seem to really care that things were missing. I think I will take business else where. We have many great options like Daniels up the street. Also the portions are pretty small. The half sandwich is tiny.
(2)Nicolas S.
Okay, I LOVE Boudin sourdough (grew up with it in SF) and I go here every few weeks to get a loaf and it's wonderful; definitely still a great bakery. People who complain about the bread's hardness are missing the point. That awesome hard/chewy crust with that fluffy inside is what it's suppose to be -- it's different. ;-) The food here is hit or miss as a restaurant, but I haven't tried too many dishes. The sandwiches vary from great to mediocre for the 4-5 I've tried. The soups (even the chowder in a sourdough bowl) are okay but nothing special, and the two breakfasts I've had haven't great (but that was a few years ago). For what you get it's a bit pricey. Also, while most of the time the staff is friendly, the two lines to order or buy bread often take forever, because we're stuck waiting as one of the two cashiers is chatting up with friends instead of taking orders even when there's a long line. If you want to talk, close your register and go hang out in the back... but having worked in the retail and food service biz, it's poor form to just ignore customers. So I'd give Boudin 5 stars for the bakery, but 3 stars for restaurant food and service, because I rarely recommend it to people visiting as a place to eat, but always recommend it for a great loaf of bread.
(3)Kevin G.
Good breakfast sandwich and great cookies! Comfortable place to sit any talk. Service was friendly and quick. Very good experience.
(4)Pia V.
This place is definitely not as good as the ones in SF, sorry folks I'm born & raised in SF so you can't fool me. But if I am ever craving a clam chowder this is the only place I will go. It is the only substitute I can find in the area that can even come CLOSE. And for that I will give you 3 stars. Their breads, however, look fantastic and I have yet to try them. The salads are great and do taste like the ones in SF ... so good for you! I recommend getting the half and half. You get more for your buck, also if you add $1 they'll usually put your chowder in a bread bowl = more food for you. ;)
(3)Dahlia N.
I don't normally write reviews for 'chain' restaurants. Little Miss loved it and encouraged me to write this. Boudin has great fresh bread...I'm not sure if food is actually made fresh (which is why I don't review chain restaurants). I'd say closer to 3.5 stars. I ordered a brie-grilled cheese sandwich with a side of tomato soup. I loved the sandwich...but wasn't impressed with the soup. I'm a huge tomato soup fan and this was....meh. I've had better. Daughter had a clam-chowder bread bowl. Which is something that she absolutely loves. The bread-bowl is kind of small. She destroyed it like it slapped her mama in church. $22 for this food plus two drinks. Can you imagine if we got that huge cookie like she asked? Or if Love came with? I pay $40 for a gluttonous, safe meal at Chilis. JUssssayin. I like the vibe - staff is friendly. Line gets stupid and long (I hate waiting in lines - makes me anxious). I will come back for another grilled-cheese, I'm sure of it. Maybe not for the tomato soup.
(4)Chris R.
The service was great , they give cups for water without a problem. I sat down to write and was surprised how conservative the busser was when he came by to pick up my plate. Although he didn't seem too busy, he did come by a couple times, but I wasn't gonna be one to complain in the middle of a fair length piece.
(4)Christine H.
So thankful we have a taste of The Bay in Sacramento. I love their chowder and they also have good bread. I am just so sad it is kinda hidden away in Loeman's shopping mall. I hope this place stays open. They have great specials! Lobster Bisque was a winner for me!! So yummy.
(4)Julie T.
An excellent pseudo-San Francisco experience, right here in Carmichael! If you have intense cravings like I do for bread-bowl clam chowder, but don't want to drive to San Fran, overpay for a touristy spot, and freeze your booty off on a windy pier, this fast food place will hit the spot :)
(4)Ida H.
This restaurant was a welcome finish to a long and tiring day. After getting shopping and errands completed, my evening consisted of a mixture of being annoyed, exhausted and hungry! Not a good combination when my boyfriend and I drove around looking for an eatery that we could agree upon AND open on a Monday night. We finally spotted the lights of Boudin SF, tempting us to this charming San Francisco / French style café. The first thing I noticed when entering, is a long aisle of assorted breads and baked goods for sale. Decorations of bread at the entrance and on the walls were artistically shaped into sea creatures such as crabs and turtles. Then there was that aroma of freshly baked bread on top of it all! When you walk to the counter, the front wall menu displays a nice variety of salads, soups, deli sandwiches and desserts to choose from. After some thought, I went for the half tuna sandwich and a bowl of clam chowder. For me, a very satisfying combo when I get to the point of being so tired that I can't decide what I'm hungry for and start to feel grumpy. As soon as we were seated by a window and feeling a bit more relaxed, our food arrived. And after a few bites of my sandwich, my mood elevated. The tuna salad was average, the sour dough bread delicious, but the clam chowder was even better! I was glad we chose to eat here and ended my day back on a happy note! Maybe I was hypoglycemic, but in any case, I loved the ambiance of this café.
(4)Jana C.
San Francisco eat your heart out! oh Loehmann's Plaza, thank you for housing this awesome place that gave out some killer coupons a while back, allowing me and bro to pig out. Mmm mm goodness....it's absolutely the sourdough starter secret that says it all for this long-time traditional sourdough bread, soup, sandwich legend that also now serves breakfast.... Bread: beautiful...yes, yes.. i know: adage: the whiter the bread, the deader you are....but this is BOUDIN, from Fisherman's Wharf! Located in the former space of Java City (oh how I truly, sincerely miss you, esp sitting al fresco with my cool coffee blend beverage and the always appendage: a book), I suppose this place has been open for about 3-4 years now? Too bad I missed Heather C's tip for the free loaf.... snap!! You really should be a carbaholic to truly appreciate the quality of their sourdough.... Great, safe, 'burby' section of town....large parking lot.
(4)Janette M.
The bread is incredibly delicious, 5 star caliber good. So I think that's mainly what you pay for when you get the soup-in-the-bread bows. But price-wise, it's kind of expensive for what you get. I had the vegetarian chili with the bread bowl (I ordered it to go, so soup was served in a to-go container) and while I liked it and thought it was good, the bill came to just barely under $10 with a regular sized drink. While I took my food to go, I noticed the place was pretty busy... the atmosphere of the restaurant is sort of generic( but it is a chain, so...). The sourdough bread is sooo good, though. I'd definitely stop in to pick up some bread every now and then.
(3)Nathan P.
I no longer go to the Roseville location because of some extremely bad attitudes from the wait staff. So now I come to the Fair Oaks for my Chicken Pesto! I have also noticed that portions are bigger *worth the price you pay*, that the staff is extremely friendly how they are supposed to be, and that the good managers from Roseville moved here. Must be why my service is back on top! Love Boudin!
(5)Gene F.
Spontaneous late breakfast: A limited menu of acceptable but boring fare served in moderate portions. Popular with the geriatric crowd. No need to ever go back. Tip: If you want really good bread, Grateful Bread is in the same shopping center.
(2)Brandy J.
I haven't had bad food here ever. Hot soup in a fresh baked bread bowl? Does it get better on a winter day? Don't want soup? They have hot and cold sandwiches and salads which do NOT disappoint. YUM!
(5)Mickela G.
Grilled Brie, yum! California Burger, delicious. Tomato soup, delightful. Cookies, heavenly. And it always smells like freshly baked bread (wonder why...) Though, I've never actually had the bread. It can get a little packed during lunch and dinner, so if you go with more than yourself, send a table scout before you order. Menu isn't extensive, but what do you expect from a bakery that also sells food?
(5)Denise D.
I really like SF Boudin! Prices are extremely reasonable (about $5.99 - $8.99), and even better when they send out their buy-one-get-one-free coupons. Today, I had the BLT which was so delicious! Much better than your run-of-the-mill BLT. It was on sourdough, with freshly-cooked REAL bacon. There were thick, fresh slices of tomato and peppery arugula. The best part though, was that instead of mayo, there was a super yummy garlic aioli. All for $7.99. It also came with either a bag of chips or some greens with vinaigrette (I opted for the greens). My friend had the Salad Combo (half salad + soup in a bread bowl). She had the Mediterranean salad which had feta and kalamata olives and other goodies that looked good. She also had the Broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl that looked delicious. $7.99 for hers too! Everything seems very fresh and the restaurant is clean. I usually place orders to go and they're always very quick- about 5 minutes.
(4)Frankie P.
At first I thought it was just another sandwich joint, and it is. But, the outstanding service and quality of ingredients will have me coming back again and again. I ordered a turkey sandwich and it came with a side salad. The sandwich was huge and I only finished half of it so I think the price is really good for what you get. Plus, the turkey tasted like turkey and was not overly processed. Several times throughout lunch the staff came by to see if everything was okay and the manager took the time to go over the catering menu which I had some questions regarding an event I am working on. They could just right you off after you get your food, but they don't.
(4)Christina K.
I had the Clam Chowder Soup Bread Bowl, $5, very pleasing. The soup was alright. I am giving their amazing sourdough breadbowl specifically 4 stars. It was light and crispy on the outside, followed by a moderate chewiness, and then the soft, warm, and fluffy sourdough. Either I got very lucky with fresh bread, or these guys REALLY know what they're doing. I am coming back for more bread.
(4)Melanie I.
Love the grilled Brie and the Salads. Love sitting on their patio on a warm day. Don't love paying over 10 dollars for lunch.
(4)Stacy G.
There was a time when I dreamed of a sunny day on Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco at least in part because it meant hot, fresh sourdough bread and clam chowder from Boudin. Now, thanks to the new Boudin store in Loehmann's Plaza, I can enjoy that delicious carb fest anytime I want without driving to the Bay area. To be honest, at first I feared this new development as I would moving to Anaheim. Does living next to Disneyland take away the uniqueness and special meaning of going there? Does having a Boudin right down the street from my work make biting into that chewy, tangy bread less enjoyable? The answer is yet to be determined. The sandwiches, soups and salads at Boudin make it a terrific spot to stop for lunch. Last time I went, I had the veggie sandwich and the clam chowder in sourdough bread. They were also offering free samples of their pastries. Wowza! They were all fantastic and I ended up buying the pineapple upside down cake. I plan on coming here all the time and I'm crossing my fingers it doesn't get old. When it tastes that good, how could it?
(4)Sarah G.
Being a native Sacramentan, and going to school literally around the corner from this place my whole life, I have to say that I am sad that this location is no longer Java City....5 Oh Java City, you were the perfect place for everyone!! Always open when you wanted it, always full of nice social friendly people, a great spot....so Java City RIP....a moment in silence...... Now you are a Boudin SF which is fine and dandy I guess, only this spot is no longer a real hang out spot or a place you just come to meet a friend and study or catch up on life...you really have to come here if you want to eat, because if come here and only buy coffee, they just kinda stare at you.... The decor is nice, and homey feeling too and being a UC Berkeley Grad I appreciate the SF touch it has, but still it isn't a Java City :( Food wise, Erica and I got their spring salad which was really good and actually pretty large in size, complete with bleu cheese, apples, and walnuts and I would definitely get this salad again. We paired it with their BBQ chicken pizza, which does not hold up in comparison to CPK's BBQ Chicken pizza at all. It wasn't even that flavorful....and anything with bbq sauce, cheese, carbs and cilantro really shouldn't be that hard to make boring in taste, but congrats boudin you managed to do it! So come here for the salad, and their sourdough and chowder since that's what they are known for, but if you are a local you may find yourself sitting here thinking about the days it was its former self....the days it was a java city.......
(3)Dr ED J.
I won a $25 gift card at this restaurant and used it this past weekend. I had never been to the place. My wife and I each ordered the California burger and 2 beers. I thought $9 is very high for the quality of burger. Great bun but the rest was lacking. Sandwich comes with potato chip, no other choices but mixed green. I thought this was lacking. I wanted spicey mustard but all they had was regular mustard and honey. The chef had to mix something up with horseradish. It was great, but what type of sandwich shop doesn't offer different condiments for the sandwiches and other sides? Over priced and under-delivered. I won't go back and don't recommend the place. I can get a better Black Angus burger at Carl's for half the price.
(2)Kimmie M.
Clam Chowda in a Bread Bowl. Enough said. I love bread, I love SF. I love Boudin SF.
(4)Kyle M.
Try the soup here! Delicious on a cold day! Also, the sandwiches are really good.
(5)Tej K.
This past weekend the hubby and I were in the area and decided to give Boudin SF a try. We looked at the menu displayed outside before entering and decided what we were going to try. The line was a little slow (only 1 person at the cash register), but while we were waiting one of the bakers gave the little girl ahead of us a turtle sourdough loaf which was very sweet. I ordered the chicken pot pie in a bread bowl and the hubby ordered the chicken chipotle aioli sandwich with a bowl of chili. Both of us agreed that the food was delicious! I ate all of my soup and almost finished all of my bread bowl as well :). To finish off our amazing lunch we ordered 2 chocolate chip cookies. The cookies were soft and chewy with tons of chocolate chips. Great way to end the meal! The only reason for the 4 stars is that they are a bit on the pricy side. Can't wait to visit again!
(4)Jackie F.
Now who doesn't love the sourdough from this place? I love the lunch time special they have: always get the Italian classic with a tomato bisque. Sometimes order the soup with the spring salad just to switch things up. Or just get a bread bowl of clam chowder. Really 4 1/4 stars because: ~~I prefer the clam chowder to come from stands on Fisherman's Wharf *I always forget the name of the stand, but it's the 2 or 3rd on from the street* ~~There were no seagulls attacking me ~~No bums asking me for money ~~There were no people thinking I'm a tourist and trying to scam me outta my money (I'm a young girl walking by herself with NO camera, maps, etc. Do I REALLY look like I want a tour guide???) ~~And of course, the lack of the legendary Bush Man ~~Oh and the lack of tourist (and sometimes locals) being scared out of their minds when said Bush Man scares them *Isn't it hilarious when a grown man who looks 'tough' squeals like a little girl when he jumps out at them?* For this, they get 3/4 of a star taken away..... Other than that, the bread is wonderful. Hot fresh bread with some butter and a cup of coffee (or hot chocolate) and I'm a happy Asian girl who is not even missing the rice........
(5)Gregory R.
Great bread bowl, ok tomato soup (I'm very picky about this...a little too sweet for me but still good for not made at home) and I surprised by how much I liked the Mediterranean salad! The bread really is the highlight and a good soup and salad lunch is always nice. No positives or negatives on the service and reasonably priced. Friend thought bread was a bit tough to chew on the sandwich so be prepared for a tooth/jaw workout in that case.
(4)Josh N.
I love the clam chowder and the Ham and Brie on sourdough is out of this world. One of the better chains out there.
(4)Christopher D.
Clam Chowder Bread Bowl w/ Chicken Ceasar Salad...BOOM 5 stars
(5)Kate B.
As a sandwich lover, I have to just flat out admit that Boudin is amazing. There is no denying it. Not only is their bread fresh which makes for a oh-so yummy sandwich, they have fabulous soups as well. Their vegetarian chili is to die for! I could eat it for every meal for the next month and probably still want more of it. It is thick, chunky and even though I am not a red meat eater, I have had meat eaters admit that it is just as good as any chili containing beef. And not only is the food just awesome, they also make little animals out of bread! I mean come on, how cute is that?
(5)Kirsten D.
I have a habit of going into places right as they are about to close! I ordered some salads to go... A thai chicken salad and a chicken cesar salad. They were ready quickly, cheap and tasted great. The sodas they have on tap are yummy... Coke Zero and Sprite Zero??! In past visits to this joint I have had the clam chowder which makes my mouth water. This place is perfect for a cheap, quick lunch.
(4)lucy b.
A friend took me here for lunch last week. I am watching my bread intake and so is she... bad move. Never go someplace that specializes in bread when you are watching your bread intake... unless you wish to watch yourself intake much much bread! It reminded me of my last cruise, while they may turn your towels into every animal from the sea, Boudin has the same idea but they do it with dough. I had the Thai Citrus Salad, quite nice but not spicy. I went back to read the menu because I swore it said, "Spicy Thai Peanut Salad". Nope, that was my imagination. Maybe that I what I hoped for. Alas, I did not eat a spicy peanut anything. I ate a Thai Citrus Salad. Oh well. It was quite nice. I am certain it might have been better had I consumed the lovely roll that came with it :) When it gets cold again I am totally going back for some chowder... In a ginormous freakin bread bowl! are you in Deb?
(3)Serena Q.
All of the breads are good for sandwiches, but you are a fool to choose anything other than the crunchy, chewy, perfect sourdough baguette. Like starting a new outfit with a pair of spanx, this bread sets the perfect canvas for whatever direction you decide to take your sandwich in. Personally, I am kind of a sucker for their Roast Beef and Cheddar, which is strange because I am usually a white meat only kinda gal, but something about the high quality of their roast beef, and the smooth creaminess of their cheddar makes this sandwich irresistable. On the white meat tip, the chicken breast with spicy chipotle mayo and avocado is bomb! MMMMMMM...that mayo adds this smoky tanginess. I should just order it with any sandwich I get now that I think of it... I havent tried the clam chowder...will have to do that soon!
(4)Linda M.
Good, but parking sucks! Don't go during peak times! Fast service, so it's good for kids, but the kids menu lacks in terms of side options that are healthy!
(3)rodeodlt r.
Decent sized bowl of soup for the lunch combo, but the clam chowder was bland at best. Turkey sandwich had nice portions of meat, and the fresh tomatoes were tasty. Service was friendly & attentive, even out on the patio.
(3)Janice C.
Finally! a piece of SF in Sacramento. I absolutely am thrilled that they have a lunch combo! (where you can get, half a sandwich or half a salad or soup) this way, you get to try everything! and not order the full portion. it was raining so, it was only fitting that I order the Clam Chowder in a bread bowl. But seriously! can Boudin put in more clams in their clam chowder??? I had more potatoes floating in my creamy soup more than clams I had to get the mixed field greens salad with my soup. They were generous with their gorgonzola cheese, and the toasted walnuts were perfect. I don't know why they put granny smith apple in their salad. It was just too tart for this salad. A red delicous apple, or maybe even a pear would be better. Clean, bright interiors paired with good food, 4 stars.
(4)Stephanie B.
I miss the old Boudin SF with the awesome Pizza selection. The clam chowder used to be really great and creamy, but now it's more watered down. I went here a couple of months ago and the menu was totally different. The present menu is pretty good. I would definitely pick Boudin over La Bou any day. This is a pretty good sandwich/salad/soup place and the quality has been somewhat amped since the last time I came. I had the salmon sandwich and it was alright. If you're a huge sandwich lover you HAVE to go a couple of miles down the road to Cafe Rolle (nothing beats that). Although, if you're going for a chowder bread bowl, I guess this is the place.. but I'm thinking Fin's fish market just across the street has a better Clam chowder, but I could be wrong ;D
(3)Joley S.
I didn't even eat here but I won't give it a second chance! I came in on a cold Saturday morning in desperate need of some warm soup and bread. I stood in a long line and found what I wanted on the menu, when It was my turn I stepped up to the counter and ordered chicken potpie, the 17year old cashier said, "we don't have any more of that." WTH??? Its not even 11am on a Sat, there is no signage that said sorry no chicken pot pie... Nothing! On top of feeling like crap, I didn't even get an apology for wasting my time! However I left and discovered Noodles and company!
(1)Jessica H.
This is a really great lunch place. Awesome combos for really good prices; extremely. They have great soups and salads. There clam chowder bread bowl is quite good.
(4)Matt W.
This place is not the best representative of the Boudin chain. Yesterday, I placed an order for a turkey/avocado sandwich on wheat bread with a bowl of clam chowder. What I got was a turkey cheddar sandwich on a sourdough roll and a regular bowl of chowder. They offered to remake the order, but we were in a rush. Just get it right the first time. A few weeks ago my daughter ordered a ham sandwich and they put peanut butter on it. PEANUT BUTTER on the ham sandwich?? The redemption was that the sweet server thought it was more ridiculous than I did. I suggested that she start looking for a new job, because this place wasn't going to be in business much longer. Get it together. Here's the thing - when they do happen to make the food as ordered, there is no better value and the food is great.
(2)Ryan F.
I think this place is getting a novelty bump. I used to eat at various Boudin SF locations a lot when I lived in SF and the food was only OK. This location is no exception. Fact is, their excellent, thick, hard crusted sourdough makes kind of a questionable sandwich. Unless you have the jaws of a bear trap, you are going to have a hard time going through one of their sandwich rolls without a knife or without compressing your sandwich filling into paste. The bread is excellent - the question is what do you do with it? I favor taking it home, cutting it up and eating it with pasta, or just with olive oil, vinegar or butter. I would not eat the prepared food here - just buy the bread.
(3)Em L.
The food's good, the boys that work here are cute. :)
(3)Hillery G.
We all love their bread - the canned clam chowder is also good for a fast dinner.
(4)Denise M.
I wanted to give this place two and a half stars, but saw it had a few on average it really doesnt deserve. Had the Classic Cheeseburger. Bun, great. Lettuce soggy from the FAT dripping from the burger. This burger was greasier than any fast food joint - actually greasier than any burger I've had in recent memory. The grease made the lettuce wilt and the otherwise nice bun soggy. Must not have been a very good quality of beef. No fresh potatoes on the menu to go with it. Wine was poured out of a half-bottle into a juice glass. Is that supposed to be European? Ahh, no. Not again. Not for Dinner anyway.
(2)Jacob C.
Good soup, good bread, good sanwiches. And who cares if the cah register girl doesnt wash her hands all the time, it helps build your immune system.
(4)Jay M.
Okay I'm back to Boudin on my next cheat day from my diet & exercise routine & gotta have my bacon egg & cheddar. Man it was good!! I put up more pics of the place today; they decorated it nicely & had Christmas music playing so it had a nice ambiance. I found out the dark roast coffee I have been drinking there is 100% Organic! Not that coffee is any good for you organic or otherwise, but made me feel a little better about it. I included a pic of the menu that is on each table just to show that the prices are really reasonable. It makes me kinda sad to see some of the negative comments on this place here on yelp. Every experience I've had with Boudin in SF or in Sac has been outstanding, but I will say that I stick to what I know. Breakfast I have the bacon egg & cheddar, lunch I'll have the cheeseburger on sourdough with caesar salad, & when I have a sweet tooth any of their pastries will take of it. BTW did you know their a bakery & have awesome sourdough!!! Take a baguette home (they are cheap) and enjoy it; that is if your not on a low carb diet like most people are these days. Anyways that's my review, give em a shot. Peace......
(5)Thao L.
Good first time experience. First off, the clam chowder was excellent. They ran out of bread bowls so I got two pieces of sour dough bread and a glass bowl of clam chowder instead. I also had the turkey avocado sandwich (forgot what it was called) and it was delicious as well! Reminds me of SF clam chowder. Really recommend this place instead of driving all the way to the Bay Area.
(5)Shannon W.
I have gone for breakfast and lunch and both times were great. The bread is just like being in Fisherman's Wharf! In addition, the menu is reasonably priced and their bakery offers the various types of bread offered in SF. We tried their asiago cheese bread and it was amazing. It is great to know that a more local option is available when I'm craving Boudin's bread!
(4)Darlene M.
I have been here plenty of times and I never been disappointed until today. I got a couple of chicken pesto sandwiches for my boyfriend and I got the crab cake sandwich. The crab cake is $9.99 a little pricey for a very small sandwich. Crab cake was very small. They burned my sourdough bread that came with the sandwich. I specify asked if the bread will be hard and the girl said no. When the bread is burned, it will be hard no matter what. The crab cake was good but its just small, its not worth the price. I took half of the chicken pesto due to I was still hungry. I don't know why my boyfriend likes this sandwich. The bread is super hard. Why would anyone want to eat a sandwich with a very hard bread. It comes with sourdough roll. I don't understand this. The sandwich lacks pesto in my opinion and it was very bland. He loves the chicken pesto. Its a mystery to me. Normally, the sandwiches are in foil container but today they wrap it in sandwich paper. I don't know if they were trying to save money or what. But I was very disappointed... Also, the girl in the register was totally rude and did not smile or helpful. I have never seen her before so maybe she was new. But the guy who gives you the ordered at the counter is still very nice and helpful.
(2)heather l.
I went here for lunch today with a friend and got a sourdough burger. it was during lunch time. the service was very fast, friendly, an accurate. I enjoyed all the choices i had an that they ask. Also the waitress brought us our plates an offered to get anything else. she was so friendly and checked up on us even though she was so busy. I also noticed the manager helping out with getting the plates out. i thought that was awesome. the employees seemed to make a good team. the restaurant was very clean an nice decor. i sat in a comfy booth. the burger came an it was nicely put together an super yummy. juicy patty with melted pepper jack cheese on it. an the bun was a toasted small sourdough round/bun. i thought that was cute. i love sourdough. I also usually buy the garlic cheese volcano bread. super yummy. its a large sourdough round with cheese n garlic.
(5)Monu K.
Nice place to take someone for a lunch date. They make a lot of yummy bread. If you are used to eating at Subway prices, this is probably not the best place for you.
(3)Kim S.
The bread is unquestionably phenomenal. Fresh, flaky, soft, pure carb goodness. The food, however, is unremarkable. If my advice goes unheeded and you decide to eat here, make it soup in a bread bowl.
(3)Ed S.
My girl loves the french toast. Sandwich's are pretty good, but just don't quite fit my pallet. They do have a pretty awesome Sourdough, which I have to give credit for. Clean place, nothing to special to mention on the atmosphere. I think with that this place would be a lot better on a cold or rainy day, but I always end up there on Sunday mornings during the spring and summer. Edit: Alright, now that I've been back a few times, I really gotta give props where it's due. This place has rockin sandwichs, there I said it. I dunno, I'm still feeling that whole "3 star" vibe, but damn if I don't want another sandwich now.
(3)Ness S.
Ahhh a little slice of San Francisco right in our own back yard. Great place to go for lunch and apparently the whole city already knows that because the line here is out the door at about noon. They have a lunch combo with your choice of half a salad, half a pizza, half a sandwich or a cup of soup. You get to choose two and its only $7.29. Pretty good deal I would have to say. I had a spring salad and it was very tasty. The best part about this place is they serve clam chowder in a bread bowl just like you are in SF delicious!
(4)Ruthie L.
The staff here is really friendly. The food is decent. I was a bit disappointed that my scramble came with deli turkey, but I should have asked. But the scramble was good. Their breakfast potato wedges are french fries, which is also sort of disappointing, but again, they taste good. I've had dinner here before and remember it being decent as well. What I am VERY happy with is the portion size. It's really just right, leaves me pleasantly satisfied for a long period of time. Where they really shine, of course, is their bread. It's quite tasty; I really like their multigrain bread. If you go there, you can get a card that allows you to get a free loaf of bread every month for 13 months. No purchase necessary (well, except the first time to actually get the card).
(3)Michelle B.
This Boudin SF is not a good representative of the Boudin SF chain. The Boudin's in SF are fast paced and the food is always super delicious and fresh. It is always a bummer when you expect the same quality from place to place and you find the one that you live closest to is sub par. I came here for lunch one day and not only was the food food just average, but my friend ordered a chicken Caesar salad and they brought him a chicken salad sandwich. Kind of odd, but they did take it back and make him a salad. The chicken on my sandwich was super thin and did not look fresh at all. The sandwich overall was okay, but not anywhere near what I have experienced in SF.
(3)Samantha V.
seriously people... This place isn't that great. I know that it's one of those chic chains, but the food is sub par, very greasy. I've felt better after eating a Mc donald's breakfast sandwich than I did after having breakfast there. I guess that the bread is good which it should be--- hence the name.
(2)Amber M.
I've eaten here several times, with friends and solo, and I've enjoyed it each time. I agree that the clam chowder is a little watery but it still tasted very good and every sandwich I've tried was also very good. I think I'll come here later this week since I've been craving sourdough :)
(4)Amber R.
Brie Grilled Cheese with Fig Preserves & Granny Smith Apples... YUM! My favorite vegetarian option so far!
(4)Tiffany K.
I came here yesterday because I was craving clam chowder. My husband and I split a combo meal and asked for two bowls of clam chowder. For less than $8, it seemed like a fair deal! I liked the clam chowder. Mind you, I was craving it. Sometimes when you crave something, it tastes better when you get it. But anyway, I thought it was good! Brought back memories of being in SF. Maybe they are trying to recreate the whole SF experience a little toooo realistically, it was freezing inside! Where I work happens to set its thermostat at freezing too, so my hands were permanently numb during my whole eating experience. I didn't try anything else there, but the pizza-looking-things looked good. I would recommend this place if you are craving clam chowder or just want to see if Boudin's can recreate the whole SF experience. (I like the prints of the Golden Gate bridge and the classic jazz tunes - although later they started playing some pseudo 80s music...).
(4)Daniel L.
Prepare yourself to have an amazing experience. Yes, this place is known for delicious bread, but there is way much more to satisfy your buds. From the burgers to the salad, this place has unique and amazing taste. When I lived in sacramento, this place was always on the top of my list for places to eat. A couple of other things to know about this place is that they make seasonal bread shapes. Yes! among my favorites are the turtle, alligator and the crab bread. These are actual large loafs of bread that you eat in the shape of different animals. I believe that during xmas you can buy a snowman, during easter you can buy a bunny, and on a regular basis you can buy turtles, and crabs. They all come in different sizes and if you want to make sure you get the one you want you can order in advance. Another thing I like about Boudin is their online order feature. You go online, order from the menu, then drive there to pick up. It is that easy. I believe they now have a special parking spot for online pick up, too cool. One time, I ordered something on line and changed my mind regarding the item. I called the store and they easily agreed to change it to something else, no problem. The bread bowls are to die for. The only thing that would put this place over the top is french fries. I could not believe it when I found out that despite their affinity to carbs, they do not make french fries. Ugh!!! Despite this, the burger with chips will blow your mind. It did not keep me from coming here and having a delish experience.
(5)Freddie L.
Clam chowder tastes like it came out of a can and the bread was so hard, I felt like a wild animal each time I tried to take a bite of my sandwich. And at their prices, I was expecting someone to wipe the turkey and avocado off my face after the attack on my sandwich. Or at the very least, keep the place clean enough so that I wouldn't have to look at the floor and see food items scattered about (from previous diners, really). The only thing missing was the part where I had to capture and prepare my own food. Although I came quite close to that too. Aside from all that, their worst offense had to be their uneven sandwich distribution. All my turkey was in a lump and after two bites I was just eating mayonnaise and bread. I could've redistributed, but I was already feeling like an animal and didn't want to have to forage around in my food. I will give them credit though for their ability to make bread into animal shapes, which accounts for the two stars, that and the fact that the server gave us extra napkins, probably foreseeing the mess we were going to get into.
(2)Kieran G.
Always great food and great service and in the off chance they make a mistake they take care of it right away and go the extra mile.
(5)Sequels C.
Good food, nice service, but good god, could they take any longer??? Never understand why the ordering/paying process takes over 5 minutes per transaction. Maybe new/more register people..?
(4)Shannan W.
Oh, the bread! Honestly, I could make a meal on the bread alone, but I did not. I had the thai chicken salad, and my fiance had the salmon club sandwich. I loved my salad! The dressing was just sweet enough but not sugary, and they didn't drench the salad with too much of it. It was fresh and perfect for a warm Saturday afternoon lunch. My fiance's sandwich pleased him, but it looked pretty small, in my opinion. The bread, though. Again, major props for the chewy but soft bread. It made my whole meal! Minus one star for being overpriced.
(4)Nicky M.
So this is a good place to go on a cold and windy day and get yourself a nice piping hot bowl of chowda! The turkey and cranberry sandy is always a favorite as well. Everything here is pretty standard and I appreciate that. Never straying to far from what you had previous or what you think that you will have the next time. Standards...appreciated more than most realize. The bread is the star of Boudin! If the review was based on bread alone they would have gotten 4 stars. Have to love a place that you can roll in grab a couple big rounds of sourdough and head for home a hero!
(3)Heather J.
Yummy lunch spot, good location, decent prices. I had the clam chowder bread bowl, which was only ok, chowder had a weird taste? could of just been me? Also had side salad, which had a great vinagarette. Husband loved his panini, with turkey & avacado. Son loved mac & cheese, but who doesn't? Had a small bite of chocolate chip cookie, which was yummy! Will be back.
(4)