When Farm & Flour first opened, they were the talk of the town. Now, not so much. They've lost their way, and its too bad. The menu is smaller, stores hours are completely unpredictable, and it's not just Benicia. States in Martinez has the same problem.As for baking, today was a real eye-opener. I arrived at 12:30 pm (Benicia) - today was a Sunday - to see a truck unloading tons of loaves through the back door. I thought that very odd.... shouldn't thei main proudct - bread - be delivered right before opening? Not at noon!Inside there was almost no bread. So I asked a clerk about the delivery. She turned to a colleague who denied the delivery and said that must be for someone else. "What?!" I said. "No way, they're walking it into your back door," She responded: "Oh, we close at 1 today, that's for tomorrow."No kidding! So their bread is baked early Sunday and delivered right before close to be served to be sold on Monday?!!! So, is this artisan bread baked fresh daily, or day-old bread masquerading as artisan?!!! Customers deserve the truth.Just as bad, even though they have a back room full of bread, they are claiming no bread left on Sunday that they can close early at 1pm even those their website states "7am - 2pm daily."Unpredictable hours that affect more than one store, day old bread sold as fresh, staff that you don't recognize. Management better wake up and do their job or this small chain will soon be a memory.Thank God that Benicia has One House Bakery a few blocks up the street!....
Gone downhill..bread isn't fresh anymore. Was told it's now made the night before so when I got it at 10am it was stale. Also extremely slow and inefficient service. The waiter got mad at me when I immediately returned the bread to him after getting a stale lump of sogginess. It used to be called farm and flower and the bread was crispy and fresh. They now even make their baguettes the night before which equates to stale old baguette the next day. Why would any self respecting bakery do that. I understand they have a lot of business but I do believe it'll go down since quality has gone down drastically. They might make more profit for a while since they outsourced the baking but I won't be back..
I'm a big fan!The ginger matcha and bruschetta bread was awesome.
Love the interior and bread is … always gone. I have dropped in at this location for the last 6 months, and they always tell us about “Baker’s hours” and how basically they don’t have enough bread to sell and always run out. That is a ridiculous way to run a business. I’ll go to ACME down the street.How can States compete when 9/10 times if you go there — they will be sold out. I hate this about States bakery. Also their WiFi is broken. Went there to write, and I couldn’t open up any websites in a browser. Nice. They said there was something wrong with their network and seemed unconcerned.There’s something deeply wrong with the management at this particular location. I overheard two employees complaining about work and one of them was going to quit. I give it until the end of the year.
Excellent! The baristas know how to make coffee! Very smooth taste and so good! Thank You! Will come back!
I’ve been going to States Martinez since they opened but it has been a while since my last visit. Pleasantly surprised to see they’ve expanded across the bridge and taken over the old ‘farm + flour’ spot. Dark mocha is a mildly sweet, slightly bitter deliciousness! Apple coffee cake is mildly spiced and has the perfect crumb. The cranberry ricotta toast is on thick country style bread and very good. Love the wood interior (has a barn like feel) with lots of tables/seating areas and seating outside. Thanks for a lovely coffee break.
Best cafe in Benicia.Great single origin coffees. On par with anything I've had in San Francisco. Expertly roasted and brewed. You won't find better drip coffee. I'd love to see more cold brew options, but that's just me.Also, they've got great baked goods and toast options. You really can't go wrong here.
I love the baguette from this fine bakehouse but it has become impossible to get. At first they made it every day but now It's only available after mid-morning and only on weekends! I just called to check and they have already sold out for today (at 11:10 am on a Saturday). I don't know why they don't plan better and simply make more baguette loaves. I'm fed up trying to find the exact moment when I can actually get some and will be going to the other great bakehouse in Benicia from now on.
Such a cute coffee shop. All of the food looked delicious but we got a maple donut and cashew butter bread, both are worth going back for. I got an earl grey latte and I loved it. I would absolutely recommend stopping by if you're in the area.
States is 100% legit. This historic building is so cute and located on an idyllic street in downtown Benicia. Great coffee and loved my maple donut. Will try to get up here sooner next time to catch some more variety. Nonetheless. Taylor was a DOLL and made my visit so special. Thanks for taking such good care of me. The world needs more Taylors, actually…it would be a sweeter place for sure.