Wuollet Bakery

I’ve been here several times for baked goods and recently went to buy some cupcakes for a baby shower I was throwing for my soon-​to-​be-​niece! I always hear how people like Wuollet’s and their baked goods but i’ve never really thought they were all that great. Well, thought I’d give them another try so I got some cupcakes for a baby shower. Once again, was not wow’d by their baked goods. I thought the cupcake was way too sweet and unremarkable in flavor. I know I won’t be back anytime soon… While I was in the store picking up my order, there was another customer who asked for a pastry/​dessert recommendation and said as long as it’s not a cupcake because I don’t like the cupcakes here. So not sure if i’ve always just been trying the wrong things here?!

I’ve had three things from Wuollet bakery because of the groupon deal. I had a baguette (that cost more than 4 dollars!) red velvet cake, and some sourdough bread. All of the quality was the same, or probably inferior to what you can get from the Cub foods baked goods department. The staff are grumpy and don’t really feel like being friendly to their customers.
1) Rustica is much cheaper
2) Rustica is much tastier
3) Rustica has much better customer service
Sad to say but in my opinion there really isn’t much point in coming to this place.

I had been invited by a good friend to dinner and I promised to bring dessert. I was going to bake but after racking my brain of what to make, I decided I would just buy. I was at uptown area, and I had been unsuccessfully perusing the dessert selection at Kowalski grocery store, until I saw Wuollet across the street.
I also remembered seeing a groupon this morning for it. In a haste, I purchased the groupon as I crossed the street. Talking about grouponing and crossing the street! I hope it wasn’t against the law.
The outside wasn’t very inviting. I saw it many times before and never got attempted to try. It looked old and dumpy. Then, I saw from driving around that they have several locations. It couldn’t be that bad if they are able to sustain to be in business with several locations. I also heard from friends that you really can’t go all that wrong with Wuollet. That was why I finally was giving it a try and hoped it wouldn’t disappoint.
The inside was also not fancy, and it was quite old fashioned. However, nothing wrong with that! I guess being in uptown, I was expecting upscale and if it was old, I was expecting «vintage» other than plain old. The bakery selections also remind me of this old bakery I used to frequent in Chicago. They had selections of donuts, coffee cakes, cupcakes that weren’t as fancy as the cupcake only stores, and several cakes and tarts. Since my groupon was $ 30 for only paying $ 15, I had a lot of money to work with.
I settled for an almond pear tart, 2 caramel brownies or blondies, and a powdered sugar donut. The lady that waited on me was a little lack of energy looking at the way she slouched and how she waited on customers (me). However she was very proactive in asking me of what I wanted, and gave suggestions, as well as explaining the different selections. She also was nice enough to work with me so I could use my groupon’s value fully. That was very appreciated. At the end, I pardoned her lack of enthusiasm at the beginning. She probably just needed a nap.
The donut was very nice! It tasted like when you wanted to indulge in those gas station kind that came in a packet of five? Except this one is one full donut and 10 times better! The blondie was also very decadent. It was moist, sweet, and salty at the same time. I was instantly a fan.
At my friend’s house, the almond tart didn’t go to waste. Everyone enjoyed it, and it was undoubtedly yummy. It had this gradual ever changing flavors, from the crunchy crust, to the sweet almond paste, then this creamy and a little salty cream, then to the fruity baked pears. It was a very nice dessert. It entertained your palette almost perfectly.
I’ll be a frequent visitor, I had a feeling. However, I’ll be the in and out kind.

I initially went to this bakery because I bought a groupon for it. I was so excited to finally try one of their pastries (I love anythings sweet) and really enjoyed my time here. I recently went for a second time this past weekend and was even happier after leaving a second time!
The variety seemed overwhelming until I decided to get a box for my roommates. That way we were able to taste bits of each pastry. I’m not much for cupcakes, but the various pieces I’ve had from Wuollet were good enough for me. However, their coffee cake, pecan pastries, cheese and raspberry … are SO delicious! And their pie with marzipan lining was by far my favorite! My roommates also loved the gifts I brought home. (Also, the prices are VERY reasonable for a pastry shop, I thought).

It pains me to give business a bad review however Wuollet Bakery has earned it based on its so called «customer service». Let me preface it that yesterday was my third and final visit to Wuollet. The sole reason I kept on coming back was the Princess Torte but it’s no longer worth it.
Let me depict you my final encounter… Mid to late afternoon I walked in wanting to by a princes torte ever so hopeful for a decent interaction with staff. Before even it was my turn, I witnessed terrible customer service buy one of their staff (female wearing a black shirt). Rude, unapologetic and without a care would be my depiction of this customer «unservice» behavior. I could go on about the interaction I witnessed but for sake of precious finger power I’ll just skip it. I was praying that other staff person would serve me but gods were not smiling upon me.
It was my turn to deal with the queen of «customer unservice». Hoping to turn my experience into a positive one, I approached the counter with a big smile on my face and asked for a Princess Torte. Before I was even able to finish, she said [i’m paraphrasing] «If we have any it’s probably frozen» then with haste proceeded to go to the back room to check. Couple minutes later, she returned and said that they don’t have any and for her conversation stopped there. Knowing Wuollet has many locations in the Twin Cities I asked if any other location might have any [HINT: Good customer service would be calling other stores and checking for the customer.]. Clearly bothered by my question, she reached and grabbed me a business card and said «Maybe Edina will have some» and then just left. Wow
I took out my phone and called Edina store and reserved Princess Torte. But before I left, a friend that arrived with me wanted a cupcake. We approached the other girl that was working and when we asked her for one cup cake her reaction was equally as snooty as the Queen of the customer unservice when she said «Just one?» like she shouldn’t be bothered for a transaction like that. We got our cupcake and left.
If I could give this place negative five star rating I would for it’s deserving of that rating based on its customer unservice.

I’ve encountered Wuollet Bakery several times recently and think it warrants a positive review!
Most recently a coworker picked up a tin of holiday cookies from Wuollet on her way in to a work event and the attendees raved! The price was reasonable, little bite-​sized cookies just right for this already stuffed holiday season, and rich flavors spot on and unique with a nice variety of colorful and flavorful. I will use these for future client holiday events as I’d never thought of it before!
We also ordered a custom birthday cake for another coworker’s special day a few months back and everyone in the group was asking where the decadent chocolate cake came from. I’d say the cakes are priced a tad above average but the homemade flavors and high quality ingredients are so superior it makes Wuollets the best deal in town!

I really appreciated Wuollet’s flexibility with our groupon– they gave us a gift card for the remaining value with no questions asked. Really great customer service. We all had croissants and they were pretty standard for American croissants. I appreciated the abundance of samples and free refills on the coffee. I wish they had some small tables outside, and the indoor seating needs to be updated.

I like this shop, I’ve special ordered a Red Velvet Cake from them and it was very good. I’ve tried a few other baked goods that were very good as well. It’s just a bit pricey for me.

Bought half dozen expensive cupcakes to take home. They ‘looked’ great in the box, but were dried out & flavorless. Will never return.

Perhaps you have been past this bakery and noticed the cobwebby, sun-​ravaged cupcakes and birthday cakes in the window. If you are a friggin’ meth addict for sugar, this screams, «COME IN AND FEAST, DARLING!» If you’re not, you start to wonder why you’ve heard so many good things about this place.
Wuollet is a 70-​year old bakery with a solid reputation, and my official first stop for what is today entitled «leah + butter = love», a 25-​bakery review swing through the metro area.
Walking in the door, I was absolutely disappointed. All of the baked goods looked like what you’d expect to find at Rainbow. And everything I had was, ultimately, flavorless.
I tried a sample of the wild rice bread and was totally unimpressed, as well as a sample of their butterboy brownies, a caramel-​based and crumbly-​dry (HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE?) bar.
I ordered the éclair because it– and it alone– looked promising. But alas! Fail! Solid, chewy, flavorless pastry dough. Flavorless, grainy filling. The chocolate frosting tasted like… sugar. Sugar and milk. I didn’t finish it. That? Right there? A FIRST.
I have a hunch that pre-​Bakery Amazingness Explosion a few years ago, Wuollet had the market cornered on baked goods in the Twin Cities and got complacent. What I experienced yesterday felt like a resigned shrug from a kitchen that has obviously lost its way.

Fridays sometimes mean I bring donuts into the office. Even though my previous review was not too upbeat, I decided to give Wuollet Bakery another shot partly because it’s so close and partly because I’m always willing to give a place another shot.
So now have to update my review based on a great experience I just had here this morning. I walked in and an employee named Jay warmly greeted me and then advised me which were the best donuts/​pastries to get for my office crew. His advice was all spot-​on because everyone LOVED the donuts and pastries. Especially the Chocolate Rise Donuts and Glazed Rise Donuts. The Maple Bismark was a big hit as well.
What a difference it makes to have such a friendly employee like Jay working there! I will now definitely be back more often!

I like this place. I have a huge sweet tooth, and have been able to indulge it here several times. My favorite is the «cheese crown,» a cheese danish in a cupcake like shape. They don’t skimp on the cheesy filling or the icing, which I appreciate.
My only disappointment so far was when I ended up with a dried out/​stale tasting Stollen during Christmas time.
They frequently run deals via Groupon and other deal sites, so keep your eye out.

Another «Emperor» enterprise in Mpls. I’m not seeing the clothes.
Soooooo overrated. OMG, where to start. One of my dear relations thinks this is the epitome of baked goodness on earth, so we’ve endured YEARS of Wuollet cakes for every occasion. Stop the madness.
What pisses me off about mediocrity is when you can do SO MUCH BETTER for the same price or close enough, this makes a three star product an annoyed one star.
Where to start? Patisserie 46. Sunstreet Breads. Franklin St. Breads. Yum in STLP. Patisserie Margo. Turtle. The Salty Tart. Rustica. A load of mediocre cannoli at Broder’s deli? Still better. Breadsmith. Cake from the deli case at Whole Foods or the co-​op? Yep, still better.
The one thing I have ever loved, and I mean LOVED at Wuollet is a pulla roll. The pulla rolls are like, five stars. No one even knows what I’m talking about half the time when I mention them.

Today Wuollet let me down. I have gone before to this place and even had my wedding cake delivered by them. However, today the quality of service and the quality of food let me down tremendously. My family was in town so I decided to stop by for some bread and cakes. I got some cupcakes and I can safely say that I have had better from Cub foods.
The cupcakes were dry as anything and the frosting was even dry. I felt like they served me $ 2.00 cupcakes that may have been sitting out for more than a week. They were really disgusting and I really felt ashamed to share it with my family.
I am afraid that due to this experience, I may never venture to the bakery again as they really let me down.
It is one thing to warn a client that the items may not be fresh but another to try and sell them as new and fresh.
I will not be coming again to this location!

Only had a chance to order an Americano from Wuollet on my way to Chicago!
I asked for less water and got water filled up to the top of the cup on my double espresso. Whomp whomp :(
The drink was tasty and the employees were nice, though! If I’m ever in town, I’d love to try some of their dessert.

Walked in out of curiosity. Spotted the last maple bar. Not wanting to spoil my appetite (I was having lunch across the street at Travail), I stood in front of the display case looking pathetic. It worked. The salesgirl offered to hold the pastry for me (really?!? so nice!), and I was able to pick it up when done with lunch.
Maple bar was good. Not phenomenal.
But the service at Wuollet deserves some recognition.

During a visit, I popped in and purchased a cake for my husband’s birthday. The green cake they keep in the refrigerator case– white cake, raspberry and bavarian cream filling, frosted with a pastel green marzipan frosting.
It’s been a month, and I’m still thinking about it. Open an LA location, please!

It’s really hard for me to drive by this Wuollet and not stop in. THE TREATS ARE SO.GOOD.
The almond cream and lemon drop cupcakes are two of my favorites, but it’s really not possible to go wrong here.
The only thing that seems a little off is the service. The employees never seem to be as happy to be at Wuollet as I am. YOU WORK IN A CONFINED SPACE WITH SUMPTUOUS DESSERTS! What is there to frown about?
…I guess if I worked there I’d have a colossal stomach ache from stuffing my face all day, so perhaps that explains it? Regardless, Wuollet’s a fave.

When I lived in uptown, Wuolllet’s was one of my weekend staples. Nothing better than walking to Wuolett’s on a chilly morning and coming home with a bag of yummy donuts to warm up your breakfast.
Now that I live out of state, Wuollet’s has become an occasional treat but is still on my list of the must-​visit places every time I go home. On my most recent trip I stopped in with my parents as it was my dad’s birthday and he wanted a cake. We picked out a nice round chocolate number to enjoy at the party later, a kringle for the following morning and a donut each for right then and there. I had my favorite — powdered sugar. I find the powdered sugar donut has become a rare item to find at donut shops so I’m glad Wuollet’s still makes them. They are always fresh-​tasting with just the slightest buttery crispyness around the edges. Drool.
The chocolate cake was divine. So rich and moist and the frosting isn’t too sweet. It’s definitely not that cheap chemical-​y frosting you get on grocery store cakes. Everyone at the birthday party commented on how great the cake was.
And the kringle was fantastic! It was buttery and flaky and had a nice almond flavor to it without overpowering the pastry itself. I ate piece after piece.
I have been a customer of Wuolett’s for years and have yet to be disappointed. One of the best bakeries in Minneapolis or anywhere.

I agree with Kathy C, Wuollet’s is the gold standard of TC bakeries. Tried and true. I had the Princess Torte at a shower recently and it was TO DIE FOR decadent without the over-​the-​top sugar rush.
I just found out: they take online orders!!! I love it!
I’d never been into the Hennepin store before and was pleasantly surprised that they have a rather sizable seating area.
Now if they’d only get free wifi…