The breads they offer are good quality, but they only get three stars for a couple of reasons: All they offer are very dense, heavy loafs with soft "crusts". No crusty baguettes to be found. One slice goes down like a two inch thick slab of meatloaf. Every bread flavor seems to lean toward the sweet side, so this bread is best eaten by itself with a little butter, like banana bread. The selection is appallingly small (usually 3 or 4 choices at any given time) for a bakery that specializes in bread and barely makes anything else. Expensive- but hey, it's Linden Hills.
(3)
Jeff G.
Over the years, I've been to great harvest a couple dozen times. And every time I go, I think two things: 1. Why don't I come here more often and 2. What kind of bread are they slicing today? Recently, I had a loaf of the cumin black bean bread, which is awesome. The cinnamon rolls are really good too, and they have this genuine taste that you don't get from processed rolls. Cookies? More please. I mean really, the bread is fantastic.. It's not like a patisserie 46, so I can't compare say, baguettes. (In fact I don't think I've ever had a baguette from great harvest). But all of their bread has a great flavor that is very natural, you can taste the grains... It feels good eating. Oh, and the cinnamon rolls are awesome in case I haven't mentioned that yet.
(5)
Lori R.
First visit and am impressed. First of all, when you want to sample, they cut off a huge section of bread. Two samples and you are good till the next meal. Second, if the bread has extra ingredients like fruit or cheese or spice, it is loaded and you get something in every bite. No scrimping here. Bought a pesto bread that had a thick layer of pesto rolled in the dough. Also bought the black pepper Parmesan. Nice bite of pepper. For dessert, brought home a blueberry white chocolate crumble slice. Huge portion. The breads are denser, not light, with soft crusts. No crunchy, chewy crusts that give your jaw a work out. Go somewhere else for that kind of bread. They also have great looking big cookies, giant blonde brownies, dog biscuits, biscotti, etc, etc.
(4)
Tony H.
Absolutely the place to go for bread! Love this place. Had a nice sandwich too and a couple of their gigantic chocolate chips cookies. Just hits the spot each time.
(4)
Katherine B.
I dream of oatmeal cookies from Great Harvest. They were out today in early afternoon, and yet I'm still giving them five starts for having the best oatmeal cookie in Minnesota. I tried the salted caramel instead, and it was very good. Similar in texture to the oatmeal, although the pieces of caramel stuck to my teeth in a way that reminded me I need to schedule a visit to the dentist. The people who work here have been charming for the last 12 years that I've been visiting, and yes, everything is good.
(5)
Glen S.
Yup. Do you enjoy carbs? Oh, cuz we're in the mid-west and human, I'm pretty sure the answer is yes. Everything, literally everything, is made from scratch and you can tell. Fresh and right out of the oven, swinging through on a weekend is going to be our new plan. Dog Friendly outside (with a nice dish for water), it's only two/three blocks off the lake's walking path - which gives you no reason not to swing through. Linden Hills Festival is May 18th and gives you a good reason to stop by!
(5)
Cynthia S.
LOVE their raspberry scones. they have been selling them at the nicollet ave farmers market downtown for years. they aren't dry or like biscuits like some scones (some of which are good, too), but more breadlike or something. hard to explain but i love them. i only wish they would bring more to the market. they regularly run out by like 9-9:30am.
(5)
Ahmad R.
So cozy, friendly family atmosphere, and they usually have fresh samples. I had three things over 30 minutes as my kids played in the play area and all of them were all good to great.
(5)
Sara W.
Samples anyone? Want to try another piece? The friendliest of service is always greeting those that enter this Great Harvest with a sample, and a smile. I adore their sandwiches that you get can to go, on any bread option. They are big enough to share too! However, most people come here for their fantastic bread, especially those seasonal varieties. A favorite of mine are their Berry scones--light & simply delicious. Their loaves of bread are a little 'heavier' and dense, so just be prepared for a hearty (& chewy) bite. Their cinnamon rolls are also to die for-- I brought 3 to work to share with my coworkers, yet 3 large rolls feeds about 12 people! And let me tell you, a few people were coming back for seconds.
(4)
Kaitlin B.
I had the pleasant opportunity to stumble upon this place while waiting for a bookstore to open. Talk about nice employees! I have been following the Gluten Free Train for like 6 years now (I know guys, before it was cool!) and they have Gluten Free bread as well as cookie options that they bake fresh every day but Saturday! AWESOME! The building is old and is the perfect spot for a bakery. Delish! Smells great in there... there is a fun kids area, gluten free bread, nice people? Sign me up!
(5)
Melanie B.
Not only is it nestled in one of the cutest Lake Calhoun neighborhoods, it adds to the charm as you smell the fresh baked goodness even before you walk in the door! We took the kids after a morning walk for a pastry and ended up choosing a flavorful basil Parmesan sourdough to complement our supper that night too. The pastries were tasty and sweet, we had the cinnamon twists and apple turnover (real apples people! not canned!). While we waited in a short line to pay, the kids were entertaining themselves in the sunny storefront window with big stuffed animals and toys appropriate for many ages.
(4)
Colleen H.
Of all the GREAT HARVEST stores in MN -- this store is TRULY the BEST! The Upton store knows how load up the bread with butter, cinnamon, nuts, white chocolate, cherries... whatever it is that you are looking for in your wonderful loaf of bread... did i say butter? They have the friendliest service - and - the samples that will bring you back to buy more bread! My FAV-o-RiTE of all time - WHITE CHOCOLATE CHERRY BREAD!!! Love this store!
(5)
Sarah Z.
I don't think this place can do anything wrong. And I don't want to rave about it saying that it's the most amazing place ever, because I think people need to walk into it just ready to experience anything. That's how you will get the best experience. Like every bakery, the smell is the first thing that welcomes you into the venue. Then you'll see the wonderful person behind the counter handing out large samples from their selection of breads and treats. And they WILL be smiling and happy to give you heaping samples of every one of those treats. This is probably the most welcoming place I've ever been. Unless it's busy. But once you get to the sample counter they'll still be happy to see you. It's kind of like bakery heaven in that way. But it's still like bakery heaven in many other ways. Great Harvest's mission is to provide as many whole grains and healthy ingredients as they can in the most delicious way possible. They're doing a very good job. I have enjoyed everything I've ever tasted here, and it's always freshly baked, moist, and often still warm from the oven. It's like the grandma's house that never existed. Don't get me wrong, I dearly loved my grandma, but she never baked breads quite like this. The best part of it for me is it reminds me of childhood. My mom would take me and my brothers on a (long) bike ride to Great Harvest and we would all get those crunchy hearty chocolate chip cookies to enjoy before the agonizingly long ride back. So this bakery holds a special place in my heart for that reason. Other notable highlights: The Dakota Whole Wheat loaf is just about the best tasting loaf I've ever had, the Swedish Rye (I think?) with orange and anise (again, I think anise?) is a great experience with butter and honey, the chocolate chip cookies are of course a must, the blueberry whole wheat muffin... yum. But then again, I don't think there is anything mediocre here. But I don't want to raise your expectations passed reality. You should just go try it out and savor ever fluffy moist bite of whatever you have. And if you have room for ice cream, go get some Sebastian Joe's afterward.
(5)
Emily F.
I have been going to this bakery for years. I love this place. My favorite loaf is hands down the high fiber, although I have never had anything here that I didn't like! I appreciate that parking is easy, the staff is so friendly, and I always walk out with a VERY generously-sized sample of my choosing. Thanks, Great Harvest! You da best!
(5)
Jon L.
We stopped by and picked up a couple of loaves of bread. I love the fact that they have all natural ingredients. Only 5 to be exact. We got a fresh white loaf that was still warm and they sliced it for us. Also, a honey wheat loaf. We couldn't leave without a caramel roll, so we picked up one of those as well. The taste of the bread was really good, the only complaint was that it is too dense. Maybe some people like that, but I would rather have light and airy bread. The bread is also sliced pretty thin, so it was a little tougher making a substantial sandwich. I think we will be experimenting with making our own and see if we can hit the jackpot. Good, just not great.
(3)
Josh M.
Try the cinnamon rolls here they're to die for, never had ones like these anywhere else, and I love that they don't use an icing with a shortening taste like so many places do. Instead its a perfect blend of caramel and cinnamon, I get the ones with no nuts but you can get them with as well. Their oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are amazing too, even the simplest things here like bread is great, honey white is my favorite, but they also have the tastiest whole grain bread I've ever had. They have extremely good free samples of the breads they have available so you can find your flavor, usually these are fresh out of the oven.The samples are so good that on ocassion you'll see people swiping handfuls into thier purse when they think nobodys watching. Great Harvest is thee best bakery I've been to in the Twin Cities no doubt about it. If your looking for a good bakery look no further this place is great.
(5)
susan c.
Bread, buns, rolls...what I call one of the best foods on earth. Fresh and always tasty, unusual flavors of breads makes this place that everyone should try. Don't worry about purchasing something you may not like, samples are always available and often they are more like regular serving sizes with your choice of real butter and jams. There Cinnamon rolls are delish!
(5)
Danielle W.
I don't think I can write a real review on this place. It's basically perfect. This is not a sit down bakery, for anyone who is looking for a place to grab a pepperoni roll on a saturday and enjoy indoors. But they make great baked goods - and they're reasonably priced! Clever, delicious, and nice! I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Jennifer K.
Don't really review chains. Usually talk about them with disdain...but Great Harvest...especially this one... Kinda makes me feel like a hippie- live in Linden Hills-and stay home with my beautiful babies and provide great bread for my family...kind of a mood. HMm. Not in this lifetime. Since I'm a teacher for St. Paul, and none of these things are true, but the little girl coloring in the little play area in the window melted my heart...well. The artichoke asiago bread is amazing. I know because she gave me a huge slice. Almost so big I could forgo lunch kind of a slice. With butter. Yum. SO we bought some artichoke bread (who wouldn't?) some hamburger buns and cookies. and then prayed that someday, we would be rich enough to live in Linden Hills...
(4)
Jaymi W.
I'm going to let you in on a little seasonal secret.... Are you ready? EGGNOG BREAD. I hate eggnog almost as much as I hate licorice, yet it is this bread that is responsible for the current size of my ass. Oh, it also may be the samples they give out. I didn't know "sample" meant handing over 1/3 of a loaf of bread to me for free. Regardless, more places need to take note, up the size of their samples and then happily get me to eat it, kind of like Great Harvest does
(5)
Scott J.
We have been enjoying Great Harvest since we lived in Linden Hills 15 years ago and the same warm, bread smell greets you when you walk in. The samples are outrageous...some of the people give you "samples" bigger than some of the things they sell, so be careful or you'll fill up on samples (not a bad thing). The chocolate chip cherry holiday cookies are awesome; those cherries are some kind of secret sauce that make these cookies a cut above your normal cookie. The breads can be a bit heavy for me but the pepperoni rolls are UNBELIEVABLE. Get one while they are warm, tell yourself you are only going to have a bite or two and then realize you just consumed the entire thing. It is that good. Skip their coffee and go to Sebastian Joe's across the street or down the street and to the right for Coffee & Tea Ltd. for a custom cup of coffee (you pick the bean, they grind it fresh and make you a cup). On a square block basis, Linden Hills has the most to offer in the Twin Cities.
(4)
Mon P.
A lot of yummy goodness with the friendliest and the nicest staff ever.
(5)
Mark E.
Great people, awesome grains, and worth the visit (especially in the AM when the bread is hot)!
(5)
T C.
Pick up some Groovy Granola and any pastries here. They have a stand in the Downtown Farmer's Market on Nicollet on Thursdays (6a - 6p).
(4)
Emmy K.
The sample are so huge, and the bread is so delicious. I love shopping here! You definitely get what you pay for.
(5)
amy z.
Every year the Farmers Market begins on the Thursday and every year I am first in line for my morning treat. I have not been to the actual bakery but I look forward to seeing them every year. First I always get the apple bun. It is a wonderful bread like roll with cinnamon and apples in it with a brown sugar top. With a cup of coffee, I can't be crabby on a Thursday morning. Second they know exactly what I want and I don't even have to ask. Now that is customer service!!!.
(5)
jerry m.
this is the #1 bread place and the samples with butter are outrageously big and delicious, so be careful or you'll fill up on samples.
Dave F.
The breads they offer are good quality, but they only get three stars for a couple of reasons: All they offer are very dense, heavy loafs with soft "crusts". No crusty baguettes to be found. One slice goes down like a two inch thick slab of meatloaf. Every bread flavor seems to lean toward the sweet side, so this bread is best eaten by itself with a little butter, like banana bread. The selection is appallingly small (usually 3 or 4 choices at any given time) for a bakery that specializes in bread and barely makes anything else. Expensive- but hey, it's Linden Hills.
(3)Jeff G.
Over the years, I've been to great harvest a couple dozen times. And every time I go, I think two things: 1. Why don't I come here more often and 2. What kind of bread are they slicing today? Recently, I had a loaf of the cumin black bean bread, which is awesome. The cinnamon rolls are really good too, and they have this genuine taste that you don't get from processed rolls. Cookies? More please. I mean really, the bread is fantastic.. It's not like a patisserie 46, so I can't compare say, baguettes. (In fact I don't think I've ever had a baguette from great harvest). But all of their bread has a great flavor that is very natural, you can taste the grains... It feels good eating. Oh, and the cinnamon rolls are awesome in case I haven't mentioned that yet.
(5)Lori R.
First visit and am impressed. First of all, when you want to sample, they cut off a huge section of bread. Two samples and you are good till the next meal. Second, if the bread has extra ingredients like fruit or cheese or spice, it is loaded and you get something in every bite. No scrimping here. Bought a pesto bread that had a thick layer of pesto rolled in the dough. Also bought the black pepper Parmesan. Nice bite of pepper. For dessert, brought home a blueberry white chocolate crumble slice. Huge portion. The breads are denser, not light, with soft crusts. No crunchy, chewy crusts that give your jaw a work out. Go somewhere else for that kind of bread. They also have great looking big cookies, giant blonde brownies, dog biscuits, biscotti, etc, etc.
(4)Tony H.
Absolutely the place to go for bread! Love this place. Had a nice sandwich too and a couple of their gigantic chocolate chips cookies. Just hits the spot each time.
(4)Katherine B.
I dream of oatmeal cookies from Great Harvest. They were out today in early afternoon, and yet I'm still giving them five starts for having the best oatmeal cookie in Minnesota. I tried the salted caramel instead, and it was very good. Similar in texture to the oatmeal, although the pieces of caramel stuck to my teeth in a way that reminded me I need to schedule a visit to the dentist. The people who work here have been charming for the last 12 years that I've been visiting, and yes, everything is good.
(5)Glen S.
Yup. Do you enjoy carbs? Oh, cuz we're in the mid-west and human, I'm pretty sure the answer is yes. Everything, literally everything, is made from scratch and you can tell. Fresh and right out of the oven, swinging through on a weekend is going to be our new plan. Dog Friendly outside (with a nice dish for water), it's only two/three blocks off the lake's walking path - which gives you no reason not to swing through. Linden Hills Festival is May 18th and gives you a good reason to stop by!
(5)Cynthia S.
LOVE their raspberry scones. they have been selling them at the nicollet ave farmers market downtown for years. they aren't dry or like biscuits like some scones (some of which are good, too), but more breadlike or something. hard to explain but i love them. i only wish they would bring more to the market. they regularly run out by like 9-9:30am.
(5)Ahmad R.
So cozy, friendly family atmosphere, and they usually have fresh samples. I had three things over 30 minutes as my kids played in the play area and all of them were all good to great.
(5)Sara W.
Samples anyone? Want to try another piece? The friendliest of service is always greeting those that enter this Great Harvest with a sample, and a smile. I adore their sandwiches that you get can to go, on any bread option. They are big enough to share too! However, most people come here for their fantastic bread, especially those seasonal varieties. A favorite of mine are their Berry scones--light & simply delicious. Their loaves of bread are a little 'heavier' and dense, so just be prepared for a hearty (& chewy) bite. Their cinnamon rolls are also to die for-- I brought 3 to work to share with my coworkers, yet 3 large rolls feeds about 12 people! And let me tell you, a few people were coming back for seconds.
(4)Kaitlin B.
I had the pleasant opportunity to stumble upon this place while waiting for a bookstore to open. Talk about nice employees! I have been following the Gluten Free Train for like 6 years now (I know guys, before it was cool!) and they have Gluten Free bread as well as cookie options that they bake fresh every day but Saturday! AWESOME! The building is old and is the perfect spot for a bakery. Delish! Smells great in there... there is a fun kids area, gluten free bread, nice people? Sign me up!
(5)Melanie B.
Not only is it nestled in one of the cutest Lake Calhoun neighborhoods, it adds to the charm as you smell the fresh baked goodness even before you walk in the door! We took the kids after a morning walk for a pastry and ended up choosing a flavorful basil Parmesan sourdough to complement our supper that night too. The pastries were tasty and sweet, we had the cinnamon twists and apple turnover (real apples people! not canned!). While we waited in a short line to pay, the kids were entertaining themselves in the sunny storefront window with big stuffed animals and toys appropriate for many ages.
(4)Colleen H.
Of all the GREAT HARVEST stores in MN -- this store is TRULY the BEST! The Upton store knows how load up the bread with butter, cinnamon, nuts, white chocolate, cherries... whatever it is that you are looking for in your wonderful loaf of bread... did i say butter? They have the friendliest service - and - the samples that will bring you back to buy more bread! My FAV-o-RiTE of all time - WHITE CHOCOLATE CHERRY BREAD!!! Love this store!
(5)Sarah Z.
I don't think this place can do anything wrong. And I don't want to rave about it saying that it's the most amazing place ever, because I think people need to walk into it just ready to experience anything. That's how you will get the best experience. Like every bakery, the smell is the first thing that welcomes you into the venue. Then you'll see the wonderful person behind the counter handing out large samples from their selection of breads and treats. And they WILL be smiling and happy to give you heaping samples of every one of those treats. This is probably the most welcoming place I've ever been. Unless it's busy. But once you get to the sample counter they'll still be happy to see you. It's kind of like bakery heaven in that way. But it's still like bakery heaven in many other ways. Great Harvest's mission is to provide as many whole grains and healthy ingredients as they can in the most delicious way possible. They're doing a very good job. I have enjoyed everything I've ever tasted here, and it's always freshly baked, moist, and often still warm from the oven. It's like the grandma's house that never existed. Don't get me wrong, I dearly loved my grandma, but she never baked breads quite like this. The best part of it for me is it reminds me of childhood. My mom would take me and my brothers on a (long) bike ride to Great Harvest and we would all get those crunchy hearty chocolate chip cookies to enjoy before the agonizingly long ride back. So this bakery holds a special place in my heart for that reason. Other notable highlights: The Dakota Whole Wheat loaf is just about the best tasting loaf I've ever had, the Swedish Rye (I think?) with orange and anise (again, I think anise?) is a great experience with butter and honey, the chocolate chip cookies are of course a must, the blueberry whole wheat muffin... yum. But then again, I don't think there is anything mediocre here. But I don't want to raise your expectations passed reality. You should just go try it out and savor ever fluffy moist bite of whatever you have. And if you have room for ice cream, go get some Sebastian Joe's afterward.
(5)Emily F.
I have been going to this bakery for years. I love this place. My favorite loaf is hands down the high fiber, although I have never had anything here that I didn't like! I appreciate that parking is easy, the staff is so friendly, and I always walk out with a VERY generously-sized sample of my choosing. Thanks, Great Harvest! You da best!
(5)Jon L.
We stopped by and picked up a couple of loaves of bread. I love the fact that they have all natural ingredients. Only 5 to be exact. We got a fresh white loaf that was still warm and they sliced it for us. Also, a honey wheat loaf. We couldn't leave without a caramel roll, so we picked up one of those as well. The taste of the bread was really good, the only complaint was that it is too dense. Maybe some people like that, but I would rather have light and airy bread. The bread is also sliced pretty thin, so it was a little tougher making a substantial sandwich. I think we will be experimenting with making our own and see if we can hit the jackpot. Good, just not great.
(3)Josh M.
Try the cinnamon rolls here they're to die for, never had ones like these anywhere else, and I love that they don't use an icing with a shortening taste like so many places do. Instead its a perfect blend of caramel and cinnamon, I get the ones with no nuts but you can get them with as well. Their oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are amazing too, even the simplest things here like bread is great, honey white is my favorite, but they also have the tastiest whole grain bread I've ever had. They have extremely good free samples of the breads they have available so you can find your flavor, usually these are fresh out of the oven.The samples are so good that on ocassion you'll see people swiping handfuls into thier purse when they think nobodys watching. Great Harvest is thee best bakery I've been to in the Twin Cities no doubt about it. If your looking for a good bakery look no further this place is great.
(5)susan c.
Bread, buns, rolls...what I call one of the best foods on earth. Fresh and always tasty, unusual flavors of breads makes this place that everyone should try. Don't worry about purchasing something you may not like, samples are always available and often they are more like regular serving sizes with your choice of real butter and jams. There Cinnamon rolls are delish!
(5)Danielle W.
I don't think I can write a real review on this place. It's basically perfect. This is not a sit down bakery, for anyone who is looking for a place to grab a pepperoni roll on a saturday and enjoy indoors. But they make great baked goods - and they're reasonably priced! Clever, delicious, and nice! I can't wait to go back!
(5)Jennifer K.
Don't really review chains. Usually talk about them with disdain...but Great Harvest...especially this one... Kinda makes me feel like a hippie- live in Linden Hills-and stay home with my beautiful babies and provide great bread for my family...kind of a mood. HMm. Not in this lifetime. Since I'm a teacher for St. Paul, and none of these things are true, but the little girl coloring in the little play area in the window melted my heart...well. The artichoke asiago bread is amazing. I know because she gave me a huge slice. Almost so big I could forgo lunch kind of a slice. With butter. Yum. SO we bought some artichoke bread (who wouldn't?) some hamburger buns and cookies. and then prayed that someday, we would be rich enough to live in Linden Hills...
(4)Jaymi W.
I'm going to let you in on a little seasonal secret.... Are you ready? EGGNOG BREAD. I hate eggnog almost as much as I hate licorice, yet it is this bread that is responsible for the current size of my ass. Oh, it also may be the samples they give out. I didn't know "sample" meant handing over 1/3 of a loaf of bread to me for free. Regardless, more places need to take note, up the size of their samples and then happily get me to eat it, kind of like Great Harvest does
(5)Scott J.
We have been enjoying Great Harvest since we lived in Linden Hills 15 years ago and the same warm, bread smell greets you when you walk in. The samples are outrageous...some of the people give you "samples" bigger than some of the things they sell, so be careful or you'll fill up on samples (not a bad thing). The chocolate chip cherry holiday cookies are awesome; those cherries are some kind of secret sauce that make these cookies a cut above your normal cookie. The breads can be a bit heavy for me but the pepperoni rolls are UNBELIEVABLE. Get one while they are warm, tell yourself you are only going to have a bite or two and then realize you just consumed the entire thing. It is that good. Skip their coffee and go to Sebastian Joe's across the street or down the street and to the right for Coffee & Tea Ltd. for a custom cup of coffee (you pick the bean, they grind it fresh and make you a cup). On a square block basis, Linden Hills has the most to offer in the Twin Cities.
(4)Mon P.
A lot of yummy goodness with the friendliest and the nicest staff ever.
(5)Mark E.
Great people, awesome grains, and worth the visit (especially in the AM when the bread is hot)!
(5)T C.
Pick up some Groovy Granola and any pastries here. They have a stand in the Downtown Farmer's Market on Nicollet on Thursdays (6a - 6p).
(4)Emmy K.
The sample are so huge, and the bread is so delicious. I love shopping here! You definitely get what you pay for.
(5)amy z.
Every year the Farmers Market begins on the Thursday and every year I am first in line for my morning treat. I have not been to the actual bakery but I look forward to seeing them every year. First I always get the apple bun. It is a wonderful bread like roll with cinnamon and apples in it with a brown sugar top. With a cup of coffee, I can't be crabby on a Thursday morning. Second they know exactly what I want and I don't even have to ask. Now that is customer service!!!.
(5)jerry m.
this is the #1 bread place and the samples with butter are outrageously big and delicious, so be careful or you'll fill up on samples.
(4)