So, my first visit to bread and chocolate was today for lunch. I ordered a panini with turkey and swiss. My wife ordered a potato egg and cheese one. When we got our food, we got in the car and drove home. Only to discover, they hadn't given us any of the sause, nor my side salad. Also, they had given me the wrong sandwich. So, why do they have 4 stars and not 1? After discovering they had given me the wrong sandwich, I went back. We only live about 5 minutes away, and I had some words for them. When I got into the shop, I walked up to the counter, waited for them to finish with a customer and said quite plainly that I had received the wrong sandwich. Almost immediately the manager became involved, re-made my sandwich personally, and refunded my money without ANY prompting whatsoever. That in itself is pretty amazing. What's more, the food itself was great! My wife LOVED the potato-egg-cheese panini, and mine was also pretty great. (Once it was right, though having had a couple bites of the original, that one was good too.) At any rate, I am quite sure that we will be back, despite the initial problems. Also, we had a cookie and a chocolate scone danish thing. Also fantastic.
(4)
Kristi C.
They make a great latte and my cheese croissant was flaky and oh so good!
(4)
Taylor K.
They claim to have the best brownies in the Twin Cities and they are not wrong! However, I like to get their chocolate croissants - they're just decadent. The place is always packed so I recommend getting your treats and coffee to go (I've never had their cafe sandwiches so I can't comment on those). Overall, this place is a gem.
(4)
David T.
Try the Swedish coffee! As with a diamond, the 4 Cs are everything...however, in this case they stand for coffee, chocolate, cardamom and cinnamon. An enticing mixture that combines sweet and spicy will surely give you a jolt of energy in the morning or during that 3pm slump. The homemade cookies are pretty good too!
I've only ever ordered cookies, so this review is just for the cookies, but never fear, the cookies are crazy good. I'm not a super cookie fan, but these are worth every calorie. They are soft (but not too soft) and oh so buttery! A+ cookies!
(5)
Heather J.
Stopped in just today and was intrigued by the 'carrot cookie'...it was a flat, fluffy, cookie style cupcake...yum. I am hoping to go back and try some of their croissants in the early morning or other tastes.
(4)
Elizabeth S.
I meant to try Cafe Latte this morning. On my way to CL, I passed Bread and Chocolate and noticed that it was bustling. So many happy people. But no, no! Cafe Latte is on my agenda. I get to CL and the place is deserted and sad. Who wants to eat in a big empty restaurant where your only company is the staff, and they's too busy talking to each other to talk to you. So I cross the street, cross the other street, mince into B&C. I get that the line(s) is a little confusing, but I think it has a lot to do with the odd amount of space between the front counter and the pillars. It's not so narrow that you definitely have to go around the pillar, but there isn't too wide a passage on the other side, either. The architecture isn't enough to dampen my estimation of B&C. The chocolate croissant is to die for. I tried a maple white chocolate cookie that, at first bite, made me want to buy a dozen to take home. Other reviewers have pointed out (whined about, really) the luncheon-style trays like that's some kind of negative. You bring the food to your table yourself; otherwise, a server would be bringing it to you and you'd have to tip them, and B&C is not that kind of restaurant. Is a tray-less existence more desirable? No, y'all. The seating options are also decent. You can go outside; you can stay inside; if you stay inside, you can sit at the counter. I sat at the counter and it was a little odd to be so close to the barista while she was working. Not odd enough to move my chocolate-loving caboose, but a little odd.
(5)
Safety N.
Great pastries are Bread and Chocolate's distinguishing feature IMHO. They have great cookies, croissants, and scones. They also make sandwiches, but the sandwiches are nothing special . It can be crowded, especially on the weekends, but that's just a sign of how good it is. You can get a decent espresso here as well as brewed coffee and more elaborate coffee drinks.
(4)
Clare O.
Mediocre. The server at the counter did not know what cold press coffee was. (This *is* 2011, right?). I got an iced coffee and it was bitter and weak at the same time. Impressive for how bad it was. The cookie display case looked dusty and sparse. My daughter's MnM cookie was oversalted and stale. My chocolate oat bar was good, if amateurish. The name implies so much greatness, but the reality sticks in my throat a little.
(2)
Taren K.
Way over-sweetened Nice atmosphere but the pastries are oozing with far to much sugar. Both my friend and I couldn't finish our chocolate croissants because after just a few bites we had headaches from the over-sugared taste. I normally like sweet desserts and pastries but this way over the top.
(2)
Stephanie R.
My dad took me to the Bread & Chocolate (lovingly referred to as the B&C in my family) every Saturday for about 12 years. This place is full of wonderful memories for me. Reasons to visit: 1. Great make-your-own-sandwiches - pretty basic but delightfully fresh ingredients and fresh baked bread from Cafe Latte across the street (same owner) 2. Baked goods - voted Best Brownie by City Pages multiple years. Also try the Magic Bars, cookies, scones, and especially the croissants (apple and chocolate are my faves!) 3. A beautifully warm interior with a fireplace to cozy up near in the wintertime. Always a great buzz of people and a positive vibe here.
(5)
Marty B.
Bread and Chocolate is a great little place to grab breakfast or lunch on Grand Ave. They have a great selection of coffee and espresso beverages that pair well with a number of delicious choices in the pastry case that includes cookies, dessert bars, and breakfast rolls. For lunch you can build your own panini sandwich to include your choice of meat, cheese, and veggies- it comes with a side salad or chips and is a pretty reasonably priced lunch. I personally love going for the cinnamon swirl roll with an iced Americano if I'm grabbing breakfast. If I'm there for lunch, I usually do a turkey panini with provolone, red peppers, tomato, spinach, and mayo with a mixed greens side salad topped with parmesan and basil vinaigrette dressing. Definitely a great place to go meet up with friends and family or to go go get some work done on your laptop.
(4)
Sarah U.
best ham & cheese croissant in the TC flaky, crispy on the outside, right amount of filling. YUM. I used to sneak out of church service on summit ave and come here with my sister. hehe
(4)
Jennifer N.
Great service and desserts. They mostly have cookies, scones, sticky buns. I had an M&ms cookie and it was soft and delicious. I ordered a London fog, which isn't on their menu, but with a little instruction, the barista did a great. We came here because cafe latte had a black out and we're glad we did. I will be back for cookies!!
(5)
Amir S.
Most of us for some reason have lost our belief in the theory of true names and think that names are simply conventional. But in the past people used to believe that names in fact express the true nature of the things they name and are therefore not simply arbitrary signs. It's why people didn't reveal their names to others whose intentions they found suspicious--because the names weren't just random; they were identical to the individuals' true nature. If the wrong person with malicious intentions knew their names, he or she had the power to manipulate, control, or kill them. Also, it's why people in some traditions thought if they know the true name of God, they will be as powerful as him. I am a believer of true names--at least when it comes to bakeries', cafes', and restaurants' names, which means I think Bread and Chocolate is not just a random name for the bakery on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul; but the name has something to do with the nature of the business. If you are a believer in the theory like me and agree that the premise is true, then you just need to do some exegesis to come to the conclusion that the "only" thing you should buy here is the "chocolate croissant" (= bread + chocolate)! For that reason, I haven't tried anything other than the chocolate croissant here (it's how serious I am about my belief in true names!) and the 5 stars are only for that heavenly piece of pastry--because the chocolate croissant is with no doubt as good as it gets!
(5)
Miss M.
Chocolate chunk cookies are the very best I've ever purchased. Perfect amount of chocolate in a perfectly baked chewy cookie (but not that undercooked chewy taste). Absolutely delicious !
(5)
Zarina M.
Their staff are super friendly, but their barista skills are average. Great place to grab a cup of coffee and sit outside on one of their tables and people watch.
(4)
Victoria L.
One of the best cafe/bakeries I've been to! There is lots of room so if you ever want to just come here and study, it's a great place. Also when the weather is nice, you can sit outside and just enjoy the beautiful weather with a cup of coffee. There lemon bars are one of the things I love. However, their nutella latte is what makes me love this place. It's the perfect blend of nutella and coffee. I always come back here just to get that! Overall, a cute place in the perfect St. Paul neighborhood.
(5)
Wayne S.
If I lived close to this place, it would be dangerous... Stopped in here for a cookie and a latte after a long day. Chocolate chip cookie was incredibly. Pumpkin spice latte is delicious. Such a great place.
(5)
Myly F.
My go to spot on Grand Ave. I don't cross the river often, but when I do, I hit up Grand and this place. The jist: Thumbs up: -quick, friendly service -variety of treats, drinks and good Sammy -reasonable $ -try their croissant, vest around 2nd to Viet bakery in University -shortbread cookie, mmmm sooooo good, different flavors all the time -lots of places to sit -connected to other fun shops -try the roasted pepper sauce with a sandwich as a dip Thumbs down: -parking can be a pain, especially during peak times, lunch -traffic on Grand is the boo boo Be back!
(4)
Ken P.
Consistently delicious. The tuna melt is amazing. Cookies are to die for. Love the fact that there is always this one woman working there. I don't know if she is the owner or what, but it's always nice to see the same person behind the counter. This is comfort food for us.
(5)
Andrea H.
If I lived in St. Paul, I'd come here every morning! Their pastry case is drool inducing! We went for a walk in the neighborhood and stopped in for a muffin and some coffee. We stepped in, it's warm, cozy, and it smells delicious! We had an almond croissant, a blueberry muffin, an egg & cheese breakfast panini, and a latte. After we paid, we snagged a spot adjacent their fireplace, which is tucked away in the corner. We stayed for a half an hour, soaking up the St. Paul charm. Even our children, who are small, seemed contented by the food and comfortability. Everything we had was delicious, the staff is friendly, and the ambiance is inviting. What more could I ask for, except maybe for them to relocate to South Minneapolis?
(5)
Andrew K.
This place is decent and pretty inexpensive, but there is no WiFi it makes me think wtf...I am sitting here drinking my coffee and seeing people work on papers and COMPUTERS around me and its crazy. the food is decent but i could have probably made it better at home (including the coffee).
(3)
Whitney G.
Wow. Again with being intimidated about shops being on this side of Grand and being pleasantly surprised. I got a small Sea Salt Caramel Cider for $2.65! That's cheaper than the Bou or the Buck! I overheard they make their own whipped cream in store, and I can tell that they care about what they make for their customers. It feels kitschy and cute, and I love the location. I'm won over.
(5)
Karen S.
Everything is so good. The almond croissant is incredible. This is my daughters absolute favorite place ever. She moved to St. Paul to attend college. This is our first stop after picking her up in our visits.
(5)
G S.
I am surprised to not see a 5 star rating. I have been coming to Bread and Chocolate since I was 6 years old with my parents, and have continued on my own ever since. I won't reveal my age here, but trust me when I say this place has stood the test of time, I have tried several varieties of their croissants, the Florentine and the almond are my favorites. The cookies are chewy and moist, the iced ginger is my favorite. The brownies are rich and very decadent. Their Hershey oatmeal bars are very rich and chewy. The coffee is always strong and hot. Service has always been fast and reliable. The sandwiches are fresh and made with quality ingredients. Overall, I've never experienced a treat, nor anything from here that wasn't great. I would recommend others to stop here for treats if they're in the area.
(5)
Jonathan M.
Love this place! The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and so are the staff! They have a great selection of treats and drinks as well that are soooooo good! I would definitely recommend their Swedish Steamed Milk, which is basically like drinking a warm hug. Amazing!!
Good stuff all around. Coffee is good and the treats are sweet. I do enjoy the sandwiches that you can hand select to make it your own. Also enjoy the outdoor seating and people watching on Victoria. There is definitely more than bread and chocolate here. The staff is nice and if you go enough they will remeber you.
(4)
Liz D.
What a great name, right?? There is no WiFi, which is super weird, but there are comfy chairs and tables, a fireplace, and very friendly staff. It's a good place to come read/write and focus without the dangerous distractions of internet. Excellent coffee and a wide array of baked goods.
(4)
Andrew P.
Awesome place! Love the atmosphere and food! Almond croissants are my favorite after a good panini.
(5)
Madison A.
A staple of St. Paul for a reason! This is a must stop if you have never experienced B&C, especially for breakfast! The chocolate croissants are out of this world and the charming coffee bar is the perfect place to start a fresh morning on Grand Ave! Don't miss the make your own sandwiches with fresh bread from their sister restaurant Cafe Latte across the corner.
(5)
Lorraine N.
This place is always packed and it can be hard to get a seat---They always have a nice selection of treats. I am fond of the croissants and any of the pumpkin cookies or snickerdoodles. The prices are very good for the area --I usually end up getting a couple things in a bag to take home for later because I can never decide on just one item. They have a nice selection of hot tea choices.
(4)
Michael L.
This place is affiliated with Cafe Latte which is catercorner across Grand Ave (kitty-corner as they say here) Great pain au chocolat (they call it a croissant but I believe it is a pain au chocolat), good coffee, salad and sandwich bar. It is often crowded, loud, with many children handling crumbly pastries, not necessarily an ideal environment for working unless you get a good spot, as the tables are very close together. It is more ideal as a place to meet your mother or for girlfriends to have coffee. Parking is free in the lot behind shared by all the businesses there, and it can be a little tough to get a spot sometimes.
(4)
Anne P.
Overall, I really like this place. Their lunches are basic (chips, sandwich), but good. The M&M cookies are AMAZING. Probably the best I've had.
(4)
Joe B.
Great location. I love coming up the hill for a chocolate croissant & coffee then sit and read the paper. If you're lucky you may get a coveted window seat to watch the traffic on grand.
(4)
Jana H.
The Smell of Amazing Nummy Nom Nom Goodness when you walk in the door says it all! The Croissants are perfect (TO DIE FOR)- Buttery - Soft - Flaky, but not too flaky and well priced! You will never ever regret a trip to Bread and Chocolate!
(5)
Jasmine B.
Best Bakery/Coffee Shop/Sandwich shop around. I can't say enough good things about this place, you will love it! So just go and enjoy! They have make your own sandwiches - can't go wrong there - you will certainly find something you like since you make it yourself. The bakery has loads of goodies made fresh daily. I have not had coffee there, but they seem to have a 'full bar' like any big chain in the area. I admit freely that I have stopped in just for the baked goods. Cookies and Brownies and Fudge, oh my! The Fabulous Fudge bar is, well, fabulous! Filled with deliciously creamy chocolaty fudge, nuts, and topped with a perfectly crumbly crust I could eat an entire tray! My only complain about this place is the parking (or lack thereof) but it is just what you get when you go to Grand Ave. If you cant find a place in the back lot, save yourself the hassle of driving around and just park in the ramp across the street.
(4)
April P.
I came here with my friends on a Friday evening once. The service was excellent. All the servers were extra nice. Also, the food was incredible! You can build your own sandwich if you like : ) We ended up staying a little past close, and we didn't even realize until they started sweeping. They were so nice about it! They didn't even say anything to us, they just let us enjoy ourselves until we were ready to leave. Thanks Bread and Chocolate : )
(5)
Zachary S.
Funny that this is the review of the day today and I was just in after yoga. I got an orange juice for 3.50 and it came from a box I could find at Kowalski's for just about as much. My straw broke on the way to work, right in the middle, so when I pulled in (aka, sucked) it just wheezed like a new tracheotomy. The croissants stuffed with ham and cheese or spinach and cheese are simply divine, and makes this 3 stars. They don't have wifi, but if you ask they will give you the password for Corepower upstairs and you can poach theirs.
(3)
Fernando C.
Am I the only one who feels some Mom & Pop spots are ripping YOU off? Ok, let's get this clear, when it comes to local, non-franchise spots I am the first one to shout, "Support the locals" But when it's clear that they don't give a (insert adjective) about you, then and only then is when I have a problem. So I go into this place because everyone just raved and raved about it. "It's the coolest place ever" "the best brownie EVER!" Guess what? The coolest thing about this place is the fridge. Want to read the WSJ, LA or NY Times on your computer, or better yet, send that last minute e-mail?Errr...they dont have free wi-fi. Their brownie? It's all right at best. I'm not picking a bone here with B&C, it's just I fell their prices are unreasonable and their line sucks. You never know where to stand. Just as you think you are next to order guess what - you hear someone behind the counter blurt, "I can help who's neeext" Lucky for me, I have an awesome "Oh no this (dictionary definition of female dog) didn't" type of attitude and with a baritone voice, you better believe I'm heard. Lastly, this place reminds me of why I happily buy my Pike Roast from Starbucks - because it's only $1.50 and better tasting. B&C French Roast: $2.50 Sure, they might claim its fair-trade or Organic from the mountains of Northen Colombia but you know what? No one cares. It's coffee damn it!
(2)
John R.
Stop by here for the second time, and went on to enjoy there cookies an brownies they say they have the best cheese cake in town, That I do not know about. Seems to be a great place to stop for a treat in the middle of an OK shopping district. However I enjoyed every thing we got from here, and plan to stop by here and spent more time in that area next time we are in town.
(4)
Dee T.
DAMN YOU, BREAD AND CHOCOLATE! Damn you and your bars and cookies and croissants. I think you had to have some subliminal high-speed Bluetooth waves broadcasting throughout the neighborhood last weekend, because how else can I explain how I ended up here after my ass-kicking workout, during which I got a few waves of nausea to prove that I was burning some quality calories? Oh well, at least I replaced 'em with some very high-quality calories. I chose the lemon bar (AND hell, for full disclosure, the magic bar too) and was not disappointed. The lemon bar had a very thick layer of tart and tangy lemony goodness, supported by a dense, buttery, heart-stopping/clogging crust. The powdered sugar on top is a coy little kiss. I'll be honest, the magic bar was not as good as my own recipe, but at least I only had one bar lying around rather than a full pan. I think the only thing that will help me in the future is the fact that the bars are a whopping $2.25 apiece. Oh, and the weekend line was ridiculously disordered for a place that has been doing this sort of thing for this long. And I now have to inflict 10x more waves of nausea to work off those calories. DAMN YOU!!
(4)
Kim R.
I don't know if I can fairly review Bread and Chocolate because I only stopped here for a drink on Sunday morning and I haven't actually tried any of their baked goods, but from my experience I'm not sure I will be back. First of all, when we arrived on Sunday morning at 9:30 the place was packed and they don't have a great system of getting customers their orders. The line was super confusing and we had no idea where the end was because it is set up cafeteria style. When I finally got a chanfe to ask the lady behind the counter where we should go if we only wanted drinks she was very rude and ignored me! So, we stood there until she came back and took our order. But then, she never told us to go to the end of the line to get our drinks so we continued to stand there for a few minutes until she came back, annoyed and told us we needed to go to the end of the to tell the barrista what we wanted and to get our drinks. So confusing and such rude service. In fact, none of the ladies who worked there looked particularly happy or cheerful. To make matters worse, my chai latte wasn't even good! It was super bland and tasted just like warm, sweetened milk. I had a bland chai. I had to add a bunch of cinnamon to make it even worth drinking. My husband enjoyed his hot chocolate, but I'd definitely stay away from the chai. Based on the poor service, I have no real desire to go back.
(2)
Rhonda G.
This is the best croissant, I've ever had. The others I've tried have something in them that puts me off. They are huge, fluffy, and crispy. Don't forget buttery. I look for ones that aren't too browned. You have to eat a plain one in the AM or they loose their luster. Ham and cheese ones, anytime. They have the baked goods that CAFE LATTE doesn't carry. The brownies are the best, very close to a piece of cake. Good hot chocolate. A beautiful rustic counter that I wish I had in my kitchen. A large morning crowd, especially in the nice weather. There's probably not as many kids there since the karate school moved out.
(5)
Kim P.
Two words: chocolate croissant. 'nuff said.
(5)
kristina h.
I want to love Bread and Chocolate, I really do. If I go, it's because I need to satisfy a hankerin' for an almond croissant, which, like all of their baked goods, are decadent. But even with a good pastry on the brain, my waistline thanks B&C for the two things that keep me away: the coffee and the service. While they have all the right equipment, the espresso drinks may as well have come from a powdered mix. They lack everything I look for in a good latte including coffee flavor and frothiness. I'm always baffled by this deficiency because nothing goes better with a croissant than a well-done espresso, cappuccino, or latte...you'd expect a place that has such great baked goods to have great espresso as well. Not to mention, they put whipped cream on everything, so you have to remember to request 'no whip' even on those lattes (a practice I've been reprimanded for at other coffee shops). Much like their sister across the street, Cafe Latte, B&C hasn't quite figured out the logistics of getting people through their line without a hassle. When it's busy, you better use your elbows to keep your place in line. Those Grand Avenue weekenders are cut throat, and the apathetic staff does little to organize the situation, taking the 'well, that's just the way it is' or the 'don't do us any favors, we're busy enough' attitude. And if you do get what you ordered - latte, no whip, for example - consider yourself lucky.
(2)
Mike C.
Best Almond Croissants and Chocolate Croissants in the cities. Almost took away a star for the quality of the entrees that we ordered, but the pastries more than made up for it.
(4)
Krista B.
Went back for chocolate chip cookies over lunch hour. it seemed that they hired a few new staff or the staff got some training? I hope. There was still one fairly churlish person there but at least they were smiling. That was new.
(3)
Margaret N.
My family has been coming here for as long as I can remember.... When I moved out of the TC area, the chocolate croissants are really at the top of my list of things I miss the most. Don't get me wrong, their almond and ham and cheese croissants are also the stuff that dreams are made of! I have never found another chocolate croissant to match the deliciousness of a B&C one, and believe me, I've been looking!!! I've converted my boyfriend to the dark side, and absolutely every single time we are in Minnesota, we make at least one very specific stop here for a big ol' bag of croissants. A word to the wise, if you are coming on a weekend morning, you better get up early! They only make certain amounts of each croissant and they sell out by 11am. Trust me, I almost cried the Sunday we went in for our last fix on the way out of town and the sweet girl at the counter told me they were out of chocolate ones. Next time, my alarm will be SET!!!!!! :)
(5)
Steph F.
Best Croissant place ever. Not in the Twin cities, but in the world. I'm not exaggerating. Chocolate croissant: amazing. Flaky, buttery, impeccable. Almond croissant: a dream Raspberry cream cheese croissant: incredible. Their coffee: surprisingly good. I don't think I've tried anything else because every time I go, these items taste so good, I can't deny them to myself, so I have them every time. This is my favorite breakfast place ever.
(5)
Nora G.
I remember Bread and Chocolate when I was young, going there to eat the ever famous chocolate croissant. Delicious. Now there are so many flavors. My addiction to great croissants would be satisfied if I lived in St. Paul, but my spare tire would become three spare tires! I love the cream cheese croissant, the chocolate croissant, the almond croissant, the...well, the list goes on. I think you get the idea. Clean, lost of tables, some outside when weather permits. Great place to meet friends and people watch.
(4)
Gene W.
This is one of my favorite spots, coffee is great, pastries are top shelf as well as the employees ... today I would like to highlight Marilyn ... she is one of the most awesome staff members they have .. outgoing and friendly ... I will continue to utilize Bread & Chocolate as one of my favorite spots to meet with my friends and business colleagues.
(4)
Lacey P.
I really don't like the "Cafe Latte experience.". That is-you wait in a line, having to make decisions as you go as older yuppies pile up behind you pressuring you to hurry up and buy some expensive food. Their scone was delicious. I'll give them that. Their panini-not so good. I'm pretty sure they used one of those egg patties. You know the kind. And it was dry. It was weird. And there were too many kids, yuppies, and old women.
(2)
Dawn F.
Definitely a super-busy locale on a weekend afternoon, but seats were found quickly and the bread was as usual great :) Spent about 2 hours in their surprisingly comfy chairs catching up with a good friend. I could make this a regular Sunday afternoon affair, especially on pretty days like this.
(3)
Nadine Y.
The servers are too snotty. I think they have eye problems... for some reason, they keep rolling at customers. The line makes no sense. And what's with this, "the best chocolate croissants ever" talk?
(2)
Lori G.
Their cream croissant is my favoriate! Never tried any other ones better than theirs in the area!
(4)
Yiling W.
Good, fast, affordable with a decent coffee selection. They will make you a sandwich however you like, even if it turns out that cucumbers don't quite work in a panini with turkey cheese tomato and spinach. Oops.
(3)
Loren B.
As the sister restaurant to Cafe Latte isn't any surprise this place hits the spot? The answer is no, if you are in the neighborhood and and not on a diet should definitely check it out. If you are on diet, you may want to cross the street to avoid the infectious smell of some of some finest croissants in the land.
(5)
Meg C.
Not quite as good as the sister store "Cafe Latte" across the street (due to smaller selection), but I like to come here for the cookies.
(4)
Territorial B.
Adding too much baking soda in the hopes that your Choc Chip cookies will rise after over mixing the dough is an epic fail in and of itself... oh, and FYI the inside shouldn't be raw, ok? Put some love into it and the results will speak for themselves. As it is, what a disgrace! IMO if you charge that much for a cookie it had better be damn good. It's not, and that's unfortunate - which is something B&C shares with many other upscale bakeries these days. All and sundry: go and study the cookies from the Franklin Street Bakery, they are damn near perfect.
(1)
Tom B.
I would easily give this place 4 or 5 stars for the croissants and scones alone but unfortunately I've had their coffee. The pastries are by far their best selling point. That almond croissant is just awesome and that Tigonberry(I think that's the name) scone is hands down one of the best scones I've had. It's not a hard scone but soft and the berries add this tartness to it, very good. I've also tried this raspberry cream cheese croissant, a little too heavy for me but still pretty good. Service was good, the line moves at a good pace, well unless you get that one person that's ordering 12 pastries and all you want is a coffee. How should I put this, coffee not good. Make sure you get your mocha or hot chocolate or whatever drink without whip cream, nix that ****! The coffee here is just bland and it tastes chalky at times. It seems to me that the coffee here was just an afterthought someone came up with real quick. Basically my plan of attack is to order a nice pastry in the morning and then walk over to... ...continued in my next review of another coffee place not too far up the street.
(3)
Jen B.
I actually like this place better than Cafe Latte, because it's much less crowded. In my experience (2 times) being here, I've had the panini and caesar salad, both delicious. The dressing is fabulous, although you taste the garlic for at least 2 days. Good thing I love garlic! Their baked goods are to die for, although my 2 eating mates both found egg shells in their brownies, which ruined it for them. I'd certainly go back.
(4)
amy z.
It is a good thing I don't get over to St Paul that much. Bread & Chocolate could be dangerous for my already oversized waist line. We were over at the Red Balloon for a book reading and my over half did not have any lunch. We came to B&C. I had the hummus sandwich. The bread was very good. We then as a treat had the Amaretto cookies. OMG. I should have gotten a dozen to go. Definitely will be back to try other treats.
(4)
Emily U.
Ugh, another restaurant where you shuffle through the line, holding your tray, waiting for them to give you your food. Since the owners of B&C also own Cafe Latte, you can't expect a lot of difference. The sandwiches were OK but nothing that blew me away. Prices seemed a bit steep for what you got which seems exactly like Cafe Latte. This place is a lot smaller too. The chocolate croissant was good though so I'll give them that!
(2)
Ninja S.
A nice place for an espresso and a bread good, but is overshadowed by Cafe Latte across the street. I believe they get most of their business from those who are messing around in the small mall complex in which they are housed. They would be much more popular if not for the competition across the way.
(4)
shr m.
They have a nice little sandwich bar and the Hummus Melt was delicious. However, the girls working there don't really understand what the customer wants. I kept repeating what I wanted but the gal just didn't get it. The girl at the cash register didn't seem to care either. She just left my order and went away. I thought we are in the midwest and customer greetings are a nice way to make your customer feel good? No ?
(3)
Benjamin C.
the cookies are ok. everything else is a joke. case in point: i ordered an orange juice and they poured me a class of florida's natural. doesn't that seem a bit strange? their breakfast sandwiches aren't too good either. in fact, i was very sad when i ordered--for breakfast--the egg & cheese sandwich and an orange juice. it was possibly the most disappointing breakfast i've ever eaten at a restaurant/cafe. save yourself the agony.
(1)
E K.
Pretty much go here every Wednesday of the year, as, inexplicably, that's the only day of the week they make their blueberry/maple scones, which happen to be the greatest things on the planet.
(4)
Brian S.
My friend stopped by this popular institution to pick up some desserts for a gettotogether at their house after my father's service this past Tuesday. Man,! I see what all of the fuss is about. We had a vast selection of bars and cookies that I tried all of in two days. As far as the bars are concerned, they are all moist and decidant. The lemon is lemony. The one with rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and just the right amount of flaky, not to sweet coconut is a sweet plethora of sweet, nutty, coconuty goodness to die for. The one with just pecans I cannot remember the exact name, is just as sinful as the rest with sweet, crunchy pecans and rich pecan filling. The brownies are moist and just as decidant as the bars with a creamy ribony glaze that is not sickingly sweet. The chocolate chip cookies are moist with just the right amount of milk chocolate chips. The oatmeal cookies are moist with a hardy oatmeal flavor and just the right amount of rasins. The peanutbutter cookies are loaded with peanuts and simply have a lot of peanutbuttery bliss.! I will have to eat here next time I am back. So, for excellent cookies, pastries, bars, and desserts at low prices, Bread & Chocolate cannot be beat. Keep up the good work guys.!
Delivery : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Good for Working : Yes
Alex I.
So, my first visit to bread and chocolate was today for lunch. I ordered a panini with turkey and swiss. My wife ordered a potato egg and cheese one. When we got our food, we got in the car and drove home. Only to discover, they hadn't given us any of the sause, nor my side salad. Also, they had given me the wrong sandwich. So, why do they have 4 stars and not 1? After discovering they had given me the wrong sandwich, I went back. We only live about 5 minutes away, and I had some words for them. When I got into the shop, I walked up to the counter, waited for them to finish with a customer and said quite plainly that I had received the wrong sandwich. Almost immediately the manager became involved, re-made my sandwich personally, and refunded my money without ANY prompting whatsoever. That in itself is pretty amazing. What's more, the food itself was great! My wife LOVED the potato-egg-cheese panini, and mine was also pretty great. (Once it was right, though having had a couple bites of the original, that one was good too.) At any rate, I am quite sure that we will be back, despite the initial problems. Also, we had a cookie and a chocolate scone danish thing. Also fantastic.
(4)Kristi C.
They make a great latte and my cheese croissant was flaky and oh so good!
(4)Taylor K.
They claim to have the best brownies in the Twin Cities and they are not wrong! However, I like to get their chocolate croissants - they're just decadent. The place is always packed so I recommend getting your treats and coffee to go (I've never had their cafe sandwiches so I can't comment on those). Overall, this place is a gem.
(4)David T.
Try the Swedish coffee! As with a diamond, the 4 Cs are everything...however, in this case they stand for coffee, chocolate, cardamom and cinnamon. An enticing mixture that combines sweet and spicy will surely give you a jolt of energy in the morning or during that 3pm slump. The homemade cookies are pretty good too!
(4)E. C.
As a cousin to Café Latte kitty corner from here, I would expect nothing less than excellence in their pastries and coffee. The croissants are flaky and buttery and go great with a nice cup of morning coffee. The issue I have here is that there is never enough seating it seems....which is a testament to their food and the great ambiance but really is not good for the poor soul who cannot find a place to sit and enjoy a morning coffee and pastry.
(3)Raynay r.
I've only ever ordered cookies, so this review is just for the cookies, but never fear, the cookies are crazy good. I'm not a super cookie fan, but these are worth every calorie. They are soft (but not too soft) and oh so buttery! A+ cookies!
(5)Heather J.
Stopped in just today and was intrigued by the 'carrot cookie'...it was a flat, fluffy, cookie style cupcake...yum. I am hoping to go back and try some of their croissants in the early morning or other tastes.
(4)Elizabeth S.
I meant to try Cafe Latte this morning. On my way to CL, I passed Bread and Chocolate and noticed that it was bustling. So many happy people. But no, no! Cafe Latte is on my agenda. I get to CL and the place is deserted and sad. Who wants to eat in a big empty restaurant where your only company is the staff, and they's too busy talking to each other to talk to you. So I cross the street, cross the other street, mince into B&C. I get that the line(s) is a little confusing, but I think it has a lot to do with the odd amount of space between the front counter and the pillars. It's not so narrow that you definitely have to go around the pillar, but there isn't too wide a passage on the other side, either. The architecture isn't enough to dampen my estimation of B&C. The chocolate croissant is to die for. I tried a maple white chocolate cookie that, at first bite, made me want to buy a dozen to take home. Other reviewers have pointed out (whined about, really) the luncheon-style trays like that's some kind of negative. You bring the food to your table yourself; otherwise, a server would be bringing it to you and you'd have to tip them, and B&C is not that kind of restaurant. Is a tray-less existence more desirable? No, y'all. The seating options are also decent. You can go outside; you can stay inside; if you stay inside, you can sit at the counter. I sat at the counter and it was a little odd to be so close to the barista while she was working. Not odd enough to move my chocolate-loving caboose, but a little odd.
(5)Safety N.
Great pastries are Bread and Chocolate's distinguishing feature IMHO. They have great cookies, croissants, and scones. They also make sandwiches, but the sandwiches are nothing special . It can be crowded, especially on the weekends, but that's just a sign of how good it is. You can get a decent espresso here as well as brewed coffee and more elaborate coffee drinks.
(4)Clare O.
Mediocre. The server at the counter did not know what cold press coffee was. (This *is* 2011, right?). I got an iced coffee and it was bitter and weak at the same time. Impressive for how bad it was. The cookie display case looked dusty and sparse. My daughter's MnM cookie was oversalted and stale. My chocolate oat bar was good, if amateurish. The name implies so much greatness, but the reality sticks in my throat a little.
(2)Taren K.
Way over-sweetened Nice atmosphere but the pastries are oozing with far to much sugar. Both my friend and I couldn't finish our chocolate croissants because after just a few bites we had headaches from the over-sugared taste. I normally like sweet desserts and pastries but this way over the top.
(2)Stephanie R.
My dad took me to the Bread & Chocolate (lovingly referred to as the B&C in my family) every Saturday for about 12 years. This place is full of wonderful memories for me. Reasons to visit: 1. Great make-your-own-sandwiches - pretty basic but delightfully fresh ingredients and fresh baked bread from Cafe Latte across the street (same owner) 2. Baked goods - voted Best Brownie by City Pages multiple years. Also try the Magic Bars, cookies, scones, and especially the croissants (apple and chocolate are my faves!) 3. A beautifully warm interior with a fireplace to cozy up near in the wintertime. Always a great buzz of people and a positive vibe here.
(5)Marty B.
Bread and Chocolate is a great little place to grab breakfast or lunch on Grand Ave. They have a great selection of coffee and espresso beverages that pair well with a number of delicious choices in the pastry case that includes cookies, dessert bars, and breakfast rolls. For lunch you can build your own panini sandwich to include your choice of meat, cheese, and veggies- it comes with a side salad or chips and is a pretty reasonably priced lunch. I personally love going for the cinnamon swirl roll with an iced Americano if I'm grabbing breakfast. If I'm there for lunch, I usually do a turkey panini with provolone, red peppers, tomato, spinach, and mayo with a mixed greens side salad topped with parmesan and basil vinaigrette dressing. Definitely a great place to go meet up with friends and family or to go go get some work done on your laptop.
(4)Sarah U.
best ham & cheese croissant in the TC flaky, crispy on the outside, right amount of filling. YUM. I used to sneak out of church service on summit ave and come here with my sister. hehe
(4)Jennifer N.
Great service and desserts. They mostly have cookies, scones, sticky buns. I had an M&ms cookie and it was soft and delicious. I ordered a London fog, which isn't on their menu, but with a little instruction, the barista did a great. We came here because cafe latte had a black out and we're glad we did. I will be back for cookies!!
(5)Amir S.
Most of us for some reason have lost our belief in the theory of true names and think that names are simply conventional. But in the past people used to believe that names in fact express the true nature of the things they name and are therefore not simply arbitrary signs. It's why people didn't reveal their names to others whose intentions they found suspicious--because the names weren't just random; they were identical to the individuals' true nature. If the wrong person with malicious intentions knew their names, he or she had the power to manipulate, control, or kill them. Also, it's why people in some traditions thought if they know the true name of God, they will be as powerful as him. I am a believer of true names--at least when it comes to bakeries', cafes', and restaurants' names, which means I think Bread and Chocolate is not just a random name for the bakery on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul; but the name has something to do with the nature of the business. If you are a believer in the theory like me and agree that the premise is true, then you just need to do some exegesis to come to the conclusion that the "only" thing you should buy here is the "chocolate croissant" (= bread + chocolate)! For that reason, I haven't tried anything other than the chocolate croissant here (it's how serious I am about my belief in true names!) and the 5 stars are only for that heavenly piece of pastry--because the chocolate croissant is with no doubt as good as it gets!
(5)Miss M.
Chocolate chunk cookies are the very best I've ever purchased. Perfect amount of chocolate in a perfectly baked chewy cookie (but not that undercooked chewy taste). Absolutely delicious !
(5)Zarina M.
Their staff are super friendly, but their barista skills are average. Great place to grab a cup of coffee and sit outside on one of their tables and people watch.
(4)Victoria L.
One of the best cafe/bakeries I've been to! There is lots of room so if you ever want to just come here and study, it's a great place. Also when the weather is nice, you can sit outside and just enjoy the beautiful weather with a cup of coffee. There lemon bars are one of the things I love. However, their nutella latte is what makes me love this place. It's the perfect blend of nutella and coffee. I always come back here just to get that! Overall, a cute place in the perfect St. Paul neighborhood.
(5)Wayne S.
If I lived close to this place, it would be dangerous... Stopped in here for a cookie and a latte after a long day. Chocolate chip cookie was incredibly. Pumpkin spice latte is delicious. Such a great place.
(5)Myly F.
My go to spot on Grand Ave. I don't cross the river often, but when I do, I hit up Grand and this place. The jist: Thumbs up: -quick, friendly service -variety of treats, drinks and good Sammy -reasonable $ -try their croissant, vest around 2nd to Viet bakery in University -shortbread cookie, mmmm sooooo good, different flavors all the time -lots of places to sit -connected to other fun shops -try the roasted pepper sauce with a sandwich as a dip Thumbs down: -parking can be a pain, especially during peak times, lunch -traffic on Grand is the boo boo Be back!
(4)Ken P.
Consistently delicious. The tuna melt is amazing. Cookies are to die for. Love the fact that there is always this one woman working there. I don't know if she is the owner or what, but it's always nice to see the same person behind the counter. This is comfort food for us.
(5)Andrea H.
If I lived in St. Paul, I'd come here every morning! Their pastry case is drool inducing! We went for a walk in the neighborhood and stopped in for a muffin and some coffee. We stepped in, it's warm, cozy, and it smells delicious! We had an almond croissant, a blueberry muffin, an egg & cheese breakfast panini, and a latte. After we paid, we snagged a spot adjacent their fireplace, which is tucked away in the corner. We stayed for a half an hour, soaking up the St. Paul charm. Even our children, who are small, seemed contented by the food and comfortability. Everything we had was delicious, the staff is friendly, and the ambiance is inviting. What more could I ask for, except maybe for them to relocate to South Minneapolis?
(5)Andrew K.
This place is decent and pretty inexpensive, but there is no WiFi it makes me think wtf...I am sitting here drinking my coffee and seeing people work on papers and COMPUTERS around me and its crazy. the food is decent but i could have probably made it better at home (including the coffee).
(3)Whitney G.
Wow. Again with being intimidated about shops being on this side of Grand and being pleasantly surprised. I got a small Sea Salt Caramel Cider for $2.65! That's cheaper than the Bou or the Buck! I overheard they make their own whipped cream in store, and I can tell that they care about what they make for their customers. It feels kitschy and cute, and I love the location. I'm won over.
(5)Karen S.
Everything is so good. The almond croissant is incredible. This is my daughters absolute favorite place ever. She moved to St. Paul to attend college. This is our first stop after picking her up in our visits.
(5)G S.
I am surprised to not see a 5 star rating. I have been coming to Bread and Chocolate since I was 6 years old with my parents, and have continued on my own ever since. I won't reveal my age here, but trust me when I say this place has stood the test of time, I have tried several varieties of their croissants, the Florentine and the almond are my favorites. The cookies are chewy and moist, the iced ginger is my favorite. The brownies are rich and very decadent. Their Hershey oatmeal bars are very rich and chewy. The coffee is always strong and hot. Service has always been fast and reliable. The sandwiches are fresh and made with quality ingredients. Overall, I've never experienced a treat, nor anything from here that wasn't great. I would recommend others to stop here for treats if they're in the area.
(5)Jonathan M.
Love this place! The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and so are the staff! They have a great selection of treats and drinks as well that are soooooo good! I would definitely recommend their Swedish Steamed Milk, which is basically like drinking a warm hug. Amazing!!
(5)Jenny A.
Owning a business can be tricky. First impressions can make you or break you. I argued with myself a little over Bread and Chocolate because I truly didn't like what I had and I didn't like what my comrade had, either (I'll explain in a minute). I thought the inside of the place didn't feel welcoming, which is a necessity if you want my business. It wasn't the customer service, they were great. It was entirely the décor. We opted to sit outside on the sidewalk. I ordered a Chai latte. I always expect a creamy tea with kicks of spice in the backdrop. This one fell completely flat. It tasted like weak black tea with skim milk. I was sorely disappointed. My friend ordered an iced coffee and a chocolate croissant. I don't remember exactly what her iced coffee was supposed to be; mocha flavor more than likely, but it lacked any real distinguishing flavors other than strong coffee flavor. She added cream and sweetener to it. She said she enjoyed it, but knowing her so well, I know she was lying. She has no poker face. I tried her chocolate croissant and wasn't really impressed. She, again, said she liked it but didn't. We ended up giving the majority of it to a couple of little birds that were hopping around our table. On first impression, I didn't care for this place. Normally I would give this place 2 stars. I'm giving it three because it seems like a well-rounded business that keeps its customers happy and makes a continual effort, which is plain as day since its so successful; because I may not like the food, but I don't except every place I go to cater to my particular tastes. Lastly, because I do plan on giving it another try in the future. Nothing made me feel like I didn't want to come back. So considering their good reviews I think its worth another shot.
(3)Clayton K.
Good stuff all around. Coffee is good and the treats are sweet. I do enjoy the sandwiches that you can hand select to make it your own. Also enjoy the outdoor seating and people watching on Victoria. There is definitely more than bread and chocolate here. The staff is nice and if you go enough they will remeber you.
(4)Liz D.
What a great name, right?? There is no WiFi, which is super weird, but there are comfy chairs and tables, a fireplace, and very friendly staff. It's a good place to come read/write and focus without the dangerous distractions of internet. Excellent coffee and a wide array of baked goods.
(4)Andrew P.
Awesome place! Love the atmosphere and food! Almond croissants are my favorite after a good panini.
(5)Madison A.
A staple of St. Paul for a reason! This is a must stop if you have never experienced B&C, especially for breakfast! The chocolate croissants are out of this world and the charming coffee bar is the perfect place to start a fresh morning on Grand Ave! Don't miss the make your own sandwiches with fresh bread from their sister restaurant Cafe Latte across the corner.
(5)Lorraine N.
This place is always packed and it can be hard to get a seat---They always have a nice selection of treats. I am fond of the croissants and any of the pumpkin cookies or snickerdoodles. The prices are very good for the area --I usually end up getting a couple things in a bag to take home for later because I can never decide on just one item. They have a nice selection of hot tea choices.
(4)Michael L.
This place is affiliated with Cafe Latte which is catercorner across Grand Ave (kitty-corner as they say here) Great pain au chocolat (they call it a croissant but I believe it is a pain au chocolat), good coffee, salad and sandwich bar. It is often crowded, loud, with many children handling crumbly pastries, not necessarily an ideal environment for working unless you get a good spot, as the tables are very close together. It is more ideal as a place to meet your mother or for girlfriends to have coffee. Parking is free in the lot behind shared by all the businesses there, and it can be a little tough to get a spot sometimes.
(4)Anne P.
Overall, I really like this place. Their lunches are basic (chips, sandwich), but good. The M&M cookies are AMAZING. Probably the best I've had.
(4)Joe B.
Great location. I love coming up the hill for a chocolate croissant & coffee then sit and read the paper. If you're lucky you may get a coveted window seat to watch the traffic on grand.
(4)Jana H.
The Smell of Amazing Nummy Nom Nom Goodness when you walk in the door says it all! The Croissants are perfect (TO DIE FOR)- Buttery - Soft - Flaky, but not too flaky and well priced! You will never ever regret a trip to Bread and Chocolate!
(5)Jasmine B.
Best Bakery/Coffee Shop/Sandwich shop around. I can't say enough good things about this place, you will love it! So just go and enjoy! They have make your own sandwiches - can't go wrong there - you will certainly find something you like since you make it yourself. The bakery has loads of goodies made fresh daily. I have not had coffee there, but they seem to have a 'full bar' like any big chain in the area. I admit freely that I have stopped in just for the baked goods. Cookies and Brownies and Fudge, oh my! The Fabulous Fudge bar is, well, fabulous! Filled with deliciously creamy chocolaty fudge, nuts, and topped with a perfectly crumbly crust I could eat an entire tray! My only complain about this place is the parking (or lack thereof) but it is just what you get when you go to Grand Ave. If you cant find a place in the back lot, save yourself the hassle of driving around and just park in the ramp across the street.
(4)April P.
I came here with my friends on a Friday evening once. The service was excellent. All the servers were extra nice. Also, the food was incredible! You can build your own sandwich if you like : ) We ended up staying a little past close, and we didn't even realize until they started sweeping. They were so nice about it! They didn't even say anything to us, they just let us enjoy ourselves until we were ready to leave. Thanks Bread and Chocolate : )
(5)Zachary S.
Funny that this is the review of the day today and I was just in after yoga. I got an orange juice for 3.50 and it came from a box I could find at Kowalski's for just about as much. My straw broke on the way to work, right in the middle, so when I pulled in (aka, sucked) it just wheezed like a new tracheotomy. The croissants stuffed with ham and cheese or spinach and cheese are simply divine, and makes this 3 stars. They don't have wifi, but if you ask they will give you the password for Corepower upstairs and you can poach theirs.
(3)Fernando C.
Am I the only one who feels some Mom & Pop spots are ripping YOU off? Ok, let's get this clear, when it comes to local, non-franchise spots I am the first one to shout, "Support the locals" But when it's clear that they don't give a (insert adjective) about you, then and only then is when I have a problem. So I go into this place because everyone just raved and raved about it. "It's the coolest place ever" "the best brownie EVER!" Guess what? The coolest thing about this place is the fridge. Want to read the WSJ, LA or NY Times on your computer, or better yet, send that last minute e-mail?Errr...they dont have free wi-fi. Their brownie? It's all right at best. I'm not picking a bone here with B&C, it's just I fell their prices are unreasonable and their line sucks. You never know where to stand. Just as you think you are next to order guess what - you hear someone behind the counter blurt, "I can help who's neeext" Lucky for me, I have an awesome "Oh no this (dictionary definition of female dog) didn't" type of attitude and with a baritone voice, you better believe I'm heard. Lastly, this place reminds me of why I happily buy my Pike Roast from Starbucks - because it's only $1.50 and better tasting. B&C French Roast: $2.50 Sure, they might claim its fair-trade or Organic from the mountains of Northen Colombia but you know what? No one cares. It's coffee damn it!
(2)John R.
Stop by here for the second time, and went on to enjoy there cookies an brownies they say they have the best cheese cake in town, That I do not know about. Seems to be a great place to stop for a treat in the middle of an OK shopping district. However I enjoyed every thing we got from here, and plan to stop by here and spent more time in that area next time we are in town.
(4)Dee T.
DAMN YOU, BREAD AND CHOCOLATE! Damn you and your bars and cookies and croissants. I think you had to have some subliminal high-speed Bluetooth waves broadcasting throughout the neighborhood last weekend, because how else can I explain how I ended up here after my ass-kicking workout, during which I got a few waves of nausea to prove that I was burning some quality calories? Oh well, at least I replaced 'em with some very high-quality calories. I chose the lemon bar (AND hell, for full disclosure, the magic bar too) and was not disappointed. The lemon bar had a very thick layer of tart and tangy lemony goodness, supported by a dense, buttery, heart-stopping/clogging crust. The powdered sugar on top is a coy little kiss. I'll be honest, the magic bar was not as good as my own recipe, but at least I only had one bar lying around rather than a full pan. I think the only thing that will help me in the future is the fact that the bars are a whopping $2.25 apiece. Oh, and the weekend line was ridiculously disordered for a place that has been doing this sort of thing for this long. And I now have to inflict 10x more waves of nausea to work off those calories. DAMN YOU!!
(4)Kim R.
I don't know if I can fairly review Bread and Chocolate because I only stopped here for a drink on Sunday morning and I haven't actually tried any of their baked goods, but from my experience I'm not sure I will be back. First of all, when we arrived on Sunday morning at 9:30 the place was packed and they don't have a great system of getting customers their orders. The line was super confusing and we had no idea where the end was because it is set up cafeteria style. When I finally got a chanfe to ask the lady behind the counter where we should go if we only wanted drinks she was very rude and ignored me! So, we stood there until she came back and took our order. But then, she never told us to go to the end of the line to get our drinks so we continued to stand there for a few minutes until she came back, annoyed and told us we needed to go to the end of the to tell the barrista what we wanted and to get our drinks. So confusing and such rude service. In fact, none of the ladies who worked there looked particularly happy or cheerful. To make matters worse, my chai latte wasn't even good! It was super bland and tasted just like warm, sweetened milk. I had a bland chai. I had to add a bunch of cinnamon to make it even worth drinking. My husband enjoyed his hot chocolate, but I'd definitely stay away from the chai. Based on the poor service, I have no real desire to go back.
(2)Rhonda G.
This is the best croissant, I've ever had. The others I've tried have something in them that puts me off. They are huge, fluffy, and crispy. Don't forget buttery. I look for ones that aren't too browned. You have to eat a plain one in the AM or they loose their luster. Ham and cheese ones, anytime. They have the baked goods that CAFE LATTE doesn't carry. The brownies are the best, very close to a piece of cake. Good hot chocolate. A beautiful rustic counter that I wish I had in my kitchen. A large morning crowd, especially in the nice weather. There's probably not as many kids there since the karate school moved out.
(5)Kim P.
Two words: chocolate croissant. 'nuff said.
(5)kristina h.
I want to love Bread and Chocolate, I really do. If I go, it's because I need to satisfy a hankerin' for an almond croissant, which, like all of their baked goods, are decadent. But even with a good pastry on the brain, my waistline thanks B&C for the two things that keep me away: the coffee and the service. While they have all the right equipment, the espresso drinks may as well have come from a powdered mix. They lack everything I look for in a good latte including coffee flavor and frothiness. I'm always baffled by this deficiency because nothing goes better with a croissant than a well-done espresso, cappuccino, or latte...you'd expect a place that has such great baked goods to have great espresso as well. Not to mention, they put whipped cream on everything, so you have to remember to request 'no whip' even on those lattes (a practice I've been reprimanded for at other coffee shops). Much like their sister across the street, Cafe Latte, B&C hasn't quite figured out the logistics of getting people through their line without a hassle. When it's busy, you better use your elbows to keep your place in line. Those Grand Avenue weekenders are cut throat, and the apathetic staff does little to organize the situation, taking the 'well, that's just the way it is' or the 'don't do us any favors, we're busy enough' attitude. And if you do get what you ordered - latte, no whip, for example - consider yourself lucky.
(2)Mike C.
Best Almond Croissants and Chocolate Croissants in the cities. Almost took away a star for the quality of the entrees that we ordered, but the pastries more than made up for it.
(4)Krista B.
Went back for chocolate chip cookies over lunch hour. it seemed that they hired a few new staff or the staff got some training? I hope. There was still one fairly churlish person there but at least they were smiling. That was new.
(3)Margaret N.
My family has been coming here for as long as I can remember.... When I moved out of the TC area, the chocolate croissants are really at the top of my list of things I miss the most. Don't get me wrong, their almond and ham and cheese croissants are also the stuff that dreams are made of! I have never found another chocolate croissant to match the deliciousness of a B&C one, and believe me, I've been looking!!! I've converted my boyfriend to the dark side, and absolutely every single time we are in Minnesota, we make at least one very specific stop here for a big ol' bag of croissants. A word to the wise, if you are coming on a weekend morning, you better get up early! They only make certain amounts of each croissant and they sell out by 11am. Trust me, I almost cried the Sunday we went in for our last fix on the way out of town and the sweet girl at the counter told me they were out of chocolate ones. Next time, my alarm will be SET!!!!!! :)
(5)Steph F.
Best Croissant place ever. Not in the Twin cities, but in the world. I'm not exaggerating. Chocolate croissant: amazing. Flaky, buttery, impeccable. Almond croissant: a dream Raspberry cream cheese croissant: incredible. Their coffee: surprisingly good. I don't think I've tried anything else because every time I go, these items taste so good, I can't deny them to myself, so I have them every time. This is my favorite breakfast place ever.
(5)Nora G.
I remember Bread and Chocolate when I was young, going there to eat the ever famous chocolate croissant. Delicious. Now there are so many flavors. My addiction to great croissants would be satisfied if I lived in St. Paul, but my spare tire would become three spare tires! I love the cream cheese croissant, the chocolate croissant, the almond croissant, the...well, the list goes on. I think you get the idea. Clean, lost of tables, some outside when weather permits. Great place to meet friends and people watch.
(4)Gene W.
This is one of my favorite spots, coffee is great, pastries are top shelf as well as the employees ... today I would like to highlight Marilyn ... she is one of the most awesome staff members they have .. outgoing and friendly ... I will continue to utilize Bread & Chocolate as one of my favorite spots to meet with my friends and business colleagues.
(4)Lacey P.
I really don't like the "Cafe Latte experience.". That is-you wait in a line, having to make decisions as you go as older yuppies pile up behind you pressuring you to hurry up and buy some expensive food. Their scone was delicious. I'll give them that. Their panini-not so good. I'm pretty sure they used one of those egg patties. You know the kind. And it was dry. It was weird. And there were too many kids, yuppies, and old women.
(2)Dawn F.
Definitely a super-busy locale on a weekend afternoon, but seats were found quickly and the bread was as usual great :) Spent about 2 hours in their surprisingly comfy chairs catching up with a good friend. I could make this a regular Sunday afternoon affair, especially on pretty days like this.
(3)Nadine Y.
The servers are too snotty. I think they have eye problems... for some reason, they keep rolling at customers. The line makes no sense. And what's with this, "the best chocolate croissants ever" talk?
(2)Lori G.
Their cream croissant is my favoriate! Never tried any other ones better than theirs in the area!
(4)Yiling W.
Good, fast, affordable with a decent coffee selection. They will make you a sandwich however you like, even if it turns out that cucumbers don't quite work in a panini with turkey cheese tomato and spinach. Oops.
(3)Loren B.
As the sister restaurant to Cafe Latte isn't any surprise this place hits the spot? The answer is no, if you are in the neighborhood and and not on a diet should definitely check it out. If you are on diet, you may want to cross the street to avoid the infectious smell of some of some finest croissants in the land.
(5)Meg C.
Not quite as good as the sister store "Cafe Latte" across the street (due to smaller selection), but I like to come here for the cookies.
(4)Territorial B.
Adding too much baking soda in the hopes that your Choc Chip cookies will rise after over mixing the dough is an epic fail in and of itself... oh, and FYI the inside shouldn't be raw, ok? Put some love into it and the results will speak for themselves. As it is, what a disgrace! IMO if you charge that much for a cookie it had better be damn good. It's not, and that's unfortunate - which is something B&C shares with many other upscale bakeries these days. All and sundry: go and study the cookies from the Franklin Street Bakery, they are damn near perfect.
(1)Tom B.
I would easily give this place 4 or 5 stars for the croissants and scones alone but unfortunately I've had their coffee. The pastries are by far their best selling point. That almond croissant is just awesome and that Tigonberry(I think that's the name) scone is hands down one of the best scones I've had. It's not a hard scone but soft and the berries add this tartness to it, very good. I've also tried this raspberry cream cheese croissant, a little too heavy for me but still pretty good. Service was good, the line moves at a good pace, well unless you get that one person that's ordering 12 pastries and all you want is a coffee. How should I put this, coffee not good. Make sure you get your mocha or hot chocolate or whatever drink without whip cream, nix that ****! The coffee here is just bland and it tastes chalky at times. It seems to me that the coffee here was just an afterthought someone came up with real quick. Basically my plan of attack is to order a nice pastry in the morning and then walk over to... ...continued in my next review of another coffee place not too far up the street.
(3)Jen B.
I actually like this place better than Cafe Latte, because it's much less crowded. In my experience (2 times) being here, I've had the panini and caesar salad, both delicious. The dressing is fabulous, although you taste the garlic for at least 2 days. Good thing I love garlic! Their baked goods are to die for, although my 2 eating mates both found egg shells in their brownies, which ruined it for them. I'd certainly go back.
(4)amy z.
It is a good thing I don't get over to St Paul that much. Bread & Chocolate could be dangerous for my already oversized waist line. We were over at the Red Balloon for a book reading and my over half did not have any lunch. We came to B&C. I had the hummus sandwich. The bread was very good. We then as a treat had the Amaretto cookies. OMG. I should have gotten a dozen to go. Definitely will be back to try other treats.
(4)Emily U.
Ugh, another restaurant where you shuffle through the line, holding your tray, waiting for them to give you your food. Since the owners of B&C also own Cafe Latte, you can't expect a lot of difference. The sandwiches were OK but nothing that blew me away. Prices seemed a bit steep for what you got which seems exactly like Cafe Latte. This place is a lot smaller too. The chocolate croissant was good though so I'll give them that!
(2)Ninja S.
A nice place for an espresso and a bread good, but is overshadowed by Cafe Latte across the street. I believe they get most of their business from those who are messing around in the small mall complex in which they are housed. They would be much more popular if not for the competition across the way.
(4)shr m.
They have a nice little sandwich bar and the Hummus Melt was delicious. However, the girls working there don't really understand what the customer wants. I kept repeating what I wanted but the gal just didn't get it. The girl at the cash register didn't seem to care either. She just left my order and went away. I thought we are in the midwest and customer greetings are a nice way to make your customer feel good? No ?
(3)Benjamin C.
the cookies are ok. everything else is a joke. case in point: i ordered an orange juice and they poured me a class of florida's natural. doesn't that seem a bit strange? their breakfast sandwiches aren't too good either. in fact, i was very sad when i ordered--for breakfast--the egg & cheese sandwich and an orange juice. it was possibly the most disappointing breakfast i've ever eaten at a restaurant/cafe. save yourself the agony.
(1)E K.
Pretty much go here every Wednesday of the year, as, inexplicably, that's the only day of the week they make their blueberry/maple scones, which happen to be the greatest things on the planet.
(4)Brian S.
My friend stopped by this popular institution to pick up some desserts for a gettotogether at their house after my father's service this past Tuesday. Man,! I see what all of the fuss is about. We had a vast selection of bars and cookies that I tried all of in two days. As far as the bars are concerned, they are all moist and decidant. The lemon is lemony. The one with rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and just the right amount of flaky, not to sweet coconut is a sweet plethora of sweet, nutty, coconuty goodness to die for. The one with just pecans I cannot remember the exact name, is just as sinful as the rest with sweet, crunchy pecans and rich pecan filling. The brownies are moist and just as decidant as the bars with a creamy ribony glaze that is not sickingly sweet. The chocolate chip cookies are moist with just the right amount of milk chocolate chips. The oatmeal cookies are moist with a hardy oatmeal flavor and just the right amount of rasins. The peanutbutter cookies are loaded with peanuts and simply have a lot of peanutbuttery bliss.! I will have to eat here next time I am back. So, for excellent cookies, pastries, bars, and desserts at low prices, Bread & Chocolate cannot be beat. Keep up the good work guys.!
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