As a 5-year Yelp Elite, I never enjoy leaving negative reviews. I know how much reviews can impact…read morea business, so I try to be fair and focus on my actual experience. Unfortunately, this visit was one of the most disappointing bakery experiences I've had in quite a while.
I visited the Clifton location with a gift certificate for four free cupcakes. When I walked in, I was actually excited because they had a large selection still available. At first, I thought that was a great sign because I had so many flavors to choose from.
The employee behind the counter was very friendly and explained that the cupcakes on the left qualified for my four free cupcakes, while the ones on the right would be an additional charge. I appreciated her taking the time to explain everything. She was genuinely pleasant and was the highlight of my visit.
I ended up choosing eight cupcakes altogether and paid about $15 out of pocket in addition to using my gift certificate.
The first cupcake I tried was the Southern Red Velvet. I honestly couldn't believe how dry it was. It literally crumbled apart onto my plate with every bite. The frosting was just as disappointing. The texture was strange, almost rubbery, and it tasted stale instead of fresh.
Thinking maybe I had just picked the wrong flavor, I opened the Birthday Cake Batter cupcake. Unfortunately, it was no better. It was just as dry, lacked flavor, and after a few bites I threw the rest away.
The cupcake I was most excited about was the Tiramisu because it looked incredible on their Instagram page. Unfortunately, when I got home, it looked nothing like what was advertised. The presentation was completely different, and after my experience with the first two cupcakes, I had no desire to even taste it. Along with the six remaining cupcakes, it never left the box.
After getting home, I made the mistake of reading the Yelp reviews. I wish I had done that before visiting because I found several people describing the same issues I experienced. That made me realize this likely wasn't just an off day.
For a bakery that specializes in cupcakes, freshness should never be in question. Based on the two cupcakes I tasted, they were dry, stale, and simply not enjoyable. The fact that I lost all interest in trying the remaining six says more than anything else.
I truly wanted to love this place. The employee behind the counter was warm, friendly, and provided excellent customer service. Unfortunately, the cupcakes themselves didn't live up to the reputation or the photos on social media. I left disappointed, and sadly, I don't see myself returning