This is such a neighborhood gem! Lovely store, great mission, friendly staff, and delicious products! The store is very easy to navigate with sections of the same ingredients and many bundled options as well. This trip I got the popcorn box, which has 4 sprinkle toppings to use on my popcorn. They are always having a same it discount on some of the products, so look ahead or ask a store employee about them. Pro tips: 1. Beforehand sign up for their free never newsletter to start getting the massive discounts! 2. The store has a kid space if you want to bring them in with you! 3. There's also a few free parking spaces in the back of site down the alley!! read more

I don't make it to Uptown very often--maybe two or three times a month if I'm being generous--but when I do and Penzey's is open, it's an automatic pit stop! I don't really have the patience to cook, so I never really understood the hype around "quality spices"... until the last year or two. After a post-brunch wander, we popped in and grabbed a few of their small sample seasonings (mainly for steak), and WOW--consider me converted. I'm officially hooked and buying spices for cooking, baking, and their hot chocolate section is perfection in the cold months! My husband does the Dutch cocoa but I love the hot cocoa mix with a hint of mint :) The staff are always warm, welcoming, and genuinely happy to help. There's constantly something new to smell and explore which makes it dangerous in the best way. You never really walk out with just what you planned on buying Pro tip: get on their mailing list!! So many great perks, insider deal days, and coupons that help your wallet during these crazy times. read more

My mother-in-law has long been a fan of Penzy's. Now I live near one, so I was able to check it out while I was in downtown. You wouldn't think a spice shop would justify an entire establishment, but their variety is unparalleled! Not just spices but also curry, chili, soup bases, extracts, and even hot cocoa powder! They have unique blends to try; I had to pick up their RESIST! in these trying times. Yes, you'll pay more than Walmart but you can eat easy knowing your money isn't funding billionaires! The employee was quite kind to me, as I arrived at 5:55pm not realizing the store was closing at six! He reassured me it was fine, didn't rush me, and helped me find a particular spice I was searching for. There is also a cute area for kids to sit and play while their parents browse. read more

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When Penzey's has a sale (especially if it is something like the recent 44% off everything), I stock up. I love this store, and the quality of their spices far exceeds anything I'd get in the grocery store. Today's score included: bay leaves, peppercorns, paprika (smoked and sweet), Sunny Paris (a salt free version of Foxpoint), Arizona seasoning, and Ancho pepper. The staff are friendly and helpful, and shopping in the store is always an experience seeing all the herbs and spices and reading their culinary uses. I wish their emails didn't include so much political commentary. I want food inspiration from my spice purveyor, rather than politics. read more

Penzeys Spices - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Enjoyed a spicy shopping experience with the helpful staff at this Uptown location. Had a rather long list of spices and baking needs to fill and the person on the floor aided in finding everything & answered questions on some new items. Prices are higher than what you can be used to if shopping at a grocery store yet well worth it. Bring your children if you need to shop as they can play in a great play area. read more

This was my first time in Penzeys! My friend gave me a gift card because we love to cook. I've also received some from my mother in law. We were supposed to go to the Grand Ave location (as I was nearby) and was on my way home. We ventured into uptown instead! This location was huge! Staff were friendly and there were some amazing deals on some spices! $2 for select spices. I bought a "Justice"! The staff working was very helpful and made our experience fun! She wasn't pushy, but offered some of her favorites. I ended up getting Penzeys frozen pizza seasoning, natural wasabi, freeze dried shallots, Brady street cheese sprinkle, the now curry, chip & dip seasoning (already tried and obsessed!), Greek seasoning, Fox point, Justice, Sunny Paris, buttermilk dressing and CA powdered lemon peel. We already made the chip and dip seasoning dip and loved it! It was a garlicky version of Top the Tater! This is a perfect place for gifts! They also have more basic spices to refill what you have. I will be back! read more

Penzeys Spices - My purchases 4/2023 - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

My FAVORITE spice store!!! Service is excellent because they actually care. The store is easy to find, parking available, and bright and colorful. Visit them and make your coming better. read more

What a fabulous selection! We've been shopping here for years, and love the intensity of the flavors in comparison to grocery store spices. Additionally, their unique blends make for easy marinating and cooking. read more

Penzeys Spices - Our latest purchase! - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Love Penzeys' spices. I use the Chicago Seasoning on all of my grilling. The Pork Chop Seasoning is phenomenal. The staff is available and always helpful. The only thing I wish they had was more option for fish seasoning. read more

This shop was ADORABLE. I'm very basic when it comes to my spices but I was with a friend who raved about Penzeys so we stopped in. I was expecting the spices to be overpriced and underwhelming but I was so wrong. There are spices for EVERYTHING. Everything and anything you could want. I grabbed the "Penzeys Seasoned Salt" and for the 2oz container it was only $2.95 but there were a ton of different options and sizes. My friend bought four spices and it cost her $12. If you like spices this is a MUST SEE location in Uptown. I'm not even a particularly fancy cook and I know I'll be back to grab some more in the future. read more

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Employees and staff are rude and they have nothing on generic spices. Would never get anything from here again.

Fabulous company , knowledge employees , excellent and varied products . They really give back to their communities

Great spices and wonderful services . Love that they are very knowledgeable and always happy to help.

Received these spices as a gift a couple years ago. Absolutely nothing special about these over priced spices. I've gotten better ones at Fresh Thyme. The business owner seems to hate his conservative business base also. Nothing like spreading your ideology esp when it's harmful and hateful. read more

The spices, the people working and the ownership make me proud to be purchasing something from this company. I can't wait to spend more money with companies that align with my values and beliefs. read more

Best quality spices available. So many salt-free options, too. A box of Penzys spices makes the best housewarming or wedding gift. I also buy several of the smaller gift boxes for teacher gifts or hostess gifts to have on hand. read more

Great staff, service and great spices. We have been ordering for years on line and love the company! We recommend it to everyone. Gave gift certificates to volunteers at our church and they fell in love with the products. As a life long Christian I also appreciate the owners standing up for what Jesus calls us to do and live out the love of God. read more

A little overpriced, but worth the money for the variety of mixed spices that they created. If you appreciate the complexity and subtly, you will love it here. I've never seen a fancy spice shop like this elsewhere. I stick around and bought a ton. It really took a while to try and compare, I finally realize the nuisance from one another. read more

I've been hooked on Penzey's for years, it was the deals that got me started, who doesn't love something for free? Get on their mailing list and they give away free things every few weeks it seems. But it's the quality of the spices that keeps me coming back. Our family favorites are Northwoods seasoning and Fox point, we buy them in huge bags and save money. And get something for free nearly every time we do it. I bought online during 2020, and have had really good experiences buying it that way as well, but I love going to the Uptown store because the staff is so helpful. And there is a little known small parking lot in back, so sometimes you get lucky and find a place to park there while you do your shopping. Are you stuck for Christmas gifts? They have premade gift boxes, build your own gift boxes, or you can just get individual small spices for stocking stuffers! read more

I've been to this Penzeys location numerous times. It's actually because of my Mom that I come here so often (this portion of Hennepin Ave in Uptown isn't exactly parking-friendly, but since I'm out this way regularly, I have no problem working it in for my dear Mumsy). I tend to go to the co-ops in the organic bulk herb/spice section, but you know what?...it's never a bad idea to explore and experiment with what else is out there. So, THIS TIME, I decided to make this latest a trip a combined purchase for myself & Mom! While my Mom gravitates towards seasoning blends, I'm a bit more of a "purist" and buy individual spices (& then blend on mixtures on my own). We've got a win-win here at Penzeys. I can't recall a time that I haven't been approached within a couple of minutes after entering the store. It's obvious that the employees know and love their product. I adore specialty shops for this as one of the many reasons. I loaded up on numerous spices and, for this time around, because of the dollar amount, they offered a choice between a couple of spices (this CLEARLY rounds out the shopping experience with enormous satisfaction). I've been extremely happy with all of the jars I've opened up to use at home so far...the aromatics are invigorating! I know I'll be back (not just because Mom "makes" me ;-) read more

Penzeys Spices - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

They have an abundance of spices from the more common to the lesser known. I recall last year a friend was in need of File Powder for her gumbo and couldn't find it anywhere. I suggested she try Penzey's and they had it!!! They have a wide selection of: -basic spice blends (i.e.; Cajun, Poultry, Italian, Jerk, etc.) -specialty blends (Arizona, Northwood, Forward, etc.) -individual herbs and spices (i.e.; Thyme, Shallots, Cinnamon, Lavender, etc.) -extracts (i.e.; vanilla, lemon, etc.) I've been a customer for years and what keeps me coming back is the quality, the range of product, and the variety available within each item. For example, if I'm looking for oregano I can choose between the Turkish and Mexican versions. If I'm looking for vanilla I can choose from the Mexican, Madagascar, Single Strength, Double Strength, or Vanilla Bean versions. There's always something new to try. You can enjoy the aromas of each before actually purchasing or consult with the super helpful staff who I consider the sommeliers of spices. They know their stuff and can advise what to try, how to use it, what to use it in/on and the flavors to expect. If you're looking for something specific and can't find it on the sales floor, be sure to ask because it might be kept in the back room. That's what they do with the Lavender. P.S. - while there be sure to sign up for their mailing list so you an get coupons for free full sized (specific) spices. Also, if the cap of your bottle ever breaks (it happens), they'll give you a new one for free. read more

I've always passed on Penzey's, assuming that it was a high-priced spice retailer of dubious quality. Boy was I ever wrong! Staff are sweethearts, the spices and herbs are high quality and the deals border on outrageous. Their proprietary blends make you a better cook instantly. We got two 8-spice boxes, and two large spice bottles - jerk chicken rub and an awesome pico salsa mix - all for $30! Everywhere you look, there's a world of cooking possibilities unfolding for you. Their outspoken views are very progressive and are what got me to take a closer look. Join the email list for profundity and killer promotions. read more

Penzeys Spices - My current collection of Penzey's spices - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Did the curbside pickup for some spices the other day. Was super easy, paid on the phone, my order was waiting outside, and they were nice enough to include some extras. Onto the spices themselves, got some pepper mixes and ground Sumac. For what it's worth, they do not carry Harissa. The ground Sumac was reasonably priced and excellent. The peppercorn mixes are about par for the course in both price and quality. read more

High quality spices, and cheaper than grocery store prices to my surprise. New to area, drove to closest location not knowing it's closed to in-store shopping (Covid, grrr. Recent reviewer lying about seeing rats clearly has an agenda). Called the store while standing outside it and they happily took my order and brought it to me! Just took a few minutes. Can't wait for retail space to re-open for the smells alone! read more

I can see why spices were worth more than gold centuries ago. The right spice can do wonders to food and Penzeys has something for just about everything. I mean, good God, how many types of pepper do they have? 15? Seasoning a freshwater fish and want it to taste like it came from the southern valleys of Greece? Got it. I promise you, when you walk in, you'll want to sniff everything like puppies at a doggy park. Also, the aromatics that come from these spices are mainly due to their high quality. This ya'll, is hard to find in the Twin Cities. Aside from their fantastic selection, they also have great service which includes gift wrapping! Penzeys' staff have saved my butt during holiday season at least a couple of times. I'll be back when i have used up all of my Bangkok Seafood Seasoning, Chinese Five Spice, and Green Black Peppercorn. read more

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Awe full, customer service is horrible and sales person was rude. Won't be shopping here anymore.

From your first step through the door, to your departure, your scent-zes will be on high alert! This place is an encyclopedia of cooking accents and enhancements. Whatever your chosen food-intake form, or geo-gastronomic adventurism, you'll fulfill a dream or two within these walls. Every spice you've ever imagined or read about--and a few you haven't discovered, await you. Better eating--not through chemistry--thanks to Penzey's. PS: Wife says--get on their mailing list (catalogs) and they'll frequently send you coupons for free spices. [Recently--Cumin and Cinnamon]... read more

I love walking through Penzeys sticking my hands in the spice buckets. mmmKidding. But I do wish that were the kind of spice market we had. It's nice to be able to go to one place and find most any spice you could name. If you found a sales clerk who wasn't busy you could just pull out a long list and have them show you the way through your spice shopping. But these days, we can get spices anywhere. So the real deal at Penzey's is small part novelty (I mean a SPICE shop) and the rest in their spice blends. I like to cook a lot and I try to season my dishes just using simple herbs and spices, so I get the hang of it. But getting to use blends is like having a crib sheet. Which is nice too. I used to play video games - I know how sweet it can be to have the cheat codes sometimes. The hours are frustrating. I can't ever get anywhere before 5 and they're pretty much just open during business hours. They do have a catalog though, which I recommend ordering just to gaze at. Although I think they might sell address lists - you never know with mail-order. read more

Penzeys Spices - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I am surprised the reasonable prices, because the quality is so strong. I especially like their broth, their pepper, and some of their mixes. I also really appreciate how knowledgeable and helpful the staff is. I now buy most of my spices from there. read more

This place is my go to for great quality spices. You walk in and are almost immediately helped by wonderful staff who clearly love their job. The carry just about every spice you would ever want and some blends that make cooking a lot easier! Pro Tips - THEY HAVE THEIR OWN PARKING LOT in back!! Utilize this! Especially in uptown where parking can be crazy and expensive. Get on their mailing list - they give away a TON of spices! read more

I've always passed on Penzey's, assuming that it was a high-priced spice retailer of dubious quality. Boy was I ever wrong! Staff are sweethearts, the spices and herbs are way legit and the deals border on outrageous. We got two 8-spice boxes, and two large spice bottles - jerk chicken rub and an awesome pico salsa mix - all for $30! Everywhere you look, there's a world of cooking possibilities unfolding for you. Their outspoken views are very progressive and are what got me to take a closer look. Proud to say that now I am now a Penzey's lifer. As others have mentioned, be sure to join the mailing list and follow them on Facebook for the great deals. read more

I love Penzeys! Their spices are great and the service is wonderful. The staff are helpful and knowledgeable. Definitely a stop when I need spices! read more

For my other half's birthday last spring I decided to make some Indian food. I needed a spice called Asafatida and headed straight to Penzey's when I realized there was no hope at Byerly's. The guy with the awesome handle bar mustache looked at me like I was crazy. He then went on to tell me how they don't carry the stuff because of how god-awful it smells. He attemped to explain the smell to me, but it just wasn't working. I wasn't sure if he was trying to get me to NOT buy the crap, but I was in a bind because I definitely needed it. He gave me two places to check out and I finally found it as some cult/magic/religious bookshop, where I bought about 1 tablespoon. The stuff smelled awful. Not even I can really explain it, but it was a kind of dead animal/trash/curdled milk smell that just got stronger as we drove. We had to run into another store for a few minutes and, when we came out, my car smelled so terribly that I couldn't get in it. We drove with the windows open and the offending little brown bag buried somewhere in the back of the car, but it just got worse. Finally I dumped that shit out in a Target parking lot and cursed everything ever. My car smelled for weeks afterwards and the Penzey's guy was right - you will smell it every time you think about it. Long story short, trust the man with the handle bar moustache at Penzey's. I love the store because I can buy tiny jars of spices, not pay too much and know that it is a lot higher quality than the stuff at the grocery store. I go through the Chinese cinnamon as if it's the only thing I eat. (Oh, and when I got home I noticed that the cookbook said I could substitute curry instead. Apparently I need to learn how to read.) read more

I adore Penzeys Spices. Where else can I find great spices for all styles of cooking. I really like their selection of ethnic spice mixes. Their chili spices are awesome. I don't think I could mix such a wonderful blend on my own. I love to cook and this is the place to go. FYI - I learned yesterday they have free parking behind the store. :-) read more

The prices are good and they have a wide selection of useful daily spices, but I'm a little underwhelmed with the spices themselves. I'm not sure if I mean Penzeys Spices specifically or just spices in general, but here is where I'll lay the blame. They just dont get me as excited as others seem to be. I like their salt-free mixes like Sunny Spain but to me it's just a glorified lemon pepper. Also, I've tried a taste test to compare the Vietnamese Cinnamon versus my $2 shaker of cinnamon from Schillings and I dont taste a distinct difference. On the plus side, it's the only place I could find Garam Marsala for an Indian food dish I was making. Also notable, I got a small glass jar here for about $1 that is perfect for shaking salad dressing on the spot. I love that jar more than all the spices (Penzeys or otherwise) in my kitchen. read more

Wow! Huge fan of Penzeys for sure. They have every possible spice an American cook could want. From a billion types of cinnamon to five spice powder to turmeric, I get pretty much all my spices from here. They may seem pricey at the outset, but they do last a while and the containers are reusable, which I like. The only thing I haven't liked so much is their garam masala. I like to make my own out of their other spices, but the premade one is just a bit too over spiced (if that makes no sense, I'm sorry, I just don't like their mix). Everyone that works here is super friendly and helpful too; I was trying to decide on chili pepper flakes and they were good with helping me pick (extra hot always). I also recommend their cocoa powders. Top notch! (caveat emptor: You will come out with more than you intended and your wallet a bit lighter, even if you just stopped for nutmeg and ended up going with home with about 8 different jars...) read more

I have shopped at Penzeys for a couple years now and I have never had a bad experience the employees are always so kind and helpful they also have the best prices and best quality I would definitely recommend. read more

This store is amaaaazing! I did not expect to go into such a spice heaven and every spice has a little tester jar where you can stick your nose in and take in those aromas and pretend those aromas are on your tastebuds. They have so many different spices (my personal favs are the salad seasonings) and the people are extremely helpful and friendly- they know their stuff! Yay for spices!! read more

When I need a gift for the hard to shop for person, I usually visit Penzey's. Who doesn't love to receive jars filled with the most amazing spices and herb blends? The gift boxes are great too, they come with Cinnamon sticks, whole Nutmeg and bay leaves packed about the jars. I must admit I spend far too much time sniffing every spice and I always take a copy of the recipes. I hope I'm not the only person that does that. Anyways, the salad dressing mixes are awesome! I wish they were open later. I have a hard time stopping in after work during the week. read more

What a fun shop!! Foodies like me could spend hours in this shop, sniffing all of the spices and trying to figure out which 1 of the 5-6 different types of cinnamon you want to buy. There are varieties of paprika, chiles, jerk seasonings, salts, peppers, vanilla... there are quite a few ethnic spices- Bangkok seasoning, Indian spices, Mexican spices, Polish, Hungarian, German, etc. You can buy most of the spices in a jar (1 oz, 2 oz, 4 oz, and some have an 8 oz), or a 4 oz bag (you get more bang for your buck if you don't need the jar). The also sell pre-made gift boxes, or let you create your own combination of spices. Have fun!!! read more