Black Walnut Bakery

This detailed guide is created for residents of Minnesota, particularly those in the Twin Cities area, looking for a high-quality, artisan bakery and cafe experience in Minneapolis.

Introduction / Overview

Nestled in the heart of Uptown Minneapolis, Black Walnut Bakery is a cherished local establishment that has elevated the Twin Cities pastry scene. Operating as both a bakery and a cafe, it offers an authentic, high-quality European experience right on Hennepin Avenue. The owner, a Minneapolis native and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with experience at renowned bakeries, brings a clear dedication to classic French techniques, particularly in viennoiserie—the art of laminated doughs.

Black Walnut Bakery is famous among local users for its stunning array of scratch-made pastries, which are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to bold, authentic flavors. The bakery started its journey successfully at the Minneapolis Farmers Market and through popular weekend pop-ups, eventually opening its permanent doors in 2019. It has since become a local favorite, recognized for its exceptional Kouign Amann and a robust cafe menu that is available for Breakfast all day.

Testimonials from satisfied customers frequently praise the extraordinary quality of the baked goods. One local user noted, "The pastries here were to die for! I got the seasonal fruit danish (rhubarb) and my girlfriend got the apple turnover, both were astonishingly beautiful and tasted exquisite!" This feedback underscores the bakery’s reputation for both aesthetic appeal and superior taste.

Location and Accessibility

Black Walnut Bakery is centrally located in the vibrant Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota, making it highly convenient for residents and visitors to the area. The physical address is:

• Address: 3157 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA
• Parking: Patrons benefit from Free Street Parking nearby, though customers should be aware that parking can sometimes be difficult during peak hours in the busy Uptown area.

The cafe is committed to accessibility, offering several key features for a comfortable visit:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot
• Wheelchair Accessible Restroom

The atmosphere is often described as bright, cozy, and reminiscent of a Parisian cafe, with the option for outdoor seating to enjoy the Hennepin Avenue ambiance, particularly on pleasant Minnesota days.

Services Offered

Black Walnut Bakery & Cafe offers a diverse menu that goes well beyond typical bakery fare, making it a reliable destination for any part of the day.

• Signature Laminated Pastries: A stunning selection of French-style Croissants (Butter, Chocolate, Almond, Ham & Gruyère, etc.), Kouign Amann (the 'Imperial croissant'), and Pain Suisse.
• Breakfast / All-Day Fare: Including the popular Egg & Cheese Croissant Sandwich and freshly baked Quiche, available all day long.
• Artisan Breads: Featuring specialty loaves such as Country Sourdough ($7.00) and a unique Croissant Loaf.
• Dessert Selection: A rotating selection of Cake Slices (such as Cassis Vanilla Bavarian and Chocolate Lux), plus full-sized cakes, Tarts (Lemon, Frangipane Fruit), Pies (Banana Cream Pie), and Puddings (Gingersnap Banana Pudding).
• Savory Lunch Options: A selection of delicious Hot Pressed Sandwiches (like Ham & Gruyère, Tuna Melt, Grilled Cheese, and Vegetarian) and classic cold sandwiches.
• Full Coffee & Beverage Menu: Offering high-quality espresso drinks, including Latte, Cappuccino, and Mocha, as well as various Teas, Hot Chocolate, and Kombucha.
• Fulfillment Options: Supports In-Store Pickup, In-Store Shopping, Takeout, and Dine-in with onsite services and seating.

Features / Highlights

The reputation of Black Walnut Bakery is built upon several unique features that distinguish it as a premier destination for discerning Minnesotans:

• Mastery of Viennoiserie: The bakery is renowned for its technically flawless laminated pastries, with its Almond Croissant being a top-seller and the Kouign Amann often cited as the best in the Twin Cities area.
• Artisan Expertise: Owner Sarah Botcher's background, including training at the Culinary Institute of America and experience at a world-class San Francisco bakery, ensures every item is made with professional precision and high-quality ingredients.
• Full Cafe Experience: It’s not just a bakery; it is a full-service cafe offering Breakfast all day and a substantial Savory Lunch menu, perfect for a complete meal.
• High-Quality Coffee: The beverage program is a major draw, offering bold espresso lattes and high-quality tea that, as one customer mentioned, "elevated the pastry even more."
• Warm, Aesthetic Atmosphere: The interior is welcoming, with natural light and a cozy charm, and the available Outdoor Seating provides a perfect spot to relax and people-watch on Hennepin Avenue.
• Diverse Dessert Program: The expanded cake and tart program, with elegant offerings like Lemon Tart and Chocolate Almond Torte, means the bakery can cater to special events and individual dessert cravings with equal excellence.

Contact Information

For Minneapolis residents planning to visit or inquire about custom cake orders, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: 3157 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA
• Phone Number: (612) 353-6552

Given the popularity of the bakery—especially on weekends when lines can form—it is always advisable to call ahead for any large orders or specific questions regarding item availability or special-order cakes.

What is Worth Choosing Black Walnut Bakery

For Minnesotans, choosing Black Walnut Bakery is a choice for uncompromising quality and a genuine taste of world-class baking right in Uptown Minneapolis. It is worth choosing for the exceptional expertise that goes into every product, particularly the renowned laminated pastries. If you are a local who appreciates the flaky, buttery perfection of a classic French croissant or a unique Kouign Amann, this is the definitive destination.

Beyond the sweets, the inclusion of a comprehensive savory menu—from the satisfying Ham & Gruyère Croissant to the hearty Pressed Sandwiches—means this is the perfect spot for a full meal, not just a treat. The convenience of all-day breakfast ensures you can get a warm, freshly prepared meal whenever your schedule allows.

Finally, the entire experience is designed for the local user. The accessible location, free street parking, clean atmosphere, ample seating (including outdoor space), and commitment to serving excellent coffee all contribute to making Black Walnut Bakery & Cafe a superior and essential part of the Minneapolis culinary landscape. It fills a void for high-end European baking and truly deserves its strong local reputation.

Black Walnut Bakery

3157 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA