Mel-O-Glaze Bakery

Introduction / Overview

For over six decades, Mel-O-Glaze Bakery has been a cornerstone of the South Minneapolis community, establishing itself as an essential institution in the local food landscape. Since opening its doors in 1961, this beloved bakery, nestled near the peaceful Minnehaha Parkway, has earned a reputation that far exceeds its neighborhood roots, frequently being named Minnesota's "Most Awarded Donut Shop" by local critics and—more importantly—loyal patrons. This longevity is a testament to their unwavering consistency and commitment to classic, high-quality baking.

Mel-O-Glaze is far more than just a famous donut shop; it is a full-service bakery dedicated to sweetening every kind of occasion. While their perfectly raised, springy glazed donuts—celebrated for their "melt-in-your-mouth" quality—are the undeniable star, the menu extends to encompass everything from decadent custom wedding cakes to pies and specialty coffees. Customers consistently appreciate the vast selection, noting that the bakery offers "so many options" at "reasonable prices," making it an accessible indulgence for everyone.

The commitment to customer experience is as important as the quality of the pastries. The bakery operates with a friendly, welcoming ethos and proudly identifies as LGBTQ+ friendly, ensuring a comfortable environment for all Minnesotans. Even when minor errors occur, the staff's kindness shines through; one customer appreciated that a cashier promptly and kindly rectified a mistake with a personal apology and a thoughtful gesture. This combination of exceptional products and genuine, warm service is why Mel-O-Glaze continues to be a favorite destination for both a quick breakfast fix and monumental celebrations.

Location and Accessibility

Mel-O-Glaze Bakery is located in a prime, central spot within South Minneapolis, serving as a landmark business at 4800 S 28th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA. Its corner location makes it a quick and convenient stop for residents traveling through the area, particularly those accessing it from the nearby Minnehaha Parkway.

Accessibility and planning for a quick visit are integrated into the bakery’s operation. For those driving, the location provides free street parking, which, as local customers note, can occasionally present a minor challenge during peak, busy times. However, the consistent quality of the baked goods is widely considered a worthwhile reason to navigate the typical Minneapolis street parking situation. To ensure ease of access for all community members, the bakery features a wheelchair accessible entrance, facilitating smooth entry for every patron.

Beyond physical access, the welcoming atmosphere is a key feature. The bakery is explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly, creating an inclusive and comfortable environment that reflects the open spirit of the Twin Cities. This ease of access, combined with its reputation as a quick-visit destination for quality breakfast and coffee, solidifies Mel-O-Glaze’s position as a well-loved and convenient neighborhood hub.

Services Offered

Mel-O-Glaze Bakery provides a robust suite of services designed for maximum customer convenience, catering to both the individual looking for a morning treat and the planner organizing a major event. Their service model is built around speed, flexibility, and a high volume of quality goods:

• Full-Service Custom Cakes: They offer all kinds of custom cakes for special occasions, including Birthdays, Anniversaries, and most notably, Weddings. Sizes range from single tiers to impressive 2, 3, and 4-tier designs, in sizes from 6" up to 12".
• Onsite and Takeout Options: Services include In-store pickup and Takeout, catering to customers who need to quickly grab their items to go. Limited Onsite services are also available for those wishing to enjoy their coffee and pastry momentarily.
• Specialty Coffee Menu: The bakery offers a full espresso bar featuring premium options like Cappuccino, Cafe Latte, Espresso, and Mocha, alongside their standard coffee, making it a complete breakfast destination.
• Breakfast Destination: The wide variety of fresh donuts, coupled with the comprehensive coffee menu, firmly establishes Mel-O-Glaze as an excellent spot for a Quick visit and quality breakfast.
• Flexible Payments: To accommodate all customers, the bakery accepts major payment options including Credit cards, Debit cards, and the use of modern NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

The enduring popularity and acclaim of Mel-O-Glaze Bakery are built upon several key features that resonate deeply with the Twin Cities community, emphasizing tradition, quality, and variety:

• Historic Quality and Reputation: Open since 1961, Mel-O-Glaze is an established Minneapolis landmark. This six-decade legacy is why they are often dubbed Minnesota's "Most Awarded Donut Shop," coasting on a well-earned reputation for consistent, pillowy-soft perfection.
• Signature Donut Specialties: The bakery is famous for its "charming homemade-looking" donuts. Must-try items include the highly-praised, pillowy Apple Fritter and the unique donut holes—affectionately nicknamed "Legal Crack Balls"—which feature a signature sticky glaze with a slight, delightful hint of lemon or citrus twist.
• Extensive Cake and Dessert Menu: Mel-O-Glaze specializes in celebratory desserts, offering tiered wedding cakes, single-serving cakes (like Double Chocolate and Passion Fruit), and classic American pies (Granny Smith Apple Pie, Silk Pies), making it a single source for any dessert need.
• Thoughtful Dietary Alternatives: The bakery demonstrates a crucial commitment to inclusivity by offering gluten free and dairy free donut options (made with eggs). This thoughtful offering ensures that those with specific dietary restrictions can still enjoy a tasty, dense donut with that unique, pleasant citrus-glazed flavor.
• Warm and Inclusive Atmosphere: The bakery maintains an openly LGBTQ+ friendly environment. Coupled with generally kind customer service—where staff apologize with stickers and offer complimentary donut hole samples—the atmosphere remains genuinely inviting and appreciated by the local community.

Contact Information

To place an order for a custom cake, inquire about the daily donut specialties, or simply plan your quick visit for a mocha and a treat, you can use the following information:

Address: 4800 S 28th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA

Phone: (612) 729-9316 (or +1 612-729-9316)

What is Worth Choosing

For the Minnesota resident, choosing Mel-O-Glaze Bakery is choosing six decades of perfected recipes and a business that values consistent quality above all else. What is worth choosing here is the deep-seated heritage and mastery over the classic baked good, particularly the glazed donut and the apple fritter, which are routinely lauded as the best in the state. This is a place where every item, from the smallest donut hole to the largest tiered cake, is made with a time-tested expertise that is difficult to replicate.

The comprehensive nature of their menu is another compelling reason to choose Mel-O-Glaze. Whether you need a simple breakfast treat paired with a specialty coffee, a dozen donuts to share at the office, or a beautifully crafted cake for a wedding, the bakery covers all bases with reliable quality and a wide variety of flavors, including unique items like Lemon Cheesecake and Passion Fruit Cake. Crucially, the dedication to offering gluten free and dairy free donuts with a distinctive, tasty glaze ensures that those with specific dietary needs do not have to miss out on the joy of a truly great donut.

Finally, the friendly, quick-visit service, the reasonable prices, and the openly inclusive atmosphere make the entire experience rewarding. While the free street parking may require a bit of patience during peak hours, the reward is a box full of freshly baked, celebrated goods from a true Minneapolis classic. For an authentic taste of local history and consistently great quality, Mel-O-Glaze Bakery is an indispensable stop for all Minnesotans.

Mel-O-Glaze Bakery

4800 S 28th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA