BAKERY PROFILE

Red Bench Bakery

★ 4.0175 recorded reviews$1–10

284 Water St, Excelsior, MN 55331, USA

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Red Bench Bakery
PLAN THE VISIT

Essential details

Address
284 Water St, Excelsior, MN 55331, USA
Phone
(952) 474-5608
Website
Visit official site
Rating signal
4.0 from 175 recorded reviews
HOURS

Listed operating hours

  • MondayClosed
  • TuesdayClosed
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
About and visit notes

For Minnesotans who appreciate the difference that artisanal craftsmanship makes, Red Bench Bakery stands out as a true culinary gem in the charming lakeside community of Excelsior. Located near the shores of Lake Minnetonka, this dedicated bakery is far more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it's a destination for high-quality, freshly baked goods, setting the standard for gourmet pastries and bread in the southwest Twin Cities metro area.

Red Bench Bakery specializes in taking simple ingredients and transforming them into extraordinary breakfast and all-day treats. Their reputation is built on the foundation of freshness and exceptional flavor, with customers consistently raving about items that are "out of this world." The selection spans a wide range, from beautifully laminated pastries like the flaky almond chocolate croissant to decadent specialties such as their rotating danish flavors (like apricot and raspberry) and comforting classics like the oversized cinnamon roll.

Beyond the sweet treats, the bakery is equally known for its fresh bread. For those in the Excelsior and Lake Minnetonka communities looking for a substantial loaf of artisanal bread for their week, Red Bench Bakery provides a top-tier option. This focus on both high-quality breakfast items and foundational bread makes it a cornerstone for local food lovers. Paired with their excellent coffee offerings, the bakery serves as the perfect morning ritual or mid-day escape, offering a welcoming spot for locals seeking a high-quality food experience.

The experience at Red Bench Bakery is centered on quality—from the "wonderful, flaky and flavorful" pastries to the "excellent" and "smooth" coffee. The commitment extends to the customer service, with patrons noting the staff are "very kind and polite," adding a warm, neighborly touch to the professional atmosphere.

Location and Accessibility for Local Users

Red Bench Bakery enjoys a prime location in one of the Twin Cities’ most picturesque downtowns. Situated at 284 Water St, Excelsior, MN 55331, USA, the bakery is right in the heart of Excelsior, making it a convenient stop for local residents and a popular destination for visitors enjoying the Lake Minnetonka area. Water Street is known for its boutique shops and local eateries, positioning the bakery perfectly for those running errands or looking for a relaxing lakeside breakfast spot.

The location is highly accessible for those traveling through the western suburbs. For the convenience of all members of the Minnesota community, the bakery offers key accessibility features:

  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Ensures a smooth entry and exit for all patrons, accommodating mobility challenges and making it easier to transport large orders.

While parking in a busy downtown like Excelsior can sometimes be a challenge, the bakery's central location often makes it easily reachable on foot for those who live nearby, and it is a quick stop for drivers. The establishment is perfectly set up for those seeking a quick takeout or a more leisurely stay utilizing their onsite services and amenities.

Services Offered for the Excelsior Community

Red Bench Bakery provides a set of services designed for flexibility, catering to both the commuter needing a quick bite and the local resident looking to sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

  • Takeout: The fundamental service for quickly grabbing fresh bread, pastries, and coffee to enjoy at home, at work, or by the lake.
  • Onsite Services: Customers are welcome to stay and enjoy their items within the bakery, making it a cozy, local spot for meeting friends or spending a quiet morning.
  • Breakfast Service: With a menu full of pastries, rolls, and coffee, the bakery is a dedicated destination for the morning meal, providing high-quality fuel for the day ahead.
  • Coffee Service: Serving excellent coffee, including specialty drinks like mochas, which perfectly complement the baked goods and provide an added layer of hospitality.
Features and Highlights of the Bakery

The appeal of Red Bench Bakery is not just in the items they sell, but in the quality and the welcoming experience they consistently provide, earning their spot as a local Minnesota favorite.

  • Artisanal Baked Goods: A commitment to handcrafted quality, evident in their flaky croissants, specialty danishes (like apricot and raspberry), and incredible fresh bread.
  • Gourmet Pastries: The pastries are highlighted for being "flaky and flavorful," with items like the almond chocolate croissant receiving high praise from customers.
  • Excellent Coffee Pairings: Offering high-quality coffee, including "smooth" mochas, which creates a complete and satisfying breakfast or treat experience.
  • Convenient Amenities: Provides Wi-Fi, making it a comfortable spot for remote workers or those who want to catch up on emails while enjoying their breakfast.
  • Modern Payment Options: Accepts Debit cards and NFC mobile payments, ensuring a quick and hassle-free transaction for those on the go.

Red Bench Bakery's offerings extend across the menu, but a key highlight remains the quality of their ingredients and preparation. The specialty danish flavors change, encouraging repeat visits to try the latest seasonal or creative combination, while the consistency of favorites like the cinnamon roll provides that reliable comfort food experience Minnesotans value.

Contact Information

For locals in Excelsior and the Lake Minnetonka area looking to inquire about current selections or hours, here is the essential contact information for Red Bench Bakery:

Address: 284 Water St, Excelsior, MN 55331, USA

Phone: (952) 474-5608

Mobile Phone: +1 952-474-5608

What is Worth Choosing at Red Bench Bakery

For the Minnesota customer base, choosing Red Bench Bakery in Excelsior is a choice for uncompromising quality and local charm. It is worth selecting this bakery over other options for several compelling reasons centered on the product and the experience.

The most significant factor is the superior quality of their artisanal baking. Unlike commercial bakeries, Red Bench is committed to crafting items that are consistently lauded as "out of this world." Whether you are craving the intricate layers of a perfect croissant, the comforting richness of a cinnamon roll, or a hearty loaf of fresh bread, the products here demonstrate a dedication to traditional baking excellence and high-grade ingredients. The consistent freshness is a major differentiator—a core element that elevates the entire experience.

Secondly, the complete experience is what sets it apart. It’s not just a bakery; it's a high-quality coffee shop rolled into one. Customers can easily pair their flaky pastry or delicious roll with a perfectly pulled mocha, making it a one-stop-shop for a complete, gourmet breakfast or mid-day treat. The amenity of free Wi-Fi adds practical value, making it a comfortable, convenient spot to work or relax.

Finally, the location and friendly service cement its value as a local favorite. Being situated in downtown Excelsior, often coupled with kind and polite staff, offers a pleasant, professional, and neighborly atmosphere. For residents of the Lake Minnetonka area, Red Bench Bakery provides a reliable, high-end source for all their bread and pastry needs, truly enriching the local food scene and making it a place Minnesotans are proud to support and recommend.

VISIT FEATURES

Services and accessibility

These attributes come from the directory record and should be confirmed when essential.

Service options

  • Onsite services
  • Takeout

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance

Offerings

  • Coffee

Dining options

  • Breakfast

Amenities

  • Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi

Payments

  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
PHOTOS

See the bakery

VISITOR FEEDBACK

Reviews and recurring themes

Read individual comments as personal experiences, not verified guarantees.

coffee 25croissants 20quiche 12lunch 10cinnamon rolls 8patio 7soups 7breakfast sandwich 6baguette 6scone 5
★ 5.0

The baked goods here are out of this world! I tried the specialty danish (apricot and raspberry today!) and my partner had the cinnamon roll. Both were super tasty! The fresh bread looks incredible as well!

May 21 · Hannah Elias
★ 5.0

I carried out, so I can't really comment on the atmosphere, but the pastries and coffee were great. I got the almond chocolate croissant, and it was wonderful, flaky and flavorful. The mocha was excellent as well, a very smooth, pleasant experience. The man working the counter was very kind and polite, as well!

Sep 25 · Joshua Brandmire
★ 5.0

Excellent breakfast sandwich! Their pastries are incredibly fresh, light and airy. Mocha coffee is delicious. We will definitely be back again when visiting!

Aug 27 · Becca Martin
★ 5.0

Red Bench Bakery is an ideal drop-in place for breakfast, lunch, or a refreshing snack. It adds a lot to our downtown Excelsior, MN.It is a charming little café for dining in with a friend or neighbor; it also has a pleasant street-side patio for dining during warmer months. Often, it is easy to buy a scone and coffee and enjoy them on the bench just outside the door. Dogs on a lease are welcome on the patio.We’ve enjoyed several varieties of pastries, cookies, scones (my favorite is the Blueberry Scone), and cinnamon rolls – sometimes to go. Their selection of Artisan breads is the best around. Actually, they fill many pick-up orders for local families and businesses. Today, the daily offering of a filled brioche was raspberry. However, all the flavors are consistently delicious. The kids won’t miss having a donut, but I think the filled brioches are ideal for adults.I also recommend both the Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad, Vegetable Quiche, and Ratatouille Quiche. The soups and salads taste just-made with the freshest ingredients. We always love the street baguette. For certain meals, the Cardamon Bread is flavorful and has an amazing crust! You’ll find an excellent range of coffee, tea, and cold beverages. And they have fantastic ice cream to go.The staff is friendly and kind, even when super busy. They always extend a warm welcome! It is a small space, but they really offer great products. The décor is warm natural tones and feels a bit like places we’ve enjoyed in Europe. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Apr 9 · Jeannie Hill
★ 1.0

Dude at the counter was nice enough (though they will lie to you about the panini press being down when they just don't want to turn it back on) but the boomer making the food...I didn't trust him one bit. It was clear they were upset we walked in 15 min before the lunch service ended. They put spicy mustard when we asked for mustard and gave us multiple days old bread. Everything looked slapped together by someone who just doesn't want to work anymore. If you're young - don't go here! It's only for their kind.

Apr 18 · Celine L
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About this listing

This page combines directory records, available business details, submitted photos, and visitor feedback. Information may be incomplete or change without notice. For corrections, contact server@heavenlydelightsbakery.com.

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