Savory Bake House

Introduction / Overview

In the heart of South Minneapolis, specifically nestled within the Longfellow neighborhood, lies a small but mighty institution that local food critics and devoted patrons consistently rank as a "top 3 bakery in the cities" right now: Savory Bake House. This is not a place for the conventional or the static; it is a destination driven by the creative genius of baker Sandra Sherva and the welcoming front-of-house presence of her partner, Max Okray. The bakery's name is a perfect summary of its unique focus, offering an equally impressive array of both exquisitely balanced sweet treats and robust, flavorful savory baked goods.

Savory Bake House has earned its cult following by prioritizing two critical elements: freshness and seasonality. Customers consistently describe the menu as "HYPER seasonal," with offerings changing so frequently that you should never expect to see the exact same thing week to week. This dynamic approach means the bakers are always leveraging the best available ingredients, which translates directly into superior flavor. From elegant lemon tarts perfect for a special gathering to savory brioche sandwiches and Polish rolls that are highly recommended by regulars, every item is crafted with a meticulous attention to detail and a deft hand at seasoning that elevates humble comfort food into something spectacular. It’s a labor of love that food industry veterans Sherva and Okray have poured into the space, creating a humble, yet essential, stop for anyone seeking an authentic, unforgettable breakfast or mid-day indulgence in the Twin Cities.

Location and Accessibility

Savory Bake House is located at 3008 36th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA. This address places it firmly in the Longfellow neighborhood, a community rich with local charm and supportive neighbors. The physical location perfectly embodies the unpretentious, high-quality character of the business. While the storefront is noted to be "tiny," it is easily accessible to all patrons.

Accessibility is a key priority for the bake house, ensuring a welcoming visit for everyone:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The facility is designed with a wheelchair accessible entrance to accommodate all guests.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Dedicated accessible parking is available, adding convenience for those who require it.
• Parking: Free street parking is readily available in the surrounding neighborhood, making quick visits straightforward.
• Payment Options: For a quick and smooth checkout, the bakery accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

A note for prospective visitors: due to the bakery’s immense popularity and the limited hours (they often sell out quickly), you should anticipate a line, especially on weekend mornings. The atmosphere is friendly, however, and locals advise bringing your coffee, making a few new friends, and enjoying the neighborhood ambiance while you wait—the reward is well worth the time.

Services Offered

Savory Bake House offers a focused and expert range of services centered on its freshly baked, hyper-seasonal menu:

• Takeout Service: The bakery operates primarily as a takeout counter, ensuring efficient service even with consistent crowds.
• Hyper-Seasonal Menu: The menu is constantly rotating to prioritize peak freshness and seasonality, meaning the offerings change significantly from week to week.
• Sweet and Savory Baked Goods: A balanced selection of baked items is offered daily, encompassing both sweet (tarts, cookies, muffins, churro cream puffs) and savory (brioche sandwiches, hand pies, savory scones) options.
• Breakfast Focus: The hours and menu are largely oriented toward breakfast and early lunch, providing substantial and filling options designed to keep you "full for the next 4 hours."
• Special Event Pre-Orders: The team is accommodating for pre-orders for events like baby showers or gatherings, with options like spinach-artichoke mini brioche and lemon tarts highly praised by customers for their beauty and flavor.
• Coffee Service: Fresh Coffee is available to complement the baked goods, perfect for starting your morning or enjoying while waiting in line.

Features / Highlights

Savory Bake House distinguishes itself in the Twin Cities market through a unique combination of culinary excellence and local character:

• Exceptional Seasonal Creativity: The commitment to "hyper seasonal" ingredients means that every visit offers a new and exciting experience. The items are not just fresh but are clever, simple ideas executed flawlessly, such as the famous churro cream puff or the often-changing brioche sandwich fillings.
• The Polish Roll and Brioche: These items are consistently highlighted as customer favorites. The savory brioche comes highly recommended, often filled with rotating seasonal components like gooey cheese, roasted peppers, and fresh corn, and is a must-try for any first-time visitor.
• Top Tier Dessert Tarts: Elegant dessert options, such as the lemon tarts and various sweet pies, are noted for being "beyond beautiful and incredibly delicious," making them ideal for both individual enjoyment and catering for happy guests at events.
• Unpretentious, World-Class Baking: Despite the phenomenal quality—with baking mastermind Sandy Sherva having a resume that includes notable local spots like Birchwood Cafe and Barbette—the food remains "humble and unpretentious," offering a grounding in natural tastes rather than being "sugar bombs."
• A True Neighborhood Fixture: The bakery has strong roots in the Longfellow community. The owners' history and community involvement, coupled with the friendly demeanor of Max Okray, have fostered a loyal and close-knit customer base, creating a highly sociable atmosphere even during the famous long lines.

Contact Information

For inquiries, particularly regarding current menu offerings or placing a special pre-order, customers can utilize the provided contact details. Note that the daily menu is often posted on their social media channels the night before service:

Address: 3008 36th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA

It is recommended to check their website or social media for the most current phone number or email, as operations for small, high-demand bakeries can be dynamic. Max and Sandy have been noted to be "so easy to work with via email," particularly for pre-orders.

What is Worth Choosing

Savory Bake House is worth choosing not just as a place to buy baked goods, but as a genuine Twin Cities culinary experience. It is a commitment to quality that transcends the average neighborhood bakery. You should choose Savory Bake House because:

Firstly, it offers a refreshing antidote to monotony. The "hyper-seasonal" and constantly changing menu ensures that you can visit frequently and always discover something new. This focus on ingredients at their peak means a higher quality, more vibrant flavor profile, whether you are picking up a satisfying Chicken Shepherd's Pie or a delicately spiced seasonal cake slice.

Secondly, the bakery provides incredible value in both taste and portion. Customers emphasize that the food is substantial—it’s not a place for a quick bite, but a stop to "get a lot and be full for the next 4 hours." Given the quality and evident craftsmanship in every item, the offerings are described as being a "spectacular deal," making a visit a rewarding investment in your day's meal.

Finally, the community spirit is palpable. Waiting in the line is part of the tradition, and it’s a friendly, engaging experience that connects you with other locals who share a passion for top-tier baking. Savory Bake House isn't merely a business; it’s a Longfellow fixture that consistently delivers "home runs" with its rustic, well-executed, and always thoughtful baked creations. For a true taste of Minneapolis's elite, unpretentious baking scene, this is the destination.

Savory Bake House

3008 36th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA