Bella B.
Yelp
**UPDATING REVIEW (as of 11/19/18): The coffee they sell is Abeantogo Coffee Roaster based in Lake Orion. It's delish.
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MICHIGAN'S BEST CONSISTENT BAKERY AND CAFE. EVER. (And would you PLEASE open one in Rochester, please?) OK, I don't give 5 stars unless there is a total WOW factor. And this place consistently WOWS me.
*Service: Overall good about sincerely greeting everyone that walks in through the door as they're working behind the counter. We're regulars, and they anticipate our orders each time - it's actually pretty funny for us because they ask if we want the same thing. It is nice to be known and have personal service. They will deliver your food to your table if it's not ready to be served after you've paid. The manager is always helpful and makes you feel welcome.
*Products: Soups, sandwiches, salads, quiches, baked goods, and coffee have been tested. FRESH, WHOLESOME, flavorful, and delicious. They serve Cadillac Coffee, and it's always fresh, and they won't decline refills. Muffins and cookies are as big as your face that you can eat half and feel full. Be prepared to be overwhelmed with the choices, so look online at the menu so you're not holding up the line when you're ordering across the counter. Top favorites are the Marathon Bread, Marble Rye Bread, Freak Out Cookies, cherry anything (cookies, bread, especially the Cherry Almond muffins, and rolls), and Very Berry Streusel muffins. Muffins are so moist and tender, it's crazy. Their "Day Young" products at an amazing discount ($1.99) are just as good. Snatch those if they have them.
*Condiment station: The condiment station is so unreal that it has to be seriously noted: any condiment you want - they basically have - especially the line of hot sauces. They have house-made croutons which are YUMMY: light and crunchy, full of herb flavor - perfect over soups and salads. REAL butter chips are held in an insulated cold bucket to stay fresh. Every sweetener available: agave, honey packets, honey bear squeeze bottle, raw sugar, and I could go on. Self-serve beverage dispenser for complimentary water that's infused with fruit!? Um, yeah... they are total foodies in that way.
*Atmosphere: Decor is whimsy, bright, fun; and huge glass windows for natural lighting. Feels energetic. They usually have a variety of music piping over the speakers at a decent level. Seating is maxed to 40 which makes it quaint and personal. And during the summers, they have live music on the patio with seating. Restroom is spacious, and always stocked and clean.
*Of note: Come 6-9am for the buy 3 get 1 free for muffins, cookies and scones. Join their Rewards Club and email list for great deals besides the 5% you get back for each purchase on the loyalty card. They're closed on Sundays because it makes good business sense to take care of their employees by honoring the Sabbath which may give reason why the employees seem happy. Free wi-fi, and parking is totally accessible. Also Nordstrom Cafe at Somerset Mall serves their products because Nordstrom knows quality and service too, so Ridley's is the perfect match to benefit both brands.
Keep it up, Ridleys and please come to ROCHESTER!