I’m deducting two stars because of the overall experience. Anyone who’s ever been to Kilwins on St. Armands Circle in Sarasota (or any location) knows what I mean. The moment you get close, the rich aroma and full chocolatier experience pull you in like a magnet — it’s impossible to walk by without stepping inside. And to the owner of The Velvet Bar, if you haven’t been to that Kilwins, I highly recommend visiting once they reopen after renovations. You’ll see exactly how powerful that environment can be.
That’s where The Velvet Bar falls short. To be honest, it smelled more like an old museum than a bakery. The woman who took my order said the cookies had just come out of the oven, but I couldn’t smell a thing. There was no inviting scent in the air, and that really took away from the excitement of the visit.
The overall vibe didn’t help either — Mary J. Blige was playing while I waited. And while I love Mary, she’s not exactly the soundtrack for a bakery. The place just didn’t have that warm, cozy bakery feel at all. Honestly, it made me wonder what was going on in the kitchen… just saying.
My suggestion? Either relocate or knock down some of those walls. Let that delicious aroma flow through the space and out the door — draw people in with the smell of your treats the way a bakery should. People eat with their eyes and noses. Even if someone walks in with a budget in mind, once they see and smell your offerings, the wallet will follow. It’s like how Subway used to lure folks in with the smell of baking bread and cookies — it worked every time.
Now with all that said — the red velvet Bundt cake I ordered was warm, fluffy, and pretty good. It wasn’t the best I’ve ever had, but it hit the spot. Still better than those bland, overrated Nothing Bundt Cakes.
If you ever open another location, please give us a drive-thru and an open-concept setup. People love to see behind the scenes — or at least I do! Seeing that cream cheese icing being drizzled onto a hot Bundt would be a delight to my taste buds. And honestly, a bakery should smell like something is being baked.
This isn’t to tear down a Black-owned business — it’s to help pull more people in, because the cakes are truly worth...
Read moreMe and my girlfriend have been on the hunt for the best red velvet cake in Atlanta, and I believe we’ve found the spot. We’ve been to numerous locations that simply sell chocolate cake with some red dye and call it “Red Velvet Cake,” when in reality it’s not. THIS is the spot to go if you’re looking for some ACTUAL red velvet cake that your grandma used to make for those after-church lunches!
The cake itself is absolutely delicious. It’s soft and moist, practically melting in your mouth. None of that dry, firm cake that sat in the oven for far too long. And the icing used for the cake? Phenomenal, great cream cheese taste that pairs perfectly with the red velvet flavor. Not only is it the best red velvet we’ve had, it’s truthfully one of the best desserts we’ve had. Once you eat one, it’s hard not to go for another. I can say for a fact, if you’re looking for that genuine red velvet flavor, this is the place to go!
Chef April was also kind enough to gift us 6 additional cupcakes, on top of 2 fresh-out-of-the-oven cupcakes to try while we were waiting for her to package our ordered cupcakes. They were absolutely delicious out of the oven, but even when we returned home, the cupcakes that had rested were just as good. She is a kind soul who obviously loves and understands her craft! We will be returning in the future, and I hope anyone who is reading this review gives her a chance to show you why to come to...
Read moreThis was my first time ordering from The Velvet Bar. But, I can tell you it wont be my last. I ordered a Red Velvet Cake for my girlfriends birthday. The red velvet cake I had the pleasure of tasting was nothing short of a masterpiece. The first thing that strikes you is its vibrant, rich red color, a visual treat that promises an equally delightful experience.
The cake was incredibly moist, a testament to the skillful baking process that ensured it was baked to perfection. Each bite was a beautiful blend of flavors. The balance was just right, not too sweet, not too tangy, but a perfect middle ground that keeps your taste buds wanting more.
The cream cheese frosting was the cherry on top. It was smooth, creamy, and had a slight tang that complemented the sweetness of the cake. It was generously put between layers and on top, providing a luscious contrast to the soft, crumbly texture of the cake.
What truly sets this red velvet cake apart is it was light and airy, and it practically melted in the mouth, leaving behind a lingering taste that was totally satisfying.
In conclusion, this red velvet cake was a symphony of flavors and textures that created a memorable birthday experience for my girlfriend and her guest. It's a cake that looks as good as it tastes, making it a perfect centerpiece for my celebration. I Highly recommend The Velvet Bar on Bolton Road! BIG thanks to the ladies at The Velvet...
Read more