Three Brothers Bakery — Restaurant in Houston

I ordered a cake for delivery on December 12th, 2020. I saw that Three Brothers Bakery had Build-A-Cake Birthday cakes for $49.99. A little expensive, I thought, but I assumed it would taste really good for the price. The smallest cake they offer feeds 8-10 people, so it would be a lot of cake for my single cousin. Still, I wasn’t in Houston, I was in Louisville, and figured for $49.99, my cousin would receive a special treat since he was alone during Covid on his Birthday. Since it was a Christmas Birthday, I sent a picture of a cake decorated with some Christmas ornaments, phoned the shop and asked did they have any decorating options like the picture? I was told yes. I ordered the Build-A-Birthday Cake for $49.99, nothing fancy—a round white cake with white buttercream icing. I was not quoted a price, nor was I told there was a delivery fee. I received an email verifying my order, but in the rush of the holidays, was glad that task had been taken care of, and didn’t open it to read it. If I had I would have cancelled my order. When I received my Visa bill, I saw a charge for $150. I called and was told that since the cake was ordered with custom decorations, it was $100, and that the delivery fee was $50. I surely would’ve paid for delivery without complaint—but I was thinking like a Doordash amount of $10? My cousin lives less than two miles from the bakery! When I called, I asked for a discount but was told nothing could be done. I take full responsibility for assuming the cake would cost $49.99, and full responsibility for not opening the email from Three Brothers, to verify the order. I will admit I’m naïve at times, and far too trusting. And people take advantage of that, so I paid the price. I’m putting this warning out there for other trusting people, because this bakery will take advantage of you if they’re given the...

I am so sad to write this review bc this bakery has been a staple in our community for DECADES. They experienced some setbacks and returned strong with a beautiful store, polite employees and amazing, convenient location. I have spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars here over the years, literally. So again it breaks my heart to give a less than favorable review.

Something has changed. I have bought beautiful birthday cakes for several friends and family members, baked goods for office staff etc. However, recently bought the small cakes for a dear friends birthday and they were terrible...what I call "water cake". Cakes baked with water and oil are so awful. I bake myself and know when milk, butter and real vanilla are used. Not in this case. My friend was honest and said the cakes were not good. I had to agree. Overly sweet icing on a dry water cake.

If, by chance, you are now decorating frozen cakes that you ship in then Don't. You may be saving money but a pretty dry cake isn't the way. We'd rather have a moist, tasty cake instead.

Sorry for the negative review but need to be honest.

Also, in reading some of the other reviews, it's apparent this isn't an isolated case (and you didn't respond to those). I appeal to you not to jeopardize your reputation to cut corners. You've been around too long. Figure it out and fix it....

Another Update: They are celebrating their 70th year and decorated accordingly. I received great service again! I love coming here!

Update: I visited this location again today. The cashier Madison gave great service and gave me permission to take pictures; I remembered to take pictures of the bakery and of my purchases this time! I tried a free sample of the snickerdoodle; it was quite nice. I ordered a 1.5lb Challah loaf, a blueberry danish, a snickerdoodle, and a chocolate raspberry pound cake.

This was my first time at a 3BB. I have a dairy allergy and saw that this bakery had dairy-free options. I initially tried to visit on Easter, but I didn't check their holiday hours.

I visited again later that week. I asked if there was any Challah left, since I knew that was dairy-free; I ordered a 1.5lb loaf. The cashier Noah asked if I wanted it sliced; I didn't know that was an option. While he sliced the bread, I looked at the display for a pastry to try. There were so many non-dairy items that I couldn't stop smiling. I ordered a strawberry Hamantaschen, and ate it in my car.

I was so excited that I forgot to take more pictures of the bakery and any of my purchases. I devoured the Challah over several days. I plan to visit a 3BB in the near...