Carlo's Bakery — Restaurant in Paradise

Tasty cake, utterly disappointing execution.

I recently visited Vegas with my boyfriend specifically for a birthday trip. Prior to even booking this trip, I made a small yet rather specific request. I had asked him to find me a cute cake, didn't need balloons, didn't need presents... I'd just be happy with a little cake. He put a lot of thought and research into finding high-rated cake shops in the nearby vicinity from where we were staying.

We were off to the Canyon for the day and had a jam packed schedule, but he was sure to contact cake boss and make specific arrangements to have a custom word plaque written with a sentimental message that hits close to home, and for the cake to be delivered to our hotel the evening of Feb 27th. The cake arrived.. we opened it and to be honest, as well put together of a cake as it was, I was a little surprised to see a 6 inch plain chocolate cake (very unlike my boyfriend) in addition to the look of disappointment on his face. The large plaque that was to be written and was SPECIFICALLY confirmed to be on the cake was missing. He even paid extra for the addition of this piece, and with the conversion, the 6-inch cake amounted to $75CAD, INSANE.

Customer service has been of no assistance since we have tried contacting multiple times since that evening. It is now March 5th, and I'm upset to say that this year I did not get a happy birthday cake, or a "birthday" cake for that matter. As deliciously sweet as the cake was, I'm high sodium salty about the missing...

Hype bigger than delivery

I am more than familiar with Carlos the “Cake Boss” as as past fan of his show and his amazing talented cakes.

I was so excited to be in Vegas and the ability to try his pastries as I love sweets.

I can imagine the line can be extensive but even with several in front of us it wasn’t too timely as they have a employee who can take you order on a tablet and then someone else will call your name to pay and pick up your order.

There are plenty on options...about 5 cases worth. However as a suggested BIG improvement could be to have these delicatessens labeled and include filling types when applicable. A few had labels like chocolate cake or rainbow cake, more of the gimme items. It’s the items you don’t see in this neck of the woods (side of the country) who don’t have old world flavor and unfamiliar with a true bakery. Not to mention it could help with ordering time as you try to figure out or have to ask “what it that”.

The chocolate mousse was very creamy and delicious. The walnut chocolate something or other (insert true name here) was good but felt something more to be desired. Glad I waited on the mousse.

The packing was awesome and left you feeling like a valued customer. Packaged in a box to protect those yummies. No pastry bags here.

There is a observation window from the hallway to watch those pastry chefs at work. Kids enjoyed watching them.

You can also grab promotional items.

NOTE they post a notice on the counter that they are NOT gluten or nut free...

Ever since I watched this Buddy on Cake Boss, I've always wanted to go to Hoboken to try his bakery. Unfortunately, I haven't made it to Hoboken, but I have made it to Vegas, and that's the next best thing. I saw other reviews and was not too hopeful. Many mentioning runny fillings and rude staff. However, when I visited around 4:30pm on September 1st 2021, my experience was nothing but great. I wish the staff had name tags, because the man who helped take the order was EXTREMELY knowledgeable on all the products that I wanted to purchase. The staff then told me that it was a popular product, with a rich cream with a slight taste of Baileys. I was given the same run down on the canoli and red velvet cake slice I purchased. The man truly knew what he was talking about, and was extremely kind. The man at the case register was just as kind, and I did not see any of the rude behavior that were noted in the other reviews.

I get back to my hotel, and finally get to dig in. I was a little let down, which is why I knocked off a star. The lobster tail was very flaky, but the cream had little to no taste. The canoli was good, but you could tell the cream had been in the shell for a number of hours--there was very little crunch. The red velvet was also a little sad, as the cream cheese was not as sweet as what I am used to. Was it horrible? No, of course not. I would definitely go back and try more items. I suppose the mental hype I have had in my head for years didn't live up to the reality of...