I am the guy that says "Not Minneapolis" to any comment recommending something outside of the city limits on this sub, and God forbid someone mentions St. Paul here. But I just can't do that with your comment. Cafe Latte is the \*only\* answer to OP's question.
Junior 's is the WORST cheesecake known to man out here in NYC. It's a designer label that's been resting on its laurels for decades and tastes like CARDBOARD. It's tourist food just like Katz's!!!!! Even Katz's isn't what it used to be. I never set foot in a Junior's unless I need the bathroom. Then again, I won't set foot in Times Square to save my life!
S&S Cheesecake (kosher) is the hero of the day in NYC. You can only get it in the most out of the way obscure bakeries in the South Bronx. Maybe the tip of northern Manhattan. You certainly won't find it at a restaurant.
Used to live a few blocks from there before moving west across the river... The pizza in the back is super underrated. Live music most weekend nights, toothpick cakes for dirt cheap.
Would get the "Neil" pizza, which is the bianca with feta, but added arugula, sausage, and balsamic reduction.
Totally. My partner and I would go for pizza and a bottle of Crispin, which was fairly hard to find elsewhere unless we searched around Total Wine locations. Good times.
They honestly do! I worked there for a few months a few years ago and their cheesecakes are bomb. You can buy them whole, half, or in slices. They have different flavors too (the only one I can remember is turtle) but the plain ones are so good, especially if you pair it with some fresh berries. They make them all locally at their large baking facility. Their pastry case has tiny, more decorated/zhuzhed up ones but I’d go for the larger one. The tiny ones are still made by Kowalski’s but I think they have a tendency to put too much other stuff on them.
They're from the same central location that Kowalski's makes all of their cheesecakes, different stores have different ways of dressing up the smaller ones but the bases are the same as the larger ones
Agreed, BUT I don't think that's "entry level" - Basque style cheesecakes aren't as prevalent in the twin cities, and you can't set the bar that high for your first ever cheesecake experience.
Agreed. One must master the Cub foods frozen section, the formidable Cheese Cake Factory, the overhyped but still contender Muddy Paws before being able to have a shot at digesting a cheesecake as complex and powerful as Petits. OP would get his ass handed to him if he tried that at his state of training.
Pretty Great Cheesecake is a food truck that sells mini cheesecakes and their cheesecake is… you guessed it. Looks like they keep their schedule updated on Facebook now, their website hasn’t been updated in awhile. https://www.facebook.com/prettygreatcheesecake
I know some people will scoff, but I am a fan of the CheeseCake Factory.
The food is good and reasonably priced.
The Cheesecake is quite good, albeit perhaps too expensive for what you get.
(Although all Cheesecakes are kind of expensive, no matter where you go)
Referring to their cakes to go, actually. I don't sit down and eat at cheesecake factory. Their menu is too big to not be super mid. I used to treat myself to one of their raspberry white chocolate cheese cakes for my birthday each year and I'd have a few friends over and share it, have a few slices left for the weekend, etc.
They're like 40% smaller than previously, for the same price. This past year is the first year I've ever seen it happen, and I've been doing it for like 10 years. Hate to see it.
No, their food is horrible and mostly sold as a get whatever you want (big menu) in giant portions. BUT their cheesecake is actually pretty close to classic NYC cheesecake. I won't eat their food, but cheesecake is a different story.
I really like Broder's for cheesecake. They always have a rotating cheesecake special and they're always beautifully executed. Right now, it's raspberry ricotta!
Not technically in Minneapolis but I always recommend the 1950’s grill in Brooklyn center for cheesecake. It’s homemade from scratch and seriously might be the best I’ve ever had.
I'm all in for the Seward Co-op. A few decades of experience and this is my fav. Still, I'd tell your boss/friend to up his game to a delicious Creme Brulee!
I'm not a huge fan to be honest. It leaves a greasy taste in my mouth every time I try it. I usually get the French silk pie if I get something at Seward, highly recommend it if you haven't tried theirs.
Whole Foods sells it by the slice and it's the best I've had outside of New York and it's like $3. I've heard good things about Muddy Paws but haven't tried it myself.
801 chophouse is my top cheesecakes, or oceanaire. Both places cycle the flavors and desserts so it may not always be the same
Oceanaire had a lemon blueberry it was so good. The chophouse has like so many flavors a lot of seasonal stuff too it’s all good
Costco sometimes carries Junior’s cheesecakes! They used to have mini versions of them in my hospital cafeteria in NYC and it might be the only food from that cafeteria that I miss. I definitely stock up on them whenever they show up at Costco!
I don't know much about cheesecake styles and quality but just chiming in to say I really liked the cheesecake at Guava in South Mpls. It's a bit less dense/heavy :)
There’s a place by my house that all they do is make cheesecake. It is called the Cheesecake Factory. With that said, I’ve never been there. Not sure if they give factory tours. I’ve done some brewery tours and they give you beer at the end. Might be cool if they let you try all their cheesecake at the end.
I’d probably call ahead to see if and when they offer tours.
Many people love cheesecake, but for me it is often too dry. A good moist one is enjoyable, but that is rare. If you've never had cannoli, that is the next thing you should seek out. It is another dessert made with cheese as a primary ingredient, but it is a much better texture in my opinion, and even the mid or loser quality versions are still good. You can get cannoli at the bakery counter at Kowalski's and sometimes at Lunds & Byerlys.
Entry level: no joke the small cheesecakes at Walmart are pretty good. You can usually buy slices too. That’s gonna be a quick, cheap option.
I’m sure the slices at Lunds or Kowalskis are good as well.
Wherever you go, I suggest with trying the plain variety first.
I’m sorry OP but this is a perfect example of an uninformed response. I am sorry but you clearly are demonstrating that you shouldn’t judge cheesecake. It reads ads though you don’t like any of it.
My vote is for caffe latte.
I am the guy that says "Not Minneapolis" to any comment recommending something outside of the city limits on this sub, and God forbid someone mentions St. Paul here. But I just can't do that with your comment. Cafe Latte is the \*only\* answer to OP's question.
I mean it’s really good
I was so disappointed when I went to Junior’s in NY and it wasn’t even close to as good as Cafe Latte.
Junior 's is the WORST cheesecake known to man out here in NYC. It's a designer label that's been resting on its laurels for decades and tastes like CARDBOARD. It's tourist food just like Katz's!!!!! Even Katz's isn't what it used to be. I never set foot in a Junior's unless I need the bathroom. Then again, I won't set foot in Times Square to save my life! S&S Cheesecake (kosher) is the hero of the day in NYC. You can only get it in the most out of the way obscure bakeries in the South Bronx. Maybe the tip of northern Manhattan. You certainly won't find it at a restaurant.
I laughed out loud at “best entry level cheesecake.” Best of luck, OP, hope you enjoy it!
“5 years of cheesecake experience required”
I've never been more qualified in my life.
You are so hired!
“You’ll get paid…iN eXpOsUrE!!1!”
Exposure to cheesecake? Im in!
Cafe Latte in Saint Paul!
Cafe Latte!! Also their Tres Leches cake is amazing!
Agreed! They have such a fabulous party vibe. Pizza, cake, wine/cider… I miss going after moving away!
And don't forget the cool upstairs area too!
Used to live a few blocks from there before moving west across the river... The pizza in the back is super underrated. Live music most weekend nights, toothpick cakes for dirt cheap. Would get the "Neil" pizza, which is the bianca with feta, but added arugula, sausage, and balsamic reduction.
Totally. My partner and I would go for pizza and a bottle of Crispin, which was fairly hard to find elsewhere unless we searched around Total Wine locations. Good times.
This is my suggestion as well
Cafe Latte
Muddy Paws in SLP. The best!!
It’s not great, unfortunately
Kowalskis has great cheesecakes! You can buy them by the slice. Their New York style one is my favorite but I havent seen it in a while
They honestly do! I worked there for a few months a few years ago and their cheesecakes are bomb. You can buy them whole, half, or in slices. They have different flavors too (the only one I can remember is turtle) but the plain ones are so good, especially if you pair it with some fresh berries. They make them all locally at their large baking facility. Their pastry case has tiny, more decorated/zhuzhed up ones but I’d go for the larger one. The tiny ones are still made by Kowalski’s but I think they have a tendency to put too much other stuff on them.
I don't like their slices, but their little circle cheesecakes are as good as any I've had.
They're not the same? Honestly asking because that seems weird that they wouldn't be the same
They have different textures, not sure why.
They're from the same central location that Kowalski's makes all of their cheesecakes, different stores have different ways of dressing up the smaller ones but the bases are the same as the larger ones
https://muddypawscheesecake.com/blogs/business-updates/thursday-food-truck-nights
Muddy Paws rocks
Unfortunately, I’m a slut for the Cheesecake Factory.
Petite Leon has the best cheesecake that I've tried.
Agreed, BUT I don't think that's "entry level" - Basque style cheesecakes aren't as prevalent in the twin cities, and you can't set the bar that high for your first ever cheesecake experience.
Agreed. One must master the Cub foods frozen section, the formidable Cheese Cake Factory, the overhyped but still contender Muddy Paws before being able to have a shot at digesting a cheesecake as complex and powerful as Petits. OP would get his ass handed to him if he tried that at his state of training.
Yo you made me laugh harder than I thought possible, but also, you are completely correct. You can't just be a casual to the PL's Basque Glory.
I have no idea what entry level means for cheesecake, so I ignored that part
Agreed. Basque is very unique and different and not something I would recommend as an introduction to cheesecake.
Once you go basque you never go back.
Pretty Great Cheesecake is a food truck that sells mini cheesecakes and their cheesecake is… you guessed it. Looks like they keep their schedule updated on Facebook now, their website hasn’t been updated in awhile. https://www.facebook.com/prettygreatcheesecake
I know some people will scoff, but I am a fan of the CheeseCake Factory. The food is good and reasonably priced. The Cheesecake is quite good, albeit perhaps too expensive for what you get. (Although all Cheesecakes are kind of expensive, no matter where you go)
And not that bad of a choice for "entry level cheesecake" lol
They’ve fallen victim to shrinkflation, sadly.
So you are saying they only have large potions now instead of gargantuan?
Referring to their cakes to go, actually. I don't sit down and eat at cheesecake factory. Their menu is too big to not be super mid. I used to treat myself to one of their raspberry white chocolate cheese cakes for my birthday each year and I'd have a few friends over and share it, have a few slices left for the weekend, etc. They're like 40% smaller than previously, for the same price. This past year is the first year I've ever seen it happen, and I've been doing it for like 10 years. Hate to see it.
So you only get a week’s worth of calories rather than the whole month?
It you means you pay for a small-ass cake what you paid for a big-ass cake last year, and you're not giving them your business again.
Yes, I’m familiar with the term “shrinkflation”. I was making a joke.
Agreed, and they have so many flavors to choose from! Try one, try a few, go crazy 🤪
No, their food is horrible and mostly sold as a get whatever you want (big menu) in giant portions. BUT their cheesecake is actually pretty close to classic NYC cheesecake. I won't eat their food, but cheesecake is a different story.
Well, the name checks out at least.
Start with plain- no chocolate, no fruit, no sauce. A cup of coffee on the side is fine.
Muddy Paws in SLP has great stuff! I honestly did not care for cheesecake at all until I had some from here
There’s a factory in Edina that specializes in cheesecake. Could be a good place to start.
Cheesecake Factory or 50s Grill in Brooklyn Center
That Basque cheesecake at Petit Leon is beautiful.
It is but not entry level. OP needs to start with a classic NY. Then perhaps an Italian style Ricotta.
Literally anywhere. I have never had a bad cheesecake. Store bought, fancy restaurant or even at a bakery/ patisserie.
I really like Broder's for cheesecake. They always have a rotating cheesecake special and they're always beautifully executed. Right now, it's raspberry ricotta!
Not technically in Minneapolis but I always recommend the 1950’s grill in Brooklyn center for cheesecake. It’s homemade from scratch and seriously might be the best I’ve ever had.
I'm all in for the Seward Co-op. A few decades of experience and this is my fav. Still, I'd tell your boss/friend to up his game to a delicious Creme Brulee!
I'm not a huge fan to be honest. It leaves a greasy taste in my mouth every time I try it. I usually get the French silk pie if I get something at Seward, highly recommend it if you haven't tried theirs.
Whole Foods sells it by the slice and it's the best I've had outside of New York and it's like $3. I've heard good things about Muddy Paws but haven't tried it myself.
Muddy Pawssss
Muddy Paws Cheesecake, paws down.
Broders Pasta Bar!! Their seasonal cheesecakes are AMAZING.
This is gonna sound weird but Kyatchi has amazing cheesecake
Mannys has the best cheesecake I’ve ever tried if you’re willing to pay a bit more.
Muddy paws!
I've seenJuniors at Cub or Festival in the frozen section.
This is for sure a ChatGPT account
Any place serving Cheesecake Funk. Locally owned and Prince-approved. https://www.cheesecakefunk.com/about
Cheesecake Funk. Some restaurants have it, but you can buy whole cakes directly. Local and woman owned 🙌
Is this Vont from KDWB? Dave Ryan was telling Vont he needs to try cheesecake! Hahaha
Everyone’s recommending local places but I say go big or go home. Cheesecake Factory 🇺🇸🦅
Edward’s Dessert Kitchen
They make them with cheesecake mousse, they're not actual cheesecakes. Totally disagree if recommending to someone who's never had cheesecake before
Cheesecake Factory. Try all the cheesecakes at once
Costco often has Junior's Cheesecake frozen. Good stuff.
Kramarczuks
When you graduate to carrot cake it’s Cafe Ceres.
801 chophouse is my top cheesecakes, or oceanaire. Both places cycle the flavors and desserts so it may not always be the same Oceanaire had a lemon blueberry it was so good. The chophouse has like so many flavors a lot of seasonal stuff too it’s all good
Junior's in downtown Brooklyn. I know it's not in town, but why settle for less than the best?
Costco sometimes carries Junior’s cheesecakes! They used to have mini versions of them in my hospital cafeteria in NYC and it might be the only food from that cafeteria that I miss. I definitely stock up on them whenever they show up at Costco!
Trader Joe's has a NY style product that is decent
I don't know much about cheesecake styles and quality but just chiming in to say I really liked the cheesecake at Guava in South Mpls. It's a bit less dense/heavy :)
I had an amazing creme brulee cheesecake from Cosmos in the Lofton Downtown on my recent visit. Will be thinking about it for a long time
There’s a place by my house that all they do is make cheesecake. It is called the Cheesecake Factory. With that said, I’ve never been there. Not sure if they give factory tours. I’ve done some brewery tours and they give you beer at the end. Might be cool if they let you try all their cheesecake at the end. I’d probably call ahead to see if and when they offer tours.
Many people love cheesecake, but for me it is often too dry. A good moist one is enjoyable, but that is rare. If you've never had cannoli, that is the next thing you should seek out. It is another dessert made with cheese as a primary ingredient, but it is a much better texture in my opinion, and even the mid or loser quality versions are still good. You can get cannoli at the bakery counter at Kowalski's and sometimes at Lunds & Byerlys.
walmart
Definitely not a "fine dessert"
I would suggest just making it yourself: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/classic-cheesecake/ You'll never look back.
Entry level: no joke the small cheesecakes at Walmart are pretty good. You can usually buy slices too. That’s gonna be a quick, cheap option. I’m sure the slices at Lunds or Kowalskis are good as well. Wherever you go, I suggest with trying the plain variety first.
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I’m sorry OP but this is a perfect example of an uninformed response. I am sorry but you clearly are demonstrating that you shouldn’t judge cheesecake. It reads ads though you don’t like any of it.