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- Hours:
Tue-Thu 11 am - 6 pm
Fri-Sat 12 pm - 7 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
115 reviews for Atlanta Cupcake Factory
Review Highlights
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"Lemon, red velvet, Oreo, strawberry, all very good." In 30 reviews -
"Hands down, the vanilla salted caramel takes the cake." In 21 reviews -
"sweet potato bourbon and the bacon maple (WOW." In 4 reviews
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115 reviews in English
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Review from Vivian L.
Atlanta, GA
4/30/2012
I have to begin this review by admitting that i am *not* a huge dessert fan. (not trying to make enemies on yelp!!) don't get me wrong, i enjoy my sweets every now and again but don't typically go out of my way to get desserts. when i walked in, i had very little expectations despite reading the positive reviews. a cupcake is a cupcake right----no! i was pleasantly surprised that the cupcakes knocked my socks off. I tried a variety and all were SOLID. the cakes were fluffy and moist. i think the icing has to be the best part though -- cream and rich (but not overly sweet). i can't pick out a favorite because every time i ate one, i thought, wow--i really like this! some stand out cakes to try 1. lemon and key lime 2. red velvet 3. salted caramel 4. brown butter rosemary. The strawberry cupcakes were sold out so they must be good! have to try the next time..
The only thing was the price--each cupcake is 2.75, which might be pretty standard for a bakery (? not sure because i'm not a dessert person). i would recommend going with a lot of people and trying various flavors all at once. but i don't believe you can really go wrong with any of the cakes.Listed in: Favorite places in ATL
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Review from Amanda D.
5/1/2012
Really I'd give them a 2.5 but I have to round down. I have been waiting for SO LONG to try Atlanta Cupcake Factory's goods and I am bummed it wasn't everything I hoped for.
I love to bake but I pretty much dislike everything I make, so I am pretty easy to please when it comes to cupcakes. I only ask for a few things: cake isn't dry/tastes like preservatives, there isn't a pound of frosting on top, and it tastes like its flavor.
A few basic standards. And the strawberry cupcake failed to meet them all. I mean seriously I am not that picky about cupcakes but it was just dry, and it wasn't very berry. It was rather plain and I almost stopped eating it. At least they don't overdo it on the frosting...but they can't exactly do that with the small size of the cake (and unlike some certain chain they thankfully don't even attempt to do it).
I also got a sugar cookie (aka vanilla I'm pretty sure) cupcake with salted caramel frosting. At least this really had the flavors, but it was also dry. And somehow the frosting had melted a bit while sitting on the counter for a few hours, in a container, away from any heat or light.
I mean seriously I just baked cupcakes last night but I wanted these so badly because I was in the area, and my frosting hasn't started melting on mine. I'm usually queen of making frosting that does that which sucks when they're really meant to give someone else.
Also not a big fan of their containers. Since I only got 2, they were each put into a small styrofoam bowl with a lid.
On the plus side, everyone who works there is really friendly.
I hope it was just an off day but I'm not going to hurry back any time soon. Given the price, size, distance from me, I can find places I'll go back to that are closer to home first. But if I was in the area, I'll give them another shot. -
Review from Matthew D.
Alpharetta, GA
4/20/2012
When I first moved to Atlanta I lived within walking distance of the ACF and I used to go from time-to-time for the occasional snack or when I had to bring something to an event. I now live OTP and still come back to this place when my cupcake fix needs to be fulfilled. Like Oscar Wilde said, "the only way to get rid of temptation is to give in to it".
They're three main reasons why I feel the Atlanta Cupcake Factory amongst a sea of trendy cup cake competitors not only deserves to be highlighted but given 5 stars.
First and foremost, the cupcakes are a perfect explosion of flavors with every bite (especially if you heat them up on medium for 15 seconds in the microwave). Some of my favorites are: 1. Chocolate cupcake / chocolate frosting, salted caramel. This is number one with a bullet, you can not beat the mixture of salty and sweet. 2. Key Lime. My favorite dessert in cupcake form. 3. Chocolate cupcake /peanut butter. The best combination in confection brought to you in hand-held heaven, a must for any six pack order. 4. Sugar cookie cupcake /salted caramel. Full disclosure, salted caramel could make George Bush like broccoli. Salted caramel on anything is amazing. 5. Red velvet. Another pie/cake transformation into miniature form of it's larger perfect self. 6. Fresh Strawberry. In a bit of an upset, it isn't always on the menu, but when it is, go for it. It is a little bit of summer in each bite.
Secondly is the ingredients, everything is fresh. I spoke with the owner, a charming woman who clearly has a passion for what she does. The shelf-life of these cupcakes is short, this is not a twinke filled with enough preseratives to last through the next ice age. Think of picking up cupcakes from here like opening a nice bottle of red. It will be amazing the first day, good the second day and not quite enjoyable on the third.
Third and finally, the staff is wonderful and friendly. When you walk in it feels like a 60's Easy Bake has enlarged to adult size and transformed into a place that makes you smile. Nothing chain or faux-charm about this place, like the cupcakes themselves they are 100% authentic.
To Recap:
The Good: The cupcakes are made fresh with organic ingredients. They rock and so does the staff.
The Bad: Parking is the third ring of Dante's Inferno, absolute hell. It has 2-3 spots that allow you to back into Highlands Avenue traffic if you can get a spot. You are better off street parking down one of the side streets if you can find one. But hey, you are going to need to walk off a little bit of that sugar high anyway.
The Band This Place Most Resembles: The Go-Go's. Light, fun and easy to crush on (especially the 80's version of Belinda Carlisle) -
Review from Jennifer B.
West Chicago, IL
5/8/2012
Great cupcakes. Moist cake, creamy frosting, perfect cake to frosting ratio. I'd give this place 5 stars if the cupcakes either were bigger or less expensive. $17 for six cupcakes is stupid expensive for their small size.
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Review from Mick D.
1/1/2012
I realize there are people out there that may be saying cupcakes are so "yesterday." And that's okay. This won't stop me from raving about Atlanta Cupcake Factory. I would have written about them before, but every time I found myself driving by, they had sold out for the day. (Not a bad problem to have.)
I picked up a six-pack for an intimate birthday celebration. The chocolate/salted caramel creations made my day. You can't go wrong with the red-velvet. The chocolate/peppermint cupcake was a hit! And I do rather like the lemon/lemon cupcake.
These guys know their craft. The cupcakes are reasonably sized creations that are moist without being cloyingly sweet. And they aren't piled with three stories of frosting. In short, they're excellent. I'll definitely be back to try more. -
Review from Cindy W.
Atlanta, GA
12/23/2011
Let me preface by saying those of you who regularly read my reviews will know that I sadly serve as reinforcement to the female, Asian stereotype when it comes to driving.
The parking lot in front of Atlanta Cupcake Factory, simply put, is a hand-tailored nightmare for me.
I began to sweat trying to pull in the parking "lot" (more like 3 spaces in front of the shop perpendicular to the road), and I was beginning to perspire trying to get out (basically almost crashed into a car backing out into the street. Holiday rush in this area was ridiculous).
That really knocked like ten stars off for me- apparently Highland Inn owns the whole street, and it's ok to park in that lot. I'll have to keep that in mind if I come back....but I'm never going to return anyway.
I just got the red velvet, and my friend got the bacon.
A small cupcake at $2.70 apiece, and tasted very much like a regular cupcake; you know that Duncan Hines red velvet cake mix? It tasted like a milder version of that. I didn't get any of the crumbling problem a lot of people were saying, because the cupcakes were very moist. These were for sure less greasy than Cami Cakes, but probably only 3/4 of the size at Cami, and 1/2 of Virginia Highland.
I'm also a bit peeved that after microwaving the cupcake for 15 seconds, the entire frosting just completely melted like Frosty the Snowman post-Christmas. I'm no cupcake conoisseur, so I don't know if 15 seconds is too much, but Virginia Highland's cupcakes can withstand 30 before the frosting topples over. My 1.5 inch by 2.5 inch cupcake in a pile of goo suddenly looked a little less impressive than before.
My friend got the bacon, and though I didn't have a taste, she liked hers and remarked the cake base tasted like pumpkin.
I think the server was pretty nice/helpful, but who doesn't get pleasant service at bakeries? Cami Cakes beats ACF by a lot, and then the red velvet cupcake at Virginia Highland Bakery is my golden standard- it has almost a tart, tangy taste that I've come to associate with buttermilk, which traditionally, reacts with cocoa powder to originally create that lovely, brick red color. I just couldn't taste that in the cupcakes here, and having the cupcake sit by my side for an hour, I'll admit that something about the cupcake just smelled....off and slightly nauseating. Kind of like plastic? I'm thinking it's food coloring.
Cupcake lovers, do yourself a favor and eat at Virginia Highland Bakery and nab one of their huge cupcakes (priced at $2 too). -
Review from Vania H.
3/8/2012
my first experience here was definitely memorable.
my friend at i had been over at the youngblood gallery, and noticed the cupcake factory for the first time. we decided to stop by, and as chance would have it, they were JUST closing. (i assume because they're a smaller bakery, they can pretty much close for the day once they sell out of cupcakes). the lady at the door, who was the owner, was generous enough to let us in - and she had an order that had not been picked up that day, so she let us have it for half price! excellent, excellent customer service. she was so nice - even though we felt bad that she went back in to serve us after she was already locking up for the night.
i came back here a second time with some friends, and had their caramel apple cupcake. this is officially my favorite cupcake of all time. it consists of a moist apple cupcake with a smooth, cream cheese frosting, and a caramel drizzle. unfortunately, i think it's only seasonal (or at least, they don't make it every week) so i have to gauge my visits to make sure it coincides with a day when they are making these!
although parking isn't exactly ideal (and even if you do find a spot out of the 5 possible ones), pulling out of the lot onto highland is also a nightmare. make sure you walk here! -
Review from yeme t.
3/6/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I really love these cupcakes. The red velvet is really good and so is every other flavor I have tried. Atlanta Cupcake Factory is a top contender for best cupcakery in my book.
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Review from Austin H.
Atlanta, GA
10/21/2011
Absolutely the best cupcakes I've ever had in my entire life. The people that work there are friendly as well.
The El Diablo Chocolate cupcake is unbelievable; it's sweet, rich, but has a slight spicy kick that is almost indescribable.
Again, I've never had cupcakes like these. Never. -
Review from Herman W.
1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Inspired, innovative, delicious cupcakes. Service was patient & friendly. Easy to find, but parking is tough & limited.
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Review from Cynthia N.
Atlanta, GA
10/18/2011 1 photo
I've been going to the Atlanta Cupcake Factory since they first opened, and I haven't stopped. Recently I purchased two cupcakes - sweet potato bourbon and caramel pumpkin.
The caramel pumpkin was a bit of a bust - the cake was on the dry side, with only the icing to save it; thankfully, the icing was pretty delicious. The sweet potato bourbon cake was amazing, moist and a bourbon mouthful. I wouldn't give this cupcake to a kid because the bourbon is so strong, but for an adult, it was an indulgent mouthful. My greedy little mouth wanted to stuff the entire cake inside after the first bite. As for the icing...well...I just scraped it off...it didn't add much to the flavor of the cake, and I preferred a mouthful of cakey bourbon.
There are a lot of cupcake places in Atlanta these days, but I have to give ACF kudos for being consistent in providing a good product. Yeah, sometimes I get a dry cake, but not often enough that I think they can't bake and seek cupcakes elsewhere. And they always have interesting flavor combinations along with traditional ones.
And although I hate the parking situation at ACF, I've never had a problem backing out onto North Highland after my purchase. I suppose the other drivers understand the need to stop for a cupcake or two....or six. Okay...twelve. -
Review from Jean D.
Atlanta, GA
11/9/2011
Small cupcakes for big money. Get em while their fresh because they look pretty unappealing after a few days. Some of the sweets are so small I was glad I had my contacts in.
Local sweeteries are always a fave of mine but this one just doesn't bring it. -
Review from Stefanie P.
Atlanta, GA
11/7/2011
First time at Atlanta Cupcake Factory and I am in love! I tried the apple cinnamon, red velvet and Oreo cupcakes and they were all wonderful. The Oreo cupcake especially was probably the best I've ever had. I don't know if all the cupcakes come with a cream cheese based icing, but the three I tried did and they were all wonderful. There wasn't too much icing and the cupcakes weren't too sweet. I will definitely be back to try all the other flavors!
Only con - there is very limited parking. -
Review from Eric S.
Atlanta, GA
Ok, so picture this.... it's a warm sunny February day and Atlanta is beginning to thaw out from her wintry slumber. The streets, the shops, the restaurants and parks everywhere are absolutely jam packed with people getting out enjoying the warmth.
So what do we do?
We add to the mayhem by jumping in the car and head to Atlanta cupcake factory!!!!
Unfortunately the parking for this little shop is less then desirable. Then again, so is most parking in this city. So we parked a few blocks down the street on a side street and fed the machine 2 dimes. And what does 2 dimes get ya? 6 minutes. Better hurry!!!!!
Off we go, up the street and around the corner to ACF. BOOOOOOO!!!! There is a line out the door! Thinking about the 6 minutes we have on our parking meter I started to get nervous. Lucky for us the line moved pretty quickly. It helps to keep things flowing smoothly when the people in line know exactly what they want when it comes to their turn to order.
We finally made it in the door and we're standing in front of the case. *sniff, sniff* mmmmmmm!!!! It smells good in here!
Laura and I decide to get a 4 pack since it really wouldn't have been worth it to come all this way, pay to park (.20$ LOL!!) and wait in line for 2 cupcakes.
So, Laura picked out the El Diablo, and the sweet potato & Bourbon cupcake and I choose the lemon and salted Carmel. We also bought 2 of the cupcake truffles for .75$ each. The truffles were basically the cake part of the cupcake rolled and coated in sugar. VERY tasty! For .75$ you gotta try them!
We placed our order and the girl behind the corner quickly went to work picking our selections, boxing them up and swiping our card. I leaned over and quietly asked her "So, did you expect all of this today?"
Her reply "no way! This is my first time ever working a Saturday and holy cow! I'm too scared to look up because every time I do the line is out the door!"
So I said to her, "you're doing a great job! No one has had to wait for very long and you are knocking these orders out. Good for you!"
She smiled and said- "Thank you. I needed that" - off we went.
We hurried back to the car and just in time! A parking meter cop had just pulled up and by the looks of it, started writing tickets on expired meters. I yelled to Laura, meter maid! Run!!!!
I get to our meter and EXPIRED flashed in red over and over and over. I checked the windshield for a ticket and NONE!!! Whoosh! Breathe a sigh of relief.
But still no time to waste. We jumped in the car and took off. Bye, bye meter maid!!!
We pulled in to the Publix shopping center parking lot and scarfed down our cupcakes. MMMMMMMM!!! They were worth it!
So, you may be asking "why 4 stars and not 5 then?"
And the answer is...... price for the size. We spent a little over $14 dollars for a 4 pack of cupcakes, 2 truffles and one carrot cupcake mini. A little on the pricey side for the size.
and just so you know where I'm making my comparison. Chattanooga cupcakes sells larger cupcakes, for less, and equally tasty. I still love you ACF; and I'll be back to see you. -
Review from Brian K.
5/7/2011 1 photo
Atlanta Cupcake Factory offers a consistent and diverse assortment of gourmet cupcakes in the heart of Poncey Highlands.
Cupcakes: The cupcakes here are among the most aesthetically pleasing in Atlanta. Each cupcake is normally topped with a vibrant colored frosting and at least some sort of adornment, whether it be glitter or a sugar flower, lady bug or sea shell. Unfortunately, the wow factor ends there. Upon consumption, I've always found the cake portion of their cupcakes to be incredibly dry and lacking in flavor. The frosting is consistently OK, but nothing that you couldn't find elsewhere.
Service: There is usually a small line whenever I go, but the service is always friendly and efficient.
Atmosphere: This place is incredibly small, to the point where three people seems like a crowd. There is a table outside to use, but dining inside is not an option. There are also no public bathrooms.
Price: Cupcakes are $2.50 each, which I find to be over priced for the quality and size. The cupcakes at Cami Cakes in Buckhead are the same price, but larger, more innovative, and far more flavorful.
Other: Parking in front of the plaza can be hit or miss, but there's always off-street parking available on nearby North Street. -
Review from Kari F.
Atlanta, GA
4/2/2011
Eh. I have been consistently less than impressed with the Atlanta Cupcake Factory. At this point, I think I'm done giving it chances - I'm out. Every few months I usually pop back in to try something different, but nothing has ever wowed me. Ever!
Yes, I am a baker, and I LOVE cupcakes, so it is hard to impress me. But these are supposed to be the best in Atlanta? The cake part is usually dry - I've only ever had one that was moist enough, a chocolate one. The icing is ok, but it's either bland or way over the top. Pretty much everything is all over the map.
What pushed me over the edge was the Valentine's Day sampler. We drove 30 minutes to pick one up and didn't really enjoy any of them, especially for the price. The strawberry cake wasn't bad, but the icing tasted strange. I really really wanted to love the salted caramel, but it had the same problem that the chocolate/salted caramel rice krispy treat I also bought had. The salt crystals are HUGE! I love salted caramel like no other. But the crystals are soooooo big that when you get one in your mouth, that's all you can taste. So, the quest for the perfect Atlanta cupcakes continues. Nothing yet compares to Cupcake Collection in Nashville. -
Review from Captain E.
Atlanta, GA
12/28/2011
I love this place, the seasonal flavors are wonderful. The people who tend the store are very sweet. All around awesome place to get sweet treats. I would recommend this place to anyone.
I suggest that you park behind urban outfitters and walk down because it is a pretty tight parking lot in front of the store. Also since this is the south the cupcakes don't do too well in the car during a warm day. -
Review from Kristin H.
Atlanta, GA
3/18/2011
This place may be small, but it deserves a visit. The man who is always in there when I go (I'm pretty sure he's the owner) is always nice and helpful if you can't decide which cupcake to indulge in. They always have a great variety, but make sure to get there early in the day if you want to have the largest selection, because they do tend to sell out of certain flavors!
My personal favorite is the salted caramel cupcake, because it has just the right amount of salty and sweetness. However, I've never had one that I didn't enjoy from this place. They don't use the normal shortening frosting that is always lacking in taste, but make their own delicious frosting different for each cupcake.
There is minimal parking, so I usually park in the Videodrome parking lot and just cross the street to it. This place is a gem and you should not pass it up!
P.S. To the guys: This year for Valentine's Day, my boyfriend bought their pre-made 6-pack of cupcakes, all decorated for V-day and I thought it was incredibly sweet! In more ways than one :) Keep this place in mind for next year! -
Review from Heather B.
Marietta, GA
11/4/2010
If I throw a cupcake away and can barely get the other down then you are OUT. Yes I said it I actually threw one of their cupcakes in the trash. I noticed all the awesome reviews and I am honestly half tempted to show all of you what a cupcake is supposed to taste like. (Call me heartless it's cool, I'm okay with that).
Being an outspoken cupcake connoisseur I honestly don't understand how people can like this place. Started out with the Red Velvet YUCK it was so unbelievably dry that even the runny cream cheese frosting could not get it down.
The one I threw away was the lemon (which is one of my top 5 favorite flavors at my favorite place in the USA). When I tasted the lemon it was almost as if the cake wasn't cooked all the way and the frosting was horrible. Everything about that cupcake was AWFUL normally I'll get it down and take one for the team not this time. It went straight in trash. I also got the pumpkin which was okay but since it is one of their seasonal flavors it just shows that every now and again they can make an okay cupcake. I need a place that only sells cupcakes to know exactly what they are doing and this place just didn't do it for me in the slightest.Listed in: Cupcakes cupcakes and more…
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Review from Ashleigh P.
Atlanta, GA
2/2/2011
I love this place. Great cupcakes, friendly people work there, and new flavors all the time. We got 6 of them, there are 4 left.
Had the Sugar Cookie cupcake with Salt ed Caramel...
We had to try it on way home it looked so good, The Monster just kept saying "the salt!!! Oh my god, the salt!!"
She had a point... the salt sets it off.
I had the coconut with almond when we got home. So very good.
Still have the lemon/lemon, the chocolate with toffee, carrot cake and one more sugar cookie with salted caramel left...
oh you can get mini cupcakes too. I ordered 2 dozen for The Monster's 17th birthday. They were as nomnomitty as they were gorgeous. -
Review from Emily K.
Updated - 1/12/2011
Still love it. We stopped by here after a late lunch at the Majestic. The woman working the counter was really nice and informed us that they were frosting to order. They had three options for cake and about six frosting options. I ended up with the chocolate/latte combination and the boy got the classic red velvet/vanilla option.
They didn't look so pretty after the walk home, but tasted just fine. The latte frosting was really tasty. It definitely had the coffee flavor that the name promised. I didn't get a review on the red velvet, but he ate the whole thing, so I assume it was a hit.Listed in: My Foodie Havens
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/20/2009
I visited Atlanta Cupcake Factory yesterday afternoon. They were pretty picked over and the people… Read more »
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Review from Christofer P.
Atlanta, GA
11/27/2011
Don't eat cupcakes from anywhere else. We've tried CamiCakes, Gigi's, and all the others and none of them compare. Not to spoil this review, but if you do find yourself in a cupcake emergency (that's a real thing) and you can't fight your way to Poncey High to pick up two or twenty-four of the most perfect cupcakes on earth at The Atlanta Cupcake Factory, you can settle for Cloud 9 at Lenox Square Mall (oddly, they're the 2nd best we've ever had).
The service here is perfect. The flavors, texture, presentation...this is a weekend routine for us. Can do without Sugar Cookie Salted Caramel. They make me frantic and very happy. -
Review from Gina C.
Atlanta, GA
8/28/2010
The best cupcakes in Atlanta! I came in here after visiting Youngbloods and I'm so glad I did! The two customers in front of me were picking up cupcakes. They are boxed nicely with a ribbon. That is nice to know for a party or shower. I had the red velvet and chocolate on chocolate cupcakes. I am not a frosting person, but both were not too sweet and the cupcakes were light and delicious!
Other flavors such as oreo, grasshopper, key lime, strawberry, and sugar cookie looked good too. They are $2.50 a piece. -
Review from Kathleen M.
Atlanta, GA
3/19/2009
After DC cupcake gurus Julie H and Alicia G pestered me about trying this place out, I decided we needed to experience it together. So I went in on St. Patrick's day and bought a dozen, then carefully carried them all the way to DC to the Elite event so we could properly sample.
I may have tried 2 before we forged northward. What?! I needed to lighten the load!
I was nervous for their critique, as the green velvet I sampled (a special for St. Pat's) was REALLY not good. I don't think I've ever not finished a cupcake, but yeah, didn't finish it. Blech. The oreo one was divine, with a perfectly creamy frosting and nice dense cake.
Upon arrival to DC, we splayed out and sampled the rest. It was abundantly clear that the red velvet was the loser of the group... it was just not good at all. Anything with chocolate cake won by a landslide: it was very flavorful and still pretty moist, especially considering it was a day old.
The folks at ACF were incredibly friendly and I love the little shop they have here. You're welcome to park in the back/side lot if you can't find anything right out front. -
Review from Alicia G.
3/25/2009
I first heard of the Atlanta Cupcake Factory on the "Cupcakes Take the Cake" blog. They looked so good so I forwarded the blog entry on google reader to the wonderful Kathleen M. My request was simple: Please go, sample and report back.
Imagine my surprise when Kathleen showed up in DC at our Elite event with a dozen cupcakes in tow! Julie H and I found a table to start the sampling. I picked the red velvet to start. I figured it was going to be the best of the bunch because it's red velvet and it's from Atlanta! Umm yeah...this one ended up being the worst of the lot. The cake was dry and crumbly...even new cupcake convert, Su K thought it was bad!
The chocolate cupcakes made up for the red velvet. They were delicious - great cake and frosting. Michelle P may have even experienced a "temporary euphoria with sound effects" when she sampled this one.
The banana cupcake was apparently good also - nice, moist cake with a tasty frosting. However, since I am a hater of all things banana, I didn't try it. Yeeck.
If I were in Atlanta, I'd probably stop in but I can't say I'd get the red velvet again. Stick to the chocolate; you won't regret it.Listed in: A Cupcake Life
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Review from Yuna P.
New York, NY
I'm a sucker for sweets and when my friends told me about Atlanta Cupcake Factory, I just had to go. Its location is somewhat hidden, because I just drove by it the first time I went there - Ooops! Since the name is Atlanta Cupcake FACTORY, I really assumed something big and flashy. In fact, it's just a small, neighborhood store: Nothing too grand about it. But their cupcakes sure are!
The owner is super nice. She was so friendly and helpful. I went 10 minutes before the closing time- so there weren't too many variety, but I tried the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake and Sugar Cookie Vanilla. The cake itself wasn't too sweet, but the icing was. So if you get a headache from eating too sweet things, you can just eliminate some of your icing. Sadly, there isn't a table where you can sit and enjoy your cupcake inside. There is a small bench outside the place, but that's about it. I think most people go with the intention of take-outs.
UPDATE: I've been going to Atlanta Cupcake Factory every Friday since this review. These cupcakes are addictive! My top recommendations are Red Velvet, Sugar Cookie Dulce de Leche, and Chocolate Vanilla. Coconut is also very good if you like coconuty things.Listed in: Sugarcoat - ATL Edition
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Review from Juan M.
5/24/2009 ROTD 11/2/2009
Wow.
My memories as a kid of cupcakes is one of dry, second-place-to-cake, desserts that you eat and then go into insulin shock a half hour later.
Not so here.
I had some strawberry creation that was light, refreshing, and just the right thing I wanted (after any meal, I always want that 'algo' to satisfy that Cuban/Spanish/Lebanese sweet tooth). Plus, the lady who sold it to me mentioned that they are working on a gluten free creation so that my little mutants might also partake.
What's not to like? -
Review from Nicholas b.
Atlanta, GA
10/9/2008
Ive been waiting to write this review with some thought... but really, when it comes down to it I love this place for, well, its straight up simplicity (sprinkled with a little sass, mind you). The cupcakes are to the point, the space is small and efficient, and the staff is pleasant and bubbly. To me, these are all qualities that make for a successful business, so lets hope that the cupcake trend sticks.
Holding multiple culinary degrees and years of training in France under my belt, I almost feel the need to slink into ACF dressed in all black wearing fake glasses with attached nose and mustache just to fulfill my frequent craving for the little morsels.
Cupcakes are quite possibly the easiest and most foolproof baked good that the average american attempts at home on the regular, so naturally, its necessary to step it up a notch in quality, flavor and presentation in order to get people in the door - ACF hits it right on the nose. Using scratch cake mixes (dense and moist), real buttercream, and cute decorations the end result is scrumptious.
My personal favorites are: Key lime, carrot, vanilla with chocolate, peanut-butter cup, and coconut. And my personal advice would be to get the six-pack sampler... because if you think that just one is gonna make the cut, your totally kidding yourself.Listed in: Superb Pastry Finds
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Review from Valentina V.
Seattle, WA
5/11/2008
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Atlanta Cupcake Factory! You redeemed the cupcakes for me in the Hotlanta! After a couple of past experiences (both very bad), this tiny little place, its oh-so-cool-almost-a-rastaman dude at the register, his "Vote for Pedro" washed out t-shirt and the Orange Chocolate Ganache Vanilla cupcake made me happy, happy, happy!
Blame it on Mother's Day but when I arrived today at 3:30 p.m., there were just four cupcakes left. Four of them! So it was a take-it-or-leave-it moment. As I absolutely love the orange-chocolate combination, I got two of those four to go. Ryan was on the phone with me, and while I was paying and smiling at the cool register man, he asked me "babyyyy...why two of them, you?" I mumbled some excuse to him, something like "because I'm giving it to someone". Yeah that someone is my stomach. The other one was for me. It reminded me of all the bacon lovers in Yelp Atlanta...in my case, I'm the cupcake monster...what can I do?
The chocolate cover was delightful, a little more on the bitter side (which I loved), creamy and lush. The little fresh tangerine on top gave it a delicious, juicy touch. The cake itself was fine, nothing that would make me sing an Aria if by itself. It was fluffy, not very sweet and it had microscopic pieces of orange skin that made it somehow different in terms of taste. Overall, it was tasty and well-balanced.
Even though, these cupcakes are far, far away from Trophy's quality (if you're wondering, Trophy is in Seattle, my new hometown in three weeks!). But at least, I can go somewhere in my former-to-be hometown and happily chow down some tiny cake...arr, arr, yum, yum. -
Review from Yvette J.
Decatur, GA
3/4/2008
Good cupcakes. Fun flavors. Great presentation. My only complaint is that for $2.50 a cupcake, the cupcakes are a bit small. The bakers are using the smaller liners (the paper that keeps the cupcake together).
It's the same complaint I sent off to Starbucks when they upped their prices and downsized their serving cups.
I'm not trying to be nitpicky but I've paid less for cupcakes and gotten more. maybe I was just sad that my cupcake experinece was over so soon :) -
Review from Zack E.
5/10/2009
Let me preface by saying that I don't like cupcakes.
I know, crazy. I just don't like cake in general, so I'm not a huge fan of cupcakes. Maybe I had just never tried a "good" cupcake, as when I think of one, I think of flavorless dough with gross, overly sugary frosting.
I was in the area on Saturday browsing around at Youngblood's and I happened to notice that ACF were open. I may not be a fan of cupcakes, but I AM a fan of local family owned businesses. So, I walked in and was immediately greeted by Jaime.
I let her know that I've not been in a cupcake speciality store before and that I just walked in to check out the place. She was genuinely excited to hear this and was enthused to give me the rundown about everything they had going on with their lil shop.
She showed me the selection they had for sale that day and went out of her way to explain all the ingredients and which ones were her favorite. She explained that they don't use a heavy buttercream icing, which makes for a fluffier, less overwhelmingly sugary taste. Yay! I settled on the Keylime cupcake and El Diablo, a dark chocolate cupcake with cayenne pepper.
Once I got home and took a bite out of each, I realized that ACF will forever change my opinion of cupcakes. These badboys were soft, moist and oh so delicious. El Diablo was just perfection, the bitter dark chocolate and spicy cayenne flavors clearly coming through with every bite.
I'll definitely be back to check out more of what these guys are cooking up. -
Review from Franklin C.
Atlanta, GA
6/28/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Given the small storefront it's hard to call this place a "Factory". But that doesn't mean it's not the best place I've found for cupcakes in Atlanta.
They've got a great selection that varies a little every week. Frosting is clearly their strong point. I'm quite fond of the grasshopper, salted caramel, and coconut cupcakes.
The staff is also super friendly and always seem to find a reason to give me free cupcakes.
New to the area? Have a free cupcake.
Bought over a dozen? Have a free cupcake.
Bad weather? Have a free cupcake.
Homeless guy talked to you outside the store? Have a free cupcake.
Yep. I've received quite a few free cupcakes. -
Review from Timber W.
Augusta, GA
3/11/2010
Much like Oedipus's hubris, my sweet tooth is tragic. For that reason, I'm glad I stopped by the Atlanta Cupcake Factory late in the day. I'm glad the selection was running low, and finally, I'm glad I don't live anywhere near the place. Otherwise, I would have to stop there every day.
I tried the caramel apple cupcake, which had little chunks of apple in the cupcake and creamy icing slathered on top. It was soooo tasty. The next time I'm in town I would love to try their lemon cupcakes...or the sugar cookies ones...or the red velvet...or anything chocolate. You get the idea. -
Review from Leah T.
Atlanta, GA
12/12/2008 1 photo
If you're looking for some awesome cupcakes, or you just need a dose of happy to add to your day, stop by the Atlanta Cupcake Factory. Nicest people ever, and the cupcakes are so delish.
Now, for the really exciting news... if you want VEGAN cupcakes... ones that are light, moist, fluffy, and addictively awesome... you are in luck! Because Jessica the Magical Vegan Baker is on hand to whip up some deceptive desserts. I don't think anyone would be able to tell the difference between the regular cupcakes and the vegan ones. I couldn't, and I have more tastebuds than the average joe. Red Velvet is amazing, Gingerbread with Lemon Icing my second fave, and the vanilla with chocolate frosting is super good, too. I still can't believe they're vegan.
Yeah, they're also $3.00 a piece ($2.50 for non-vegan), but all that soy stuff gets expensive! I think it's worth the cost because they taste so great, my tongue and tummy are happy, and I don't have a big mess to clean up in my kitchen. And I didn't hurt any aminals, either. Yay! -
Review from Robert O.
Atlanta, GA
6/21/2008
I was expecting a lot from the Atlanta Cupcake Factory based on what others had told me. I had the occasion to stop by as we were looking into cupcakes to replace the wedding cake for our upcoming nuptials. My fiancee had called a day earlier, and Atlanta Cupcake Bakery had not returned her call, so we stopped by on our way to a birthday party for a friend of ours. (I should note that this merchant never returned any of our calls.)
We bought a half dozen assorted cupcakes, which were more expensive than the other cupcake bakeries that we looked at. (I plan on writing reviews of all of them here, so feel free to look at my profile.) I will be honest in saying that they were not terrible, just way too sweet and buttery for our tastes.
We brought them to the party with a half dozen cupcakes from another bakery, and every single person at the party preferred the other bakery.
I would say that their lack of customer service and too sweet cakes is what netted them the 2/5 review. They do not compare favorably with the other bakery we visited that day. -
Review from Elizabeth S.
Brooklyn, NY
5/19/2008
My goal of the weekend was to go to Atlanta Cupcake Factory! Because of their limited hours, I always end up passing by, wishing I could go inside. However, I have conquered this fantasy, and now I am amazing, for I will write a review.
First off, the presentation of the adorable cupcakes is probably the number one thing about them. Because they're so cute, they would stand out at any event. I purchased a half-dozen based on cuteness and on flavor expectations: cococut, creamsicle, key lime, some sort of vanilla (with a little sugar ladybug on top), chocolate, and strawberry. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed upon sampling these treats. They were a bit dry, and they're honestly no match for my personal super secret cupcake recipe. There are several redeeming factors, however. The fudgy chocolate icing was delicious, as was the creamsicle icing (I wasn't nuts about the actual cake part of the creamsicle cupcake).
The major redeeming factor? The strawberry cupcake. Compared to all the other cupcakes, strawberry was the only one that I was really crazy about. It was a bit more moist (probably from the straawberries baked in), and the strawberry icing was a perfect compliment.
My recommendation? If you simply must spend $2.50 on a cupcake, go with the strawberry, and maybe a chocolate (just for that delicious icing)...otherwise, just make your own. It's way more rewarding, and quite a bit tastier. -
Review from Tu-van L.
5/10/2010
***3.5 stars***
Between the seals of approval from Yelpers Julie H., Alicia G. and the Hotlanta CM Kathleen M. and Laura T.'s rave about the vanilla salted caramel cupcakes, I knew I had to make a stop at ACF when visiting the 'rents one weekend. And I'm sure glad I did.
I actually found the vanilla salted caramel a little bit too much salt, but I think it's from the bite I took because my mom didn't have that problem with her portion. Besides that one minor setback, the other cupcakes had above average cake flavor and tons of frosting flavors. Strawberry was pretty good to my fresh strawberry with not-so-creamy frosting standards. Between that and the coconut almond were my favorites. The coconut frosting complemented the almond cake, which in itself was very light and flavorful (almost as flavorful if not more flavorful than my perfect wedding cake). Other flavors I tried were Guiness chocolate with Bailey's frosting, key lime, and red velvet - all were perfectly sweet and delicious.
This shabby chic cupcakery is a homey neighborhood place to pick up these sweets. Charming place with friendly staff. Even better that my mom was impressed enough with this place that she's willing to pick me up a half dozen or so when I come visit so I have some waiting at their place. How great is that? -
Review from Bryan A.
2/10/2010
Love love love love love the ATL Cupcakes! Having a crappy day? Just went to the dentist? Boss freaking out on you? Feeling like a Mack truck just drove over your face? Just spent more than you bargained for at Youngblood?
It's alright. ACF will cure all of your woes without question. I cannot tell you how many dreamy little cakes I have eaten from ACF but they have all been delectable! Quit work and go RIGHT NOW! -
Review from Jane B.
Decatur, GA
3/2/2011
Just stopped by on a whim today and had a great experience.
The sugar cookie cupcake with salted caramel icing is a best seller for a reason - it is amazing. I also had the chocolate cupcake with the peanut butter icing. I am not a huge fan of peanut butter - but still enjoyed this cupcake. It was very rich!
The customer service was stellar. Jaime took extra time describing each cupcake. Also - 2 things to note: the icing doesn't contain shortening therefore it is prone to melt in the heat (so eat it fast). And they have vegan options on the weekends. -
Review from Keisha M.
Jonesboro, GA
6/27/2008
Expensive, Expensive, Expensive!!!! :) (One cupcake is $2.50....the strawberry is worth it) But I will only eat one cupcake from this cute little cupcake haven. The strawberry cupcake is seasonal (spring and summer) and it is immaculate. I am afraid to try another cupcake because I love this place so much....I don't want the image to be tarnished in my head!!! But anyway, the staff is really nice, including the owner. Maybe, I will build up the courage to try a different flavor!!
I will let you know how that goes!!!
