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114 reviews for Auntie Em's Fine Foods & Pastries
Review Highlights
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"Overall, I HIGHLY recommend their red velvet cupcakes." In 19 reviews -
"OMG the cheese rolls are to die for." In 31 reviews -
"The ube and coconut ones are my favorite so far." In 49 reviews
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114 reviews in English
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Review from Michelle Y.
San Francisco, CA
5/24/2012
Best Bibingka in town!
Took off a star because the service is never pleasant. They at least say "have a good day" at fast food chains & smiles are free at McDonalds.
$10 minimum for credit card charges. -
Review from Alison A.
South San Francisco, CA
3/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
I basically grew up and south city and have NEVER been here. Boy, was I missing out! Being the fatty chow hound that I am, I came in wanting a cupcake and left with a bag full of stuff...
Buko pandan cupcake- I loved the cupcake in itself.. Super moist, yummy, with not too much coconut and that nice pandan flavor that I LOVE. I took the frosting off though, and ate it plain. I felt that the frosting was too dense and tart, and didnt really go with the pandan flavor.
Ube ensaymada- Pretty good, but I wish there was more ube in it. :( I like this better here than at Valerios, since it doesnt have all that butter and sugar on top.
Spanish bread- Again pretty good, I ate all of it, but I wish there was a little bit more filling in it. It was mostly bread.
Chicken pastelita- Basically a chicken empanada but shaped differently. This was really yummy except for the raisins that I picked out. Personal preference, since I detest raisins in general.
Bread pudding- Sadly I didnt get to eat any of it, but my mom said it was good. I guess I have to take her word for it.
The bakery itself is located on El Camino, near KFC or Kariligan if you want to have some Filipino food for dinner. There is a good amount of street parking right in front so you dont usually have to walk very far. The inside of the shop is a bit small in the area where customers are, but its an in-and-out kind of place.. You shouldnt have to spend too much time here.
As for service, the older Filipino women seem to want to help only other Filipino people. Im half, but I dont look it. When I walked in, they didnt greet me or anything. The younger guy working was very friendly and helped me out... But as soon as my Mom walks in, OH HI (chatting in Tagalog)
I would say this place has more pastries than other kinds of food, and I would return. However, if youre looking for other things like pan de sal (or basically any Filipino bread), I would recommend Valerios in Daly City. -
Review from Jerianne G.
Daly City, CA
2/25/2012
Prices are ridiculous.
Overall, the red velvet cupcakes are alright. -
Review from Dessa R.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2012
Found this place through yelp yesterday afternoon! Picked up the ube & Buko pandan mini cupcakes and regular size red velvet cupcakes...they were amazing. The owners were so friendly I've already had friends visit Andrew & Auntie Em's today after I posted a pic on instagram! Coming back soon!!
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Review from J. S.
Daly City, CA
Updated - 4/23/2012
This is the best place to get this. Bibingka small portions but what comes in small packages .... nom nom nom. All done say what ?
More please...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/12/2012
This place is great. I have ordered half sheets of red velvet cake here. Very good just to have… Read more »
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Review from Sheila P.
Burlingame, CA
5/21/2012
I love Auntie Em's! Great to have a Filipino bakery and Cupcakery closeby! my favorites are the cheese rolls and the ensaymada.
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Review from Joc V.
5/3/2012
It took me all of 12 seconds to inhale that mango tiramisu. And I was even momentarily derailed when I paused to marvel at how hairy Auntie Em's mangoes were. Wait. That sounded kinda nasty but hairy mangoes aside, this is some solid Fiilipino baked goods place. The banana caramel bread pudding is made from ensaymada! That is all kinds of carbo wrong but oh so tasteeee. I also picked up the ube tiramisu for further fat inhalation. But will definitely return for more of that insanely good hairy mango tiramisu.
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Review from Jen P.
San Francisco, CA
5/5/2012
Searched for cupcakes and came upon this pastry shop through Yelp. I decided to drop by in hopes of trying their red velvet cupcake, but unfortunately, a few black forest cupcakes and chocolate ganache were only available. I didn't know why, but I never bothered to ask. In my opinion, It seems like the owner decides which day she wants to bake a variety of cupcakes to put them out to sell. ANYWAYS, I decided to try one of each and to my surprise, they were pretty good. Both were mouth-watering and moist! I'm very picky with cupcakes and I don't like being sold a stale one at all. I plan to visit next time for customized birthday cupcakes and to try their other pastries.
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Review from Mertani G.
South San Francisco, CA
5/5/2012
Just came home from going here! i've lived in the area for years, and finally had a moment to stop by after reading yelp reviews. The Ube cupcake was deeelish!! The Buko Pandan cupcake was even better!! I also got the ube tiramisu which tasted like heaven. I'm going to go by again this week to try some more of their stuff!
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Review from Vanessa W.
San Francisco, CA
2/15/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I don't like shelling out $3, $4, or $5 for a cupcake. I'm sorry, but since when did a cupcake cost $5? What is in the cupcake that justifies its $5 pricetag?
Auntie Em's is for the reasonable thinker who also has a major sweet tooth who doesn't have money to burn but does have a yearning for those cupcake bad boys.
it is a bit out of the way but it sure is worth it.
For $2 you can pick up a red velvet cupcake or a purple YAM cupcake or some other flavors. But those are the best.
They also have some other Filipino desserts and brownies and bread pudding and other good stuff.
But, I, come here for their $2 cupcakes. I'll buy 4* of those babies and just inhale them. They're so good. I don't even know how to describe them.
* Most recently - i was only able to eat 1/2 of one yam cupcake since my cat proceeded to knock one cupcake off the counter, lick the frosting and ate about 1/6 of the cupcake. With no shame, I cleaned the rest off and ate it.
Good things just can't go to waste. -
Review from Duc N.
Burlingame, CA
4/13/2012
We have enjoyed everything we've tried here, especially the Ensaymadas.
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Review from Joyce E.
Daly City, CA
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
As I walked in at around 2pm, I was greeted with the wonderful aromas of freshly baked pastries. The place is tiny, but there's tons of parking outside. The worker seemed to be busy talking to one of his friends and didn't even greet us or anything. So we just stood there for a good 5 minutes waiting for the worker to finish talking to his friend.
The selection is good. They have pastries such as food for the gods, mango bars, brownies, cupcakes etc. When I asked the man if the multicolored wrappers were regular polvoron and if he had any pinipig polvoron left he rudely responded with a "yes" and "no that's all we have right now". Alright, my bad! I asked if he had any Red Velvet cupcakes since all that was on display were Ube ones and he laughed and said "no, you can come back at 5:30 if you want"
I settled for the ensaymada, cheeserolls, ube cupcake, and polvoron. My mom liked the ensaymada and the cheeserolls. My sister hated the dry ube cupcake. I didn't believe her and tried for myself, and yes, it is actually quite dry. The polvoron was dry and was quite possibly, the worst polvoron I've had. The cheeserolls were pretty good, though.
I came here again during the holidays to give it another try and this time, the cheeserolls sucked! The cream cheese or whatever they put in it was obviously old and didn't taste good. I asked if they had cheese ensaymada and again, they laughed and expected me to know that they didn't have any ready. Basically they told me that they only made enough for their orders and if they had leftovers, they would sell them. EXCUSE ME, but if you knew you had orders in advance, wouldn't you know to make more? Cmon now.
I finally their red velvet cupcake that my boyfriend got me. That was pretty good and the cream cheese wasn't too sweet.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend. They have their good and bad days. Mostly their bad days though. Oh, and the prices are ridiculous for the tiny amount they give you. -
Review from M C.
San Francisco, CA
So I came here because of their Groupon that they had. Prior to purchasing the Groupon, I noticed that their reviews here were only at 3 stars. So the Groupon has increased their reviews in a good way.
So I went looking for this place and found it in that small street where Kragen and KFC were. This is a tiny little place. Inside can hold 3 customers comfortably and standing at the register, I could already feel the heat from the oven.
So I used my Groupon and got Red Velvet since I was only allowed one flavor. They were nice enough to let purchase the cupcakes without pre-ordering since they had them in stock. Would had like 6 of on and 6 of another, just to try the flavors.
The Red Velvet was pretty good, moist and not overly sweeten. It was better than Galli's Sanitary Bakery. Just wouldn't be coming back without a Groupon. -
Review from Roger p.
South San Francisco, CA
12/22/2011
this little mom and pop shop is very small, but their desserts are really good and the people that work there are extremely friendly!Friendly service and great baked goods will always bring us back here. We had great interaction with Auntie Em's son
The cupcakes were perfect - not too dry, not too oily and a very nice delicate crumb. The frosting was even better - they didn't overdo it on the sweetness - it was a perfect balance. -
Review from Jennifer M.
South San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/15/2012
Love the cupcakes! Ube and red velvet are the best!!! :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/5/2010
This place is pretty small. But i do love their Ube cucakes and red velvet cupcakes, you def need… Read more »
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Review from myra a.
South San Francisco, CA
8/28/2011
We went here today 15 minutes before closing time and the Lady ( I guess she's an OWNER ) with lots of Cheap, Tacky Ass Jewelry around her neck and every where else in her body was so RUDE, ARROGANT, and had a major ATTITUDE! She was fighting and shouting at this guy ( I guess it's her husband???) and The ONE Lady who works inside the Kitchen looks so TIRED, OVERWORKED and SAD.
My mom asked her ( Lady - VERY, VERY Big Boned with LOTS and LOTS of CHEAP, TACKY ASS Jewelry ) if they have anymore Ensaymada and she Yelled Abruptly in an ARROGANT PISSED OFF Manner, "No! That's All We Have! We're About to CLOSEEEE!!!
By buying Their Dried Up Ensaymada it seems like we were doing them a BIG Favor with her great Customer Service! No! Thank-You
We won't be coming to this establishment for the Simple Fact the Ensaymada are HELLA DRY!!! Like a SAHARA DESERT!!! It's Obvious she sold us an old Ensaymada.
** MY TIP for the VERY, VERY Big Boned Lady is to have an AVERAGE to Decent Customer Service, take her Cholesterol and Prozac Pill, and CHILL LADY!!! -
Review from Angela W.
I've been here a handful of times always hoping it will be better than the last. "Auntie Em" or the lady that's always there is never quite friendly, as duly noted in other reviews. There's an air of pretentiousness?? C'mon, you're SURROUNDED by sweets ALL DAY!!! You're living my dream! CRACK A COKE AND A SMILE!! Or maybe because I'm not speaking tagalog to you?? The other gentleman on the other hand was sweet as ube. He asked if it was my first time and went on to show and explain everything they had.
Cupcakes used to be 2 buckaroos, now they're $2.50. They had buko, chocolate ganache, red velvet, MANGO ( I was eyeing that one for a while..HARD!), ube, and COOKIES AND CREAM!! I'm an UBE LOVER and the ube cupcake just failed to deliver on that signature ube flavor. It was a little dry and not very special. I felt like I could have made these cupcakes at home.. and better.
Chicken and beef empanadas are YUM, though a little pricier than other filipino bakeries. Maybe that's why that's the price you pay when they're "FINE FOOD AND PASTRIES".
They seem to have a bunch of yummy goodies.. I hear about coffee roti, ube mamon, and cake pops??!! Where they at!!?? Why must you tease me so?! :( How come I never see them when I go? Maybe I'm going at all the wrong times or you have to preorder, since they have a limited selection every time I go.Listed in: J'ADORE BAKERIES!!!
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Review from Joanne R.
South San Francisco, CA
8/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I'm almost afraid to write this review because i don't want people honing in on my secret dessert spot and completely taking over. BOO!
However, I do believe that greatness must be shared...
For those of you who are familiar with Porto's, an LA-based Cuban bakery, then you may be familiar with their famous cheese rolls. If you are, then you may or may not love me for what I'm about to declare: Auntie Em's cheese rolls are even BETTER than Porto's!
Yup. That's right. If you don't believe me, then you'll have to shell out the $1.20 and find out for yourself! I love these over Porto's because they're slightly larger, and are flakier and are less soggy than the ones in LA. (But I will give kudos to Porto's because their cheese rolls cost less.) Either way, if you have a hankering for Porto's, this is the place.
As a cupcake connoisseur, I must say that I'm a fan of their ube cupcake as well as the red velvet cupcake. (These are the only two I've tried.) I love that they're a reasonably sized cupcake and you can taste the ube and the chocolate in the red velvet. Do be careful because I've had the cupcakes totally yummy and I've run into a batch that was a little dry.
Finally, the other thing I had was the mamon. Unfortunately, I didn't really like this. The batch I tasted was dry and not as buttery as I would have liked.
Overall, this is my new favorite bakery and my go-to place for gatherings:) -
Review from Nancy W.
San Bruno, CA
4/12/2012
Chocolate Ganache cupcakes were so stale they were like rocks and theadded bonus----one had a hair in it. GROSS!!!!
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Review from Shirley P.
San Francisco, CA
You know when you make banana cupcakes with salted caramel frosting, cookies and cream cupcakes with Oreo butter cream, and red velvet cupcakes all in one day and don't try any of em... You're OVER cupcakes! That's me. So over the whole cupcake hype. But that just goes to show how much I've bought em, made em and eaten em!
Auntie Em's is my go to place when I need some sweets for last minute fam parties, potlucks or just to treat the nieces to a cupcake without having to go too far into the city or spend all night slaving away. I've bought the Ube, Red Velvet, Pandan, Carrot Cake, Hazelnut and Chocolate Ganache and they're always completely devoured! My aunts love the fact these cute little things are packed with flavors they love, such as the Ube and Pandan. Prices have raised from $1.50 to about $2 for regular and $2.50 for their special flavors of the day. But still not too bad for the quality of the cupcakes!
If you're over cupcakes like myself, they also offer Cake Pops, Mango or Lemon Squares, Cheese Rolls, Food For The Gods, Bread Pudding and bundt cakes. Of course, Filipino desserts/snacks like Bibingka, Biko, Sapin Sapin, and my fave, Oreo Polvoron. Is the one odd item, some whole grilled or fried fish even worth mentioning in this review?? Cause oddly enough, they will display it next to all the other baked goodies =/ -
Review from Julie T.
South San Francisco, CA
5/28/2011
Best red velvet cupcakes I've ever had. Bold statement but it's true. My boyfriends sister always asks me to bring them to LA. LA has their fair share of red velvet cupcake Places but this definitely tops them
All.
Ube enseymada and Buko cupcakes are my next favorites here. Cheese rolls are as good as portos in Burbank. I would need to have them together to know which is better. But that says a lot. Anyway, this place is local, they're extremely friendly so I support this business 100% -
Review from Jane A.
11/18/2011
I AM INLOVE WITH HER FILIPINO PASTRIES!!!!
(4.75 stars)
Where do I begin? It was palate heaven. TIME FOR EXPOSURE!!!!
- Pastries, delicious
- Price, affordable but depends what you buy
- Ambiance, very tiny walk-in and walk-out but very clean display
- Service, kind of mean and then turned nice?!
Finally was near the area during hours of operation. After reading the reviews, its a must I come and try something. Also after reading others reviews, read about "bad service". I have had my little share of that but not to that extent to call it bad service which later turned out just fine service. Walked, was not greated, nobody looked at me, and i didn't feel welcomed. Stood behind the glass case starring at what I already knew I wanted until the lady on the other side (owner) was just preparing some pastries. I asked a question (just to get her attention) and she kind of answered with one or two words and brushed me off. Was I an annoying customer? because thats how i felt. Didnt bother me, I've had way worst service then that in my lifetime. After i started ordering, the ackwardness turned lighter, and when paying she read the lastname of my card which striked a conversation. "I didn't know you were Filipino, I thought you were Chinese". then we had small conversation about where i am from, where my parents are from, and how she too is mistaked as Chinese. In defense, people just need to continue supporting these small businesses and grow thicker skin to be custom to not a perfect 10 service - sh!t happens, get over it. I LOVE THIS PLACE. So "Auntie Em" keep doing what you do best.... MAKING PASTRIES. My palate thanks you.
HEFFER-STYLE STATUS.
UBE ENSAYMADA - this was very delcious. reminds me of the ube pandesal BUT BETTER and not so overpowering with ube. I can eat one of these everyday.
MANGO SQUARES - the least favorite of my order. it was too sweet and dense to eat. one square at a time but its an overkill of sweet. For small squares in a package.
OREO POLVARON - one of the best items in this place. If everyone had one of these, they'd be in heaven. I love polvaron but never craved it, but after having an oreo polvaron, i crave it everyday. By far, hands down, delicious. 3 in a package.
UBE CUPCAKE - this was very tasty. The cupcake bottom was moist and delicious with that hint of ube. the topping on the cupcake was ube and obviously ube is sweet. i had to scrape some of the ube cream because it was just too much. it was good but i think i'd have to be in a sweet craving to have one of these.
Will I be back? DEFINATELY. Would like to make it a weekend weekly visit to get my fixes.
JABA APPROVED... Until the next review... -
Review from Gigi V.
Vacaville, CA
6/16/2011
OM-geezy, someone save me from myself! I am by no means a snob when it comes to baked goods, but Auntie Em's is gonna make me think twice when it comes to other pinoy bakeries. This tiny little establishment serves up some of the freshest, tastiest morsels I've ever had.
Here's what I've tried: cheese rolls, ube cupcake, buko pandan (english translation: coconut), mango bars, bibingka (both the cakey one with cheese and the sticky rice type), and ube ensaymada. Did I mention this was over the course of two trips? And yes, I do know that gluttony is one of the 7 deadly sins.
Anyways, my faves are the cheese rolls (very close to the ones sold at Porto's for those in the know), the sticky rice bibingka and the mango bars...all three are finger lickin' good! I will definitely be a regular at Auntie Em's as I make my way through their menu - you should too!
P.S. I met Auntie Em's son Andrew today and he was extremely warm, hospitable and very knowledgeable about their products. Another plus in my book! -
Review from Lorraine Y.
Millbrae, CA
I've been on this Filipino dessert binge lately. I'm craving everything ube and dying for really, really good halo-halo. This is where Auntie Ems comes in and saves the day. Although there isn't any halo-halo, they have ube cupcakes, ube mamon, ube ensaymada, and ube halaya. Tell me that's not ube overload!!
My favorite treat is the ube mamon, which is a delicious sponge cake for only $1.00. Can't go wrong with that. The flavor is ever present and the cake is so light, you won't feel guilty about eating three of them.
The ube halaya was good, but a little too mushy and just a tad too expensive at $10.00.
The ensaymada is something that I would probably pass on next time unless I'm craving a sweet roll.
The cupcakes are amazing, but small. For $2.00, I would expect to get a larger cupcake. These cupcakes are the size of what other bakeries would call a mini and sell for a buck. I usually don't have any qualms about paying a high price for a good product, but I just can't justify the price for such a small cupcake, despite how wonderfully delicious it is.
They have different specials each day, and when I went in on St. Patrick's Day, the were offering green velvet cupcakes! Just a red velvet, but with green food coloring. How very festive of them!
What keeps me coming back (besides the vast array of ube flavored goodies) is the service. The man and woman who run this shop are absolutely ADORABLE! The nicest people ever, and I would be happy to continue supporting a wonderful shop like this. -
Review from Alexa M.
San Francisco, CA
3/9/2011
Best red velvet cupcakes ever. Best cheese rolls. Best bakery in town!
I've definitely had my fair share of red velvet cupcakes, but let me tell you, Auntie Em's is the best. I love moist and fluffy cupcakes, and that is exactly what I got. And that sour cream frosting on top? So perfect. I licked it away clean. And the cheese rolls? Give me 7 please...for myself. And the ube ensaymada? Bomb!
With friendly service and a cheap menu, how can you not love this place? -
Review from Sherry P.
San Jose, CA
i asked if i can have a free taste. the lady sarcastically said,"ur not from here?". my cousin then told her im not. then nothing. not even a warm smile. kind of expected high since the owner is a pinoy like me. but then again. well the food is ok. this is not because i am bitter or anything. i guess i just didn't get the chance to have a taste of their specialty.
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Review from Domingo D.
San Francisco, CA
2/13/2011
My never ending journey to try all cupcake places around led me to a filipino bakery called Auntie Em's. While the one thing I always felt filipinos could do well was desserts the idea of filipinos baking cupcakes kinda weirded me out. Upon entering, the smells of Ube and bibinka brought me back to my grandmothers kitchen. I had to control myself though, I was on a cupcake mission and that was what we were gonna get. About 5 minutes later I walked out with 5 cupcakes and a couple cheeserolls(what can i say, i'm a sucker for anything with cheese).
Customer service was okay, nothing to write home about, but its a filipino place so unless you walk in talking tagalog they will pretty much act like your worthless.
Now on to the important stuff cupcakes
Red Velvet: Really good. Definitely one of the best red velvets i've ever had. Frosting was the star here and that was not a problem with me. Cake was moist and it had just enough chocolate flavor where I knew it was a red velvet. Highly recommended.
Ube: Probably my second favorite cupcake here, but don't expect a strong ube flavor. Very subtle, but there. I think the flavoring really came from the frosting and barely anything in the cake itself. Was a pretty purple though.
Buko Pandan: Meh couldn't taste the coconut.
Rocky Road: Eh tasted like a plain chocolate cupcake.
Chocolate: Was a plain chocolate cupcake.
Overall 5 stars for the red velvet and Ube. 3 for the rest. -
Review from Mark P.
Hayward, CA
12/21/2010
Yes, I'm a fan of this place. I drove by this little shop many times when living in South San Francisco, and didn't pay much attention to it. It wasn't until I saw a little advertisement on the Filipino channel (when visiting my mom) that I decided to check this place out.
It's definitely a hole-in-the-wall place...no bigger than a boutique shop. You walk in, and the aroma of freshly baked bread fills your nose as your mouth begins to water. In front of you, there's a display case of all your favorite Filipino pastries, and just beyond that, you see the family of bakers pulling trays of steaming enseymada out. If you're lucky, you'll have a chance to meet the actual Auntie Em as she tends to the freshly baked goods.
The workers are very pleasant and nice...stereotypical Filipinos. Damn we're nice =P -
Review from Annie C.
2/25/2011
My first nibble from this place was when my friend had gotten some cheese rolls and brownies from them. We were about to head for dinner so we left it in her car and couple hours later and after the club we remembered that they were still there.
Now what can be better than sharing cheese rolls with your friends at 3 in the A.M? The next morning ... or, just a couple hours later, we headed back to the place to get some more! The place is so small and almost hidden like that it's not surprising that I've passed this place up so many times driving up and down El Camino!
Went in, got some more cheese rolls, no cupcakes that day =( and some banana pudding cake thing lol. The banana thing was soo yummy! Even though I'm not a big banana fan myself. Def one of the things to try when you're there! Pick up a few cheese rolls and cupcakes while you're at it too :) -
Review from Donald W.
Colma, CA
2/1/2011
First off THE RED VELVET CUPCAKES ARE THE MOST DELICIOUS THING I HAVE TASTED IN MY LIFE! Well as far as cupcakes go. I don't ever think i have had one so moist and delicious!
The reason I'm giving it 3 stars is for the customer service...
The lady (who I'm guessing is Auntie Em) was totally. She did not acknowledge my friend when we walked in. I asked her about a particular item and she kinda ignored me. ok... I was only trying buy more stuff to put more money into your business but whatever...
I can deal with her awful attitude because I don't think i can survive the rest of my life without having another one of those delicious cupcakes! -
Review from Jess M.
It pains me to have to take away a star but clearly the success of any establishment cannot run on good product alone. Yes of course it has a lot to do with customer service as well.
So I walk in on a beautiful sunny afternoon wanting to get my cupcake fix. A customer before me was leaving smiling and laughing with her box of goodies and I was thinking man I'm going to be the exact same way in a few minutes! I was sadly mistaken! I walk up to peruse the cupcake selection for the day and see one that's just named "Specialty Cupcake" or something to that effect. I politely say "Excuse me, what kind of cupcake is your specialty cupcake"? Without even looking at me she describes it to answer my question then proceeds to name all the other cupcakes behind the glass as if to avoid being asked about those. Umm obviously I know what THOSE other cupcakes are or else I would've asked correct? So I then ask for x amount of cupcakes, she boxes them then next thing you know I look up and watch as she walks over to the register and starts ringing me up assuming that's all I wanted without a customary "Would that be all"? or "Can I get you anything else"?. Irritated look on her face as she pressed pressed pressed away on that register! By then I just wanted to get out of there. Was she having a bad day? I don't get it. And I really wanted to ask her because it was really disheartening to get that type of treatment from a place we obviously frequent and support like all the other fellow yelpers and non yelpers. She was so chipper with the customer before me I was taken aback by the lack of customer service and not to mention I probably couldn't even pay her to smile! Really? But get this I'm $3 shy of the limit to use a debit card! Barnacles! So I start to say "Can I get the Ch..." as she interrupts and asks "How Many". Oh so you a psychic now huh? I had to start over again and yes I asked for three cheese rolls to bring my total to like .90 past the limit so I can get out of there already! But what if I asked for CHips or CHicharron or CHimps if they were there rite? hahaha Any product there that could have started with Ch really! I'm just sayin'! She at least asks if I wanted a bag and I declined.
Should I also mention that on a previous visit I ordered a good amount of cupcakes and instead of giving me the ones that were just iced on the tray or on display she gave me the ones from the fridge? mmm Ice cold cupcakes to enjoy instead of the warm just iced or room temperature ones, nommers! Yea...
Maybe she remembers my face and decided that she wasn't going to like me? HA! I just need to laugh it off! But unfortunately because of this visit we probably won't frequent this place as much. I really don't want to go through another one of these type of situations and start taking even more stars away. Thanks for the great cupcakes though! You'll truly be missed!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/18/2010
Still on the hunt for a really good red velvet cupcake at a convenient location! And this might… Read more »
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Review from Arlene R.
Hayward, CA
10/27/2010
Customer service needs improvement or more so A MAKE-OVER. Really, if the person takes time to visit the store then that person should be served before the person who calls on the telephone... and really, when you're serving a paying customer regardless of how much they intend to purchase at the time, they should be a priority.
Relative or not... encouraging in cutting in front of another is high school. Come on!! This visit was my first time and helping someone else who called and came me before sends a bad message. To add to those two complaints, keep cell phones silent and in the back so you're not tempted to answer when you've got a paying customer. The least number of rings won't pay the bill, the customer in front of you will.
I know that we all have our DOWN days, but when you are the first person a customer sees, you've got to be happy to see them. A smile means alot and it won't cost you a penny to put it on, and who you give it to will contribute to your company's cash flow... and maybe even earn you pay raise.
To whomever it was that stepped in to attend to me, thank you so much for noticing... I did buy $60. worth of your wonderful desserts and my friends and family enjoyed it... though I did not mention where I bought it from because of my experience.... maybe next time.
My rating reflects your customer service in hopes you will make an improvement.
for the UBE.... I love anything UBE, and yours were the best ever! 5*'s -
Review from Ali A.
San Francisco, CA
6/4/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Love the Ube cupcake, chicken pastelitas, and the ensaymadas from Auntie Em's! I wish we still lived in the area!
Friendly service and great baked goods will always bring us back here. We had great interaction with Auntie Em's son... sorry - I forgot his name. Loved that he understood my family's sense of humor. My mini-me even got a free Nutella cupcake! -
Review from Mandi W.
South San Francisco, CA
10/3/2010 1 photo
I am so glad I discovered this place on yelp!!
Upon entering the bakery I was curious as to what the green cupcake was.
One of the owners Andrew came up to me and explained that it was Buko (coconut) and Pandan is this green leaf that has kind of a vanilla scent. He even took out the actual leaf and let me smell it lol!
Then we went into this whole convo about yelp. He was really cool and friendly!
I decided to get an Ube, Red Velvet, and Buko Pandan cupcake.
Each cupcake was moist and delicious! I didn't get any of the dryness that some other people complained about. The frosting each had a cream cheese base and it was flavored with a bit of whatever kind of cupcake it corresponded too.It was more of a light frosting, not an insanely sweet dense frosting. Each cupcake was yummy and tasted how it should have. And the buko pandan was definitely nothing to be scared of!! It had a very nice coconut flavor and to me it did taste a bit vanilla-ey.
I am definitely coming back here for more cupcakes! and best of all you don't have to pay $4 for one cupcake like in SF. The bigger cupcakes are $2 and the mini ones are $1. Although I would def go with the bigger cupcakes because the mini ones will leave you wanting more. Everything here is very affordable which means you can buy more cupcakes and try one of each flavor like me! -
Review from Fancypants X.
San Francisco, CA
In honor of my Filipino roots, you'll find me:
- speaking Tag-lish to my Lola (grandmother)
- laughing at corny & "green" Pinoy dyokes (jokes) at family parties (even thought I don't always understand them)
- possessing a palate that desperately craves sweets (hello, even our spaghetti is sweet instead of savory!)
- excited to patronize Filipino brands (by having a San Miguel beer with Nagaraya Adobo Nuts every once in a while) & Filipino owned eateries, such as Auntie Em's.
This bakery serves traditional Filipino pastries, but I've only tried their cupcakes ($1.80 each):
- ube (purple yam): light & fluffy & full of yummy ube flavor
- pandan (young coconut): generally, i don't like coconut, but the flavor is light & delicious in this green cupcake
- strawberry: frosting was thin & almost melting, light in flavor
- red velvet- very heavy/oily, cake is too dense
Complaints:
- I don't think there is a set menu so I never know when they are making ube or pandan cupcakes; i guess i could always call ahead...
- $10 credit card limit. it's not their fault I don't carry cash, but it doesn't stop me from hating the policy, nonetheless.Listed in: Cupcakery
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Review from Lauren A.
South San Francisco, CA
11/28/2010
Hands down the BEST local bakery in town. I frequent Auntie Em's regularly for their bibinka, cupcakes and brownies. I've sampled all of their desserts and they're all AMAZING!
I'm 100% Filipino and my mom is a wonderful cook who is extremely critical. My mother loves it when I bring her treats from Auntie Em's. Goes to show that Auntie Em and Andrew are the real deal.
I've never had an issue with customer service. They're great. They are always very personable and professional. I never have to wait. I don't know what the other reviewers are talking about. Auntie Em and Andrew always ask about my husband, parents and bun in the oven. At Auntie Em's, you'll be treated like family. -
Review from Jannel C.
San Francisco, CA
10/2/2010
Wow, I've must have gone on a bad day! I went to Auntie Em's yesterday to see what all the hype was... still wondering what it is? I'm all about great customer service, especially if you're a small business owner... First off, the lady, who I believe is Auntie Em was so rude... I came in there with my 2 year old son and we were not even greeted. Then a Doctor comes in (possibly a neighboring business) and Auntie Em pushes my son and I to the side and yells at the guy in the back to help us, because she has to help the Doctor. Talk about customer service and favoritism!
The red velvet cupcakes were good, I must admit, but for $2 for something so small??? Wow, I can buy a box of red velvet mix at Luckys for that! LOL. Luckily the baker in the back seemed nice... Very disappointed! -
Review from Earl G.
7/21/2010 6 photos
This tiny storefront has various Filipino treats like ensymadas, empanadas, bibinka, cassava cakes, etc...... but seriously, who are we kidding here? I came here to try their UBE and Red Velvet Cupcakes! (http://www.yelp.com/bi...
At $1.60 each, they're cheaper than the $3.xx I'm used to paying at Sprinkle's, Teacake, etc. However, I feel like I'm doing Auntie Em's a disservice comparing these to Kara's, Vanilla Moon, etc. Definitely NOT on the same level. (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
** Ube cupcake ** The cream cheese frosting tasted similar to the red velvet's. It was smooth and a little tart. It tasted like a mix of cream cheese and buttercream. The cake itself was a little dry and a little bland with hardly any ube flavor at all. My tastebuds fell asleep, ZzzZzzzz. My suggestion would be to fill the cupcake with an ube jam or something to both flavor it up and make it moist.
(http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
The red velvet was just ok. Reminded me of Copenhagen's version but not as good.
Overall, you get what you pay for and at $1.60 each these are good at the price point. They would make solid wedding cupcakes if you didn't want to do Sibby's. (hint, hint Kris A.)
2.5 stars, The people there were pretty friendly. -
Review from Kristen H.
San Francisco, CA
10/31/2010 3 photos
I love this place! The food is sooo good. The cupcakes (red velvet, ube, chocolate, halo-halo, carrot cake), ube ensaymada, and mango cheesecake, are my favorites!
I started coming here a little more than year ago because paying $3.25 for a cupcake is DEFINITELY too much. I yelped and this place came up, so I decided to give it a try, and I wasn't disappointed! I come here every once in a while, whenever I'm craving a cupcake. When I started coming here the cupcakes were $1.80, but they're $2 now. But as long as they're not $3, I'm not complaining!
A few times I've come by and the cupcakes weren't ready, so I was told to come back in like 40 minutes. I'd come back (of course! Everyone loves FRESH cupcakes!) and they even thanked me for coming back! Such great customer service! I'll be back soon! -
Review from Ria B.
Vallejo, CA
4/17/2011
Chocolate cupcakes the best!! makes me wanna pretend my kids bday everyday just so I could get em and not feel the guilt...
thank you so much for baking such yummy cupcakes :)
