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Avalon International Breads
Categories: Food Bakeries Restaurants Sandwiches Bakeries, Sandwiches [Edit]
422 W Willis StDetroit, MI 48201
Neighborhoods: Midtown, Cass Corridor
(313) 832-0008
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 6 am - 6 pm
Sun 8 am - 4 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
96 reviews for Avalon International Breads
Review Highlights
"I'm still in love with all their baked goods."
(in 18 reviews)
"Sea Salt Chocolate Chip cookies."
(in 4 reviews)
"and a giant vegan almond spice cookie."
(in 21 reviews)
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96 reviews in English
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Review from David R.
Novi, MI
1/12/2012
Is there a limit on the number of characters you can use for a review? I would run out here. This place is amazing! Five words..."Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies". Enough said. Zingermans eat your heart out. Avalon is the best! BTW - since it is winter time, Avalon has the greatest hot chocolate around.
Whenever I say Scooby Snacks to my Bulldog, she knows this is where we are going. -
Review from Sara G.
12/6/2011
When I open the door, my nose is immediately bathed in the sour sweet scent of fresh baked bread. Someone I once knew said that the smell of baking bread is one of the most primal, sexiest smells ever. If that's true, you can have an orgy up in here.
Just like everyone else, when I tried their sea salt chocolate chip cookies I just about PLOTZED. Truly one of the best cookies I have EVER had the pleasure of eating, filled with copious dark chocolate chunks and just enough sprinklings of salt.
So many breads to try yet I keep coming back to my fave: Greektown Olive. Can't help it. When something is THAT good...
The environment is really nice, local and friendly. People talk to each other while waiting in line. The coffee is good too! A really, really wonderful place from which to bring home your daily bread (and cookies).
Hello, chocolate ganache brioche? You're next! -
Review from rachelle o.
Los Angeles, CA
11/20/2011
LOVE LOVE LOVE! So proud to have this place in the best city around--delicious espresso, tasty vegan treats, and a damn good vegan reuben, too!
Super cute atmostphere, reminds me of NYC. Friendly service. Just all around great. Another positive local business in Detroit working for change. Cannot wait to go back! -
Review from Winnie L.
Ferndale, MI
1/18/2012
Avalon is great and a gem in Detroit. Love the bread and atmosphere. I've been going there for years.
Their sandwiches seem to be overpriced now though.. So I've been going over to Goodwells for the pocket sandwich instead. -
Review from Coco O.
Detroit, MI
1/30/2012
Avalon is great, however the people who work there are not really great with Customer Service. The last time I was there it took 20 minutes for a latte, and there was no one in line. I like it, but I would like it more if they could get their employees to care a little bit more.
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Review from Kendra B.
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place has cookies to die for. I was lucky enough to be on a bus tour as part of a conference, and we stopped to see a site nearby. Someone mentioned the cookies, so I snuck off and went in. I am so glad I did.
The selection is fantastic- cookies, other sweet treats, savory snacks and bread. Both inventive and classic varieties, including a number of vegan options.
I thoroughly enjoyed my Trail Mix cookie and coffee. Yum! -
Review from Eric P.
11/11/2011
Living across the street from Avalon, you'd think I would spend more time there than the average person. I do not, however, because I'm cheap and try to avoid heavy carb intake.
It's all very good, though. From the sandwiches, soups, and salads at lunch, to the foccacia and loaves of bread the rest of the day, it's all worth a stop in. I wouldn't go so far as to say Avalon alone is worth the trip from the 'burbs, but if you're already coming into the city, it's worth going slightly out of the way. -
Review from Randy G.
Is there anything better than walking by a bakery in the morning and stopping because of the aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries? Avalon puts off that wonderful aroma and eve if you were not hungry, you can't resist going in and getting something.
That something you pick up could be the gigantic challah, a variety of cookies, or brioche with a chocolate ganache. So far I've tried all three of these and non lasted very long. The challah was the longest, maybe two days. The challah had a nice crispy outside with a soft inside. It's not a traditional braided challah, but still had that sour dough flavor.
The brioche with chocolate ganache was good, but not the best I've ever had. The disappointing part of theirs as well as other places is that there isn't enough ganache. There is a little bit of chocolate in there, but it turns out to be a hallow pocket inside with only a small layer of chocolate.
The pumpkin whoopie pie was very nice. The pumpkin cookie outside was sweet enough and perfectly soft while the cream inside was smooth and not overly sweet. After a few bites, it was gone.
One of their specialties that I keep going back is for their cookies. So far, I've tried oatmeal, trail mix, salted chocolate chip. I had high expectations for the salted chocolate chip, but it was only a chocolate chip cookie with a little bit of sea salt ontop. Don't get me wrong, it was good, but it could be much better. The trail mix cookie though is another story. It's an oatmeal cookie foundation, but with trail mixed in with it. this one is my favorite. I'll seek out these cookies either at the store or in one of the specialty market bakeries. It has just the amount of trail mix, seeds, etc...to the oatmeal flavor.
Word is out about this place in the neighborhood. I had to wait in line for about 5-10 minutes, but well worth it. This place is a keeper. -
Review from Den K.
Detroit, MI
12/15/2011
Please accept my sincere love to your bread. My wife loves it, my son loves, I love it. Just happy to have this place near.
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Review from Taylor Z.
Kissimmee, FL
11/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
My first time in avalon, the girl at the counter wasnt the most helpful or friendly. There prices (for the ingredients
They use) are far. I tried a date granola bar, aswell as a little vegan pizza. Both were good (not amazing). But I appreciate what avalon is doing for the community and will return, and probably become a regular. -
Review from Kary P.
Belleville, MI
12/18/2011
I happily drive half an hour just to buy bread and vegan baked goods. A pb&j on Avalon bread is a heavenly experience. I highly recommend the Motown Multigrain, vegan peanut butter chocolate ship cookies, and vegan blueberry muffins. Even if you're not vegan, do yourself a favor and try one, they're just that good. They've got great coffee too!
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Review from Chandra M.
Detroit, MI
10/7/2011
Open at 0600 and an obvious super alternative to McDonald's when I'm on my way to work at the crack of dawn. I'm also a fan of stopping in on a Saturday morning before the weekend errand-a-thon. Item's I love that are readily available:
- Kumboucha
- Ready-made sandwiches which includes breakfast choices. I'm also a fan of the Super Veg-Out.
- Sea Salt Chocolate Chip cookies. Two, please.
- Beaubian Blueberry Buckle. Very light and tasty.
- Carrot Cake (vegan).
Went down a star only because of the high price, but I'll take it considering the convenience and tastiness. Happy to have them nearby! -
Review from jenny c.
San Francisco, CA
8/5/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Their bread is super yummy. My favorites are the Olive bread and the Dill Scallion bread. Most of their items are vegan, so ask!
For a snack I love the vegan granola bar. chocolatey and huujge and delicious.
If you go here between 5 and 6 pm, their bread is half off!
BIKES::: there's a rack thats usually full, but you can lock up to the neighbors chain link fence if thats the case. -
Review from Van Cac Thi T.
Dearborn, MI
8/4/2011
Oh man, I have day dreams at work over the vegan cookies and bars.
This place is a hidden gem with awesome vegan and vegetarian options galore.Completely satisfied. -
Review from J. M.
Sterling Heights, MI
11/5/2011
Finally made it to the BAKERY! We have tried their breads at so many different places that we felt it was our duty to make it there. What a treat. They don't have a lot of seating but there are some tables outside that you can enjoy the neighborhood and people watch all while eating yummy desserts. Prices on a little high for bread--but you pay for what you get! I loved all of the vegan selections for desserts. The staff was friendly. I will definitely make the trip down again, my only regret is that it took me this long.
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Review from Kelly L.
Detroit, MI
11/9/2011
LOVE love LOVE Avalon.
Great outdoor seating in the warm months, prime location, friendly and helpful employees. Oh - and the food is pretty amazing, too ;)
The Gardenworks grab-and-go sandwich is my all time favorite. -
Review from Julia A.
Detroit, MI
5/8/2011
Last Thursday i was passing by the place, after a long day with mother preparing for my wedding, i needed to have a cookie and a hot drink, the place was awesome, and i felt with much peace there after having my lovely cookie :)
My mom rarely like to eat outside, but she liked this place and took their numbers, i consider this as a miracle that my mom has eaten from a place which is not Home, and if my mom liked it I'm sure many will like it too. -
Review from Viet N.
4/4/2011
Zingerman's without the sense of entitlement. The kind of place that gave us fresh free cookies just for ordering some bread.
Not a lot of tables though. Carry-out recommended. -
Review from Annette J.
Dearborn Heights, MI
Updated - 12/12/2010 4 Check-ins Here
OK. Loaded up on a few more treats last weekend and I'm bumping this up to 5 stars as a result. Oh man. The Leelenau cherry walnut scone is da bomb. Not dry and just enough dried cherries sprinkled in to give it a bit of tart sweetness. The walnuts are huge and chunky, no little bits that blend in here! Perfect balance. The chocolate ganache brioche bun is ridiculous. The chocolate ganache filling is rich and deep and, as far as I'm concerned, brioche is the best bread of them all so I was a happy camper. The cinnamon roll isn't a Cinnabon type of cinnamon roll (no thick white glaze here) but it's moist and flavorful. The cinnamon isn't overpowering and lends itself to a nice spiced flavor that blends well with the light sugar wash over the bun.
The hot chocolate is pretty good but I have very high standards when it comes to hot chocolate. This isn't the most insanely rich cocoa I've had but it's got a great chocolate flavor that I appreciate.
It's the perfect place to grab a bag of pastries to take to a morning get together or to have on hand for overnight guests if you're hosting people for the holidays. Excellent spot.Listed in: Detroit Delights, Sweets For the Sweet!, Chocolate, Chocolate…, Midtown Magic, Wake and Bake!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/18/2010
Carbo-loading heaven! If you're ever revving up for a marathon, Avalon is the place to bulk up on… Read more »
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Review from Jen M.
11/25/2010
I'm not in love with Avalon. Yeah the bread is good but it's just bread. Truth be told I prefer softer, crispier, French style bread which is virtually nonexistent in the Detroit area.
I circled the place 4 times trying to find a spot; this was actually the highlight of my visit as I got to see a woman on her cell phone repeatedly bash the rear bumper of her Escape into a compact car trying to parallel park. Then a half hour in line to purchase a loaf of caraway rye, loaf of scallion dill and a sea salt choc chip cookie. The employees are super friendly and efficient and the products tasty. I just don't think their products are worth the drive or the money. The cookie was really nothing special. The caraway rye was good and the mess of seeds on top a nice touch but the dough is better at Utica Heights bakery by my house.
I would stop in again if I was in the area as I like supporting local businesses but for my $, carbs and calories there is certainly better in the area. -
Review from D M.
Ferndale, MI
1/3/2011
Fantastic bread, almost as good as the Z up 94. Avalon is a hub in a recovering community and has served as the epicenter of rebirth in the corridor for over a decade.
Great staff, great food, great place! -
Review from Michelle I.
Farmington, MI
Updated - 10/12/2010
I'm still in love with all their baked goods. The chocolate chip cookies are still heavenly. The breads are still amazing. Coffee still keeps me buzzing. My family may need to hold an Avalon Bakery intervention for me. "Hello, my name is Michelle, and I'm an Avalon baked goods addict."
On my most recent visits, I seem to be picking up the peanut butter brownie ($3.00, still so worth it). Ummm, hello mouth orgasm! This brownie is huge, it ends up lasting for four servings...that is if I can control myself!
crap...now I'm craving my next Avalon fix.Listed in: Life is uncertain. Eat…, Detroit-a-licious
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/9/2010
The moment I think of/drive/go to this bakery I immediately begin to drool for their sea salt… Read more »
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Review from Sarahjeanne J.
Detroit, MI
9/8/2010
Good food costs more.
After reading previous reviews, that's the most important thing I have to say in mine. Using quality ingredients and taking care of your employees costs more, and that means that things at Avalon will cost more than they will at Panera. I am willing to pay because these things are important to me.
I am in love with Avalon. I want to marry it and have ten million of it's babies. I got into a terrible habit of stopping every morning before work, but I had to cut back on that. I try to stop in for pastries and/or bread only on weekends. There should be a sea salt chocolate chip cookie support group.
Everything there is delicious, highlights for me are: Cherry walnut bread, pumpkin whoopee pie, cherry bar, and peanut butter brownies.
Yeah, you'll probably be asked for spare change on your way in. If you've got some, give it away. -
Review from Eve B.
Detroit, MI
10/6/2010
Why, hello heavenly carb goodness.
Avalon is definitely one of Detroit's hidden gems. Although the actual bakery is off the beaten path (cass corridor), their products are sold at almost every specialty or gourmet grocery store in the metro detroit area.
I personally make it a point to stop in the detroit location as often as possible because they are always giving away yummy free samples and have amazing discounts and specials running.
In addition, they always have these delicious little egg sandwiches and quiches, perfect for a saturday morning light breakfast!
I personally love their baguettes (the wee baguette is perfect for 2 :) )and farm bread, i know i know, i need to branch out more, but i just love the buttery thick carbohydrate heavy goodness of white bread no matter how unhealthy it stacks up to be.
I love that the owner and staff are so friendly and attentive. This place is jam packed on the weekends and they always seem to keep things running smoothly, without being rude or pushy.Listed in: HIdden Gems
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Review from Chris L.
Livonia, MI
10/18/2010
Expensive and of varying quality that makes it not much of a value. It's like if Whole Foods were a bakery.
Pumpernickel bread that was bought before noon was rock hard as soon as I got it home to try a slice. If that was that mornings bread that is pretty fucking amazing. More likely it was yesterdays. Either way I felt robbed. I would have had no problem using it as a wheel chock for the car I was working on that afternoon. For the price of the loaf that is totally unacceptable.
I've dabbled in some of the other baked goods and while nothing was as bad as the bread ALL of it was expensive as hell and most of it was nothing to really get all that worked up about.
Place really comes off as an expensive over hyped gimmick to me. -
Review from RE A.
Detroit, MI
Updated - 8/6/2011 12 Check-ins Here
Hot bread and cold coffee is great on sunday. Glad they're open for us earlybirds ; )
Listed in: Detroit Eats
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/19/2010
Ooooo Delicious. fresh baked artisan breads daily - even on sunday morning. great cookies and loads… Read more »
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Review from Chris S.
Detroit, MI
9/22/2010
I am breaking this up into two parts. Breads vs. Treats.
The treats are excellent. The pricing is high but it is to be expected for cookies and brownies made from scratch. Do not expect $1 treats. Look to dish out $3 or more for a brownie and I believe $5 for three cookies.
The bread is poor. It is very pricey and they are not big (and I chose to get a large Sourdough). The bread is EXTREMELY tough. The toughest I have ever had. It was not big enough to make a normal size sandwich. I brought some to relatives and they agreed it was not good.
It's a good place to try if you are in the area but don't go out of your way. -
Review from Chad C.
Ann Arbor, MI
2/28/2011
Good coffee and cookies, tasty bread, but hit-and-miss on the other items, Being on the expensive side for what you get lowers the rating a little more as well.
Service leaves something to be desired. A couple of folks at the counter often ignore salutations and have little eye contact. When I've waited for orders to be heated up, they don't have a sure way of knowing when it's done. After waiting for a very long time once, I finally had to ask for my breakfast sandwich, and it was cold by the time I had gotten it. It had been sitting in the not-so-effective warmer all that time. No apologies and no thank you (except from me), just a look that said, "Here, we're busy." -
Review from Rebekka P.
Hamtramck, MI
The level of perfection that is going on at Avalon is rare. Perfectly baked breads and pastries, using 100% organic flour and often local ingredients, organic, fair-trade coffee, friendly staff, and community oriented business practices all make this a true gem of Detroit.
Not only does Avalon offer a knock out selection of bread and pastry items (including dangerous versions of vegan sweets), but also a pretty impressive selection of sandwiches, salads, and soups (though be aware that the super delicious salads sell out quickly and sandwiches made to order are only offered Monday through Friday).
Sometimes there can be a line, but it is so worth it when waiting at the end is a perfectly pulled double espresso, a vegan revolution breakfast sandwich (tofu spread with sprouted sunflower seeds, spinach and tomato on a whole wheat roll - good gawd!!), and a giant vegan almond spice cookie. I'm not even vegan and I find myself often ordering the vegan treats offered here!
One of the major reasons I love Avalon so much is the sense of belonging I feel everytime I walk through the door. It's a rare visit that I don't run into friends or co-workers and there are always people gathered at the small counter and tables. This sense of community runs deeper when you realize just how tightly Avalon is tied to the urban environment in which it exists. Many of the retail products they sell are locally sourced and it is pretty clear that they are committed to the idea of creating a thriving small business economy in Detroit - something for which I have immense respect. -
Review from Jessa B.
6/20/2011
This place makes amazing desserts. I get them alllll the time from Whole Foods. I definitely wanted to check them out while I was in Detroit recently. I saw on the website that they serve food. It must be more of a lunch spot because I went around 4pm and they were wiped out of everything sandwich like. They weren't super helpful in directing people where to go and where things were, but I expect that of places like this. The dessert selection was ridiculous. So amazing. If I wasn't going out of town the next day I would have gotten a ton of bread, too!
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Review from Haroun K.
10/25/2010 3 Check-ins Here
The adjective that comes to mind is "crunchy." And though I think I stood out quite a bit, I felt quite at home (where I also stand out quite a bit). I had a meeting nearby this morning, and Avalon came up on my Yelp app as the closest place to eat. I'd always thought Avalon was somewhere farther away, and almost mythical, like an Atlantis hipster bakery.
Like Alfred K. writes, Avalon evokes thoughts of Zingerman's, except the emphasis is not on imported ingredients, but on locally grown produce. I had a ready-to-eat sandwich with avocado, pesto, and locally grown greens on multigrain bread, which cost an un-Zingerman's $5.50. It was very tasty.
I really wish I were closer by at lunchtime, because I'd probably be eating here a few times a week. The menu is full of veggie items which all seem very appealing to me, and the local folks inclined to eating such things as arugula. -
Review from kristen f.
Detroit, MI
8/27/2010 10 Check-ins Here
I'm not going to give this place 5 stars, because it's really not worth 5 stars.
Avalon is WAY overpriced. Though their berry brioche is quite a treat, but the $3.50 per slice price tag puts a damper on my enthusiasm. Same thing with the Detroit Spring breakfast sandwhich. The sea salt cookies are also good (...at $1.50 a pop for a smaller size). Price isn't everything, but Avalon is just unreasonable.
Also, this is a hipster mecca, which adds to my anxiety. There are a few tables inside, and many outside, but I would never go here to do business or study. I'm all for supporting local business, but Avalon is loud and many of the customers are rude and will not hesitate jumping the line.
The bread really isn't great. It's hard and does not keep well. If you're from France, you'll hate the bread.
While Avalon is quite a novelty, that's about all it is. They contribute to food banks, so that's a plus, but the place is plagued with typical Detroititude otherwise from staff and customers alike. I went there quite often when I was taking 3 law classes + working full time, but my visits have since tapered because now that I only take 2 classes, I will have time to shop for groceries. -
Review from Dayna C.
Farmington Hills, MI
8/1/2010
I have three words for you: Pumpkin Whoopie Pie.
I have three more words for you: Blueberry Bubble Cake
And one last one for you: AWESOME!
I love everything about this place, from it's local, at-home charm to it's old fashioned rustic appeal. You feel like you belong here, with people taking the time to greet you and walk you through the process of choosing your goodies (even when it's extremely busy and there is a line to the door). I wanted to try and take home everything, but was happy with my $10 bag of goods filled to the brim. My partner wasn't really feeling eating dessert during the midday but I certainly made him reconsider by force feeding him some of the Blueberry Bubble Cake, needless to say he was in love. You will love this place, and make sure you take someone special, they'll appreciate it. -
Review from mariah c.
Ann Arbor, MI
Updated - 5/5/2010 3 Check-ins Here
So now I've discovered that they have kombucha, which is a plus. But that's really just a side bonus
Mainly, I have to effuse about a little sweetness -- I have no idea why it took me so long to try a chocolate-chip sea salt cookie, but they are absolutely heavenly. They took two of my favorite things in the world (and I mostly prefer sweets only with some salt) and combined them.
When I tasted this cookie and felt an instant surge of happiness in my mouth, I mentioned the time I once took a piece of dark chocolate and dipped in in sea salt. My friend though I was joking.
Sure.... it was a joke.... suuuuure.
Avalon is just the sort of spot that I like to take out of town (or simply SE Michiganders who have baffle-ingly never spent much time in Detroit) guests during a mini tour of Midtown/the Cass Corridor. Not only is the food made with quality and care, but the environment is charming. It's an all-around win in my book.Listed in: Getting Baked (Goods!)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/4/2008
When I worked downtown for a spell, I used to drive over to Avalon to grab my lunch about once a… Read more »
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Review from Jenny Z.
Dearborn Heights, MI
8/4/2010
I really like this place, the food is truly delicious and I plan on going back repeatedly but the only reason it's 4 and not 5 stars in my book is because of its prices. I dunno, maybe after more visits - if I figure out how to get stuff more cheaply I'll revise this.
I paid over $7 for a loaf of Brioche bread. Granted, this is good value - it's just not a bargain. The food here is amazing. The bread is very delicious, and so was the sea salt cookie I had. I definitely plan on going back and trying everything else there over time.
I would recommend trying this place out, another gem in Detroit, but not bargain-priced with Detroit's often cheap pricing like Shangri-La or Eastern Market. I don't think the food gets better than this though - seriously. If you love baked goods - go here. -
Review from Dil F.
3/5/2010
Avalon lies among the 13 wonders of Detroit (i just made that up... but I like the ring of it). A FULL-FLEDGED BAKERY serving up whole loafs, goodies, snacks, and sandwiches, plus an espresso bar, a cold beverage selection, and a few semi-perishables (think syrups, jams, honeys, and nutella).
Their breads are really SPECIAL, and the best of them (like their CIABATTA and their DILL-SCALLION loaf) are pleasures of consumption I tend to reproduce frequently, esp. when hot out of the oven.
Their SANDWICH MENU just recently EXPANDED and offers a wide choice of combinations. Just today I tried their "inside-out" grilled cheese (inside-out because a baguette is halved, the cheese sandwiched between the top and bottom crusts, and the baguette insides now facing outwards and hot-pressed on the panini maker). There's fresh BRIE and REAL MOZZARELLA that creates a texture-taste pairing rather unique and highly recommended. I missed the greasy but tasty butter-grilled outsides of a traditional grilled cheese (in this regard only, the sandwich is a tad dry), but the amount of cheese is generous and leaves you quite full. I added a chocolate-pecan COOKIE which, while a little PRICEY given its weight and size, is one of the better versions of this sweet delight I've tried outside my own kitchen.
Like any bakery, avalon perfects a certain style, and so once in a blue moon, I crave breads that just can't be found here - like a light, chewy Italian or French loaf, perfect for sopping up sauces and soups. Avalon tends towards the slightly DENSER, MORE SUBSTANTIAL breads, which are more suited to sandwiches or just buttered and eaten as is.
There's a little SEATING inside the shop which, on a sunny day, beneath the windows, is a really great place to enjoy a coffee or do some quick reading. It's a shame there's no room for expansion on the seating, because the traffic always outnumbers the available spaces to plant oneself for 20 minutes. But if you're lucky enough to find a table open, you'll be pleased to be among the seated elite. Comfortable, warm, and surrounded by good baked-bread aromas.
You'll almost always find a spot out front for PARKING, though in the southern rim of midtown (a few blocks south of Wayne campus), it's accessible by bike to many regions of the city. -
Review from Colleen C.
Brooklyn, NY
1/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
Vegan Baked Good Alert.
Once again I am stumped as to how they make this stuff taste SO good without the conventional body destroyers we've all come to love so very much.
*vegan chocolate chip pecan cookie. (delicious, just soft enough!)
*curry lentil soup with mini loaf of bread. (perfect winter soup)
*caprese sandwich (hard to eat politely, but very hearty)
*gingerberry kombucha (no grape, but this is a close second)
All for about $15.
ALL of the baked goods look absolutely wonderful...and next time I'd most definitely opt for a brownie. Luckily I didn't see them 'til too late, or I'd have way overdone it on a quick lunch.
Small seating area (very small), but comfortable. Lunch options are limited, but tasty (soups, sammies, foccacia). Sandwiches are pre-made, FYI..so no special orders, I'd guess.
Great for picking up fresh baked bread, goodies, coffee, lunch...and charm. A little bit hippie, a little bit dippy, a lot excellent. I'm a fan. -
Review from C R.
Warren, MI
7/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Their treats are heavenly. The buttery brioche is my favorite item on the menu.
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Review from Allen L.
3/20/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Whenever I'm in the neighborhood (Cass Avenue and Willis) I stop in for something fresh. A lot of places carry their product, but there's nothing like seeing someone pull product right out of the oven.
My favorite's are the oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies. -
Review from Rachael N.
Cleveland, OH
5/31/2010
Avalon's unique, good, and cute, as it sits off of Willis and Cass Ave.
I called up a friend to go grab sweets, and he suggested Avalon. As I'm all up for non-chain restaurants, I was super happy to go...and truly satisfied by the experience (except the parking. I parked on the wrong side of the street and got a parking ticket. :( )
The place was quite busy for 4pm in the afternoon. A small cramped little bakery, the moment you walk into the bakery, you're greeted by breads on the right, the display in front, and the menu overhead. I was asked right away for an order...and opted to let others pass me as I looked at all the different and unique items I could choose. My friend and I chose to share four items. For some reason, the waitress over charged us...and gave us an extra item for free! How nice.
Anyways, we got the artichoke focaccia as well as the zucchini one (free!). I ordered it because I had read reviews about it...but I didn't think it was super amazing? As my friend described it, it was "that pizza looking thing." Nonetheless, the flavors were all good... I just have no idea how to judge a focaccia.
We then chose sweets for dessert. First, the sea salt chocolate chip cookie. OMG, so GOOD. Who would have thought- salt and choc chips? It was amazing. Next, the Mexican bread pudding. There was definitely some type of cinnamon glazed on top of it, and that was SO GOOD as well. Very flavorful and moist. Last but not least, we got the chocolate brioche. This was my fave. The inside feeling was so dark chocolate and rich filled, I was extremely happy eating it. However, I would recommend eating it on the same day, because I saved some in my fridge for the next day...and it was already dried up.
Next time, I'll try the cinnamon sticky bun. My friend actually recommended it and I told him no, on the basis my hands would get sticky. A man behind us heard our conversation and insisted on the sticky bun as well. I was stubborn and said no, but next time.... I'll definitely try.
