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Crushcakes Cupcakery
1315 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 963-9353
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Reviews by the General Public
different kind of cupcake, 11/1/2009
Reviewer: Kelly
from Santa Barbara, CA
I go to crushcakes at least twice a week, I think of the cupcakes as more "muffiny" than "cakey" so if you are looking for super sweet, moist cupcakes, you aren't going to find them. It's kind of an acquired taste I'd say! The frosting is soooo yummy, you can tell it's not just one type of buttercream frosting tinted a different color like another certain cupcakery in town.... and the food in the cafe is awesome too, super fresh and organic.
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Two Stars for the Icing, 11/1/2009
Reviewer: Francis
from Santa Barbara, CA
The icing is wonderful (in my opinion) at Crushcakes. However, time and time again, the cake part is dry. This is a common complaint on this guide as well as when I speak to others in the community. Dry, dry, dry. The owner laments on her blog that she makes the cupcakes from scratch and uses good ingredients making her cakes superior to others. Word of advice, there are other ways to make a cake moist besides oil. Applesauce is one idea. I have tried plenty cakes that are vegan that are moister than Crushcakes awful, dry cupcakes. Want a really good treat? Go to Our Daily Bread and get their Vegan Chocolate Muffin. It is delicious.
Listen to your consumers, Shannon. You're cupcakes need help.
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Dry and Tasteless, 10/30/2009
Reviewer: Elizabeth
from Santa Barbara, CA
I don't usually write reviews, but I was so dissapointed by these cupcakes. I've been on two separate occassions and have been met by the most dry and bland cupcakes I have ever tasted. I would prefer cupcakes from a grocery store, and that's saying a lot. The last time my boyfriend went, he bought a cupcake for me and put it in the fridge. When I got it out 2 hours later it was hard as a rock - I threw it away.
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To Dry, 10/17/2009
Reviewer: Marie D'amico
from Santa Barbara, CA
My husband and I wanted to try the cupcakes here. We couldn't eat them 'yuk'. The icing was to sweet and the cake was dry, don't waste your time going here.
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Wanted to like the cupcakes!, 10/5/2009
Reviewer: Elizabeth
from Santa Barbara, CA
First of all, let me start off by saying that wanting a moist cupcake doesn't mean you want a preservative-ridden grocery store bought cupcake as inferred in a previous review. Secondly, let me say that I LOVED the frosting on the Vanilla Bean cupcake, however, once I dug into the cake, I was very sad. Too dry! I really hope that the owners take these 'dry cupcake' reviews into consideration, because the frosting and the variety of flavors are fantastic (not to mention the friendly staff).
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lunch then desert!, 8/28/2009
Reviewer: javier zapien
from Santa Barbara, CA
After taking the kids to play at the park close by we stumbled upon my new favorite cafe... my kids loved the cupcakes i loved the food. I have to admit I've had a lot of mushroom soups from all around town but this one u can say it takes the cake! best I've ever had....good food great atmosphere u got to visit crushcakes to see what im talking about!
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My favorite place to get something sweet..., 8/7/2009
Reviewer: Kelly
from Santa Barbara, CA
I LOVE these cupcakes. You can absolutely tell they are not made from a box! They are more muffiny than super moist cakey, which is what I like.... b/c they don't taste like they are from a grocery store with all sorts of artificial ingredients and food coloring. My boyfriend got me a margarita cupcake (my favorite dessert in town) pull apart cake for my birthday... and I could not stop eating it!!! Only go here if you want a new, fresh, lighter version of a traditional cupcake... but if you want super moist, fake taste, food coloring and artificial ingredients you will not like this place!!!
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Disappointment- in cupcake form., 8/7/2009
Reviewer: Meg Elison
from Hemet, CA
I was very excited to try Crushcakes. I got a signature red velvet and a chocolate bliss. Both were dry, less than flavorful, and clearly made from a box. Both were topped with cloying and pedestrian buttercream frosting in alarming amounts. Not moist, not subtle, and not good. Unworthy of being a specialty bakery, or staying in business in such a cute part of town.
My advice- keep the minis, the imaginative flavors, and cute setup. Start over with scratch recipes, more flavorful extracts or actual lemon rind or almond flour- anything, in short, other than a pre-made cake mix. The frosting could be less sweet, less kiddie, and more creamy and certainly thinner in application. Be a specialty bakery- not a grocery store cake counter. Act like it!
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a cupcake store that makes cupcakes out of a box?, 7/10/2009
Reviewer: Gina
from Santa Barbara, CA
When i think of a cupcake store, i think cupcakes made from scratch! that is not the case with this place. the cupcakes are dry and sometimes hard. the decorations are pretty but its not worth buying if the cake inside tastes crappy! plus its just wayy too expensive! they should get real bakers in there!
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fine not great, 6/25/2009
Reviewer: kimmy
from Santa Barbara, CA
decent cupcake but not worth what you are paying. they have great choices and varieties of cupcakes but the texture-not very moist or rich.
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My Favorite Place in SB, 5/31/2009
Reviewer: Kari
from Santa Barbara, CA
I love everything about this place. I go there fairly regularly, and I cannot stop singing it's praises!
The crushcafe is wonderful, has a great variety of food including delicious vegetarian options. Their soup chef is a genius- he makes whatever soup he feels like for the day and every time I have some I wish I could take a whole pot home.
The people who work there- especially in the cafe- are the sweetest you could ever hope to meet. They take such good care of me!
I enjoy every cupcake, though my favorite is the original crushcake- today I had an "old school" cupcake, which looked like a hostess cupcake, which was amazing also.
You have to try this place out if you live here! The place is so cute, the cupcakes are amazing, the food is original and the people are the friendliest of anywhere I've been.
You have no idea how sad I am to be moving away!!!
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try the margarita cupcake..., 4/25/2009
Reviewer: meggie
from Santa Barbara, CA
these are the best! I was not impressed with the lemon(Pledge flavor), the peanut butter or the coconut, and the chocolate, well how can one go wrong with chocolate? But the Lime Margarita Cupcakes are worth fighting over! The recipe is posted on Rachel Ray's website, and these are sure to be an awesome addition to any summer parties.
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Don't forget cake, is a key part of a cupCAKE. Disapointing, 3/24/2009
Reviewer: CS
from Santa Barbara, CA
Wow, these cupcakes are dry. The crumb is more like a muffin and they are very, very dry. The frosting is good, but it still can't cover up the poor excuse for cake below. It's a bummer that we now have an excess of "cupcakeries" in SB, but all of them pretty much are a fail when it comes execution. Better off baking a batch at home to get your cupcake fix in.
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Simply the Best Cupcake in California!, 3/24/2009
Reviewer: Matthew B
from Marin County, CA
Crushcake is a wonderful little store front just off of State Street in Santa Barbara. I've tried many boutique cupcakes in California (Kara's, SF; Heavenly, SD; Sprinkles, Newport) and to my surprise, Crushcake was my favorite. I purchased four late Friday afternoon half an hour before closing. Selection was okay given the time but the cupcakes were sensational. The red velvet seems to be the signature but I enjoyed the vanilla best. My wife and I returned on Monday morning and enjoyed a very nice breakfast at the Crush Cafe and then left with 8 cupcakes. They endured a six hour drive back to San Francisco and the unanimous decision was a thumbs up. The cupcakes stayed moist and the icing was devine. If you're in the area, stop by Crushcakes...you won't regret it!
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Getting better!, 3/19/2009
Reviewer: chee
from Santa Barbara, CA
I used my discount card to buy 3 cupcakes and get 1 free today, and thus far, I have only tried the Lemon Drop cupcake. It was SO good! I don't know if they used a cream cheese frosting on it, but the frosting was nice, thick, and creamy, and it was heaped generously on the mildly lemon-flavored cake. I had the strawberry cupcake a few months ago and was saddened to eat a very dry and brittle cake. This lemon cupcake, however, was moist but still had a good structure to it, making it seem more substantial. I don't know whether the bakery is switching up the recipes to make the cakes moister, but whatever they're doing, I give them a hearty frosting-covered thumbs up!
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I (heart) Crushcakes. , 3/12/2009
Reviewer: Amanda
from Santa Barbara, CA
I LOVE Crushcakes, I think the concept is great and love that they have a Vegan offering as well. I've been going there on and off since last summer. While it is true that the cupcakes themselves can be a bit dry they seem to have improved them quite a bit over the past few months. The frosting is to die for, I love the passion fruit frosting on the Peace Cake, there isn't quite anything like it. The girls working there are always super sweet and helpful, they even helped me with a special design when I ordered an extra large cupcake for my boyfriend's birthday. I'll keep going back.
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Hmm..., 3/4/2009
Reviewer: Cam
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have to agree with the other reviews in that the cupcakes are just too dry. I got a variety to try and the velvet one almost tasted a bit burnt?? For a place that specializes in cupcakes...I think I can open my own cupcake shop as the ones I make at home (that comes from a box) is more moist than the ones I've had here. I will say that the frosting is tasty, but for the price, they should almost include a small glass of milk.
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Hmmm...., 3/1/2009
Reviewer: Johanna
from Santa Barbara, CA
I just ate a lemon cupcake. The frosting was delicious (I am a gal who LOVES frosting). I just can't put my finger on actual cake recipe that is used at Crushcakes. While the cupcake I had (today) was not dry, it is very coarse in texture. This makes me apprehensive to purchase the cupcakes at the end of the day or to have them at any sort of party/event because of the concern that the cake will be dry. I have heard this same sentiment from others in the community.
I want this business to do well, however, one is not guaranteed consistency when purchasing a Crushcake.
BUT! I highly suggest that people dine at the Crushcafe. It was WONDERFUL!!!!
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Am I eating a muffin or a cupcake?, 2/26/2009
Reviewer: JR
from Santa Barbara, CA
I went into Crushcakes for a cupcake for the first time. Looking at their display, I thought to myself that I had never seen a cupcake that's top had a larger circumference than the base....in fact it was in the shape of a muffin. When I started eating the "cupcake" the top broke off like a perfect muffin top (something strongly desired for a muffin, not a cupcake). Also, the texture of the "cupcake" was pretty dry when the ideal cupcake is moist....like cake. There is actually quite a big difference between a muffin and a cupcake, hence the different names. Even though my experience of Crushcake's actual product was disappointing, the staff and owner behind the cupcakery are very welcoming and extremely friendly. I would love to go back just for the service!
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Worth the wait?!?, 2/24/2009
Reviewer: Sarah
from Santa Barbara, CA
I ordered 4 dozen Choc.& PB mini cupcakes in advance and arrived to pick them up at the specified time and when I showed up they were assorted mini cupcakes, rather than what I had ordered. I had to wait almost 2 hours for the new batch! They were delicious. However, I was surprised that they did not offer a discount or something to drink while I waited.
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Nice location and people, dry cupcakes, too expensive, 1/8/2009
Reviewer: Lorraine Wood
from Santa Barbara, CA
I really love the idea of a "cupcakery" because with cupcakes, the cake-to-icing ratio is always perfect.
I was really happy this place opened and love the flavor of the cupcakes, but the cake part is usually dry.
Improve cake quality and you'll fare better.
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Great!!!, 1/4/2009
Reviewer: dawn
from Santa Barbara, CA
they must have made some changes because my cupcakes where great!!! I have just moved in the neighborhood for the past three months and have had the cupcakes several times and they have been consistant and delicious. I've had lemon, coconut peanut butter and red velvet and they have been great!
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Cute place, but DRY cupcakes!!, 11/25/2008
Reviewer: Amanda Milholland
from Lompoc, CA
I agree with the people below, everyone is really nice and the frosting was yummy, but the I got their original red velvet cupcake and it was very dry, not good for a cupcakery!!
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What happened?, 11/22/2008
Reviewer: Alex
from Santa Barbara, CA
The first few months that crushcakes was opened I went at least once a week. The cupcakes were delicious. The service varied depending on who was working. Lately, I have to be honest the cupcakes are bad. They are way to dry. I tried going in the morning thinking that I could catch them straight out of the oven but same result.... dry and every cupcake taste the same. Did you get a new baker? Are you trying a new recipe? Please go back to the original plan.
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DRY DRY DRY
Reviewer: C. Redmond
from Santa Barbara, CA
I visited crushcakes and sampled three seperate cupcakes and all of them were super dry. The frosting and service is great but the actual cupcake is so dry and flavorless it is not really worth finishing. It tastes like it was baked two days prior. I hope they improve because they have very creative flavors but until then I won't be coming back. How the owners don't know this needs improving is beyond me...
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Hurrah for Crushcakes
Reviewer: Elizabeth
from Santa Barbara, CA
The FINE TUNING has paid off. Not all cupcakes are created equal so here's a lead on which ones to try. The strawberry cupcake sends me over the moon and the toasted coconut is right up there with Barefoot Contessa's version. These are full of flavor not to forget-a wonderfully moist and tender crumb that'll get you tapping! I just had a bite of the earth cupcake and what can I say, it is heavenly. And the vegan cupcakes have not let me down-an excellent balance of flavors. There's a tropical pineapple kind and also a chocolate coconut one that's both scrumptious. The buzz is on Crushcafe and I will be back for that!
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Great for Parties!
Reviewer: Shobs
from Santa Barbara, CA
A few weeks ago I ordered a Red Velvet cupcake for a Good-bye party I was having. Over the phone I described that the party was a viking theme and that my costume was going to be gray and pink. Well, I was thrilled when the cake arrived to the party and I had a first look. It was absolutely awesome.
Thanks so much, I will definitely recommend you to friends. It's a bummer I no longer live in SB, because I would use you for occasions to come.
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Just not good
Reviewer: Kathryn
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have tried Crushcakes at least ten times, always hoping it will improve, but it does not. The cupcakes just are not very good, and they should be. All they do is make cupcakes, so they should be excellent. Trader Joe's cupcakes have a better cake than Crushcake. Crush's frosting is too sugary (and I like sugary frosting over oily frosting,) but it is too much. Sometimes the frosting is gritty. Some staff members are very nice, but others suffer from "Cold Santa Barbara Service."
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Ouch, not so good anymore
Reviewer: cheryl
from Santa Barbara, CA
I've been back 4-5 times since my first visit and the cupcakes seem to be getting dryer. I don't know what happened in the last few months, but the flavor hasn't been there and the cake is really dry now. We got a few Tirimisu cupcakes the last time we were in and the cake was dry and had no flavor and the frosting was bland too. I am willing to give it one more try, then we are moving on.
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Good idea, poor execution
Reviewer: Jennifer S.
from Santa Barbara
I was so excited to have a cupcake shop in town, my husband and I went twice to try it. The first time we were so disappointed but we knew they were just starting out so we figured we would come back in a few months and try again. No joy. The second time was the same poor quality taste experience. The cake is dry and or not very flavor full... some cupcakes were moister than others but it didn't make up for the lack of flavor.
They do get their presentation right though, I like the way they dress each cupcake up. Their shop has very little seating, and the seating they do have is cheap and flimsy and I didn't feel comfortable sitting down. The tall stools they offer wouldn't be safe for kids as they are too light and slide around on the floor easily. The whole operation is generally lacking, but most of all if they don't have a good product they simply won't last. This is a small town, so word travels fast...I am willing to bet they won't be around by next year, unless they get a new cake recipe, make their hours later(cupcakes for dessert, AFTER DINNER), and decrease their price by a bit. I tried a red velvet cupcake at the Metropulos deli yesterday and it was far and away better than Crushcakes. At least I now have a source for a good cupcake!
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No more Crushcakes 4 me.....
Reviewer: Suzanne
from Carpinteria
I went to Crushcakes because like every other woman, I LOVE A GOOD CUPCAKE.....I was so excited. As I pondered which one to buy, the woman seemed impatient with me that I didn't already know what each flavor was like....(give me a break). When I picked out "the one" (PB & Chocolate...I just needed a little something sweet) she seemed kind of upset that I was just buying ONE. I paid the $3.00 and was out the door. But what was most surprising was that when I bit into it, it was SOOO dry! Even I could make better cupcakes than these...and I don't bake! Plus, the frosting was tasteless(the Peanut Butter taste was muffled by a greasy taste/consistancy). ARGH.......I think I'll go home and make my own.....
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Mmmmm!
Reviewer: Lauren
from Carpinteria, CA
I went in the other day for a cupcake fix and had a fantastic experience. The woman at the counter was very friendly and we chatted for a bit. Told her about my bad experience with Citizen Cupcake in SF. I picked out 3 cupcakes and she threw in a 4th for free since it was towards the end of the day! I loved each and every one to bits. Even the "Nutty Monkey" (the free one) that I was a little unsure of beforehand. I was a little disappointed to not get any red velvet but understood those were the highest in demand and it was the end of the day. I'll have to go in early next time!
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High hopes but did NOT deliver
Reviewer: Chelle
from Santa Barbara
When I first heard Crushcakes had opened I was really excited to try the place. Finally a few weeks ago I stopped in to try a cupcake and wow was I disappointed. First of all I'm an experienced home baker so I know what it takes to produce a good product and this was far behind that standard. I ordered the coconut cupcake and had had my bubble burst immediately. The cake was dry, not just slightly but very dry, it tasted like something that had a bad recipe to begin with and was then left out to get stale overnight. The cake flavor was bland and obviously made with little attention to detail. The frosting fared slightly better given that it was the only part that had any remnant of coconut however it was not that impressive having sat out long enough to form a hard crust dotted with dry bland coconut flakes. Finally the cake itself was surprisingly small, so small in fact that when I removed the cupcake liner about a quarter of the frosting came off because the cake didn't even fill the entire cup. I wouldn't mind paying $3 for a good product, as a matter of fact I pay a lot more for other treats but this failed miserably. Alas I will have to keep waiting for a quality cupcake shop to come to town.
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too dry
Reviewer: Lauren
from Santa Barbara, CA
We tried a strawberry cupcake and a margarita one. We were told there was tequila in the margarita frosting, but I sure didn't taste it. I thought the icing was good, but it was a little too sweet for my boyfriend. I thought the normal size was fine, couldn't finish it all at once anyways, but I would have liked for it to be moist. $6 for two cupcakes just isn't worth it unless they're perfect.
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yummy
Reviewer: Lindsay
from SB
I was stressed from school and decided on fixing my craving for sugar. One cupcake hit the spot. It was great and just the perfect size. I have been to Sprinkles and other in LA and this one tastes fantastic and comparable! Loved it
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Not that impressed.
Reviewer: Jennifer
from Santa Barbara, CA
I stopped by Crushcakes the other day to order cupcakes for a party I'm hosting. Unfortunately, the employee working the front was rude and unhelpful and I left with negative feelings about my purchase. When I asked what types of cupcakes were available to order, she impatiently pointed to the sign hanging on the wall to the far right. I had never visited the store before and didn't know about the sign. I noticed that coconut cupcakes weren't listed and so I asked if they were an option (coconut was what I had my heart set on), and she unapologetically responded that they were in fact an option, but weren't listed on the sign. (Go figure.) I ordered 1 1/2 dozen cupcakes, and she told me that for every dozen cupcakes you purchase, you'll only be charged for 11 (i.e. you get one free), and so I would be charged for 17 cupcakes instead of 18 for this order. However, right after telling me this, she proceeded to charge me for all 18 cupcakes ($54 total), but I didn't realize it until I had already left. To top it off, she never thanked me for my purchase or even said good-bye to me (18 cupcakes plus 2 that I bought out of the case to eat that day) - instead, after she rung me up, she simply turned around and resumed her behind-the-counter duties without a word. In the end, the service was so rude (and I am a very friendly, easy customer) that I regretted having placed my order. In addition, the cupcakes are overpriced (they're tasty but small), and for my $54 order of 18 cupcakes, I could easily have ordered a large, delicious cake from my favorite bakery and had money leftover.
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Not so good
Reviewer: Nicole
from SB, CA
I have been to the store 4 times and have been disappointed every time. The cupcakes are dry (like boxed cupcakes left out for a few days) and the frosting is too sweet with a grainy texture. The drink selection is minimal and tables are often dirty. I would forgive these last two issues if the cake was good, but alas, it is not.
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Has imrpved...needs a little more
Reviewer: christine
from santa barbara
I first went to crushcakes on valentine’s day and waited in line with the rest of eager customers...I bought 2 red velvet and two of the vanilla cake chocolate frosting, the price was not really issue for me, the size was on the smaller side compared to other cupcake boutiques, but I have to agree with some of the reviews that the cake was quite dry but the frosting was excellent. I was very disappointed but gave the store the benefit of just opening and being a very busy day. I returned to try my crush again... The price was still high, the size a little small, but flavor had returned to the cake... You can’t expect to go into crushcakes and get sprinkles flavors...crushcakes have their own flavors and they are very unique and quite tasty. I’m expecting that once the store has been open for a while that they might either lowering their prices, or baking larger cupcakes so that their loyal crushes will get more for their buck. I can only see this store as improving their customer service, flavors, and organization of their store. They are a new business that are constantly training and teaching new bakers and salesmen. Give them time to improve and I am sure your first crush will not be your last.
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SERIOUSLY DISAPPOINTED
Reviewer: Caroline
from Santa Barbara, CA
I had been waiting, everyday I walked pass the cute store just waiting for the day they would open. During their first few weeks a handwritten sign said, open till sold out. No hours were listed. When I was finally able to purchase a cupcake, I was appalled by the size; it reminded me of my elementary school bake sale. Here I was thinking it would be the size of a muffin for the cost. What I received made me feel like a sample size lacking frosting, taste and beauty. Let me go to Albertsons....they know presentation.
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It Was ok.......
Reviewer: Hector Ruelas
from Goleta, CA
The Place Was AWSOME HOW It Looks.......But The cake Was Dry,and The Lady who Served me Wasnt really friendly,i was soo excited to go cause i ran 3 miles, but i wasted that 3 miles but, they were ok,ive had Better.......i loved the Strawberry Frostine ..i hope a better cupcakery Comes in Town Soon.....
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Great!
Reviewer: Allison
from SB
If you want cheap cupcakes that taste like store bought then go to Albertson's. Crushcakes ROCKS! It's expensive but they're worth it and it keeps me from eating ten at a time!
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very mediocre cupcakes
Reviewer: Karen
from Santa Barbara, Ca
The cupcakes as many people have stated are very dry. Not what you expect for a $3.00 cupcake! My first and only visit I bought a half dozen; in particular the one cake which was a bit more moist was the chocolate but...there was a large hole at the bottom of mine. The frosting was the best part by far particularly the strawberry frosting. All and all not very impressed with the cupcakes especially for $3.
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Cupcakes OK but NOT excellent
Reviewer: gcb
from Santa Barbara
I am an avid baker and especially love cupcakes and sample them where ever I am. I have to say that these cupcakes were a little on the dry side (the top was a bit overcooked and almost crispy )and were rather on the small side. They were OK and will do if you have a craving or don't feel like baking.
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So good!
Reviewer: Erin
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have eaten cupcakes from here on three different occasions, sampling several different types of cupcakes. Each time I was blown away. The frostings are divine, and the cupcakes are delicious. I love the way they play with new flavors--once I went in and the daily special was a strawberry margarita cupcake! It was refreshing and unlike anthing else I have ever had. If you love chocolate, then the chocolate, chocolate cupcake is for you...so rich and tasty! I highly recommend this place!
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Entirely too overpriced...
Reviewer: Jill
from Santa Barbara, CA
I love baked goods and was so excited to try this place! However, I was a bit disappointed - like the other reviewers, I found the cake to be a little dry and somewhat bland. The frosting is quite good, but not enough to offset the $3.25 price tag for a relatively small cupcake.
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dry cake, yummy frosting
Reviewer: Taylor
from Santa Barbara, CA
My review seems to be the consenus - dry cake but yummy frosting. Nice service and the location is cute. I was so excited about this place but a bit disappointed.
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Great stuff, ignore the tasteless buffoons
Reviewer: Michael
from Santa Barbara
For anyone to call these cupcakes dry or flavorless is nothing less than blasphemy! Every time I have been in the store (around 5 now) the cakes are delicious and plenty moist - I almost have to think someone is on a campaign of trashing crushcakes because all the patrons I see in there rave about how wonderful they are too.
Give it a try for yourself, don't judge by the negative spam.
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SB just doesn't
Reviewer: David
from Goleta, CA
I was so excited about Crushcakes that I actually wrote a welcome email. Then I had some. Terrible. The cake tastes like it's 3 days old. I have to give them some credit. The frosting is good. Strawberry has a very intense flavor and it's like you're eating fresh berries. It's overpriced and nothing like the cupcake boutiques found in bigger cities like LA (Sprinkles). The size was surprisingly small. It's the same as the cupcakes
you make at home whereas most boutique cupcake shops have noticeably
larger ones.
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Third Time…Not the Charm
Reviewer: Geren
from Carpinteria
I’ve come to expect the same thing from all gourmet cupcake bakeries: sweet muffins. This is in no way a criticism of quality or intent, just an impression that I’ve developed from my cupcake tasting experiences around the country. I am no expert, just a casual “cup-caker” who knows what I like. As regards our new local establishment, I have no criticisms of cake size, aside from the general disparity in price. The quality of the product has much potential to be explored. The staff, though disorganized and overcrowded, are working hard to make this location great. They handled the rush of Valentine’s Day as well as they could, and I hope that they do improve service with time. I have purchased cupcakes at this shop three times, and have been disappointed each time by the consistency of my fulfilled “Rodeo Drive Cupcake Shop” expectations. I commend the idea, and I do wish them success, as this is the kind of business that comprises the Santa Barbara I know and love. But, I am more inclined to visit one of our local grocery establishments, and custom order an elegant cupcake-cake of higher quality for less money.
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Good frosting but overpriced...
Reviewer: Al
from Santa Barbara, CA
I was very excited to hear about Crushcakes - I've always loved cupcakes and the idea of having a place that specialized in cupcakes sounded excellent. However, I was a bit disappointed when after visiting crushcakes. The cupcake consistency is different - not the soft, moist cake I am use to. In fact, the Cool Vanilla Bean cupcake was dry. The frosting was my favorite part of the experience - very creamy and delicious. I think the presentation could have been better - it looked like someone just threw a blob of frosting on top of the cupcake! While the frosting was good, I think the cupcakes were overpriced for what they were. This has nothing to do with a person's size but for $3.25, I was expecting a larger cupcake, at least something that was different from the average cupcake you would make at home from a Betty Crocker mix. The staff were very friendly and the service was pretty quick. The store is tiny and there are only a few tables inside. I think the novelty will wear off quickly... and I would much rather prefer a cupcake from Fresco.
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a unique cupcake
Reviewer: Sara
from santa barbara
I have found that people either love these cupcakes or hate them. There is a definite tase you have to want in your cupcake to enjoy these. Very dense, kinda tough cake, but really good frosting. They are not the moist and soft cupcake that I think the majority of us love. My friends and I are definitely divided on these, for me I like a softer cake, as one friend described they have a "cornbread" like consistency, I thought that was a good description. I think its worth trying, I do find myself wanting one once in a while. A very unique and different tasting cupcake. I guess just dont go there with any expectations and maybe you will be surprised!!!
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Disappointing
Reviewer: Nancy
from Santa Barbara, CA
I got to try a chocolate cupcake from Crushcakes for a friend's birthday. The cake itself was really dense and horribly dry; overall pretty flavorless for being a "chocolate" cupcake. The frosting, which was a bit excessive and was mostly scraped away, tasted like store-bought/pre-made mass-produced frosting. However, I was horrified when I heard how much my friend had spent on the cupcakes. Sadly, store bought mix was more appealing than these cakes - hopefully they will get their act together and develop better recipes because the concept is great.
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I can make better cupcakes!
Reviewer: Jennifer
from Santa Barbara, CA
I had a gift certificate & was excited to try Crushcakes out. I came here w/ my boyfriend & I got the Buttermilk Crumb Cake & he got the Peanut Butter Cup. Wow, these things are small was my first thought. Not to mention the price for such a small item, no bueno. When presenting the cashier my gift certificate she looked at it, then me like "What am I supposed to do w/ this?" Luckily, the mgr (I'm assuming) came over & finished the transaction. After trying the cupcakes, my satisfaction only went further downhill. My frosting was good, but nothing great & the cake was dry. Did I mention that these things are small? The only thing my boyfriend liked about his was the Reeses Pieces Candy on top which was storebought. I hope Crushcakes really evaluates their products & service or else they will be another business come & gone in Santa Barbara.
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BTW, this place is da bomb.
Reviewer: Nick
from Santa Barbara, CA
I don't get what all the complaints are about these cupcakes. I thought the cupcakes I got were soft, reasonably-sized and delicious. I'm not sure what these people were looking for exactly. They're cupcakes! And if you think these cupcakes were too small, you probably don't need them.
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Just plain disappointed
Reviewer: Julia Ullemeyer
from Santa Barbara, CA
My husband and I went to a dinner party and I was in charged with bringing the desert. Of course I thought it would be perfect to bring the cupcakes that everyone was talking about. I was first disappointed with the size of the cupcakes. The service was excellent but the price was another disappointed. The cupcakes were served and everyone's comment was "I thought these would be better". They were very dry and really had no flavor. So I will not be going back and I don't think our friends from the dinner party will going back either.
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Delicious strawberry & vanilla cupcakes
Reviewer: Eliz
from SB
The strawberry & vanilla cupcakes were delicious. I don't understand why there are so many complaints. Yes, the shop is a bit disorganized but the goods make up for it. Still I think this cupcakery is terrific. The counter lady was nice and helpful. Just thinking about that strawberry cupcake makes me want to go back for another!
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Please get better!
Reviewer: Bobbie
from Santa Barbara
Negative: Cupcakes were dry and stale. Strawberry was bland as well as the Crushcake. Lemon was the most flavorful. Some of the cupcakes were frosted in a a sloppy fashion, which made them look a little too "homemade", not suitable if being served at an event or being given as a present.
Postive: Cute location, friendly and polite staff and I love the idea of have a local cupcakery.
I was fine with the size, and the mini-cakes hit the spot, but the quality was just really poor and flavorless. I hope they iron out the kinks! It would be great if Crushcakes could become an SB institution!
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I love them!
Reviewer: eric
from montecito
I am surprised to see so many complainers here, mostly complaining about the size. I wonder what the average body fat content is of the people that apparently want basketball sized cupcakes - I find them to be, well... cupcake sized which is appropriate for a cupcakery.
The strawberry and vanilla bean are my favorites and they are both light, delicious and bursting with flavor. The price is high but then again so is a cup of coffee, a sandwich or pretty much anything else - if you want a bargain go to smart and final but remember you get what you pay for.
The employees have been upbeat and pleasant every time i've been there and the physical appearance is charming though a bit small.
They do offer a small discount on a dozen, it would be nice if that was more substantial but overall I am happy to drop a few bucks for a tasty cupcake every now and again.
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delicious
Reviewer: Tina
from Santa Barbara
I really like the lemon and the chocolate cupcakes form here. What my boyfriend and I really like is how real and fresh everything tastes -- the frosting in particular is very tasty. I also had the sugar and cinnamon cupcake, which while good, had frosting that really tasted mostly like butter! Overall crushcakes is a good place to go for a nice treat :)
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Expensive and chaotic!
Reviewer: Marie
from Santa Barbara
Reading the reviews below, I do agree that these cupcakes are way over priced. And YES, I do expect a larger cupcake. I mean any one person's weight really isn't the issue here. If you pay $3.25 for a cupcake, it should be larger than something we can all bake at home.. Also, I don't drink out of a sippy cup, so the term CUPcake really has no relevance here. I thought the frosting was the only "moist" thing I tried. I hope either the prices are reduced or the cakes get a lot bigger. Santa Barbara or not, they're not worth the price. Lastly, there were too many people working the counter which made the experience chaotic and rushed.
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Frosting sooo good but cakes dry!
Reviewer: Erin
from Goleta, CA
Tried the Lemon, frosting was so good, but the cake was dry. Tried two other "mini" cakes and they were also a little dry, the chocolate was the most moist. My friend had the vanilla, even drier! Seems like the frosting is on the mark, but the cakes tasted a day old. Price is high but understandable in SB. I'll try again another day, or maybe buy a box of Betty Crocker and make my own. Service was pleasant.
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Really disappointed
Reviewer: Dana Alexander
from Santa Barbara
Was really looking forward to something special but I didn't get it. The chocolate cupcake was average and didn't stand out from one I might get at a kids birthday party. The Lemon Drop had super sweet frosting and dry cake. They also seemed smallish to me for $3. Won't go back.
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Not happy with Crushcakes
Reviewer: Meridith Moore
from Santa Barbara
We went in at 1 p.m. and there were a lot of people working, front of house and in the back which is completely open to the the publics viewing. The cupcake bakers in back were wearing filthy aprons and the floors and tables were a mess.
The front of the house staff (4 people) were not paying attention to us, even though there were no other customers, and we left without buying anything.
So can't rate the $3 cupcakes but can rate the messiness and lack of service
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Not very tidy looking but great cupcakes
Reviewer: Michelle
from Santa Barbara, CA
I went in with my friend today to get a cupcake during our afternoon break from work. The selection was somewhat limited but given it was nearly 4PM, that wasn't a big surprise. However, I was a bit shocked to see that the floor in the kitchen area where the cupcakes are made looked like it hadn't been mopped in days. It was covered with flour and food. The table tops in the kitchen were also littered with food, debris and dishes. There was a mop and bucket clearly visible from where you order food right in the middle of the kitchen. Two of the three tables in the eating area were covered with dirty dishes and trash. They need to clean up their kitchen area, especially since it is so visible to everyone coming in there. I will give the place another try because their crushcakes are amazing, but I'm not impressed with the cleanliness of the establishment.
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Tasty
Reviewer: Chris
from Long Beach, CA
I had the pleasure of tasting one of these amazing cupcakes this weekend and I haven’t stopped thinking about them sense. The only thing better than the cupcakes was the service. I cant wait until the next time I get a chance to stop in.
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Eh
Reviewer: Michelle
from Canyon Lake, CA
In the area I live in we don't have any of the cool little cupcakery's so I figured while I was in SB for the weekend I would search for some. Found Bella Dolce, unfortunately not open- they are another topic with a bunch of different addresses and phone numbers online and a horribly updated website- anyway, went to Crushcakes super excited, maybe hyping it up too much. The price doesn't bother me, and neither does the size because that is what I was expecting with this new cupcake craze. My boyfriend and I went and since we went before closing, they only had very few flavors left, which means guaranteed freshness but when we got home all but one of the cupcakes we bought tasted stale and were hard. We went earlier the next day and tried two different flavors, which were much more moist, but I agree the spoon full of frosting is a bit too much for me. We didn't finish half the cupcakes we got, and the frosting overtook the actual cake part which I feel should be equal.
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Yummy Cupcakes!!!!!
Reviewer: Allison
from Santa Barbara, CA
I guess had a different experience than some; I tried 2 flavors, my fav is the red velvet, but both were delish! The staff were friendly and efficient; the place is clean and nice and I can't wait to go back.
There is no argument from me that $3.25 for a cupcake is a wee bit spendy but hey, this is SB and they're paying SB rent so I think we're lucky that they opened at all. I see a lot of complaints about the cupcakes being "small" or "regular" sized. It's a CUPcake people, not a cake. Pardon my tackiness but no wonder we're all so fat - why does everything have to be super-sized in order to be good? It's kind of a embarrassing that that's what people are cranking about. They do need to work on their hours of business. 10-2pm just ain't cuttin' it.
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not Sprinkles...
Reviewer: Marina
from Santa Barbara, CA
I was so excited about trying Crushcakes, I got there in the middle of the week around noon with a red velvet cupckake craving. They were sold out of the red velvet and the special of the day. So I got vanilla with chocolate frosting thinking that you really can't mess that one up. It wasn't the best I've had. The cupcake was on the small side for the price and not as good as I could make myself at home. The frosting was sub-par - it tasted like grocery store frosting. I will try again for another flavor.
I like the cupcakes from Fresco a lot better.
I'm glad they seem to be doing well though, it's a cute idea.
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Cupcake customers don't wait until 10 a.m.
Reviewer: Sophia
from Santa Barbara, CA
I know these cupcakes are good, but how's a girl supposed to buy them? Peak cupcake buying hours (before/after work, for instance) are not an option here. For Valentine's Day, I planned on bringing some to work but they don't open until 10 a.m. The day before, I had planned on picking some up to take home, and, of course, the place was deserted and the lights were out.
To survive, these people need to put customers first: especially the ones who need to go to work in order to pay for the damn things.
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Good Cupcakes BUT.....
Reviewer: Nicholas M
from Santa Barbara, CA
The store is quaint, the inside is very well done, and the cupcake (I had the lemon) was very tasty. However, it was smaller than expected (but bigger than the strawberry, which looked downright pitiful). And, more importantly, there were only 5 cupcakes total (2pm), so needless to say, the display looked tragic! A bakery needs to exude abundance!!! Come on!! Since the cost per cupcake isn't much for them to produce, it's ok to make too much and have some left at the end of the day!!
One other complaint. Hours. Why don't they open a little earlier and have a breakfast-like cupcake available (I sound a bit fatty don't I?) Or maybe they could stay open until after normal work hours, so those who do work all day, can pick up the deliciousness on the way home.... Either way, it seems like Crushcakes is leaving a lot of money on the table!!!
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Highway Robbery!
Reviewer: Angela
from Santa Barbara, CA
For $3.25 i would have expected a nice sized cupcake but i was let down to see that it was a regular size homebaked cupcake. I still forked out $3.25 since i was anticipating the grand opening. I tried the peanut butter cupcake which was very good! It reminded me of a reeses peanut butter cup. It seems like crushcakes isn't doing too bad business wise right now but i don't see them being here very long at the rate they are charging for those small cupcakes. The gal that helped me had mentioned they also sell mini cupcakes and I was thinking to myself these look like mini cupcakes to me are you sure you're not talking about these? I can only hope that they try to make bigger sized cupcakes that are worth $3.25
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Cupcake heaven
Reviewer: Sharon Remacle
from Santa Barbara
Great cupcakes! This past Friday I went and purchased almost all the flavors so myself and the ladies at my office could sample and see what the consensus would be.
I have been to "Magnolias" in NYC and "Sprinkles" in LA so when I discovered a cupcake place would be here in beautiful Santa Barbara I couldn't wait.
The bottom line from "the ladies"......delicious. I would have to say the favorite was the cool vanilla bean and the lemon drop.
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Very kind staff and the cakes are really good.
Reviewer: cheryl
from santa Barbara, Ca
The cupcakes are wonderful, got a mixed dozen for just under 40 bucks.....A tad high priced given the "normal" size. I've had 4 dollar cupcakes that were nearly twice that size. The woman who helped us was very polite, informative and funny! It's so hard to find that kind of service in food anymore, so thanks for that.
On a side note, I don't like ANYTHING fruit flavored, I was forced to try the strawberry cupcake and I must say, I loved it! Trust me, the strawberry cupcake.....and the "Crushcake". Thanks and great job, your Kitchenaid mixers will SOON be outgrown.
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