That Takes The Cake
2271 Union St
(between Fillmore St & Steiner St)
San Francisco, CA 94123 (415) 567-8050
- Hours:
Tue-Thu 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sun 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
51 reviews
Neighborhood: Inner Richmond
"Two words: HONEY CAKE. Delicious combination of light cake with rich custard. I feel privileged to live near this place."
169 Reviews for That Takes The Cake
I'm not sure what I can say other than confirm that these cupcakes are to die for! I had the Impeach my hunger - peach cake with peach cobbler filling and buttercream icing.. this cupcake was oh so fresh, light, yet melt in your mouth delicious. The icing wasn't too heavy, and the cobbler was just a dab so the cupcake wasn't soggy or overdone. I'm a believer! I also had the orange zinger which was fresh and light with orange zest in the mix! The icing also complimented nicely with out feeling heavy or overdone. I'm going to have to start going the the gym if I keep this up!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
We got a dozen of various kinds of cupcakes...
The red velvet was "so-so." The frosting was pretty good (even though i don't like frosting.
The strawberry cupcake was deeeeeelicious. Frosting and cake. yum, yum, yum.
I thought the vanilla was blah but my sister loved it, saying it was the most delicious of all.
That's all we've tried so far.
The girl (woman?) there was really really friendy and nice. The place was cute.
Would've given it the 5th star if i felt there was addiction potential. But was definately worth while.
So, I am not exactly sure why these specialty cupcake bakeries are popping up everywhere. It seems to be a new trend. However, in this case - ignorance IS bliss!
That Takes The Cake has the best cupcakes I have EVER tried. And though not cheap, they are still less expensive than nearby competing bakeries with cupcakes that aren't nearly as good.
My recommendations: the red velvet (my absolute favorite and the best red velvet I've ever had); the lemon cake, the key lime (different, but in such a good way), and the strawberry. Heck - they're all good.
If you're going solo, get just one to-go and eat half and save the rest for later. Or, buy a mini-cupcake or two. I say this just b/c they are so delicious but they can be rich. :)
Yum - just writing this review is making me want one!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Going to Sephora after smoking a bong load = BAD IDEA..
Walking by "That Takes The Cake" on the way to Sephora, with mad munchies AND an infinitive love for cupcakes = PRICELESS..
It took me a good 10 minutes to figure out which lil'-o-cupcake I'd like to devour right then and there and ultimately chose the "Sleepless in SF".. double chocolate cake with espresso butter cream frosting and a choco covered coffee bean to garnish.
Scrum-de-licious!
I think I like this java cupcake a little bit better than Kara's.. !!!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
After my disappointing cupcake experience at Yummy Cupcakes in Santa Monica, I thought I was done with these types of places; but, my local tour guides (friend of a friend) talked me into trying one. I am glad I did.
Food - I had a Gentlemen Prefer Reds cupcake that was moist and very fresh. They even have mini-cup cakes.
Store & Service - Friendly and pleasant.
Overall - That Takes the Cake has me liking cupcake stores again.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Forget Kara's .... this place takes the cake.
Sorry for the pun ... I couldn't pass it up.
My friend heard of this place before I did. After trying Kara's, we both knew we had to find better cupcakes. And LO ... here it is.
A tiny storefront, you will miss it, if you are not looking. Many different cupcakes are available on a rotating basis. Some days they might have your favorite, other days, it won't be there. Don't worry! There's bound to be something you like.
I've tried many flavors ... but I think my favorite is the one that has banana cake with peanut butter icing, and filled with caramel. The name has something to do with Elvis. All the names are very creative, and even if you say you want the Sleepless in Seattle one, they know what you mean. The Orange comes in a close second.
Very friendly staff will guide you to what you will like. They cost about $3 each.
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (6)
Cool (7)
I don't know if it's obvious or not by the dozens of cupcake photos, but I love cupcakes. But I'll admit it...I've been getting annoyed with the cupcake craze that hit San Francisco in the past year or so.
This cupcake trend is not only doing a number on my already hard-to-find waistline, but also on my pocketbook. The shops are so adorable, and initially the product is perfect. But after becoming either too popular too quickly, or losing customers after the first initial surge of hyper excitement, the cupcakes always end up tasting like cardboard cakes of broken dreams.
I found That Takes the Cake to be small and no-nonsense. They had a few cupcake books and postcards on a table by the door, and then merely a cornucopia of deliciousness.
I paid $3.25 for a cupcake that made me believe in annoying little couture cupcake shops again. I tried the key lime, chocolate caramel, strawberry, and red velvet. I even ate one that was a day old. STILL moist and tasty. All were sinful. All are now in my stomach, soon to be on my hips.
Better than Kara's, better than Sibby's. Just plain better.
That's it. I'm throwing away my cupcake pans.
People thought this was:
Useful (25)
Funny (26)
Cool (24)
Oh. My. God. I think I have found cupcake nirvana. Forget Miette. This is my gold standard for cupcakes now. I'm still devoted to the Black & White from Sweet Things, but as a whole, That Takes The Cake is IT. I tasted four (I said TASTED, not ate four) kinds: vanilla w/vanilla frosting, red velvet, strawberry & chocolate w/chocolate frosting. They were all super moist and delicious. The red velvet was the best I've ever had. The frosting was sweet perfection. However, my favorite was the strawberry (i think it's called 'prom queen.' such cute names for the flavors). The frosting is INSANELY GOOD. It's tastes like the best fresh strawberry milkshake in the world. Run, do not walk (or drive your car because you will never find parking and all the cupcakes will be gone by the time you do) to That Takes The Cake and try the strawberry cupcake! I still have to go back and see how their black & white measures up to Sweet Things.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
This is by far my all time favorite cupcake bakery. In lieu of a cake for my 25th birthday I had the man buy a dozen of these babies.
I've had Sprinkles, Kara's, Miette's, Teacake's, and Magnolia's, but That Takes The Cake is still the best every time. Their cake is moist and their icing compliments it perfectly.
The NUTELLA cupcake is a killer!!!
People thought this was:
Cool (2)
That takes the cake just provided 4 incredibly delicious, moist, flavorful, you name it cupcakes to our wedding on Saturday. I got so many compliments on them - most people had two so I am glad we ordered extra! Saralynn was amazingly easy to work with and everything went off without a hitch. I highly recommend these very yummy cupcakes to any brides - and make sure to get the strawberry!!! or the key lime, or the red velvet, or... I could go on!
YUMMMMM! That is all I have to say....my bum could do the rest of the talking. Worth every calorie ladies!!
Elvis has left the building, carrot cake and samoa are my personal favs, but you really need to let your own tastebuds decide.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
I originally came here to try their red velvet, but it was sold out! It made me one sad panda. I got the Andes mint/chocolate one instead, I think it was called something like Chocolamento... not sure. It was really good! So moist and chocolatey. Had a bite of my sister's carrot cake cupcake and that was super tasty. Hopefully the next time I go I can get my hands on a red velvet cupcake, they're my favorite!
Happy Hour 5-7pm, 50 cents off cupcakes
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Definitely the best cupcake I've had. SHOULD BE considering how long it took me to find this darn place! We took the bus for like an hour from union square to get here. It might have been faster if I didn't decide to get off WAY too early. I endured being smooshed like sardines to get there!!
I bought prom queen and tuxedo the first day. (they ran out of red velvet!!!) I liked prom queen but tuxedo tasted too chocolatey, dark chocolate-ish and was a bit dry like it was old.
The next day, we drove up here and feasted. I bought
prom queen: nice moist strawberry cake, tastes almost like a muffin
red velvet: MOIST delicious cream cheese frosting
lemon drop: okay, not a lemon fan
bunny bite: nice carrot cake flavor, moist
chocolate mint: less chocolatey than the tuxedo, great mint buttercream frosting
I would definitely stop by every time I'm in town!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
Loved it! The cupcakes were soooooo delish!!! Bought half a dozen on Friday, and bought two dozen on Saturday for a party. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting, and the cupcakes were just fabulous! I would have to say that this may be a close second to Magnolia's cupcakes, so at least the best on this side of the coast.
Favorite cupcake? I'm between the "Elvis" and the Nutella.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
This place is simply amazing.
After sampling the cupcakes from a number of cupcakeries in the bay area for our upcoming wedding, this one literally took the cake! Over a dozen scrumptious flavors that tingle the taste buds, our favs were the Bunny Bites, the Hella Nutellas and the Elvis's in the Buildings.
While we are currently "cupcaked" out from all the tasting, we can't until for the big day to arrive, and the sea of cupcakes that will greet us after we say "I do!"
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (3)
Cool (1)
now this is what i'm talking about. the cupcakes here are more my speed - red velvet was deeee-lightful! the strawberry one was also good, and the frosting was nice and stiff! the special peach cobbler one was also really good - who doesn't love peach cobbler??
rotating flavors float my boat in any shape, size or city.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
My boss just came around my cube with cupcakes to share. I'm not that big of a cupcake fan, especially not of the giant frosting that's on top.
I have been snacking on sweets all day (it's donut day and I just received cookies from my vendor), so I was all ready to pass but decided to try a bite because of the beautiful colors (the red velvet and the key lime ones were screaming out at me).
OMG, these are amazing! Frosting and everything.
Never had I tried cupcakes this good! They were so good I even decide to Yelp about them RIGHT after licking my fingers. :P
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (3)
Cool (3)
A range of cupcakes, if a bit pricey [~$3.25]. The cupcake I had was nice [vanilla/peach cobbler/cinnamon] but way WAY too sugary... seriously... I think it had more than the weekly recommended dosage of sugar. Probably worth going here at least once, but make sure you aren't planning to eat anything else sweet for a couple of hours as the food is really that sweet..
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I had the Sleepless in SF. The cake part is somewhat moist but I wish it has more of a chocolate flavor to it. The espresso buttercream frosting doesn't have a strong espresso taste to it but it still taste good but I wish there was more of the espresso taste.
I would go back to try the key lime-o-licious.
I LOVE the red velvet cupcakes (Gentlemen Prefer Reds) here... I can't believe that I'm actually going to admit this, but they were SO delicious that I ate 3 within 1 hour. It would have been more, but there were only 3 to purchase. Yeah, my tummy ached. Yeah, I knew it wasn't a good idea. And hell yeah, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Ugh. Damn you, red velvet cupcakes... so magical and magnificent. No wonder Gentlemen Prefer Reds... You're such bad, bad, girls. The whole lot of you.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I've been to Sprinkles, Kara's, Miette, and Noe Valley Bakery for cupcakes and would rank this place #3 or 4. I ordered the elvis in the building, gentlemen prefer reds, prom queen, and sleepless in sf. Of these cupcakes I would say that the prom queen was the best. Prom queen was bursting with strawberry flavor and the strawberry butter cream was perfect - not too sweet. The gentlemen prefer reds was also a treat, although not quite as perfect as Sprinkles - I would say TTTC has slightly better frosting, but the red velvet cake itself wasn't nearly as rich as Sprinkles. I shall end this here as i have already covered the two most important flavors.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Honestly, if I am on Union Street, I have to stop by here. A mini cupcake is like a sample, so it doesn't count, right? right.
Tried their mint chocolate and carrot cake. DELISH!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
06/08/2008
Mmmm I love me some cupcakes. Just went to an event at The Firm boutique which provided That Takes… Read more »
The Strawberry Cupcake is so good it's hard to put into words.
Great service.
It's not on the main part of Union St. (which is a good thing because there wasn't a line) so you have to look for it.
Next on my list is the Chocolate Mint cupcake.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (5)
After savoring cupcakes from Sprinkles in Beverly Hills, Yummy's in Santa Monica, Delilah's in Los Angeles, and Babycakes in Sacramento and being an avid baker I know what great cake is supposed to taste and feel like. That Takes the Cake meets and exceeds all my expectations. Their cake is delicately moist and their frosting is not-too-sweet and light. If you're in the mood for cupcakes, or great cake, I highly recommend it. I've tried the Orange Zinger, Elvis is in the Building, Tuxedo, and Sleepless in San Francisco. The latter is my favorite.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
I'm in constant search for the SF equivalent of the Magnolia Bakery in NYC (as are a lot of other yelpers, I've noticed).
While That Takes the Cake isn't it (they must put crack in those magnolia cupcakes or something), it's still better than the other cupcake places I've tried here.
The cupcakes taste good ( they're moist, but nothing absolutley amazing or anything), but what really gets me coming back is the cute names for the cupcakes (the prom queen,hella nutella and opposites attract) and the unusual flavors (orange zinger!) . My favorite is 'Elvis Has Left the Building' featuring a banana cupcake with caramel filling and peanut butter buttercream icing. Hell yes.
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
The most exceptional cupcake I've ever had. The "Sleepless in SF" was heavenly and contained so much moisture and fluff. A variety of pungent tastes just freak out in your mouth all at once. It's so intense.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (3)
Cool (4)
I LOVE their cupcakes!! Soooo much better than Kara's cupcakes. Don't bother with Kara's. You can tell they do not put real butter or cream in their frosting like this place does.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I don't even know where to start. I work across the street from this place and it takes all of my will to keep myself from running over there and spending my entire paycheck on their orgasmic treats. When I say "orgasmic" I am not even kidding. I moan while eating their cupcakes. They just started filling their cupcakes and I didn't know if life could get any better after trying one of them. This place beats any other place in the city, no, in California actually, no in THE WORLD!
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Their cupcakes are good. Very sweet and their frosting are thick. If you are into that then go for it. Overall not a bad place for cupcakes at all.
Okay so since I've moved here, I've been on a search for the best cupcake in the city. Each place I find keeps getting better and better and this place just adds to my confusion. I now have That Takes The Cake, Kara's Cupcakes and Citizen Cupcakes. It's like trying to decide, who should I take out and my choice is 3 beautiful triplets...yeah triplets! Back to the story. This place has red velvet cupcakes and being that I have a taste for southern fare, this was just what I needed. Just writing about this place makes me want to jump in my car and ....can't drive and type, gotta go. Yeah it's that good.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (1)
This place is small and quaint. I needed a fix of red velvet and it was the closest place to me so I tried it. The red velvet here is good, but not the best i've had. It's a bit heavy for me, i like my cake to be light. I will hand it to them for not putting huge dollops of icing on their cupcake like the infamous sprinkles in Beverly Hills & Newport Beach. I think it's better than Sprinkles, and they definitely have more options. Try it out!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Dessert before dinner. That seems to be our motto. Oh.my.god. I was taken here by surprise. The Sleepless in San Francisco and Red Velvet were our picks.
SSF - Chocolate with subtle hints of coffee. It should be Sleepless in Heaven.
RV - Congratulations on superior moistness. Lack of flavor was compensated in the icing, my favorite.
Easy on the eyes, not too heavy on the icing, and eas(ier) on the wallet than some other cupcakeries.
Thanks to my sweet tooth friend for taking me here!
People thought this was:
Useful (8)
Funny (3)
Cool (7)
My favorite cupcakery in San Francisco!!!!
That Takes The Cake exclusively does great cupcakes. When I entered for the first time, I wondered if I entered cupcake heaven. I have dreamt of this place for a long time! Their frosting is of the sugary buttercream kind and the cake is the moistest around.
So here is the "skinny" on my favorite flavors:
Vanilla Vanilla -- vanilla buttercream frosting w/ vanilla cake (who can go wrong)
Sleepless in San Francisco -- coffee buttercream frosting w/ choc cake, awesome
Strawberry Sensation -- strawberry buttercream frosting w/ strawberry cake, tastes like I ate a fresh strawberry (I know, work with me on this one)
Lemon Drops -- lemon buttercream frosting w/ lemon cake, delicious and adorable at the same time
Chocolamento -- mint buttercream frosting w/ choc cake & Andes mint on top, wow lots of choc chips in cake
Orange Zinger -- orange buttercream frosting w/ orange cake, toss up between an orange Crush, creamsicle or orange (you decide)
Key Lime-o-licious -- cream cheese frosting w/ key lime cake, tart key lime flavor, cake was green and nothing like it
The service at TTTC is friendly and very helpful. I like how it is cheaper than the other cupcakeries plus it has overall more flavors that satisfy my palate. I bought a dozen cupcakes and the girl at the counter told me, "Enjoy them for the party." Little did she know that the party was for me, heh heh. This place rocks!!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
Above and beyond great service!
I'm planning a friend's wedding that will happen in the Bay Area, even though the bride is in Colorado and I'm in Chicago. Sara was so nice and great to deal with and even though she doesn't usually ship her goodies, she did it for us, shipping giant boxes of everything on her cupcake menu to two different states. So yeah, the cupcakes were a bit smooshed when they got here, but that was to be expected and she even included a map/menu inside that made it easy to figure out what was what.
So after trying every cupcake she makes I'd say most are good and moist with a great butter cream, a couple are meh and a couple others are outstanding - granted this is all after they've been shipped in a box and sitting in there for several days at least. My favorites were the double chocolate, the chocolate peanut butter and the lemon. The key lime wasn't so flavorful, especially compared with how tangy the lemon was and strawberry was only okay, more pink than strawberry, unfortunately. Everything else was good and I imagine even more better fresh from the shop.
The bride didn't end up choosing them for the wedding, but the bride also doesn't like chocolate very much, which is too bad (for multiple reasons, duh, it is chocolate..) so she's going with a different baker for some flavors they didn't have here, but I will always be thankful for all of their help and service. I'd hire them myself, especially for a kids event, because they have a very sweet, classic cupcake taste.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
Sterile yet charmingly Victorian. The names they have for their favorite cupcakes are so adorable. Just like the shop. However, the "gentlemen prefer reds" red velvet cake is hardly the "reddest red velvet cake" I have ever encountered. But we can all forgive someone taking a little literary license. We are Yelpers after all. When was the last time one of us wrote a completely objective and accurate review free of exorbitant compliments and partisan jeers? What would be the fun in that? I like their style. Their cupcake? After having Blissful Bites, I can totally pass on these.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Delish! A coworker just took us here, and the cupcakes are perfect. I had a mini Orange Zinger (wish I had gotten the full size!) and a full size red velvet. I was so ready to be disappointed by yet another popular, but unworthy cupcakery (ahem... Magnolia and Kara's). I took one bite of the Orange Zinger and knew I finally found my place. The cake moist and flavorful with little bits of orange zest in it. The frosting was had a nice crisp, sweet orange flavor. The Red Velvet was nice and moist, and the frosting actually had a great cream cheese frosting flavor (ahem... Kara's and Magnolia). Unlike the other reviewers, I felt the cream cheese frosting on the Red Velvet was a perfect consistency.
I have an Old Yellow sitting quietly in a box on my desk. I'll let you know how that one is tomorrow... if I can let it sit all alone that long. ;)
The store is very cute and Sara Lynn is so friendly. She was clearly very busy, but still took a moment to step away from her desk to chat with us. She clearly loves what she is doing, and I'm glad she's doing it.
Four stars only because Sprinkles still has the best red velvet. Ooohh, but that Orange Zinger... it just may knock out the Big Red as my fav... maybe. I'll need a large one to know for sure.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (3)
so back in october when i had her cupcakes they were way too dry and crumbly. but now, when i went there a couple of weeks ago, they're very moist.... i'll give her that, but it totally leaves this crazy film of oil all over my grubby hands!!! sigh....
but extra star is given for the "cupcake happy hour" and "day old cupcakes" deal. i'm down to eat day old cupcakes, b/c cupcake boutiques are making a killing on regular priced cupcakes for like $3-4. crazy. i'm still not a complete believer.
so in summary:
(1) cup cake happy hour. discounted cupcakes from 5-7 i think
(2) day old cupcakes sold by the half dozen
(3) WAAAAAY devoted owner, bakes everything herself.
(4) cupcakes have improved upon its first opening last year
(5) i may prefer this place over kara's.
(6) i like coconut cupcake the best, red velvet is aiiite.
but...
(7) i think i can still make better tasting cupcakes with box cake mix from safeway. i have yet to find a cupcake place that is 5 star worthy.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
01/04/2008
i'm giving this place two stars b/c i gave Kara's 3 stars. That takes the cake is less yummier than… Read more »
OK, so the cupcakes I tried were phenomenal!
I tasted the Choclamento and the Bunny Bites. Both were incredibly moist and very flavorful. While Kara's cupcakes are okay, I just think these taste better. Also, the review MK wrote a confusing review. She posted her review of Kara's cupcakes on this site? What's up with that? So unfair to That Takes the Cake, cuz their cupcakes are the BOMB!
(very diet-busting - but worth it! :-P
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
Great service and cute store! I've been wanting to try one of Saralynn's cupcakes since before she even had a storefront. I really want to like it, but I'm not impressed. I'm definitely coming back to give it another try though because it was so hot the day we got them that I feel like the heat may have hardened the cupcakes?
I still like blissful better...gosh I'm such a cupcake snob.
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
So when it comes to this place, you could call me a cupcake crackhead. I'm here all the time, partially because they have really good coffee (dunkin donuts!!!!), and because Saralynn and Mary are AWESOME. but most importantly, their cupcakes beat anything in town. Saralynn makes all of her cupcakes that night (shes a cupcake rockstar), so they are always uber fresh. She puts a lot of time and effort into her work and it shows in the final product. She has tons of different bases and varies the frosting so the combinations are always very interesting. Every day brings new flavors, and recently she began a line of FILLED cupcakes. None of that passionfruit business like the stuff across Lombard, I'm talkin things like CARAMEL and PEACH COBBLER (mmmmmm).
personal favorites:
The Elvis in the Building one (I don't know the proper name...but just think banana cupcake, caramel filling, peanut butter topping! YES!)
RED VELVET
Sleepless in San Fran
COCONUT (which is now filled as well)
Samoa (yes, its just like the girl scout cookie)
if you haven't been here yet, its time to stop yelping cupcake shops and being indecisive...just get up and GO. you won't be disappointed, she's definitely the best in town. and they will always make you smile when you leave.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
