Bloom Bake Shop

Some places get hyped so much that you walk in almost hoping they disappoint you a little. Bloom was not one of those places. The second I got into that sweet potato donut it made immediate sense why people talk about this place the way they do.

The donut was the star. It didn't even sound like something that should be that good, but it completely worked: soft, cloud-like, lightly sweet, lots of cinnamon sugar, and not overpowering on the sweet potato at all. More subtle than gimmicky. Best donut I've had in Madison proper.

The ham and gruyère croissant backed it right up. Flaky on top, buttery glaze, a little crunch on the outside, and absurdly good. It's the item that reminds you Bloom isn't just good at sweets. The twice-baked almond croissant was the one miss for me: messy, loaded with cream, and the cream started to overpower the croissant itself.

Bloom feels polished without feeling stiff. Bright, clean, very Monroe Street in the best way. It's a grab-a-box, try to act casual, and leave with more than you planned kind of place.