Next Door Bake Shop

Picture this: I had just trudged through my 8am and 9am classes after a long night out on the town. I still felt dehydrated from the several rails I drank with my friends at TOTS, knowing all too well that I’d regret it in the morning. I finally got out of my last class and the only thing I could think of was putting food in my stomach. I pondered what place in Blacksburg could provide a satisfying breakfast that wouldn’t upset my already sensitive stomach. Then, as if it had fallen into my brain from the sky, it hit me. “Next Door Bake Shop!” I shouted while crossing of the Turner’s Sea of Hungry, Depressed Students. I could not believe I had said that so loud. It felt like the entire building stopped for a full 5 seconds to stare at me. Trying not to draw more attention to myself, I kept my head down and quickly walked out the door. Once outside, I let escape a sigh of relief, shook off the embarrassment of the moment past, and began my journey that would undoubtedly lead to a full stomach and a refreshed mindset. Once I had reached my destination, I admired the sign above the door with a smile on my face and cheerfully entered. I was immediately greeted by a bright smiling employee that said “hi welcome to next door bake shop!” I knew right then and there that I was in the right place. I looked around and was awed by the vibrant colors all over the walls and the delicious smells of freshly brewed coffee and toasted bread that inundated my nose. The sounds of laughter and happy students holding meaningful conversations completely erased the memory of the grim atmosphere of Turner’s Place from earlier. I could not believe these were some of the same students I had seen blending into the background of Bruegger’s Bagels. I ordered something I thought would be completely ordinary, a bacon, egg and cheese bagel and a caramel latte. Once the cashier had taken my order and payment was made, she smiled back at me and told me “I’ll have that ready for you shortly! I’ll be sure to make it with love 💝” emoji and all. I looked towards the back corner to find that there was an impromptu shop of clothes jewelry and other such trinkets. I could have spent the entire day browsing their small but beautiful array of goods in this cozy little corner of the shop. Before I could find something I wanted but didn’t need, my order was ready and my attention quickly shifted to my food. Once I took possession of the treasures I’d come for, the employee smiled once more and with a soft voice said “I hope you enjoy your food and the rest of your day”. Yes ma’am, I will now, I thought to myself. I sat down at a nearby table and began to unwrap my bagel. It looked exquisite, I could only hope it tasted as good as it looked. As I took my first bite I could taste all of the individual components coming together to create an explosion of delicious flavor in my mouth. Complete euphoria. I tried to enjoy the sandwich the best I could, but it was gone too fast. Even though I was entirely satisfied and my stomach was full, I desired more. It took everything in me not to order another sandwich, but I was able to calm my desire for another with the help of the sweet caramel latte that warmed my hand as I took small sips. Indeed, this small shop had made my day infinitely better with no more than another regular order for them. From that day on, I’ve adored this place that brings joy to my otherwise dull days of classes. Next Door Bake Shop changed me life for the better, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.

What a wonderful place! True coffee shop. Lots of people working, having stimulating conversations, dropping in for breakfast, lunch, a snack or one of the great drink choices. Service can be a little slow sometimes but the staff is great. I took lots of meetings here when I worked at VT because I loved the atmosphere.

Had a very poor experience. Placed a breakfast bagel online order, notified staff when I arrived and told it would be “a minute.” Understanding there’s a labor shortage, I waited… and waited… and waited… and when guests that came in after me got their food I asked again. The staff member proceeds to get my food off a shelf and tells me next time to “let them know when I’m here.” This was 50 minutes after I already TOLD them I was here. The folks working the counter did not seem to care about my poor experience, or my experience at all for that matter. My food was cold, missing an egg, and there was a stray hair on my bagel. Extremely upset and I won’t be coming back.

I just waited 30 minutes for bad coffee and a cold sandwich. There were 2 employees when we got there, so they were severely understaffed which is awful for them. Clearly the management does not care for their employees enough to properly staff them on a Sunday morning. Even so, people who ordered 10+ minutes after me were given their drinks before me. Not to mention, I watched one employee drop a muffin on the floor and pick it up and put it in a bag to be served. Waste of money and time. Would have asked for a refund if I didn’t feel so bad for the employees.

Awesome atmosphere with comfy chairs /sofas, tables for studying -high tables too, so many different levels of chilling here-, nice open window to see outside, area that opens to the rest of the building too with other places to sit. Really nice staff. Games. Great products. Definitely recommend the pesto veggie bagel. And GET THE TARO MILK TEA LATTE, it is the best drink in the world. If it's hot out, get the taro bubble tea instead. You won't be disappointed.

Not quite one star review worthy, but barely made two. The employees seemed to be annoyed that we were there, didn’t complete our order before leaving the kitchen, and the quality of the food and especially coffee was below average. Was in town just for the night and wanted something local but ended up stopping by Starbucks on our way out.

Lunch food is exceptional, coffee is good, and the staff is very nice...why then do I not think of it when I want to go sip coffee and read a book? In some ways I feel like I'm inside a doll house while I'm there. My wife and son love it (and I enjoy it with them) but not a place I'd end up at by myself.

::Edit::
This place's atmosphere is growing on me...this has become our family's "go to" place when we are out and about. My son even picked it for his birthday lunch!

This morning, me and my friends ordered three different flavored coffees; Caramel flavored latte, Hazelnut Mocha and Ghirardelli hot chocolate. All three coffees are so watery, and less flavor. We had a worst experience today. Literally, coffees tastes like flavored water.

Initially I use to suggest this coffee shop to my friends, But today I decided, not to visit again and not to suggest anyone.

This is a perfect spot to meet people, bring the folks, or do lunch. The staff are lovely people who work hard to make sure that you are happy. The environment is bright and lively without feeling clustered, cramped or busy. Their drinks are creative and offer a different twist on the regular coffee shop experience. Their menu is stripped down but still interesting and finding something that looks good is never a challenge. In all fairness, they offer a more sophisticated alternative to the other coffee shops in town both in atmosphere, service, and menu. You must try their brownies. This is my favorite Sunday spot.

Update: Gave it yet another try, and I just stood at the counter for five minutes while the only employee stood there talking to his friend, not doing any work, and completely ignoring me.

Original review: I've been here so many times, and I really want to love it. The food is good, and the atmosphere is pleasant. Unfortunately, the service is consistently terrible. The staff are almost always unfriendly, and seem outright unhappy to be taking your order. What's more, I'd say that at least a third of the time, they get my order wrong (including very basic orders). I've had them completely forget items in my order multiple times. I've kept going back over the past year in the hopes that the service will have improved, but I'm losing hope.