The Salty Tart
Chef Michelle Gayer, a multiple-time James Beard Award nominee and a 2017 semifinalist for “Outstanding Baker,” has built a reputation for exceptional, from-scratch pastries at The Salty Tart. Open since 2008, the bakery produces an array of baked goods every day, all made by hand—from pastry cream–filled brioche and laminated, flaky croissants to buttercream‑topped cupcakes and classic banana cream pies. The Salty Tart’s macaroons are especially celebrated, earning loyal fans and regular praise for their texture and flavor.
Gayer and her team are known for meticulous technique and careful ingredient selection, which shows in every bite. The kitchen turns out complex layered desserts like chocolate mousse cakes alongside simple, perfect morning treats. For special occasions, their custom cakes are a frequent go-to: designed to suit the event and finished with the same attention to detail that defines their everyday menu.
Originally located in Minneapolis’ Midtown Global Market, The Salty Tart now focuses on its St. Paul location. The Lowertown shop retains the bakery’s approachable neighborhood feel while expanding offerings beyond pastries. In addition to the classic pastries that built their name, the St. Paul storefront serves breakfast and lunch items and offers coffee to pair with sweets—making it a convenient stop for both a quick morning pastry and a relaxed midday break.
Whether you’re seeking a flaky croissant to go, a pastry cream–filled brioche for brunch, or a custom confection for a celebration, the bakery emphasizes freshness and craft. Many items are available daily but can sell out quickly, especially weekend favorites and specialty seasonal treats. If you’re planning a celebration or need a custom order, placing your order in advance is recommended to ensure availability and to allow the bakers time to create a tailored design.
The atmosphere at The Salty Tart blends artisan bakery charm with friendly service. Counter staff are typically ready to describe the day’s offerings, recommend pairings, and accommodate special requests when possible. For those who appreciate technique, the bakery’s approach—laminating dough for croissants, using pastry cream for filled items, and finishing cakes with smooth buttercream or tempered chocolate—delivers a consistently high-quality product.
Visitors to the Lowertown location will find a selection that reflects both classic pastry traditions and thoughtful modern twists. Seasonal flavors, rotating daily specials, and staples like banana cream pie and chocolate mousse cake allow regulars to return often without repeating their order. For families celebrating birthdays or anniversaries, custom cakes provide a memorable centerpiece that many customers describe as both beautiful and delicious.
Local food lovers and visitors alike praise The Salty Tart for its capacity to elevate familiar desserts while maintaining a welcoming neighborhood bakery vibe. The combination of Chef Gayer’s professional recognition and the team’s daily commitment to making everything from scratch keeps the bakery a notable destination in the Twin Cities area.
Contact
289 East 5th Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
612.874.9206
saltytart.com
Photographs courtesy of The Salty Tart.