Penzeys is pretty much where you want to go for spices. I don't even cook. But I walk into Penzeys and I feel...well, a little high from the smell of nutmeg and ginger and fennel and such (seriously, just walk in and inhale for a little bit)...but inspired. I feel inspired. You can find all sorts of no-brainer spice mixes at Penzeys--such as dip spice (add 2 tsp to sour cream for amazing chip dip...yay!) and pasta spices and ham rubs and such. You can also find unique things like celery salt and whole vanilla bean and cardamom (in many forms...dried seeds, pods, fresh, green...for all your Swedish cookie and glogg making needs!). They have open "sample" jars where you can smell everything--which is nice. Also, I like to play a game called hold-up-a-jar-and-ask-them-what-the-heck-I-would-do-with-that-spice with the people working there (who are, ALWAYS, super-helpful and nice even though they're probably just humoring me). Or I could just read the jars (all of which have suggestions for usage) or the catalog. But my game is more fun. It's like a pop quiz. read more

I have not bought any spices or seasonings at a grocery store, or anywhere, since Penzeys opened years ago. Once you taste everything from here, you won't either. Unbelievable cinnamon varieties, paprika, curry powders, and several herb blends. They make a couple of seasoning blends that are my absolute favorites: Fox Point is a salted herb seasoning blend that's delicious on everything from eggs, chicken, fish, and popcorn. They make a Chicago Steak Seasoning that will make your steaks extremely flavorful and mouth watering. I also love their Sunny Paris herb blend which is so nice on eggs and different frittatas, especially with asparagus and salmon. Delicious. Both Fox Point and Sunny Paris make excellent compound butters, too. Their China Cassia cinnamon is my favorite cinnamon from here. It's robust and deep. Amazing. Their Spanish Smoked Paprika is the best paprika I've ever used. Smoky, hot, and piquant. I make roasted Brussels sprouts with this paprika, and I always receive a ton of compliments on them. I absolutely won't cook with anything else but Penzey's. They have amazing recipes and great deals for online subscribers, too. Check it out the next time you're in Saint Paul. read more

If you are looking for a spice they have it or can get it no matter how obscure. When my Dad had to cut out salt this was place to get sodium free seasoning. Sign up for the magazine. You'll get a coupon for a free jar of spices with every issue. read more

Love walking in the door and taking a long, deep breath. Have tried all of the salad dressing mixes, wonderful. Hubby must have the frozen pizza mix on his pizza. Great vanilla choices. My go to place for gifts! read more

I absolutely LOVE Penzeys. I have visited Penzeys locations in Mpls and Lakeville as well as Chicago. I kind of have a crush on Penzeys. For one I do not like to shop. Most guys I know are the same way. When I go to the grocery store, I have my list and I am in and out as quick as possible. When it comes to shopping at Penzeys, this is not the case. Even if I am just going to pick up a couple of spices to replenish my collection or to pick up a free spice from one of their coupons that I received. I end up going row by row and looking at all the spices and recipe cards that are posted throughout the store. Penzeys spices are by far the freshest that I have ever found. They have all sorts of spices from all over the world. Several different types of chili powders and my personal favorite cinnamons. Their cinnamons are amazing. Do you like snickerdoodles, try making them with Vietnamese or Kornjite cinnamon. They also carry different blends like Arizona Dreaming, Northwoods Spice, Corned Beef, and Taco. They have all sorts of vanilla and even vanilla beans. You name it, they probably have it. I love to make Zhartar bread. I was very excited to see that they carry Zhartar seasoning which is a Lebanese spice. They have different options based on your needs. You may buy a small jar to sample or you may get a larger jar. If you in that crazy stage like me, you just buy the bag and refill your jars at home. If you go to Penzeys be sure to sign up for their catalog. You'll receive updates on new seasonings, recipes and occasional a coupon for a free spice. Now that's exciting! I always look forward to going to Penzeys. Funny but true story about my wife. When we first met she really didn't do a lot of cooking. Since we discovered Penzeys now she really is interested in cooking and trying different spices. If you enjoy cooking at all or even just like adding some flavor to your foods, check out Penzeys. read more

it just smells good in here. you know? like real good. Try not to sniff the red pepper jar too hard, or else you might sneeze all over the place. read more

I thought this was just a little St. Paul treasure and boy was I shocked to find out they are somewhat of a chain spice store. Growing up on the east coast in a small rural town I never saw an entire store dedicated to spices. My mom just purchased nothing but McCormicks in the red and white tins from the grocery store. The didn't even have Spice Hunter back then....Well what fun is it to find you good old standbys here but you can actually get some special blends depending on your personal flavor choices. They don't just have plain old Vanilla...they have several types of Vanilla and the prices are better than the grocery store and you can buy as little as you need. I actually purchased some lovely wooden bowls from my favorite TJ MAXX and went into Penzey's and purchased several different spices to put in there and made a cute little gift for my sisters for the holidays. One is a baker and one is more of a griller....These were very well received. read more

I was picking up a vital item for a friends recipe of gumbo. I was driving across the cities and running late. It would have been a tragedy to not have the ingredients needed for the gumbo so I asked the sales person if I could order it over the phone (pay via the phone) and have them leave it for me to pick up at the store next door that was open later. They were super accommodating and I couldn't appreciate it more! read more

Awesome spices, great spice mixes to use with meats..grilling or GREAT place for gifts IF the people grill or cook. They have gift sets ranging from 25 to 125... great for older couples...or housewarming, bridal...etc. Try Northwoods Seasoning on salmon...mmmm read more

I was on the hunt for ginger candies for a holiday gift. Needless to say I didn't want the boring stuff, I wanted the good kind. Through the help of an employee at Golden Fig, we found them at Penzeys. They were affordable, and let's just say I can't wait to hear what the gift recipient thinks of the candies :) read more

My family loves Penzeys. The spices are great, the blends are delicious, and their vanilla really adds a lot to a recipe. And the staff and this location are super friendly and helpful. read more

My parents and I have been using Penzey's spices for years (and years and years). Quality is phenomenal. You pay a premium for these spices, but they generally last you for months, they have every spice you could ever possibly need, and how can you not love walking into the store and inhaling all the goodness?? My only gripe is their hours-- They close every day by 5 or 5:30 and on Sundays they don't open until 11:00. I wish they were open just a little later at night so I can stop after work if need be! read more

Theirs is also a must giro when ever we get to the cities. They have a wide array of spices and I love the quality and quantity you can buy for a reasonable price. read more

This place is great! I'm actually a little ashamed it took me 4 years to get in here. They have such a wonderful selection of spices, anything you may need! The prices are not bad, not cheap by any means, but definitely reasonable. I'd recommend a stop in, even if it is just to browse and sniff! read more

Love this place! I live in Chicago but every time I visit my hometown of Minneapolis I check this place out. Right now I'm using three or so spices that I got there... smoked paprika, cardamom, and vietnamese cinnamon. They are all incredibly fragrant and fresh and I am continually amazed at how different they are then my other spices. The prices here are totally affordable too... in much cases cheaper than you'd pay at the grocery store for a lesser quantity of a lower quality products. It's a win-win situation. read more

This is a great place to go to find unique spices as well as your traditional ones. Since I have been introduced to this place it is where I have been purchasing all of my baking and cooking spices. Some of my favorites include: any of their cinnamons, garam masala, sweet curry powder, mural of flavor, mace, and their vegetable soup base. I have returned on many occasions to get these items. The store itself has a wide selection and the gift sets they have are fantastic! I would definitely recommend checking it out if you are an avid baker or cook. read more

We stop by every time we're in St. Paul. Great, fresh spices and herbs; our spice cabinet is filled with almost nothing but Penzeys spices. This particular location is a favorite because parking is usually easy to find, it does seem a bit bigger and roomier than the one in Minneapolis. read more

My kitchen is not complete without Penzey's spices, period. The service is always excellent and the spices have no competition.

I heart Penzeys. They have a wonderful selection and a variety to choose from ranging from California sweet basil to pumpkin pie spice. The quality is really great. They also have really great coupons that come out when you receive their catalog in the mail. read more

I was referred to this store by a friend and have loved it ever since. The staff is great, I was looking for a gift for a friend and they talked me through many options. I love coming into the store and seeing all of their options (too many good ones). I appreciate the suggestions on how to use the more creative spices. read more