Best Local Bakeries for Fresh Bread and Pastries in Seattle
Seattle has some amazing local bakeries where bread is baked daily, and pastries are sweet, fresh, and delicious on a rainy day. Most of these ones that I’ve selected are neighborhood bakeries, not in the heart of downtown, but nestled by some peaceful intersection. Take the trip over to check them out, and support some very worthy and talented baking specialists. You won’t be disappointed.
Le Fournil- This French bakery, located just south of the University bridge in the Eastlake District, has arguably the best croissants in the city. They are light, with a crispy outer layer. The plain ones are good enough for me, but there are delicious flavors of all kind: almond, chocolate, raspberry, and apricot, to name a few. The brioches are delicious, and the fresh baked bread surreal (and mostly gone by mid-morning.) They have a fantastic coffee and a pastry morning special, and delicious sandwiches for lunch. They also have a fabulous dessert counter, with fruit tarts, petit fours, and delectable cheesecakes. There is a parking garage, but you have to be in the far right lane to get into it, and is best maneuvered by a smaller automobile (I.e. don’t try and pull your huge truck in there, or you’re asking for stress.) (3230 Eastlake Ave, Seattle, WA, 98103; (206) 328-6523.)
Essential Baking Co. This bakery cafÃ?©, located right off of Seattle’s lovely Gasworks Park, is a favorite post exercise indulgence for joggers. The pastries do have a wholesome feel to them. They are organic, and many are made with whole grain. Which is not to say that they aren’t delicious, because they are, and less sugary than some other breakfast staples. The bread is fresh and crusty, and the fruit muffins and scones are tasty. And the coffee is strong, and a perfect way to get your day started. (1604 N. 34th St., Seattle, WA, 98103; (206) 545-0444.)
The Grateful Bread Co. This bakery has not gotten enough attention in the past, and I have to say that it might be because of the name. Quite frankly, I had a hard time dealing with it, and put off going there for a pretty long time. But put that aside, and go into this chill Wedgewood neighborhood caf�©. It has wonderful fresh breads of all kinds, a friendly staff, and a healthy selection for your carbohydrate needs. (7001 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98115; (206) 525-3166.)
The Urban Bakery- This is my favorite bakery in the city. Locally owned, and perfectly located off of Greenlake, it is really a treasure. The muffins are fabulous, and so are the scones (the bagels can be avoided; you can get better ones elsewhere.) One of its specialties are baby fruit tarts of all flavors. They are incredible- I recommend a strawberry peach one if they have it. The crust and the filling are amazing, although I shudder to think of the calories. (7850 E. Greenlake Ave. N., Seattle, WA, 98103; (206) 524-7951.)
