Out of all those goals I set for myself for 2017…. My goal of visiting 52 REAL bakeries this year is going to be my favorite. I just know it. 😉
Mrs. HB and I fell in love with Susanne’s Bakery on one of our walks around the harbor this past fall and now I just can’t get enough of the place. In November I bought the HH a slice of their coconut cream cake and he thought it tasted soooo good, he asked me to order an ENTIRE coconut cream cake to bring to my parents Christmas party. This, coming from a guy who will pretty much eat anything you put in front of him but will hardly make a comment about it. So ya. They make good stuff.
It’s not a huge bakery/cafe. But every time Mrs. HB and I have been there for coffee and tea it’s been bustling with customers. On a typical day they have 4-5 different fresh baked pastries/sweets to choose from {along with the usual stuff like cinnamon rolls, fresh baked bread and croissants}.
They also serve soup, salad and sandwiches for the lunch crowd and their quiches are incredibly popular as well. When the HH was there picking up our coconut cake on Christmas Eve he said the guy in front of him was picking up 3 quiches. I’m telling ya, it’s a hopping place for old fashioned, made from scratch goodness. Susanne’s Bakery has been open since 1997 and I hope they’re around for another 20 years.
So… what did I buy for my first bakery treat of 2017?
An incredibly delicious handmade chocolate filled croissant for $3.20. And it was worth every penny. So what are you waiting for? Join me and get out there and SAVE the REAL BAKERIES…. support a local mom and pop business. Be cool. Eat yummy food.
~Mavis
P.S. If you’ve got a favorite bakery ANYWHERE in the United States you think I should visit…. let me know in the comment section below. Word on the street is this is a travelling year. 😉
Susanne’s Bakery & Deli
Tuesday – Sunday
7:00 am – 5:00 pm
3411 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Nancy says
Community Bakery in Little Rock, AR would be a fabulous bakery for you to visit.
Lauralli says
Exactly what I was going to say! 🙂 And, Mavis, if you come to AR, let me know and I’ll be your tour guide!
Lisa says
Trefzgers Bakery in Peoria, IL has been around for a looong time (my grandma worked there as a teen pre-WW2). Anyhoo…I still go there when I’m home…their thumbprint cookies are the bomb!
Cathy says
Black diamond bakery in Black Diamond Washington
The bread is to die for and baked in wood oven
Bettina says
Jennie Bird in Westminster, MD. This is close to Baltimore, so you’d also have the many quirky places around Baltimore to try out. (Cafe Hon, Two Boots, Baughers Bakery & Cafe, Trolley Stop, the bakery next to the Trolley Stop, Bean Hollow in Old Ellicott City just as soon as they reopen from the flooding last year, French Twist… It’s a pretty big list)
DebbieB says
Bean Hollow is one if my favorites too, hope they reopen soon. Also Birdie’s Cafe in Westminster has an amazing coffee cake muffin, Java Mama’s in Reisterstown and Atwater’s Bakery in Catonsville are a few of my favorite spots in MD. Love those crepes from French Twist. In downtown Baltimore Trinacria Cafe has some fabulous cannoli!
Bettina says
Debbie, have you tried The Cup on Main Street in Westminster? It’s on the corner, across from the library. Great spot for a pot of tea and lunch!
DebbieB says
I haven’t but I will. Always looking for new places for lunch. Thanks Bettina!
Monica says
Arley Bakery in San Diego (Clairemont neighborhood). Not that you need any more reason to visit sunny San Diego but this bakery is all that is French and scrumptious!
Jennifer says
If you come visit me, I’ll bake you something and charge you only a dollar…
Mavis Butterfield says
I would totally pay $5 for one of your baked goods. 😉
Taryn says
The bread farm in Bow, WA(close to Mt. Vernon). Then head down the street and have the most amazing cheese at the creamery. YUM!!
Kim says
I was going to suggest Breadfarm too!!! http://www.breadfarm.com It’s LEGIT! If you haven’t been to Bow-Edison it’s so worth the drive up north! Beautiful scenery (it’s at the south end of the Chuckanut Drive) and has several awesome eateries and local foods. I’d probably have to say it’s my favorite bakery in Washington! We’re headed to Gig Harbor (from Bellingham) to visit family soon….we may need to make a stop at Susanne’s! We went there a couple years ago!
Susan Richmond Way says
I am fortunate to live in Gig Harbor, and Suzanne’s a favorite stopping place. They occasionally make a dried apricot/white chocolate scone that is amazing.
Two years ago, our wedding cake was the fresh strawberry cake with whipped cream icing. It’s my favorite indulgence….. simply incredible.
Mavis Butterfield says
We haven’t tried that yet but it looks amazing!!
Carrie says
The strawberry cake is a favorite! We used to drive down from the high school and eat lunch there.
Shannon says
Sweet Life Patisserie and Metropol Bakery in Eugene, Oregon. The Girl might enjoy a trip down to Eugene . . . TrackTown USA and the running capitol of the world.
P.S. if you visit Metropol try the September Seventh Cake or the Chocolate Walnut Cookie or just a seeded baguette with butter. At Sweet Life, everything is good.
Kalli says
Cottage Bakery in Long Beach, WA. It’s been there forever and has the BEST everything, but my personal favorite is their cream cheese croissant.
Heather Andersen says
Yes!!! We go to Long Beach 2-3 times a year and look forward to our bakery fix!! The breads they make are simply amazing ~ jalapeño cheese bread is our favorite! And my sweet treat go-to is the tiger paw!!
Maggie P. says
If you come to the Milwaukee, WI area, Rocket Baby Bakery is AWESOME! I have never had anything but exceptional pastries and breads! Their main bakery is in Wauwatosa, a suburb of Milwaukee, and they have a satellite location in Bay View, about 10 minutes from the airport!
Becky says
Thanks. I’m in milwaukee but never heard of this one.
Heather Andersen says
Cottage Bakery in Long Beach, WA! They make everything from scratch and it’s simply amazing. I l
Liz says
Sisters bakery in Sisters, Oregon or for a healthier option, there is Angeline’s. And the Sisters Coffee Company makes some delicious goodies. A visit to Sisters, Oregon is always fun.
And I would love to join you.
Emily says
We love Les Madeleines in Salt Lake City. It’s a little cafe in the downtown area, we plan on heading there for Valentine’s Day.
Lindsey says
Totally trying that one! We usually go to Gourmandie’s, but it is always so crowded we can never sit down.
Helen in Meridian says
Wow, I want to join you. It is National Go On a Diet week, and Oprah is on Dr. Oz as I type. She is talking about not eating the stress, and how to gain control of your food life. So I am absorbing some of that while LUSTING OVER THE CHOICES OF MY FELLOW MAVIS=ITES.
Shelle says
It’s all about balance, right? : )
Emily says
FINALLY! A New Year’s resolution I can get behind. Onward to pastries!
If you’re ever in good ol’ Minnesota, there are two I recommend. Cafe Latte has an amazing Tres Leches cake. If you want the basic donut and a wondrous thing called a tea cake, then you have to go to The Baker’s Wife.
Happy eating!
Lea says
I’ll second the Café Latte and Tre Leches cake! YUM!
Lea
Ellen in Clackamas says
I LOVE the Back Diamond Bakery. My Dad used to live in Covington and whenever I would visit that is where we went for lunch–and pasteries! I lost him 7 years ago so haven’t been in a while (and it is kind of a trek from Portland!) but my sister and I are planning a day trip in the spring as a rememberance of him.
chelsea says
Crema Coffee & Bakery in Portland, OR is delicious. Sooo many treats to choose from.
Jessica says
If you travel to the Portland area, there are some great bakeries in the surrounding areas! I don’t venture into the city of Portland much but I’m sure it offers many great bakeries too!
In Battle Ground, WA there is a great old fashioned small town bakery. Battle Ground Bakery is like 5 miles down State Route 502 right off I-5 exit 11 (quick stop on the way to Portland). It is right next to a great Goodwill too!
Chuck’s Produce has two locations in Vancouver, WA (also on the way to Portland). They are a super fun specialty food store (yet much cheaper than Trader Joes or Whole Foods) that has a fantastic bakery (and a great deli). They also have great deals on produce. The prune cake is AWESOME! It’s their signature cake (I don’t like prunes but this cake is sooooo good).
Dave’s Killer Bread has a bakery outlet in Milwaukie, OR and the Bob’s Red Mill outlet is right next door (Milwaukie, OR is just outside of Portland). The Bob’s Red Mill outlet also has a Bob’s Red Mill restaurant that looks super fun too. Both outlets have some fun deals (I’ve never been to the restaurant, but it’s always busy)!
Carita says
Hoffman’s in Redmond, WA. Formerly in Kirkland, WA. Best bakery ever!
mimly in vermont says
I can’t remember if you when to King Arthur Flour when you were in Vermont, but if not, it is a must visit. Not only is there the bakery with fabulous freshly baked incredibles, but there is the store. And there are classes. It’s amazing.
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/visit/
Mavis Butterfield says
The Girl and I have been there and it is DELICIOUS!!!!
Lissa says
Janjou Patisserie in Boise is incredible. Croissants and quiche are to die for. Fabulous espresso and cookies too. Owners are amazing people.
Julie says
The Knead and Feed in Coupeville (Whidbey Island) is my favorite place here. Their cinnamon rolls are huge and delicious. Everything is delicious though.
erin in IA says
If you road trip through Iowa not far from I-80 is a town called Kalona (close to Iowa City). Outside of town is a bakery called Golden Delight. It’s run by all Amish women who make the best of everything! Cheddar bacon bread is pretty good and any of their rolls. They aren’t open in Jan and Feb. but I assure you it’s worth a little detour from the interstate. Plus there’s a cheese factory that makes fresh cheese curds.
Lea says
Used to live in that area and totally forgot about Golden Delight! Heading down for a visit in a few weeks and will definitely need to stop! Thanks for the reminder. And the rolls….definitely the rolls.
Lea
erin in iowa says
Well you’ll be disappointed as they’re closed in January and February. You can always go to the Amana colonies and call Hahn bakery for an order pick up (she only does call ahead orders). She’s amazing as well!
Vicki says
Red Truck Rural Bakery in Marshall, Virginia – Worth the drive and AWESOME!!!
http://www.redtruckbakery.com/
Crystal says
L’artisan French bakery in Everett, WA is AMAZING! We have enjoyed them since they opened…about 11 or so years ago.
My favorite is the fruit or lemon tart. Or the napoleon’s . Or the chocolate mocha cake..so many different types of layers!
Brooke says
The Beaverton Bakery in Oregon is amazing and the owner was recognized by President Obama for hiring newly released prisoners and people using drug court. I was down there in November and bought some treats to bring home to my husband and they were all so good. The Italian place across the street has amazing baked pasta.
Sarah says
Love Beaverton Bakery. Banana cake has been my birthday favorite for around 20 years. Yum!!
Diane says
Bread and Ocean bakery on Laneda Ave. in Manzanita, Oregon (also my favorite little beach town in the known universe). Organic multigrain & sourdough breads, chocolate-cherry bread on special days, cinnamon & cardamom buns, and great sandwiches/salads. Always crowded but always worth the wait.
Morgan says
Bakers & Co in Annapolis, MD! Amazing baked goods made on the premises and delicious coffee too! Locally owned by a lovely family. Located in a really cool, walkable neighborhood – easy stroll to downtown historic Annapolis.
Kristy says
The town I grew up in, Idaho Falls, ID has an awesome bakery called Carsten’s. My grandmother always ordered cakes there and took us out for special treats. I loved it. I no longer live anywhere near “home”, and I recently found out they actually will ship their rings (almond danish ring, apple ring with struesel, and raspberry danish ring). That is the only thing they ship, but I plan on ordering some soon.
SAK says
In Alexandria, VA- Alexandria Pastry Shop – they did our wedding cake (and other stuff) – chocolate cake with raspberry filling – it is the best. All the cakes are great!!!
http://alexandriapastry.com
Shareabitoflove says
If you’re:
In Olympia: San Francisco Street Bakery
In Cle Elum: The Cle Elum Bakery
In Ellensburg: Vinman’s Bakery
In Yakima: Essencia Artisan Bakery
Paula says
McFarlan Bakery Hendersonville, North Carolina. It’s an old fashion bakery. We love this place. They have a large selection of items: breads, cakes, pies, cookies, danish, etc.
Laura says
Woo hoo! Never heard of this, but live nearish. Can’t wait to try this!
Judy A says
Deerfield’s ion Deerfield, IL, a suburb of Chicago. They make some of the most amazing pastries and cakes anywhere. They have been around for 50+ years. My wedding cake was a Queen Anne torte cake made with yellow cake, fresh strawberries, fresh bananas, whipped cream, and ladyfingers. My mouth still waters every time I think about the cake and have tried to replicate it many times. You won’t regret going there.
Michele says
Suzette’s Creperie in Wheaton, IL. The most amazing croissants (you’re post made me want to jump in the car to get one). They are a French bistro with homemade bread and pastries. If you visit the Chicago burbs come in the summer and visit the Creperie on Saturday during the Wheaton Farmers Market.
Megan says
The Village Baker, Spring Lake, Michigan!!
They have a sister Bakery in Grand Haven, MI. Both are great vacation spots!!
FarmGirl says
The Village Bake Shoppe in Lewiston, NY – My family was vacationing in Niagra Falls and we went to Lewiston. We found the Village Bake Shoppe and fell in love. I have ordered from them for baby showers, birthdays, and sometimes for no special reason. They ship anywhere which is nice b/c I live in Kansas. It is a special thing my sister and I share and when we send each other gifts from there it is always a wonderful memory and surprise. Everything is delicious.
BTW I love this goal!!! It’s fun and helpful to small businesses! I think it might help others find nice bakeries in their areas. I have to go to Little Rock for work a couple of times a year and now I am going to try the bakery the first poster suggested.
Erin K says
This is such a fun idea for a new years goal! I’d like to give a shout out to Monica’s Waterfront Bakery and Cafe in Silverdale, WA. Really good pastries, cookies and sandwiches. It’s a favorite date spot for the husband and me.
Jennifer says
Underbrinks is a wonderful family bakery in Quincy IL producing deliciousness since 1929. They are famous for their iced angel food cupcakes. Anything you select is made in house and they serve seasonal lunch items till their gone. A wonderful institution in a beautiful river town.
Tessa Rollins says
If you are ever in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire come to Moultonborough and check out Cup and Crumb, our local coffee shop and bakery. It is super awesome and the staff are fantastic. Get there early, the yummies sell out quick!
Colleen says
make it a full day and hit the Tilton diner om nomnom
Shelia King says
Wrote it in another post but repeating it here…..Sweet Themes Bakery in Kent WA!
Gloria says
Deweys in Winston-Salem, NC is known for their pink lemonade cake and Moravian goodies like thin cookies and cheese straws. Ollies in Winston has terrific scones and croissants. Heckled Bakery and Deli in Perryville, Mo has amazing doughnuts and opens at 3 am when they are fresh!
Gloria says
Spell check! It’s Hoeckles in Perryville.
Lisa MTB says
Rolling Pin Bake shop in Fitchburg, WI (Madison area). Their specialty cakes are the BEST (raspberry fudge is a favorite in our household), but they also have cupcakes, cookies, European breads, pastries, and other goodies. They have a great breakfast and lunch menu also.
Kristina says
This is a great and important task you’ve set yourself. If you’re ever in the Santa Cruz, CA area, stop by Gayle’s in nearby Capitola. Everything there is great, but I especially love their chocolate mousse cake and their awesome bear claws. Take it to go and walk down to the beach.
Colleen says
Jacques Fine Pastries in Suncook, NH is amazinggggggggg.
a lovely french patisserie in a wee village in new england.
Mary says
I’ve seen a few Illinois suggestions, but here’s MY favorite: Dough’s Guys in Palos Heights, IL. Actually a relatively new bakery – just a few years old – run by some great people!
Patrice says
My wedding cake, 37 years ago, came from Borracchini’s Bakery, 2307 Rainier Avenue So, Seattle.
It’s also a marvelous Italian Deli. It’s still there. Check it out!
Becka says
If you make it to North Carolina you need to go to the Flat Rock Village Bakery. They have a wood fired oven and bake delicious breads, pastries, and pizza. Out favorites are their Cranberry Apricot scones. The Brick Street Cafe in Greenville SC is well known for their delicious cakes. It’s hard to choose a favorite there.
Jeni says
My mother in law owns an organic bakery in Longview Wa. She makes the BEST sticky buns in the world! It’s a very small bakery but EVERYTHING is sooooo good! Totally worth a trip!!
Jenny Young says
Briar Rose Bakery in Farmington, AR. https://www.facebook.com/BriarRoseBakery/
Not sure why their FB page is not up to date…..I guess they’re just too busy baking goodies. This is a bit of a drive for me but I go there as often as I can. We held our son’s wedding rehearsal dinner there as well. Their cheesecake & I could inhale every cake they make.
TIffany Kerns says
Cafe Lugano is a small cafe that serves THE BEST SCONES i have ever eaten. They are located in Tigard OR, a southern suburb of Portland, OR. IF you come this way, you must try these. She bakes hundreds each day and sends them into other cafes in the city.
Carol says
https://www.marilynsbakery.com/about
Mavis, if you happen to be near Hobart, Indiana, stop in at Marilyn’s Bakery. I have been going there for many years and they continue to amaze me. My own HH is absolutely their best PR agent!
May the best of 2017 see you healthy and happy!
Sara says
Le Petit Chat Bakery has become on of my favorites in the Spokane area! Or Rockwood Bakery- you can take in the Gardens at Manito Park too at the same time! 😀
Enjoy this goal!! I am doing a no spend month for my goal, or I would be very tempted to join you!! 😀
Wendy says
Pine Street Bakery in Sandpoint, Idaho. 🙂
Mandy says
La Mie in Des Moines, Iowa. Delish and Iowa is pretty awesome.
MArgery says
The best place ever for a great lunch and even better dessert is the Main street Grill and Bakery in the little town of Afton NY, we don’t have a single stop light but the best food around. Best lunch I think is the house salad with the house dressing. And for dessert it’s so hard, but I like the peanut butter bomb.
http://www.mainstreetgrillandbakery.com/about.htm
If you get to Niagara Falls , NY I highly recommend getting the best bread ever at https://www.dicamillobakery.com/ and a stop next door to Latina’s for cheese and other goodies.
I also recommend a side trip to the Broadway Market in Buffalo NY before Easter is the best time for the full experience but anytime of the year it is worth a visit.
http://broadwaymarket.org/
Beth says
Janjou Patisserie ( http://www.janjou.com) in Boise Idaho is definitely worth a visit and Les Madeleines (www. lesmadeleines.com) is a “do not miss”. The kouing aman at Les Madeleines is amazing- simply perfect actually. My mother in law who has lived in many countries and locations and is herself a fabulous baker and chef was absolutely amazed by the kouing aman as was my husband who previously owned a bakery himself. Janjou in Boise is a bakery I have only recently gone to and the lemon meringue tart is divine. While in Boise you should also visit Guru Doughnuts although I’m not sure if you are counting doughnut bakeries in your quest.
Beth says
Oh and I forgot to say Les Madeleines (www.lesmadeleines.com) is in Salt Lake City Utah!
Erin says
Goodales Bakery in Grayling Michigan is awesome!
Emily says
Wealthy street bakery in Grand Rapids, MI is my favorite. They have wonderful bread and pastries as we as excellent scones. You will love it! It was one of our favorite treats when we lived in the area. Not to mention Grand Rapids was voted a lonely planet top destination a few years back. Check out Meijer Gardens while you’re in town.
Libby says
Along the Connecticut shoreline:
Four and Twenty Blackbirds (Guilford) http://www.420blackbirds.com/
G Cafe (Branford & New Haven) http://www.gcafebakery.com/
Beach Donut Shop (Clinton) http://www.beachdonutshop.com/
Dagmar’s Desserts (Old Saybrook) http://www.dagmarsdesserts.com/
Cohen’s Bagels (Madison) http://cohensbagelcompany.com/
And in Italian North End Boston – Mike’s Pastry – the marizpan! the cannolis! http://www.mikespastry.com/
Hmmmm….do you think we might have a dessert fetish in this area?!
Sandy Frankel says
Brown Bear bakery Orcas Island Eastsound.
AMAZING!!
Mika says
If you want to visit a town at the backend of never (LOL!), Linzy B’s Bakery in Seymour, IN makes AMAZING croissants that are glazed with this amazing glaze. Closed on Sundays and Mondays, but it’s seriously SO SO SO good! Also in IN, one of the top 10 donut shops in the US is Long’s Donuts (located in Indianapolis I think? Or close to it).
Allyson says
This is probably way off your beaten path, but I thought I’d mention it because it is one of our favorites locally (and I know you love the east coast).
Stick Boy Bread Company in Boone, NC is one of our favorites. Its a regular stop for us for Saturday morning breakfasts, weekly bread (when I don’t bake it at home), and they even made our wedding cake over 10 years ago. They are small, but their scones and sticky buns are amazing! They also do some really nice seasonal items, and have a nice coffee and tea bar too.
We also love Local Lion here in Boone, NC that does scratch made doughnuts. They are awesome, and try to make some really unique flavors. Their doughnuts are certainly a treat, and something we occasionally pick up for a date afternoon.
Let us know if you decide to visit and we can recommend some great places to stay and other unique shops to check out!
Brianna says
I have two bakery recommendations, and they’re right next door to each other!
The Village Tea and Eatery is a great sit down place for afternoon tea, but you can also just order pastries, and they have great scones! Located at Country Village Shops in Bothell, WA, which is full of cute little mom and pop shops.
There’s also a second bakery at this location that I’d also recommend, called Doll House Baked Goods. It’s a small bakery run by a family with the last name Doll. They have fresh baked breads and assorted homemade sweet treats – always worth a visit!
Elizabeth says
I have a bakery recommendation for you. Sucrose Bakery in St. Charles, Missouri has been a favorite of mine for years! The husband and wife team started selling baked goods at Farmer’s Markets and now have a brick and mortar store. I know the owners quite well, as we used to sell at the same Farmer’s Market, and they are just as sweet as their pastries!
Check them out if you’re near St. Louis! http://www.sucrosebakerystl.com/
Carolina says
For when you come east: Harvey’s Bakery on Central Avenue, Dover, New Hampshire. It is on the coast, so maybe not too far from your east coast house? They have been in business for over 84 years, About 40 years ago, they opened a coffee shop/cafe right next to it. Google them and see the yummy-ness in living color!
Sara says
Katya’s Bakery in Everett, WA
Piroshky and Crepes in Everett, WA
Snohomish Pie Company in Snohomish and Mountlake Terrace, WA
Stone House Bakery in Seattle (it’s south Seattle, almost Renton)