Cold weather calls for a warm croissant or ooey-gooey cookie, and these 10 Atlanta bakeries deliver big on flavor.
The Buttery ATL is new to the scene, but pastry chef Jen Yee is not. The Buttery ATL is Linton and Gina Hopkins’ brainchild, offering grab-and-go, charcuterie, larder provisions and more, but the stars of the show might be Yee’s pastries. Mallow Crunch Brownies, Benton’s Ham Biscuits and the famous Jen Yee’s Dream Cookies are all available, as is a rotating fancy croissant flavor every Friday. Recent ones have included Banoffee and Mocha.
Saint Germain French Cafe & Bakery has taken the city by storm since opening their first location at PCM in 2016. The bakery has since expanded into three other locations, bringing all of Atlanta delicious Parisian delicacies. In addition to incredible tarts, mousses and macarons, this ATL-favorite boasts delicious specialty coffees and wines.
Proof Bakeshop churns out all sorts of yummy bites, but the daily bread offerings—think sesame sourdough, baguettes and more—are top notch. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, choices range from buckwheat chocolate chip muffins to sweet scones and peanut butter cookies. Don’t forget you can pick up select pastries of the French variety at sister restaurant Bread & Butterfly.
Henri’s, beloved by generations of Atlantans since 1929—yes, it’s almost 100 years old!—is the quintessential place for a sandwich or a sweet treat. Its thumbprint cookies and petits fours have been gracing baby showers and holiday tables since before you were born, and that’s a good thing.
Star Provisions has been an Atlanta institution for many years, in part thanks to its bakery items which have a cult-like following. Whether you choose a beautiful fennel sultana loaf or pastries such as ham and cheese croissants and kouign amann, you’re in for a treat. While you are there, up assorted accoutrements, including many from Atlanta-based companies.
Evergreen Butcher and Baker is Kirkwood’s neighborhood butcher shop and bakery, and if the lines out front every weekend are any indication, it’s here to stay. Choose from a complex bread menu offering items such as Vollkornbrot (a wholegrain rye loaf, which Evergreen recommends you slice thin and toast) and Mini Spiced Rye, perfect for pairing with cheeses. While you’re there, pick up some pastries and meat to go with.
The Little Tart Bakeshop has been a staple in every neighborhood with an outpost; Inman Park, Grant Park and Summerhill all have busy locations. While the pastries are out of this world, don’t sleep on its other offerings, such as the sourdough loaves (weekends only), and the Egg Sammie. Made from a pillowy soft English muffin, it’s the real deal.
Doughnut Dollies' original location in Marietta, plus a newer one on Howell Mill Road, keeps Atlanta stockpiled with delectable, innovative doughnuts. Choose from flavors such are creme brulee, clementine, cinnamon toast and more. Flavors rotate seasonally so there’s always something new to try.
Root Baking Company is tucked away on Ponce City Market’s second floor—which is a little like putting baby in a corner. The bakery carries bread, cookies, muffins and more for those looking to carb load. Be sure to also check out its sister venture, Pizza Jean’s, for expertly made slices and pies. Can’t make it to Old Fourth Ward? Pick up fresh bread at Whole Foods Midtown and West Paces Ferry.
Alon’s Bakery & Market has been satisfying Atlanta’s sweet needs—and beyond—since 1992. With the original Morningside location, one in Dunwoody and a forthcoming one at Phipps Plaza, there’s a location to suit your needs. Stock up on crowd favorites like cinnamon twists and boules of bread, perfect complements to the market offerings.
Rhodes' Bakery is another beloved and generations-old bakery situated on Cheshire Bridge Road. Started by Magdaline Rhodes in 1929 to alievate the economic pain of the Great Depression, the Rhodes Bakery is still family run and operated and they still use Mrs. Rhodes' original recipes. The cakes here are unmatched as well as the seasonal petit fours—the perfect thing to grab on your way to an Easter celebration.
Photography by: courtesy of Lucy's Market
