The Best Bakery In Every State

Baked goods come a dime a dozen, whether you're searching for a sugar fix in the grocery store cookie aisle or selecting a parbaked item from a grocery store bakery to curb the craving. And while these options work in a pinch, there's nothing better than a truly baked-from-scratch pastry, a slice of cake, or loaf of bread.

Luckily, there are talented bakers all over the United States putting their skills to work. And the resulting baked goods in every form, from culturally inspired recipes and down-home cooking to crazy, colorful treats. And the wealth of sweet talent is spread across the country.

Each state is home to a multitude of bakeries, but there are a few that stand out, offering the flakiest pastries, the most beautiful breads, or even the most innovative concoctions. By scouring reviews, looking through awards, and, of course, a bit of eating of our own, we've put together a guide showcasing the best bakery in every state. We hope your sweet tooth is ready.

JoZettie's Cupcakes is a bakery nestled in Montgomery that boasts freshly baked, from-scratch cupcakes. You can find plenty of reviews of these cupcakes. Many mention that they're incredibly delicious and moist, and they're made just as a perfect cupcake should be. The flavor options are abundant, with everything from Almond Crème and Banana Pudding to Pecan Pie. And while each of those flavors has been well-reviewed, the sweet potato cupcake just might take the cake. As one Yelp reviewer said, "Loved the choices, all are amazing! But the sweet potato cupcake is heaven."

Located in Anchorage, Great Harvest Bread Company claims that it makes bread "the way it ought to be." And people sure seem to like the methodology. The bread here really is out of this world, and it sure seems like people in the area have caught on. You'll find plenty of reviews stating that this bakery has the best bread ever. But bread isn't the only thing at this bakery. Other menu items include muffins, scones, cookies, and ridiculously delicious cinnamon rolls.

It might be surprising that this bakery is tucked away in a strip mall in Tempe, but don't knock it until you've tried it. The business started out with sales at a farmers' market, but as people took note, it continued to expand. Now, everything from lemon croissants to mini shepherd's hand pies is on the menu. And while the menu is vast, there's one item that Squarz is known for — the caramelized croissant. Also known as kouign amann, one reviewer even said that this flaky pastry was worth readjusting their entire life for.

Rick's Bakery has been baking in Fayetteville since 1980, and given the expansive menu, it's pretty difficult to visit this shop without walking away with a bag full of treats. The menu boasts everything from yeast and cake donuts, sweet and savory croissants, and muffins to even pies and cream puffs, truly making it a one-stop shop for sweet lovers. And that huge selection is what makes Rick's special. "Holy overwhelming with deliciousness!" said one reviewer. "This place is huge and has anything your sweet tooth desires."

While plenty of bakeries offer cookies, the fact that Milk Jar Cookies continues to continuously offer freshly baked cookies in small batches is what puts them at the top of the list for many. A visit here has been noted as one of the best things to do in Los Angeles thanks to the warm and welcoming store and the super-soft, decadent cookies. And with so many flavors, including banana split, rocky road, and salted butterscotch, the options are fun, with many fans saying they're the best cookies they've ever had.

Wimberger's has been serving up German breads and pastries since 1970, utilizing recipes that have been passed down for generations, and publications have included it on lists of must-explore international bakeries in Colorado. Based on its German authenticity, with items such as soft pretzels and Kaiser rolls, it rightfully deserves the attention. One visitor notes that it's the stop for the bread just like they've enjoyed in Germany, while another says this bakery reminds them of their Oma's village bakery in Germany.

If you want the best donuts, you go to Neil's Donuts. Established in 2001, this Wallingford donut shop and bakery has been serving up donut flavors like French toast, key lime, and apple crumb for years. Or it might be their raspberry jelly donut that put Neil's on the map, after Saveur named it one of America's 50 best donuts. But even with national recognition, the reviews of this place speak for themselves, with plenty of raving comments they're the best donuts ever.

Bing's Bakery has been serving up sweet treats in Delaware since 1871, making it the longest-running bakery in Delaware. And with that long of a history comes an expansive menu of sweet treats that you're sure to adore. But what Bing's is most known for is its attention to detail with custom cakes. Satisfied customers go to Bing's for delicious and beautiful custom sweets that just happen to come in a huge variety of flavors.

While this Miami hot spot bakery offers a full brunch menu, it's B Bistro+ Bakery's pastries under the same roof that it's known for. But these aren't your average muffins and croissants. Offering up options such as the charcoal croissant or strawberry and goat cheese croissant, this is the place to stop for innovative pastries. And while the croissants are unique, it's the cruffin that everyone raves about. A cross between a croissant and a muffin and filled with cream, top food blogs have revered it as "every child's (and adult's ...) dream."

Back in the Day Bakery has been running in the heart of Savannah, Georgia, since it first opened in 2002. With a plethora of breakfast sandwiches, homemade jams, and Southern pastries for sale, stop by to elevate any meal or snack. Owners Cheryl Day and Griffith Beck re-opened after the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown and now sell their baked goods through Gold Belly as well as at their store. This popular bakery is also one of the top 20 restaurants in Savannah on TripAdvisor, thanks to the quaint vibe and delicious selection of pies, cookies, and nostalgic treats. 

This Honolulu bakery opened in 1950, so it's certainly been around the block a time or two. And while the extensive menu boasts a variety of treats such as danishes and scones, Liliha Bakery is known for its famous Coco Puffs and Poi Donuts. The Coco Puff pairs a chocolate custard filling with Chantilly frosting, and fans have said it's nothing short of divine. The Poi Donut is also a revered treat here, with mochi balls in every bite of this bright purple sweet.

Located in Boise, Janjou Patisserie has been serving up cakes and pastries since 2013. Bakery owner Moshit Mizrachi-Gabbitas, originally from Israel, brings her passion for quality baked goods made with fresh ingredients in her offerings, including beautiful tarts, pavlova, and brioche, along with unique flavors of cookies and crackers. But the desserts at Janjou aren't just delicious — many reviewers love how beautiful the treats are too, making this a standout for any visitor to Idaho.

Lost Larson serves up options such as chocolate spelt cookies, cardamom buns, and fresh-baked bread with in-house ground grains. With Bobby Schaffer, former pastry chef for destinations such as Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Grace in Chicago, at its helm, the bakery has been noted as one of the 10 best artisanal bakeries in North America. And while the menu is vast, it's the chocolate hazelnut croissant that takes the cake, with one review saying it was "everything I could have dreamed of and more."

Amelia's Bread has made a name for itself in downtown Indianapolis. Serving up a wide array of treats and sandwiches, this Indiana gem is a must-visit at any time of day. But it's the freshly baked bread here that really has everyone talking, with a number of visitors saying that Amelia's is baking up the best bread in all of Indianapolis. Grab a brownie while you're at it, with a tad of sea salt sprinkled on top.

Jaarsma Bakery has been providing a taste of Holland in Pella since 1898. If it's been around for this long, then you know it has to be good. The selection here is huge, with everything from apple bread and almond butter cake to cookies on the menu. But what Jaarsma is known for is its Dutch Letters. These pastries are made of puff pastry with almond paste inside, shaped in the letter "S." One reviewer said this is the pastry that you must try before you die, while another agreed nothing beats Jaarsma and those tasty Dutch Letters.

All of the hearth breads at this Lawrence bakery have been baked in a wood-fired Spanish oven, and it's been that way since 1995. The bread served at WheatFields includes Country French, Kalamata olive, and pecan raisin. And that specialty bread baking process earned this bakery a mention in Maggie Glezer's book, "Artisan Baking Across America." But it's not just about press for this bakery — the customers agree as well. One fan says that after traveling all over the U.S., the Kalamata olive and sourdough breads are the best they've ever had.

Known for freshly stocking their selections of treats each day, Bluegrass Baking Company has been named one of the best bakeries in the South. Sweet options range from cookies and pies to beautiful fruit tarts and croissants, but it's the freshly baked bread that puts this spot on the map. The baking process offers a chewy and crispy crust with perfect crumb inside, and fans have boasted that it's definitely the best bread in town — and maybe even the whole country.

Chef Kelly Fields opened the Willa Jean bakery in New Orleans in 2015 with an incredible brunch menu paired with a booming selection in the pastry case. Since then, she has received two recognitions as a semifinalist for the James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef award, finally taking the crown in 2019. There is an extensive pastry menu filled with sweet treats. But even with such an expansive pastry offering, it's the good old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies and cornbread that put Fields and Willa Jean on the map.

This Portland bakery has been serving up an array of breads, along with scones, brownies, and cookies since 1995. And while all of those selections are scrumptious, it's the croissants at Standard Baking Co. that have been nationally recognized, earning a spot on the list of top croissants in America. Perhaps that's the recipe that earned co-owner Alison Pray a finalist spot in the James Beard Awards Outstanding Baker category. When in Maine, go try the croissants, but stay for the highly regarded frangipane treats.

There aren't many bakeries out there that are both gluten-free and vegan. But this Baltimore gem is one of them. Utilizing fresh, organic ingredients, Harmony Bakery serves up cakes, cupcakes, and pies, all of which are soy, gluten, and dairy-free, and they're totally vegan. And while some may hesitate with vegan or gluten-free baked goods when they're used to something more old-fashioned, Harmony has received rave reviews, saying their cakes are amazing, "not even for a vegan cake ... for any cake!"

Sofra Bakery has been whipping up treats in Cambridge since 2008. Since then, owner and pastry chef Maura Kilpatrick has received numerous nominations and awards. The menu here is exceptional, with the exceptional croissants along with the Date Turmeric Roll, filled with dates and cinnamon, doused in cream cheese icing. And with offerings like that, it's no wonder fans have said it's the best pastry they've ever had.

If you're in Detroit and pie is your thing, Sister Pie is the place to be. The business launched in 2012, and James Beard Nominee for Outstanding Baker, Lisa Ludwinski has been trying new and creative pie recipes ever since. Menu options include Buckwheat Chocolate Chip Cookies and Salted Rosemary Shortbread. But it's the Salted Maple Pie that people really rave about when mentioning Sister Pie. Customers just can't seem to get enough of the pie at this place.

Sun Street Breads opened in 2011 under the direction of Solveig Tofte, who competed on the USA team for the Coupe Du Monde de la Boulangerie, an artisan baking contest in France. In 2015, Andrew Zimmern named this Minneapolis gem as one of his favorites. The Laugen Croissant with a soft pretzel-like finish has been highly regarded at this bakery, but it's the Downtowner pastry that takes the cake. A cinnamon roll made from croissant dough, the Downtowner is something that those who have tried it would order "again and again."

Embracing from-scratch, southern baking, Sugaree's Bakery in New Albany has been offering up some of the most delicious and moist cakes since 1997. The flavor options for layer cakes include caramel, coconut, and classic red velvet, along with cream cheese pound cake, which topped Oprah's list of favorite things. And while the bakery is based in Mississippi, fans all over the country are writing rave reviews, as many of the cakes can be shipped to any sweet tooth needing a fix.

With a Le Cordon Bleu education, Nathaniel Reid has been well-known for leading successful pastry programs in top restaurants throughout the U.S. After being named one of the top ten pastry chefs in America, Reid opened his bakery, Nathaniel Reid Bakery, in St. Louis in 2016. With those accolades, it's no surprise this spot has been named a must-visit stop in St. Louis. Visitors will find an array of stunning pastries, macarons, and meringues, along with the croissants that fans refer to as "next level" and cakes that might bring tears to your eyes.

This Missoula bakery started out as a longtime home business, selling baked goods at the local farmer's market. But with popularity and growth, owners Jack and Christy Wich opened up a permanent shop. Now, Black Cat Bake Shop is a must-stop for fans when they're making their way through. The bakery's menu is jam-packed with sweet and savory croissant options, muffins, scones, danishes, and even gluten-free donuts.

Katina Talley, a former food scientist, reopened the bakery Sweet Magnolias in Omaha in 2016. The offerings here include danishes, scones, and cinnamon rolls, along with cake and pie slices. And while the offerings are plentiful, it's the old-fashioned cookies that receive rave reviews. One fan said the malted milk chocolate Oreo cookie was the best they've ever had. Another said that the salted honey cookies would make your head spin. Clearly, the options are vast, but it's the cookies that keep fans coming back for more.

Baking in Las Vegas since 1959, Freed's Bakery is known for an extensive menu, from French macarons and cookies to eclairs and cannoli. But what really sets Freed's apart is its cake, sold by the slice at the bakery, working up to eight-inch party cakes, full sheet cakes, and everything beyond. Freed's certainly had its time in the spotlight on the Food Network's "Vegas Cakes," but customers give their cakes the same acclaim, with reviews saying they're super moist, not too sweet, and absolutely delicious.

Elephantine Bakery is all about bringing French tradition to baked goods in Portsmouth. And with a devotion to fine bread and pastries, fans have referred to this spot as magical. Plenty of bread options such as seeded whole grain and rosemary focaccia top the menu, with danishes and palmiers to boot. But the pastries really get the top prize here, with some saying they have the "most amazing chocolate almond croissants," while others note that they're the best pastries they've enjoyed since Paris.

This Englewood bakery is a staple for those looking for a huge variety of bakery options for any time of day. And based on the stellar reviews of this place, you really can't go wrong. At Balthazar Bakery, you can enjoy savory pastries made with colorful local produce, along with tarts, pies, and cakes and all of the classic breakfast pastries you'll ever desire. One reviewer even says that "you can smell the butter before you get in the door." What could be more divine?

This Albuquerque gem gained recognition on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives," but it's been family-owned and making a name for itself since 1972. The pastries at this spot aren't your average croissants and cookies. Golden Crown Panaderia focuses on old New Mexican recipes, featuring items like the Biscochito cookie made with blue corn and fruit empanadas. But even with so many unique options, this bakery is definitely known for its New Mexico green chile bread, with tomatoes, onions, green chile, cilantro, and parmesan cheese mixed in. 

If you're a cookie lover, you'd be remiss not to visit this gem. And luckily, given its popularity, there are seven locations to choose from in the state. On a mission to create the ultimate chocolate chip walnut cookie, Levain Bakery opened in 1995. And while it's hard to believe that one cookie could make a bakery so popular, it has become a New York icon. Fans express that these cookies are "the perfect combination of soft, gooey, and crispy." Others have expressed that these cookies "are like a taste of heaven."

Lionel Vatinet opened La Farm Bakery in Cary in 1999 with a focus on French baking and an old-world approach to baking. The bread selection, including challah and Scandinavian Rye, are baked with unbleached flours, contributing to their flavor and impeccable crunch. And while the selection here is great, fans really rave about the White Chocolate Mini Baguette, which some even refer to as "life-changing." The baguette is baked with white chocolate swirled into the bread, offering up a unique treat and a little slice of heaven.

This bakery has been serving up pastry in Fargo since 2003. Since then, it's been noted as one of the top places to eat by Food Network. The menu at Nichole's Fine Pastry & Café is just brimming with dessert options, from espresso and strawberry swirl cheesecake and napoleons to cannoli. But for many, it's the house-made crème brûlée that takes the cake ... or dessert, we guess. In fact, reviewers say it's the "best crème brûlée around."

Serving up bakery breads and pastries in Centerville since 2008, Matt Boosalis has been devoted to baking with 100% natural ingredients in all of his treats. The danishes, palmiers, and coffee cake available at Boosalis Baking & Café are highly regarded, but the flaky pastries are what truly stand out here. The ham and cheese and buttery croissants have been noted as phenomenal, but the real prize-winner here is the kouign amann, with reviewers saying it was the best they've ever had.

A top-notch bakery in Oklahoma City since 2010, Pie Junkie is the perfect place for people who love pie. You can go in and grab a slice of pie or take home a whole pie ... or two. Flavors range from classic apple and cherry to unique offerings such as the Drunken Turtle with salted bourbon caramel and pecans. USA Today noted this stop as a great pie shop, and its rave reviews tend to agree.

Ken's Artisan Bakery has been serving up pastries in Portland since 2001. Everything from walnut bread and baguettes to morning buns and sandwiches is served at this bakery staple in Oregon. But what Ken's is really known for is having incredible croissants. With dreamy, buttery layers, these croissants receive high praise, but so do the many other offerings at Ken's, making it the perfect stop for something sweet or savory.

Essen Bakery has received nothing but glowing reviews on multiple platforms. The inspiration behind these offerings at this South Philadelphia gem has come from Chef Tova du Plessis and her experience at a handful of top U.S. restaurants. She's been recognized as a semi-finalist for the 2020 James Beard Outstanding Baker award, along with receiving recognition for her challah bread. But even if challah isn't your favorite, this sweet spot offers other delicious choices such as guava pop tarts, chocolate rugelach, and Jewish apple cake.

It's not very often you get to go to a dairy farm and a bakery at the same time. But with Wright's Dairy Farm & Bakery in North Smithfield, you do. The dairy has been operating since 1896, with the bakery opening in 1976. Now, the bakery serves up pies, breads, and rolls. But the real treasures here are the treats that incorporate cream, such as cream puffs and cannolis. That's because the cream used to make these sweet treats is apparently coming from the cows just outside the door.

If you want good cake in South Carolina, then the Sugar Bakeshop bakery is the place to go. Established in 2007, this shop has been devoted to delivering a delicious menu of house-made cupcakes. And with cake flavors such as red velvet and pumpkin ginger, it's certainly not hard to see why this shop has received rave reviews, along with being listed as one of the best places for cakes in the south.

This Sioux Falls bakery boasts luxurious sweets, and their reviews tend to agree. Established in 2013, CH Patisserie focuses on sweets with a bit of flair. And with owner and Pastry Chef Chris Hanmer's title as one of the Top Ten Pastry Chefs in America, this bakery is certainly bringing stylish sweets to the table. Try a few macarons along with some petit gateau while you're at it. There's so much flavor and color happening here, you really can't go wrong with what you choose.

Muddy's Bake Shop owner Kat Gordon believes that cake and baked goods are an expression of love, and she decided to bring that sentiment to the people of Memphis in 2008. Since then, the bakery has been noted as one of the best bakeries in the south by Southern Living for its cookies, but the cupcakes have been highly regarded at this special spot too. With glowing reviews, options for vegan treats, and your ability to order custom cakes, the real dilemma is just deciding what to get.

Tucked away in San Antonio, this bakery has been listed as a bucket-list item for those living in and visiting Texas. Established in 1941, the café serves up Tex-Mex favorites. The bakery in the front, established later in 1955, offers some of the best baked goods in Texas. The bakery serves up traditional panaderia offerings such as tres leches cake and yoyo de fresa, but Mi Tierra Café y Panadería is really known for its delicious pecan praline candy.

Adalberto Diaz opened his bakery, Fillings & Emulsions, in 2013, but owning a bakery isn't the only feather in Diaz's cap. The chef has competed on Food Network's "Best Baker in America" and was named National Pastry Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation in 2012. And with that talent, he brought unique offerings to Utah, such as Cuban meat pies and guava cream cheese brioche, as well as a stunning assortment of macarons and cheesecakes. But to choose just one item from this shop would prove difficult, especially with its countless five-star reviews.

If cinnamon rolls are your thing, then look no further than this West Dover spot. This bakery has been dishing up treats since 2010, with treats on the menu such as danishes, coffee cake, and cookies. But it's the cinnamon rolls at Sticky Fingers that really keep people coming back. Some guests have said they're way better than Cinnabon and unlike anything else they've ever tasted. Others have left reviews saying these cinnamon rolls certainly live up to all the hype they get.

Blackbird Bakery opened in Bristol in 2008, with a goal of making people feel a little happier every time they walk through the doors. And with a menu of various bars, pastries, and donuts, there's something homemade on the menu for any dessert lover. For many reviewers, it's the donuts at this bakery that stand out more than anything else, but other favorites that rank high on the list include their cheesecake, pie, and cupcakes.

Le Panier is a French bakery tucked in Seattle's historic Pike Place Market, and it's hard to find a day without the line out the door. It's that good. Le Panier dishes up incredibly buttery and flaky croissants, brioche framboise, stunning breads, and a beautiful assortment of expertly prepared French macarons. Many say the wait in line is worth it here, especially as the croissants are the best they've ever had, and the macarons are made perfectly.

If you could walk into a bakery to find European-style pastries and house-made gelato all in one spot, would you want to go anywhere else? Sokolata in Spring Hill prides itself on using Belgian chocolate and natural flavors in its pastries. The menu includes hazelnut cake, guava cake, and mille-fueille, a puff pastry dessert with fresh vanilla cream and strawberries. And fans can definitely tell the difference with this bakery's focus on specialty ingredients, with one reviewer reviewer saying the desserts are absolutely divine.

Batch Bakehouse opened its doors in Madison in 2009, and they bake everything there from scratch each morning. The bakery's offerings include classic French baguettes along with challah and ciabatta. And its pastry case is full of selections such as the morning buns and mini butter cakes, but it's the ham and Gruyere croissant that makes this a must-stop spot in Wisconsin, with one fan saying it's "rich, savory, buttery ... everything it's supposed to be."

This Jackson bakery is a hit and offers fresh bread and pastries and utilizes as many all-natural and high-quality ingredients as possible. It received the Gold award for the best bakery in Jackson Hole along with a James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef nomination for 2020, and it's not hard to understand why. With fresh and flaky pastries such as kouign amann, croissants, and cinnamon brioche, there's something for everyone with a sweet tooth at Persephone Bakery. One fan even claims that the croissants here are so good, they rival those found in Paris.