Discover The Boston Area’s Best Bakeries: A Food Tour Guide Part II

By Adam Branco

Those who live in the Boston area are very lucky to have an array of wonderful bakeries to visit. There are so many, in fact, that I need to do a part II blog on my favorites around here so you all have more to add to your checklist. Those who haven't read part I yet can click here. For those who have, here's a list of more of my favorite bakeries,

Exploring Sweet & Savory Flavors at Bakey Babka

Bakey Babka: This kosher bakery right across from the Boston Common is the perfect place to stop for something savory or sweet while exploring all of what downtown has to offer. Their chocolate babka, which is a sweet, braided bread that originated in Jewish communities in Poland and Ukraine, is one of my weekend favorite sweet treats in the city. They also do a variety of sweet babkas, savory and flaky burekas, sandwiches, and salads. Pair with a coffee from George Howell around the corner for a proper late-morning snack.

A Taste of France & Italy at Clear Flour Bread

Clear Flour Bread: A Brookline institution since 1982, they make some of my favorite croissants and buns in the Boston area, and their breads are excellent as well. They even have a very cute coffee bar next door where you can hang out with your food and any other goods you buy. Fair warning, this place is a very poorly kept secret and the lines can get quite long on weekends

A Unique Spin on the Classics at Third Cliff Bakery

Third Cliff Bakery: Located about a half mile from the Green Street stop in Jamaica Plain, this cozy neighborhood favorite adds its creative twist to classic pastries to stand out in the competitive Boston bakery market. Their kimchi-cheddar and guava-cream cheese croissants are menu staples, and they also sell baked goods like vegan orange cardamom morning buns, cherry chocolate scones, and different breads and olive oil cakes.

Bang For Your Buck in Chinatown at Ho Yuen Bakery

Ho Yuen Bakery: Admittedly, the inspiration for this sequel blog was that I was kicking myself for not adding any of the reliable and cost-effective Chinatown bakeries I've visited countless times while wandering around downtown with some extra cash in my wallet. Ho Yuen is a spot I've visited as much as any on these lists, and the custard bun in the picture above, which costs an earth-shattering $2, has been in my rotation for years. They also do savory Hong Kong-style buns as well as egg tarts.

Brian Mercury's Works of Art at cafe Beatrice

cafe Beatrice: I'm not quite sure who this Beatrice woman is, but I'm very thankful for her. I briefly mentioned Brian Mercury in my other blog, but it's time to discuss cafe Beatrice, where his critically acclaimed pastries are on full display. An unassuming spot only two or three minutes from the Lechmere stop, the passion fruit brioche is quite possibly my favorite tart pastry in the Boston area, and maple kouign amann and the cinnamon roll (which is in the picture above next to a guava and cream cheese brioche) are truly excellent.  They also make an array of sandwiches and salad bowls.

A New York City Institution in Boston at Levain Bakery

Levain Bakery: This famous New York City-founded bakery that's made its way to Back Bay and Seaport is nowadays known for its huge 6-ounce cookies, but they also make a variety of breads, scones, and brioches. However, the cookies reign supreme and my current favorite is their caramel coconut chocolate chip, which is shown in the picture above.

Join Up & Adam's Back Bay and North End Tours

If you want to check out Levain while you're in Boston, consider joining one of my Back Bay Chocolate Tours! If you want to explore the North End pastry scene and see what the hype is all about, come join my North End Pastry Tour! Check out upandamfoodtours.com, and email me at info@upandadamfoodtours.com or message me at (508) 271-7124 for more details.