Friday

07-04-2025 Vol 2011

Vote for Your Favorite Bakery in Portland’s Reader’s Choice Awards

Portland is a city that delights in its culinary offerings, and when it comes to satisfying a sweet tooth, the local bakery scene is nothing short of exceptional.

Recently, readers were invited to nominate their favorite bakeries in the area, and the response was overwhelming, spotlighting numerous establishments that serve an array of tasty baked goods.

The top ten finalists have been identified based on the nominations received, and now it’s up to the public to vote for their favorite bakery.

Voting is open until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, with the results of the Reader’s Choice Awards set to be unveiled on Friday, July 11, at oregonlive.com/readers-choice.

**Baker & Spice** has garnered a faithful following since its inception as a farmers market stall in 1998.

Now a staple in the Hillsdale neighborhood, the bakery, founded by pastry chef and author Julie Richardson, offers an impressive selection of cakes, pies, breads, and croissants that have won over many patrons.

As a testament to their quality, two readers lauded their croissants as being some of the best outside of Paris.

Located at 6330 S.W. Capitol Highway, Baker & Spice operates from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Their website is bakerandspicepdx.com.

**Camellia**, a vegan patisserie, adds a unique flavor to the bakery scene with its French pastries.

Operating as a pop-up rather than maintaining a physical storefront, owner Nikki Arce’s creations can often be found at the King Farmers Market in Northeast Portland or at goth cafe Memento Mori, where her macarons are highly sought after.

One reader expressed admiration for Arce’s skill in vegan baking, noting how challenging it can be but that she manages to excel.

To stay updated on Camellia’s next pop-up location, check their Instagram @camelliapatisserie.

For those who crave international flavors, **Fressen Artisan Bakery** in Northeast Portland is a must-visit.

Established in 2012, the bakery reflects owner Edgar Loesch’s childhood memories of German baking practices.

Patrons flock to Fressen for its delicious Bavarian pretzels, jam-filled Berliner donuts, and exceptional rye bread, along with their top-notch avocado toast.

Visitors can stop by at 7075 N.E. Glisan St. from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with more information available at fressenartisanbakery.com.

**Grand Central Bakery** has become a beloved chain throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Beginning in Seattle in 1989, Gwyneth Bassetti’s son opened the first Portland location in 1993, and the bakery has since expanded to eight locations across the area.

Readers frequently praise Grand Central for its delightful baked goods and breads, along with a commitment to community support.

Hours vary, but most locations are open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. More details can be found at grandcentralbakery.com.

A true Portland institution is **Helen Bernhard Bakery**, which first opened its doors in 1924.

Steeped in history, this Northeast Portland spot boasts over 100 recipes, with patrons lauding the bakery’s famous M&M cookies.

One reader remarked that these cookies are “the best cookies anywhere,” even better than their grandma’s.

Helen Bernhard Bakery is located at 1717 N.E. Broadway #1775, with operating hours from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Visit helenbernhardbakery.com for more information.

While **Jen’s Pastries** may have limited hours, its South Portland walk-up window has become popular for its delectable offerings.

Open only eight hours a weekend, the bakery offers treats such as cruffins, cinnamon rolls, and flaky pop tarts, alongside sandwiches made with Portuguese sweet bread called bolo levedo.

Readers have also recommended trying one of the colorful cake slices.

Visit Jen’s Pastries at 606 S.W. Dakota St., available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with more details at jenspdx.com.

Another celebrated locale is **Little T American Baker**, renowned for its superb bread offerings.

Established in 2008 on Southeast Division Street, readers have praised the bakery’s loaves as being unmatched, highlighting their baguettes and house loaves as the best in the city.

The bakery serves a variety of pastries and sandwiches and is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily at 2600 S.E. Division St. More can be found at littletbaker.com.

**Orange & Blossom** is relatively new to the scene, having opened in 2023, but it has quickly made a name for itself as a top vegan bakery in America.

Located in Northeast Portland, the patisserie specializes in a diverse range of vegan cookies, pastries, and breads.

A standout item noted by a reporter is the moist olive oil cake topped with coconut cream.

Orange & Blossom operates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at 1612 N.E. Killingsworth St. Their site is orangeblossomco.com.

A unique entry in the reader’s choice is **St. Honoré Boulangerie**, known for its French-style pastries.

Having first opened on Northwest Thurman Street in 1993, the bakery now features five locations in Portland and Lake Oswego.

They even earned recognition for recreating a pastry from Wes Anderson’s film, “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”

St. Honoré operates from locations such as 501 S.W. Broadway St. and 3333 S.E. Division St., with varying hours. More information can be found at sainthonorebakery.com.

Finally, **Tiny Love Bakery** serves up petite pastries that provide a delightful surprise in their unassuming location.

Opened in Northeast Portland in April, this bakery has quickly won over the hearts of locals with its breakfast sandwiches and sweet offerings.

One reader affectionately described the experience as reminiscent of visiting a French grandma’s house, where everything tastes heavenly.

Tiny Love Bakery is located at 5124 N.E. 42nd Ave., open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. More details are available at tinylovebakery.com.

With so many outstanding bakeries to choose from, it’s a great time for Portland residents to show support by voting for their favorite.

Don’t forget to cast your vote daily until July 8, and stay tuned for the reveal of the results on July 11!

image source from:oregonlive

Benjamin Clarke