5 to Try: Artisan Breads in Portland

by Ashley Gartland - Citysearch Contributor - 171 Reviews - 56 Lists

Updated: October 21, 2009

Sooner or later, every Portlander pledges allegiance to a particular bakery. Some prefer a refined Parisian-style scene, others a bustling neighborhood bakery that churns out nubby oatmeal cookies. But though the atmosphere and the sweets menu play a hand in these picks, the thing that really sways us in a bakery’s favor is its bread. Here are five artisan breads worth trying before you pick a favorite bakery of your own. – – Photo: Shutterstock/sharky –

5 Favorites

  1. 1 3.5 Star Rating: Average Bridgeport Brewing Company
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    1313 NW Marshall St, Portland, OR 97209 (map)

    Buying bread at a brewpub seems an odd choice until you've tasted Bridgeport bakery’s beer bread. This dark, dense loaf stands up as a substitute for traditional sandwich bread and pairs nicely with a cheese plate and a side of local brew.

  2. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended Grand Central Bakery & Cafe
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    2230 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214 (map)

    This soft, eggy loaf is a breakfasting sort of bread made by one of the Northwest’s most reputable, multi-location bakeries. We recommend slathering a slab of this braided beauty with jam or, even better, frying up those slices to make an impossibly light French toast.

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended Ken's Artisan Bakery
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    338 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209 (map)

    Owner Ken Forkish spent more than a year training with French and American bakers to perfect the crackly-crusted breads he serves at this Northwest hub. The toasty crust and soft, chewy interior of his country blonde loaf has gained a loyal following. It's a popular table bread and a great choice for making croutons to dress up salads at home.

  4. 4 4 Star Rating: Recommended St Honore Bakery
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    2335 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97210 (map)

    Don't let this Parisian-style bakery's shiny pastry case distract you from the breads stacked at the entrance. Baguettes and everyday eating breads are good choices but, the hearty cranberry and hazelnut-studded loaf is the real gem here.

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Pearl Bakery Inc
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    102 NW 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97209 (map)

    Pearl bakers are proud of this enormously holey bread. Its chewy crust and flat rectangular shape make it an apt base for sandwiches, preferably panini. Order it plain or, for a bit more flavor, ask for the kalamata olive-packed version of this signature bread.

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