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Clear Flour Bread
Category: Food Bakeries Bakeries [Edit]
178 Thorndike StBrookline, MA 02446
Neighborhood: Allston/Brighton
(617) 739-0060
Announcement
Happy Valentine's Day from CFB! See our pastry specials at http://www.clearflourb...
Announced 3 days ago- Nearest Transit:
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Brighton Ave @ Comm Ave (193, 57)
Packards Corner - Inbound (Green Line)
Packards Corner - Outbound (Green Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 8 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
258 reviews for Clear Flour Bread
Review Highlights
"Their morning buns, freakin' AWESOME."
(in 31 reviews)
"My absolute favorite bakery in Boston."
(in 55 reviews)
"Fire roasted tomato fougasse."
(in 7 reviews)
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258 reviews in English
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Review from Laura S.
Brookline, MA
2/3/2012
An asset to all Bostonians and Boston businesses who are prepared take advantage of the high quality artisan breads. Whether you eat it directly from the loaf on your trip home from the bakery or enjoy it in your dinner bread basket at a local restaurant, the experience is always one of pure enjoyment.
This bakery offers a wide variety of classic breads (french, italian, sourdough), but also some more unusual varieties which you should not think twice about purchasing and tearing off the corner immediately (Leinsamenbrot, buckwheat flour). I typically find myself planning meals around the loaf of bread I purchase.
And while these breads are a stand-alone pleasure, if you find yourself waiting in the line wrapped around the block on Sunday morning, you may find yourself dreaming of one (or most) of the pastries displayed by the window. Go for the baked currant doughnut. The perfect combination of crunchy exterior and fluffy inside, filled with unique flavors. -
Review from Fab W.
Cambridge, MA
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
CFB is well worth the long drive for their pastries, breads, and fantastic staff.
Everything is baked to perfection: crisp on the outside, heavenly on the inside. Their baguettes and epis are some of the best I've found thus far in town, their croissants have that thin, delicately buttery, golden, flaky shell one would only find at 6 AM in a boulangerie in France, and who could resist their canelés? I wish they carried the big ones but the mini ones are the perfect tease. I could eat them out the bag like popcorn which often begs the question: how can something so good be so bad? Well, it's not. You only live once (unless you're a Buddhist) so indulge.
They also carry some of the best Galette des Rois for the Epiphany at a more moderate cost than other places.
It's a beautiful little gem in a quiet part of town. I'd move right next door just to wake up to the smell of their first bake if I didn't already like my neighborhood. Or they could just open up another boulangerie in my neck of the woods *hint, hint*.
Long live CFB! -
Review from Mike M.
Boston, MA
1/1/2012
I really love this place; I'd love it even more if I weren't low carbing it.
You'll find traditional European artisan (read as: bizarre) bread that you just can't find at your local grocery store. Like what the hell is an Epi baguette? It looks like some sort of medieval weapon or something that belongs at Good Vibrations, not a bakery.
A really good mix of pastries too. Their macaroons (not macarons you twit) and cookies are to die for. Brioches, monkey bread, a crazy loaves all-round.
I do have one problem with Clear Flour: their pretzels stink!! I'm sorry but $2.95 for a mid-sized pretzel is unreasonable, not to mention it doesn't taste anything like what you'd get in Germany. In Mannheim, I paid 1 Euro for 3 of those pretzels, which tasted way better. Heck, WF has better pretzels. -
Review from Jake C.
Boston, MA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Remarkably great pastries!
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Review from David M.
Brookline, MA
2/7/2012
What can I add to the wonderful reviews of this place? Was trying to find a short cut from Comm ave and accidentally found this great treasure of a bakery!
Saw the sticky buns and bought several to share with my girl friend for breakfast, they are INCREADABLE!!!
Have since bought their wonderful breads and other pastry's which are so tasty and well made. -
Review from Kathleen C.
Chicago, IL
12/29/2011
So, now that I have eaten delicious pastries from Clear Flour twice, I feel that it's not a fluke - this stuff really is good!
Definitely try the morning bun (with walnuts) and the Gruyere croissant...both delicious. I actually liked everything, though may of the flaky items are similar. The fruit tart...divine!
I think it's a bit pricey, but the long lines (even when they open, right at 8am) suggest that prices aren't going down any time soon. It's a deal if you are just having breakfast for 1...but once you start ordering...it might get out of hand, so watch out! Everything is super delicious, though.
I have to somewhat concur with the other reviews...the staff isn't super pleasant, but they are nice enough and didn't rush us through.
Definitely a great spot in the area. -
Review from Silvia V.
Belmont, MA
11/22/2011
I don't think I've ever set foot at Clear Flour Bread, but my husband works next door, frequents this fine bakery and brings all kinds of delicious things home to me.
We love their Rustic Tarts and buy them pretty often, whether we're taking them to a dinner party as a gift for the host or when we host parties and I don't have time to bake. The tarts are made with delicious buttery flaky dough and are filled with seasonal fresh fruits. They're not too sweet.
Their bread is amazing. All of it. Especially when it's still hot out of the oven. Oh the crust...
Their cookies, scones, muffins... everything is delicious and highly recommended. -
Review from Zac C.
Boston, MA
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
I wish I went needing a loaf of bread. I wandered over while getting my car fixed and grabbed a delicious morning bun with nuts. Everything was somewhat pricey but it all looked so good. Plus I love the open kitchen where you could see them baking everything. I need to go back for some artisan breads.
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Review from Mei L.
Boston, MA
9/28/2011
If heaven smells like Clear Flour Bakery, I could easily be enticed into going there, right now.
It would be a paradise of baked goods - I would bounce along cushions of sweet apple crumb cake, rest my head on pillowy rounds of fougasse stuffed with tomatoes, roll around gleefully upon the excellent rustic fruit tarts with jammy apricots and perfect pastry that crumbles in your mouth with buttery happiness - I would open my eyes to piles of venetian olive bread and eat everything that tumbled out of their ovens and never get full or gain an ounce...sounds like heaven to me.
I remember the rustic apple tarts as a special treat growing up in Brookline. Now that I've moved back to the area, it was a joyful reunion to return to the intoxicating smell of Clear Flour. It's a little bread and pastry utopia. I'm glad to be alive to enjoy it. -
Review from Cathy S.
Cambridge, MA
A detour visit all the way from Cambridge!
First i have to declare that as a proud Cambridge resident i boast about how close we are to Iggy's and When Pigs Fly, THE two most wonderful bakeries in New England. Oh and there is Petsi Pies in adjacent Somerville, which makes Cambridge a literal bread/pastry heaven.
Now, back to Clear Flour...how could i not visit it after reading all the amazing reviews on Yelp? Decent bread selection and lots of pastries. And the best German rye in Boston! I would also recommend the fruit tart. Boy they are not kidding about the flaky buttery crumb.
I will be back again for their croissants and morning buns. My only complaint is that it seems they do not offer to slice your bread. -
Review from Lisa J.
Brookline, MA
Updated - 1/3/2012
Just wanted to add that they mark all of their products with a little star if it has nuts in it and they're careful about nut allergies. A good thing for me since my son is allergic.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/19/2010
I can not get enough of Clear Flour bread. One of their fabulous loaves is at every special… Read more »
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Review from Katie W.
Boston, MA
Definitely worth a visit if you live around the area! I highly recommend their croissant or morning bun with walnuts. Most morning buns are doughy and thick, but Clear Flour's is light and flaky. Imagine the texture and buttery flavor of a croissant. It's exactly like that, but with walnuts.
I'd pass on their chocolate chip cookie. Way too chocolaty, the bitterness of the dark chocolate is overwhelming.
Croissant: $2.80
Morning bun with walnut: $2.75 -
Review from Oliver D.
Concord, NH
1/1/2012
I have gone to this bakery every now and then ever since I moved near Boston in New Hampshire from New York City. As a New Yorker, I love my food, especially good baked goods. Boston has no where near the amount of bakeries as New York City. The first time I visited Boston with my family when we moved to New Hampshire seven years ago, we were shocked how little bakeries Boston had.
Enough about that, let me get to the point here. My family and I discovered Clear Flour Bakery through buying their focaccia bread at Whole Foods which was quite good. So, we decided to pay the bakery a visit to get some good bread. It was good but overpriced so we stopped going there for a good number of years.
Yesterday, when I was down in Boston with my family, we were craving some good baked goods like focaccia bread and then some special morning pastries like croissants and sticky buns for New Years Day breakfast. First, the line was insanely long. Second, it was understaffed, therefore the line was long. Third, outrageously expensive. $8 for a brioche bread loaf you got to be f***ing kidding me. Still, after waiting for over a half hour on the line my family and I decided to just do it and have a real treat. However, it was not a real treat. The foccacia bread, the rosemary one and the onion one were delicious, but overpriced and not as good as ones I have had from bakeries like Standard in Portland, Maine. Then, the morning pastries, a big disappointment. They all had zero flavor. The croissants sucked. How dare they charge almost $3 for one! The currant doughnut was actually quite good but not worth the high price. The cannelles were alright, but burnt. Who sells burnt baked goods and charges for them? They should have been distributed as a free sample.
Oh well, my family and I wasted a little money. I do not understand how this bakery stays in business with the mediocre baked goods and the outrageous prices?! Not worth the wait and journey to try when in Boston. -
Review from Rebecca v.
Houston, TX
10/3/2011
WOW- I discovered this place because my brother lives next door.
I cannot tell you how nice it is to wake up to the smell of fresh bread lingering.. aah
Well on to the bread, its so good that you dont even need butter.
One of my favorites is the olive bread.. so good and the Croissants with swiss cheese are AMAZING- always sell out by 11 am.
This bakery is a true gem. -
Review from Caitlin M.
Boston, MA
12/10/2011
Perfection. True Artisanship. I smelled the deliciousness from down the street. Everything looked perfect here and I cannot wait to return. I got the baked Currant Donut and absolutely loved it. I like it was baked but still delicious and the currant was such an unique but delicious idea!
Everything looked well made and I cannot wait to return. Everyone that worked here was friendly and patient despite the line. -
Review from Bez E.
Long Beach, CA
9/11/2011 1 photo
Baguettes get five stars! Crispy crust & light, fluffy insides. I'm happy they make all the fun shapes too. They make great dinner party/host gifts.
We've tried some of their pastries. They are alright. Nothing amazing for the cost, so I stick to the breads. -
Review from Samuel K.
Boston, MA
Updated - 9/21/2011
They are amazing. BUT they already have an entry here on Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Someone may want to merge the two records :-)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/21/2011
Erik G basically says it all. Please, O brook-lined god of real estate, give unto Clear Flour an… Read more »
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Review from Juno P.
ALLSTON, MA
7/1/2011
I don't understand the enthusiasm for this place. I am extremely picky about bread. My bread palate was shaped by San Francisco bay area artisanal bakeries [Acme! La Farine!] and two years of living in Germany. In Boston, I bake my own artisanal whole wheat bread. Since it's summer and using my oven is not appealing, I decided to check out this place. The young lady who helped me was ignorant and full of attitude when I asked for a bread that resembled a pain au levain: sour dough whole wheat without sugar. She had to ask a baker and was told the whole wheat had a sour dough starter. I got that bread, but it was deeply disappointing. It hardly had any flavor. The venetian olive roll was also disappointing: a bland white dough.
I think if you like sugary, sweet bread, this may be the place for you. But if you're looking for good whole wheat bread or breads based on whole wheat sour dough starters, you have to go elsewhere!! -
Review from Roxana F.
7/4/2011
YUM.
Get the:
-morning buns
-chocolate whiskey cake (you will not regret it)
-almond macaron
-olive bread
-buckwheat walnut bread (YUM YUM)
Sometimes their pastries can be a bit bland, not really sure why. For example, I've gotten 2 rustic apple tarts from here on two separate occasions, and there really was nothing special about it. I was quite disappointed. But there are somethings you cannot go wrong with here, like the chocolate whiskey cake and the macarons. YUM YUM.
Expect a wait (one that usually goes outside) because there is high demand and a VERY small bakery. Also, don't expect to arrive at 12 on a Saturday and be able to get croissants or morning buns. It usually won't happen. -
Review from Jennifer T.
Quincy, MA
9/25/2011
The place is very small - it can barely fit probably 4 people in line, so dont expect to sit down somewhere.
Got the guyere croissant which was buttery and flaky, yum. The apfelstreudel was interesting, it had an orange essence to it, wasnt that big of a fan.
Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. -
Review from Spoons J.
Boston, MA
11/17/2011
Great bread and some very tasty sweets. The German Rye is very authentic, the chocolate croissants are wonderful, and right now I can't get enough of the black current donuts. The pretzels need work; they're too expensive for their size and too...bready? They're lacking that certain "bite." If they figure that out and make pretzel rolls, I'll be all over it.
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Review from Emma D.
Boston, MA
11/14/2011
My staples are the French, pain de mie, and Paris Night. The French has a subtle salty crust that I love. The pain de mie is a soft white that doesn't go soggy in your mouth, with a slightly sweet scent like angel food. The raisins in the Paris Night are lavishly succulent. All taste wholesome and good!
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Review from Kim C.
Boston, MA
4/25/2011
The absolute best baguettes can be found in this hole in the wall bakery. Crispy, crusty on the outside, and soft and fluffy inside. The onion foccocia is also tasty, and the cream puffs (only available on special occasions!) are to die for.
Weekends usually have long lines, but it is well worth the wait. -
Review from Erik G.
Jamaica Plain, MA
3/30/2011
Clear Flour inspires in me that rarest of feelings towards businesses on Yelp: it makes me want to track down whoever is leaving 1-to-3-star drive-by ratings, and shake them by the collar until they stop being such indefatigable social misfits. Clear Flour is perfect in every way. They have never served me a pastry that I wouldn't proudly hold up to everyone I know who lives in the suburbs as proof positive that city living is better living. Their fruit tarts are the perfect amount of sweet and tart and buttery. Their quiches are sublime. Their macaroons are like 15 seconds of being nine years old at Disney World.
I'm probably going to be kicking myself for revealing this, but: on Valentine's Day weekend, they make cream puffs. These come out of the back at 9:15 or so, and you'd better be in the door before 9:45 if you want to have a chance. Delicate, light, puffy pastry, filled with a dense buttery-whipped-vanilla-cream that I am thoroughly glad I have been completely unable to imitate, because if I could make pastry cream like this, I would be found dead in three weeks time, arteries blocked with congealed butterfat but with a look of pure serenity on my 400-pound face.
Seriously. If you are the pastry chef at Clear Flour Bread and are reading this and happen to need a kidney, I have a spare one and am type O blood. Let's talk. -
Review from donald s.
Brookline, MA
11/5/2011
Again if you go there on A Sunday morning the line is at least 20 deep outside, even in the cold of winter. People its worth the wait! The chocolate chunk cookie is the best!!
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Review from Jolene S.
10/1/2011
I did not find them amazing, but they have a good selection (at prices higher than Whole Foods) of buns, rolls, and loaves. No egg and cheese sandwiches here but they do take cards (without any talk of a minimum). Would only go if I was in the area again.
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Review from Emily G.
Allston, MA
5/26/2011
I love that this is a hole in the wall that smells like heaven as I approach it. I've loved everything I've gotten from Clear Flour and I'm sure several restaurants locally have discovered this place and it's really their bread your eating at your fancy restaurant. I've gotten their foccasias, pastries, and recently just got some of their pizza dough. Was it a coincidence that with their pizza dough I was able to make the best pizza I've ever made? Probably not....
I will continue to keep visiting and indulging in my carbo love! -
Review from Phil C.
3/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Definitely a really nice hidden jewel, Clear Flour's quality is evident. The store is tiny but cute. I thought their service was friendly and helpful.
I liked the morning bun a lot. It's a good substitute for their croissants, if you aren't fortunate enough to arrive early for them. It's light, sweet, and buttery. The bouchon, a chocolate pound cake, was rather dry and disappointing. I think I'll try something else next time. The breads looked really fresh and appealing as well.
You can definitely miss this place, but it's worth the effort to find.Listed in: Bakeries
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Review from Ryan V.
ALLSTON, MA
7/23/2011
I have only been here once. The only reason I don't go more is because of my own laziness to walk that far.
The bread and treats are stupid delicious.
Would be a good reason to move to that part of the neighborhood. -
Review from Christine L.
Honolulu, HI
10/19/2011
After reading the reviews, decided to stop in for an after dinner snack. This place is easy to find and right off of commonwealth. Tiny shop and even though we went in at around 7pm, there were already 4 people in line and everything the line went down, more people mysteriously came in. The line went super fast, as everyone knew what they wanted to get.
Upon first entering, the delicious smells surrounds and and the setup is lovely where you can see the bakers in the bake making treats of goodness. It is a very quaint shop that looks very authentic. The yummies are piled on a shelf right behind the register and its hard to decide what to get with so much there. The selection is heavily weighed more towards breads than sweets, so if you are looking for a wide variety of cakes and pies, dont come here. We opted for a simple trail cookie which has everything in it. At first the price of $2.50 seemed a bit high, but once we had the cookie in hand, it made more sense. It was about an inch think and 6 inches in diameter. Huge cookie of great quality as well. The outside was crunchy and the inside was soft and chewy. Perfect for sharing! I was amazed by how the chocolate was still melty and warm on the inside even though we were hitting up the bakery at night. The quality of ingredients is great, as a big chocolate fan, it wasn't too sweet like with so many cookies.
The only turn off would be the slightly higher price on everything. Concerning where I'm from, $7 for a baguette and $5.50 for a apple tart is a bit pricy, but its definitely worth a visit as its a treat for the mouth, nose, and eyes! -
Review from Jessica W.
Pleasanton, CA
10/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Tiny place and in an odd area-- basically counter service since there are no tables and barely any place to wait. Tried the plum tart-- very tasty and the other outstanding item was their fresh pizza dough. Not sure how they make their dough but it turns out great: crunchy, not doughy or chewy!
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Review from Anatoli L.
Stamford, CT
5/30/2011
Be prepared to stand in line, at least on Sunday morning - we spent about 20 minutes there. The result absolutely worth the wait - croissants were outstanding, small black sesame baguettes were on par with what I had in Paris, crispy on outside and fluffy inside. New England Night bread with cranberries and pecans was outstanding (we had a breakfast with the group of friends - it disappeared almost instantly), and then there was some small chocolate ganache concoction (you know how it goes when you just point your finger and say "that one"), and it was one of the best baked goods ever.
Highly recommended. -
Review from zul c.
New York, NY
10/23/2011
We took a morning stroll over to Clear Flour Bread today and as we approached we saw a line outside the bakery...this may make you think that it must be really good right? The line outside the bakery was probably because it was a tiny bakery and not because it's delicious. Yes, the almond macaroons were delicious and the breads looked fresh, but compared to other bakeries like Balthazar or simply your local bakery, the cashier had a horrible attitude with the customers and rushed you and looked at you as if she had no idea what you were asking for (we asked if they had butter scones- apparently here in Boston those dont exist according to her). Nonetheless, the breads were overpriced- delicious but overpriced. All in all, 3 stars because the service wasnt the best and the prices were a little much for what they were offering.
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Review from Shamus M.
Worcester, MA
12/26/2010
Would it be hyperbolic to write a review of Clear Flour Bread that had dozens of exclamation points and a lot of f-bombs? No it would not. In fact it would likely fall short of the mark. On a scale of "one" to "sex with twenty supermodels on a bed made of hundred dollar bills", Clear Flour Bread scores "life-altering religious experience covered in kittens." Literally everything, EVERYTHING, this place makes is the best possible version of that thing. Take the sesame garlic breadsticks for example. I mean breadsticks are breadsticks right? That's what these breadsticks want you to think, before they ambush your tastebuds in a back alley and deliver a savage beating with their vicious brass knuckles of flavor.
I guess my point is that this bakery is really good, and you should go there and eat their baked goods with your fists and mouth. -
Review from Jenn C.
the morning bun was delicious.
I'm usually not a fan of breakfast pastries because I feel as though its a snack for breakfast... and I'd much rather have a meal. The only breakfast pastry i DO like is a croissant or a humongous costco muffin.. but this all changed when I had the morning bun with candied nuts.
it was warm, buttery, and flaky and it wasn't too soft.. it was pretty much a less sweeter and less sticky version of a cinnamon roll.
I highly recommend getting this if you want a pastry on the go thats different. -
Review from Annette A.
Brighton, MA
1/16/2011
The best little bakery in Boston - stop being lazy and get out to Allston if you haven't been here yet. Yes, suffering through the B line is totally worth it.
Tucked away in a neighborhood, about 3 minutes from the Packard's Corner T stop, you may find this place with a line extending out the door. That should be your first sign that something special is happening here, if it wasn't the scent of fresh bread that got to you first.
When you step in, you'll be in a small room with a large counter - behind the counter are shelves of bread, ranging from simple square loaves to intricate, flower-shaped loves sprinkled with toasted seeds. To the side, you'll find little croissants and cakes topped with jewel-colored fruit preserves and cheeses. And in front of it all, a friendly and welcoming staff ready to answer your questions and give recommendations on what to pair with dinner.
This is a great stop whether you're looking for something special for your dinner party, or if you just want a nice, breakfast treat. -
Review from David H.
Brookline, MA
5/30/2011
I really shouldn't write yet another fawning review of Clear Flour, simply because the lines are already ridiculous & they realistically can't handle much more retail business...
Having said that, there's just no better bakery that I have encountered in the entire Boston area. Pretty much everything is great. The baguettes are made every couple of hours, so they're way fresher than the ones made earlier & sold at various venues like Whole Foods, etc. The morning buns, which have become a bit pricey @ $2.50, have been a family favorite since forever. One specialty bread that isn't found in many places is their Vollkornbrot - that dense Germanic cube of a bread that usually comes overpriced in unappetising shrink wrap. If you like this sort of thing, then by all means get it at Clear Flour.
My only real complaint is the queue. The staff are very good-natured & helpful, & I realize that they do a whole lot of commercial business, so that the counter is probably more bother than it's worth. But if you ever think about buying Clear Flour for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, or Easter, just be prepared with good shoes, & plan on making a few new friends while waiting on line. -
Review from Huong P.
Boston, MA
4/6/2011
Clear Flour Bread is one of those places that, despite how far out it is even for a student like me who goes to BU, is able to get this lazy butt to make the long, random trek to this little gem. Even though I was totally heading the opposite direction to go home (a one hour ride), the thoughts of the cozy little shop filled with delicious treats ranging from delicate, buttery croissants and rich tarts to artisan breads (truly a work of art themselves) led my mind astray and before I knew it, I was on route to Packards Corner to buy myself a delicious loaf.
It is stores like these that makes you want to buy everything even though you know it wouldn't work out for you and your little money purse. With all the great eats around the area that are much closer in site (I'm speaking about you Super 88), Clear Flour Bread is clearly a winner and can stand up for itself despite its small size. What it lacks in store space, it makes up on friendly service, great-tasting and sizable treats and staple breads, and nice little samples that will leave you jumping in joy. It doesn't hurt to say that buying one loaf of bread doesn't damage the little money bag either so thumbs all the way up! -
Review from Barbara M.
Providence, RI
12/1/2010
Just... wow. I have never had my heart/stomach stolen so completely by a bakery before! The morning buns are of course wonderful, but I loved the gruyere croissants as well as their chocolate chip brioche! Oh and there was this cranberry currant scone that I'm certain was made from pure love lol There's no way I can list all my favorites.
One thing I thought was unique about this place and inspired sort of a cult following is the fact that there's a schedule for certain products. Visiting their small storefront is never boring because there will always be something new and intriguing waiting for you to try. 5 stars all the way and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone nearby!Listed in: Bakeries of Love
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Review from Chris M.
Marshfield, MA
9/3/2011
All of the bread looks great here. I think they must be perfectionists.
I liked how some of their bread is made into different shapes. When I went they had rolls shaped like ladybugs, and loaves shaped like turtles and flowers.
Kind of a small store though. Not much room for browsing. Kind of cramped.
They also sell French pastries.
