Grand Central Bakery & Cafe

 

14

85

Kate F.

Portland, OR

There is nothing-- NOTHING-- better than the smell of a bakery.  And this bakery does not disappoint.  I've sampled a lot of their stuff, but what really, really stands out is their OH MY GOD DELICIOUS macaroons.  I'm not talking about the coconut haystack type dealies, but the fluffy sandwich cookies with frosting in the center.  They make them in flavors such as pistachio (to die for) and hazelnut (worth coming back from the dead and dying again for.)  They're not exactly cheap, but if you're having a nice brunch or something (or just want a special treat for yourself) suck it up and stock up!

UPDATED:  They no longer have macaroons.  And the counter-guy who told me didn't seem to understand the gravity of this information.  They lose a star for getting rid of their best item.

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Elite '08

110

278

Elizabeth E.

Portland, OR

Delicieux!

The breads are phenomenal -- I'd recommend my two favorites: the Como loaf (white, crusty, loaf with lots of oomfph), the Kalamata Olive bread (too darn tasty for my own good).

However, the real benefit to actually going to a Grand Central Baking location (as opposed to picking one up in New Season's or some other grocery store) is that they make wonderful breakfasts and lunches and a few pastries that they don't sell anywhere else.

The sandwiches are hearty and healthy and the cinnamon rolls are hearty and not healthy (so sweet and dense and gooey--just like a a proper cinnamon roll should be...)

This location does have a little bit of outdoor seating but it only gets 4 stars because the parking lot is a teeny-tiny nightmare (I'm surprised my car hasn't been scuffed up yet) and there is very little seating overall.

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Elite '08

13

252

Angela B.

San Diego, CA

Grand Central is a carb lovers fantasy! Those chewy bolo rolls, that sweet challah bread, the fresh herb foccacia and those homemade pastries...

Grand Central for breakfast and Grand Central for lunch, I could eat that fresh, warm bread for all three meals if my thighs would let me!

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