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Standard Baking Co the
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
89 reviews for Standard Baking Co the
Review Highlights
"Their ham&cheese croissant is excellent."
(in 4 reviews)
"Also tried the chocolate cork."
(in 5 reviews)
"I recommend their morning bun with nuts too."
(in 5 reviews)
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89 reviews in English
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Review from Freesia S.
Meriden, CT
2/6/2012
I stopped into Standard Baking Co. to pick up a quick breakfast on Friday morning, and I had to stop in again Sunday on my way out of Portland to bring some of these goodies home. I loved everything about this place. From the real rustic bakery feel when you walk in, to the Portlandia-style staff who, as some of the reviews here mention, are clearly disinterested, but it's kind of fitting. It smells delicious the moment you walk in, and it can be a little overwhelming, but in the best way possible.
On my first stop, I got a baguette, a ham and cheese croissant, a chocolate croissant, and a coffee. The baguette was perfectly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside - great to eat throughout the day, though it was pretty stale the next day; the ham and cheese croissant was savory, topped with sesame seeds and filled with nice salty ham and sharper cheese; the chocolate croissant was light and flaky, with two strips of chocolate. Everything was really fresh and delicious, including the coffee, which I enjoyed next to the fire at our hotel. My friend made me try the almond croissant, which was also incredible - sweet, flaky, and sticky with tons of sliced almonds on top. I decided it was tied with the chocolate croissants for my favorite of the croissants.
On my second stop, I had to grab an almond croissant to bring back to my boyfriend. I also went home with two morning buns with nuts (one of which I'm enjoying as I type this), a chocolate croissant, rugelach for my parents (which they loved), and a loaf of rustic bread. Again, everything was fresh, sweet/light/flaky/chewy/crunchy when it should be, and absolutely delicious. -
Review from Katie W.
Boston, MA
11/4/2011 1 photo
After my first bite of Standard Baking Co's brownie, I wished I bought more than one. It was dense and chocolaty, everything a brownie should be. I recommend their morning bun with nuts too. It was light and flaky. Imagine the texture and buttery flavor of a croissant. It's exactly like that, but with walnuts.
I'll definitely be stocking up on fresh breads and desserts the next time I'm there! -
Review from Paul C.
Leesburg, VA
10/1/2011
I envy the people of Portland! My wife and flew in and out of the jetport and had only a little time - but after a great Standard Baking morning cup of coffee and morning bun, I knew we'd be back.
On the return, we stopped just to buy a couple of loaves of fresh bread. Staff was very helpful and patient despite how busy they were. We left Portland with a sourdough boule and another loaf of - heck - I don't remember. But one day later - back home in Virginia - we unpacked our fresh loaves, heated in the oven for maybe 10 minutes, and were able to replicate that crusty outside, chewy inside, fabulous fresh bread experience.
Lastly, I know I can go to whatever "Bread Company" chain is in my town and get something similar - but it will cost easily 3 times as much as Standard Baking.
Summary: Great Bread and Baked Goods, Helpful Staff, Great Prices -
Review from Chris G.
1/18/2012 9 Check-ins Here
The ricotta custard cake! You must get it. Our hotel was next door and every morning I had to go over and get a piece of the cake for breakfast. I only wished I had tried more than the cake and macaroons! Well, next time.
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Review from Anna E.
West Hartford, CT
1/19/2012
Absolutely loved the chocolate cork and morning glory bun and look forward to trying more treats next time I am in town. Small bakery with friendly staff. Has drip coffee and also tea but wished they had espresso beverages as well as I was jonesing for a cappuccino fix during my visit. Brother-in-law works close by and comes here several times as week as do his coworkers. A Portland gem.
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Review from Cynthia G.
Los Angeles, CA
9/24/2011 6 Check-ins Here
OMG! So good and totally worth the calories. The ricotta custard cake is a not too sweet and slightly savory treat. The coconut macaroons are petite in size but giant in flavor. The ham and cheese croissant was good, but more flaky croissant than filling. The lemon custard tart has a great shortbread cookie crust and the filling has just the right amount of tart to keep the sweet in check. The gingerbread is super moist and tastes like Christmas. The cornbread was a little dry and just okay.
I know it sounds like I'm eating my way through their entire menu, but I wanted to make sure I did my research to provide a thorough review.
There is always a line, but it goes pretty quickly because of the friendly and fast staff. -
Review from Cody S.
Peabody, MA
1/4/2012
They have a excellent and high quality products, This is a true baking company.
Service can be brisk and no-nonsense. Has always been busy when I have been there which is they way it should be for what they offer. -
Review from Julie T.
Salem, MA
12/30/2011
This is heaven on earth! We must stop in here any time we are close to the Portland area....breads and pastries are beyond explanation.....The olive bread and asiago Fougasse are the current favorites...but everything is exceptional. Don't miss this place if you are in Portland!
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Review from Kristen K.
Portland, ME
12/11/2011
I'm very lucky (and cursed) to live so close to the Standard Baking Co. Everything we've gotten from here has been amazing. Fresh gingerbread, chocolate brownies, and even loaves of bread. We picked up a loaf the day before Thanksgiving and they were very specific about how I should store it until it is served. I would have thought it would be fine to keep out for 24 hours, but they suggested freezing it for optimum freshness. I'm really glad I listened. The bread was not some after thought on the Thanksgiving table. It was crusty on the outside, and soft inside. Just perfect.
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Review from Steff D.
Lewiston, ME
12/11/2011
All I ever heard was how awesome the Standard Baking Company was. It seemed like any true Portlander knew and loved this place. I had always wanted to stop here to see what everyone was raving out, and when I finally had my chance I was thoroughly, thoroughly disappointed and disgusted. Not only was the selection incredibly small and unimpressive (the baked goods physically looked dried out), but the staff was also incredibly rude. They blatantly gave nasty looks to the customers, were short with them, and even ignored several us. I know I'm not the only one who's noticed this about them either: various friends of mine have commented on the same problem. Anyway, I was so put-off by their arrogant and apathetic attitudes (and unappetizing looking food), that we left shortly after arriving. I wouldn't give my money to a place that clearly has no regard for their customers.
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Review from Michelle B.
Albany, NY
8/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
My traveling companions and I tried a handful of tasty selections from here during our recent visit to Portland. The bread was soft on the inside with a chewy crust, and it was quite frankly... perfect. The sweets were all very good, and I found the spice cookies to be particularly soft and delightful.
My only complaint? I subtract one star for the horrific stench of the neighboring business's dumpsters which are situated very closely to the Standard Baking Co's front door. It may not be The SBC's fault, but it was part of my experience none the less. The smell was so incredibly intense on the hot day I visited in August that I had to hold my breath while I ran back and forth to the car, and I almost dry heaved in the parking lot. For real. -
Review from Kyle C.
Manhattan, NY
6/8/2011
Had dinner at Fore Street upstairs and was planning to pick up something from Standard Baking for dessert. Buuuut like most shops in Portland, Standard Baking closes early (7 PM?). So on my last day in Portland I marched over at 7 AM for a bag of macaroons and morning buns with nuts.
Without exaggeration, the morning buns are some of the TASTIEST pastries I've ever eaten. Sweet without being overwhelming, but still flaky like a croissant. They're small, but really satisfying. The macaroons were also amazing - light, delicate, and very coconut-y.Listed in: Go Ahead, Splurge., Dieter's Kryptonite
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Review from Michael C.
Milton, MA
5/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you are looking for a a great Bakery, look no farther. Everytime I go near Portland, I have to stop in. The bread is to die for. let me say it again, the bread is to die for. This is hands down the best Bakery I I have ever been too. There is always a line. But then given its the best bakery you will ever go to, are you not surprised.
The Bread is the best. The Sticky Buns are the best. Look no further ! ! This is it. -
Review from Eliza M.
Updated - 5/23/2011
I repeat - the freshly baked bread is as good as it gets.
I could spend hours in here just breathing. I heart you, Standard. I wish I could walk down to you and get a croissant and a coffee every day.
Oh wait, I'm unemployed. Maybe I can?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/23/2009
Tempt me with the smells of freshly baked baguettes... Tease my nostrils with freshly brewed… Read more »
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Review from Christine P.
Attleboro, MA
10/22/2011
A "must-stop" for me any time I'm in Portland or the area. The marinated olive rolls are soooo good and every single pastry I've had was incredible. LOVE this place!
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Review from Karen D.
5/12/2011
Fantastic little bakery. I got the Financiers on a recommendation and was glad I did. It didn't look like anything I would normally get, so it was a great surprised. It's a baked good that looks like a mini pie shap, has a bit of a cookie texture, and has crushed up pecans and chocolate.
I would have bought several to bring home, but I don't think they would have made it over the bridge. -
Review from connie l.
Boston, MA
5/22/2011
CHOCOLATE CROISSANTS.
I always eat one and pick up a box of them when I visit Portland. Their breads are afreakinmazing as well. A lot of restaurants in the area will serve Standard Baking Co's bread too, so I usually get a healthy (or not so healthy?) fill of them. Plus, I'm scared if I buy a whole loaf, I'd eat it within a couple hours..minutes?
The ham/cheese croissant I shared with the boy this morning was also divine.
Early bird gets the worm totally rings true here.. -
Review from Qing L.
JACKSON HTS, NY
10/12/2011
The lovely smell of baked-goodness hits you the moment you open the door! My sis and I shared a mini asiago cheese fougasse, sugar cookies and a chocolate croissant. They were All deliscious. Everything there looked great and the prices were very reasonable. The service was quick even with the long lines.
I had an earl grey-lavender tea. The boldness of the tea complimented our afternoon snacks perfectly.
I am definitely going back here when I revisit Portland! -
Review from H. G.
Boston, MA
8/17/2011
The sticky bun here was better than the one from Flour!
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Review from Abby W.
7/27/2011
We stop in here every year when we stay at the Hilton Garden Inn just next door. I always get the fruit buckle- it's so delicious, probably has a pound of butter but the huge amounts of fruit (raspberry this time) at the bottom balances out the rich crumble topping and moist cake perfectly. I ate the whole thing this time and felt a little sick because it was so rich, but I just couldn't help myself. We also tried a plum frangipane tart which was equally incredible, and grabbed a big loaf of fresh bread to use as french toast fodder during our camping trip. Best french toast EVER.
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Review from renae T.
Mountain Lakes, NJ
8/9/2011
As all the reviews say, and we agree, the croissants are great. We had an almond, plain, and ham n chez. The first two were my favorite, the latter two my husbands (almond was way too sweet for him-his loss). Coffee- super hot, nicely strong but 4 stars from my very picky coffee palate.
Oh, we also had a whole wheat roll that was perfect.
Shame to go just once and rate this place, so many things to try. -
Review from David F.
Atlanta, GA
9/7/2011
One of the best bakery's I've been to in quite some time. Drop by & order to your heart's content -- you really can't go wrong with anything here.
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Review from Matt M.
8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Stopped here around 9:30 AM on a Friday and line was already out the door. Parking can be tricky so plan accordingly. Plus, the building is at the back of the parking lot so don't miss it. The smell of freshly baked bread should be enough to drive anyone crazy. The chocolate croissant and cup of coffee is the way to go. My wife ordered up some tea and the olive/garlic bread. Funky combo for early morning but that was pretty good too. Know what you want cause once you go through the front door it is time to order.
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Review from Chris R.
Biddeford, ME
2/20/2011
50 miles and 90 minutes of travel on a Sunday morning with light traffic is a perfectly acceptable price to pay for croissants and baguettes that would make any self-respecting Parisian salivate.
Over the years I've worked my way through their repertoire, from the baguettes & croissants to several varieties of rustic organic breads, right through the sweet treats arrayed at the counter to distract & tempt as you place your order. I don't think I've ever left there without spending at least 50% more than I planned due to several impulse buys.
Simply put, every visit has delivered the goods, breads & pastries that make our dinner party guests rave. It's rare to find a food business that has NEVER disappointed, despite frequent patronage. Everyone has a bad day, but I haven't had one at The Standard yet.
#Protip - call your order in around 7:15am, and they'll put it aside so you can pick up at a civilized hour. I like a croissant as much as the next man, but it's better savored fully awake. -
Review from Vivian C.
11/7/2010 3 photos
I found out this place provides the bread for both Fore Street and Street & Company.
The parking lot out front is marked for the various surrounding businesses, so be careful if you decide to park there.
Tried the chocolate croissant - good! -
Review from Nick H.
7/12/2010
Seafood, beer, and bread. Diet of champions, diet of Maine.
I traveled here to Portland to try the combination of protein and grains - that magical elixir - that produces the chummy, friendly, down-home types up in the North, North, North of the Northeast.
Am I more friendly, laid-back, dusted with the sea salt of happiness that coats a Maine baby as it leaves the womb? No.
Did I eat some of the best baked goods I've ever had? Yes. Standard Baking came highly recommended and did not disappoint. I sampled their croissant (perfect, buttery, light, France-worthy, and beautiful), their rustic baguette (Not too dark/cooked which is my preference, amazingly soft and tasty inside, perfect to the last bite, again France-worthy) and a loaf of their multi-grain wheat bread (Nice crunchy crust, soft, nutty. and wheat-y inside).
An absolute must-visit on any trip to Portland. In fact, we invented meals to sample all the food in this city...and I recommend Standard for pre-brunch (latte and croissant).
So, hop to Standard to sample the best of one staple of the Maine munchables. Perhaps with more visits to Portland and more of their eating, I may just feel compelled to crawl into the clam shell of conversion to Mainehood. -
Review from Bob B.
Marblehead, MA
7/21/2011
Despite all the comments in reviews about the surly staff, I didn't encounter that at all. Pastries and breads were excellent.
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Review from Oldbrass O.
Portland, ME
4/26/2010
It's very nice to have a bakery right in the Old Port and they do have a wide selection of freshly made breads of very good quality. Their challah bread is quite good as are their baguettes and other boutique breads but I find their dessert items (cookies, sticky buns, etc) tend to be pretty lack luster and dry.
I would have given them four stars except for the very sub-par customer service I seem to find there. It's never been rude, but more like... disinterested. Like they just want you to order and leave. I've never been smiled to or been offered any salutation. That doesn't make the food there any less yummy, but it does tend to put me off. All they need to do is be kinder to the customers. -
Review from Eve C.
Mahwah, NJ
5/31/2011
I agree with Rene's review below. The staff was indeed "crunchy" and did just stare at us, but this is Portland and hippies abound so it wasn't a surprise.
Whatever, just give me my whoopie pie. Oh wait....no whoopies. We had a whirlwind 20 hours in Maine and I really wanted my boyfriend to try an authentic whoopie pie before we left, but no luck. I get that it isn't their style...French bakery blah blah blah... Oh well.
The ginger molasses cookies we got for the car ride home were quite good. -
Review from David L.
4/6/2009
The store is very handsome and inviting, plus the staff is extremely helpful and informative and generous... I left here with a big box of assorted baked goodies and a huge loaf of bread -- and on the way back home pretty much everything was consumed.
The sticky buns with nuts were phenomenal, I wouldn't necessarily describe them as a typical sticky bun, I'd compare them to a bear claw or a brioche or french cruller or perhaps somehow a mix of the three, but they're absolutely addictive... The croissant was great, so was the cherry tart, so was everything else that I don't remember because it was all eaten so incredibly quickly. -
Review from Jim C.
Redwood City, CA
6/6/2009
This small cozy place just smelled amazing walking in and there was a glass case of tempting baked goods calling your name as you enter. Too bad I was already full from my lobster roll or I would have been all over their goodies.
Bottom line: Looked and smelled great. You bet I'll check them out again next time I'm in town. -
Review from andrew h.
Washington, DC
Updated - 5/12/2009 1 Check-in Here
I'll stick with my earlier 5 star review. This place is worth going out of your way if you are in southern Maine.
I just ate a delicious nut bun and David L. has it right, it is a cross between a yeast raised and eggy/brioche-like thing; toothsome and chewy with just enough sweetness.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/6/2008
This has to be among the best bakeries I've had the pleasure of visitng. That includes several trips… Read more »
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Review from Missy S.
Boston, MA
1/20/2009
This place has the most amazing breads and bakery items this side of the Eiffel tower!
Take it from me (a true Francophile) that their baguettes are super authentic and delicious, as are the petit pain, pain au chocolat and the buttery, flaky croissants!
You cannot go wrong here! Come hungry and come often! When I lived near and worked in Portland, we got bread from here several times a week. We miss it terribly! -
Review from Roland P.
Dover, NH
10/16/2011
Excellent bread, good crust, good chew, good flavor ... Good enough to drive from Dover, NH
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Review from Boon K.
4/1/2011
This is a must come back to. There is so many things to choose from and everything was so yummy. Their breads are perfectly made and freshly baked. The sticky bun was moist and blueberry muffin was just awesome. The baked bread was so light, with a little chew to it, and moist. Just a fun place but it can get really crowd.
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Review from Jamie F.
10/8/2009 2 photos
Right when you walk into Standard, you'll be aroused by the aroma of fresh baked breads and pastries. Everything looks too good, and you can't help but to indulge yourself to some treats.
Here's what I randomly picked out:
- lemon tart ... excellent; I might actually like this better than Finale's or Flour Bakery's in Boston
- financier (chocolate chip cookie/brownie mix) ... perfection
- vanilla madeline ... like a cupcake without the frosting; pretty good
- sticky bun with nuts ... scrumptious
- gingerbread ... moist, and the spice wasn't overwhelming
- cranberry walnut scone ... good but nothing to rave about
- sugared butter cookies ... yummy & they were lobster-shaped :)
Prices were average, ranging from 85¢ to $2.85 each. Unfortunately, I did not buy any bread to go; though I had my fair share of the delicious, hearty bread at a couple Portland restaurants. I was very satisfied :)
A few notes: cash & checks preferred; big parking lot right in front; take your time browsing and ordering - they don't mind. -
Review from Chris M.
Marshfield, MA
5/28/2011
I'm kind of spoiled because I live near a great French bakery (French Memories in Duxbury, MA).
They once made French macarons here. It was the only bakery in the US where I had seen them. My brother brought home some from France.
They also had almond macaroons. Never seen those either. Cool.
The croissants could have been a little fresher, but I think the quality of their regular croissant is actually a step up from French Memories.
If you're from France you might be disappointed by the pain au chocolat. (It's basically a croissant with some pieces of chocolate in it.)
Lots of great baked goods here, like Dutch-chocolate cookies.
Get there early, or get stuck with leftovers. -
Review from Julie K.
New York, NY
9/13/2009
Yay for Yelp or I would have never known about this place! I went here in May and still dream about this place. If it were closer to me, I'd probably eat double my body weight in baked goods everyday (or every meal).
I had the sticky bun/cinnamon roll (I can't remember the exact name) and I normally am not a big pastry fan, but this was so delicious! It didn't have the normal cinnamon bun texture (think Cinnabon). It was flaky and not too sweet. I'd be a pastry fan if all pastries were like this!
I also got the brownie, which was decent, but I've had better brownies. If you want chocolatey, skip the brownie and get the chocolate cork! Actually get no less than 5 of them (that's what I wish I did)! They were so moist inside with a rich, but not overly rich chocolate taste that was enough to give me a chocolate buzz.
Oh and the gingerbread was quite possibly the best gingerbread ever! It was both dense and moist. All gingerbreads I've had after have paled in comparison.
Once in a while, I consider making the 8 hour drive up and stocking up on these goodies. -
Review from Jordan S.
Brooklyn, NY
5/31/2009
I'd heard about Standard as being one of the best bakeries in Portland. Thankfully, on my trip here, I stayed at the Hilton which is literally next door so I was able to get coffee and a baked good in the mornings. Coffee By Design makes their own special blend for Standard (a medium blend), which, for me, is on the darker end of medium. As for the baked goods, I had: the breakfast bun with nuts, the almond croissant, and the Blueberry/Oatmeal scone. All were delicious. Out of the three the breakfast bun was my favorite--just the right amount of flaky, softness, and caramel. And, because I went in the mornings, the pastries were still warm. The almond croissant melted in my mouth, and the scone was moist and tasty (however, I prefer my scones on more of the crumbly side).
All in all, delish! -
Review from Kelly M.
New York, NY
4/2/2011
Clearly I need to do more research, a few hundred more trips to this lovely baking company will be required to fully report back. Don't feel bad, I'm happy to put in the effort to help my fellow Yelpers. I can tell you that this is one of the best croissants I've had outside of Paris and we spent six weeks in that lovely city traipsing around in pursuit of the perfect croissant (we are crazy people, what can I say?). This is a lovely stop if you're in Portland and well worth the hassle of the line or parking lot.
