7 best bakeries in Phoenix for fresh-baked bread
Celebrate National Sourdough Bread Day with an artisan loaf.
Rebecca Rhoades
April 1, 2024
The French have baguettes and brioche. The Italians have focaccias and ciabattas. And in Arizona, sourdough is having a moment. The crusty, chewy bread with a tangy, acidic flavor has been a staple of American bakeries for centuries. It is the oldest and most original form of leavened bread, with the earliest examples dating back to ancient Egypt.
Sourdough, and other artisan breads, got a boost of renewed interest during the pandemic, as home-bound carb addicts began making their own loaves and posting videos online of their wobbly rounds of dough and intricately scored fresh-from-the-oven creations. While many home bakers have since put away their spatulas and mixing bowls, their love of fresh-baked bread remains.
Luckily, greater Phoenix is home to an array of bakeries that use fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including heritage grains. Whether you stick with sourdough or prefer a more traditional European-style bread, you’re sure to find it in one of these Phoenix bakeries.
Barrio Bread
932 N. Colorado St., Gilbert
For years, carb-loving Phoenicians would make the almost 2-hour trek to Tucson specifically to get their fix of James Beard Award-winning baker Don Guerra’s signature loaves made with local heritage grains. Now, thanks to a collaboration between Guerra and Tempe-based Hayden Flour Mills, the crusty sourdoughs, baguettes, and other baked goods that made Barrio Bread a household name are available right here in the Valley. Every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Guerra takes over Hayden Flour Mills’ kitchen in Gilbert, where he offers more than a dozen varieties of bread, as well as fresh-baked bagels. While some of the flavors are familiar, such as einkorn, cranberry walnut, and pan rustic; others such as chiltepin cheddar fougasse and Tibetan purple barley are area favs. Purchase your loaves online the week before, and pick up your ready-to-go order from the pop-up shop in Hayden’s parking lot. Forget to reserve? Guerra usually has extras on hand for those last-minute cravings.
Noble Bread
4525 N. 24th St., Phoenix
Unable to find any good-quality bread in 2012, Phoenix native Jason Raducha decided to make his own, and within months, he began selling his sourdough Country loaves at local farmers markets. Turns out he wasn’t the only one who wanted fresh, artisan-made bread, and Noble Bread became so popular that Raducha soon opened his first bakery and deli. Today, his naturally leavened hearth-baked loaves are on the menu at numerous resorts and restaurants across Arizona. But you can still purchase them straight from the source at Noble Eatery in midtown and at a dozen farmers markets throughout the Valley. Made in small batches from local organic grains, the crusty, chewy breads are available in varieties such as semolina, marble rye, and nine grain. But the original Country remains the top seller. The lunch spot also offers Noble sliced sandwich loaves, rolls, and English muffins, Monday-Friday 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Proof Bread
Locations in Mesa, Phoenix, and Litchfield Park
A longtime farmers market staple started by former Arizonan Jared Allen and purchased in 2017 by husband-and-wife team Jonathan Przybyl and Amanda Abou-Eid, this bread powerhouse has grown to include three storefronts across the Valley. All-sourdough loaves, baguettes, and boules are made fresh daily using Allen’s original levain starter, named Harriet. You can’t go wrong with the classic rustic loaf, or you can sample one of the many mouthwatering flavors, such as jalapeño cheddar, green olive, multigrain, cherry chocolate, or even Guinness white cheddar. Even though you can find Proof’s breads and pastries at its brick-and-mortar bakeries, the owners remain loyal to their farmers market customers and can be found at Saturday markets in Gilbert, Scottsdale, and Phoenix.
Arizona Bread Company
7000 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale
When Amy Wakser opened Arizona Bread Company 30 years ago, grocery store sliced sandwich loaves were more common than small-batch artisan breads. The mom-and-pop bakery was an instant hit, attracting the Valley’s discriminating carboholics who heaped praise on its simple doughs that, since day one, have used the same 75-year-old levain starter. The bakery now produces about 18 varieties of artisan breads daily, from sourdoughs and rye breads to ciabattas and baguettes, in flavors such as chili cheese, cranberry orange, kalamata olive, and chocolate cherry. The challah, a Jewish egg bread available only on Fridays, is made using Wakser’s grandmother’s recipe. Order a whole loaf or enjoy the bread on one of the eatery’s “make your own” sandwiches, Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Essence Bakery
3830 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix
Pastry chef and owner Eugenia Theodosopoulos trained in Paris, where bread is an art form and boulangeries, or bakeries, are on practically every corner. So it’s no surprise that her traditional European techniques combined with local grains from Hayden Flour Mills result in crusty, hearty loaves that have garnered a bevy of accolades for Essence Bakery. Baguettes, brioche, sourdough, and seasonal flavors, such as hazelnut fig, chocolate orange, and Greek Easter bread, are available in breakfast and lunch dishes or as individual loaves. For a light bite, grab a flaky, puffy croissant, baked fresh every morning, Wednesday-Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Great Harvest Bread Co.
1730 E. Warner Road, Tempe
Tucked away in a nondescript strip mall in South Tempe, Great Harvest has been one of the Valley’s best-kept secrets for more than 15 years. But locals in the know flock here for scratch-baked bread, made daily from the freshest regional ingredients. The bakery even has a stone mill on-site and grinds its locally sourced wheat. Tried-and-true staples — honey whole wheat, honey white, high 5 fiber, and Dakota — are complemented by an expensive menu of special daily flavors, such as Irish soda bread, cinnamon babka, cheddar garlic jalapeño, lemon sunburst, Guinness & gouda, and more. Great Harvest also offers at least four gluten-free options each week, such as buckwheat, pumpkin chocolate chip, and banana, all made with buckwheat flour, brown rice flour, and flax meal. Stop by the store Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., order online for home shipment, or pick up a loaf at the Gilbert Farmers Market.
Wildflower
Multiple locations
With more than a dozen locations in greater Phoenix, as well as Flagstaff, Sedona, Prescott, and Sky Harbor International Airport, this local chain bakery has been known for its fresh-baked artisan breads for more than 25 years. Try one of the award-winning varieties, from ciabattas and focaccias to sourdoughs, ryes, brioche, challah, fougasse, lavash, and nine grain, on piled-high gourmet sandwiches or purchase a loaf to take home. Buns, bagels, and rolls also are available. And you’ll even feel good by doing so, as Wildflower, through its Wildflower Cares Foundation, has since 2009 donated more than $5.1 million worth of fresh bread and bakery items to help the hungry.
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The 8 coolest home decor stores in Atlanta
HGTV design pro Brian Patrick Flynn shares his favorite hidden-gem home furnishing shops in ATL.
If you’ve ever watched HGTV’s Dream Home and Urban Oasis, you’ll surely recognize dynamic host and designer, Brian Patrick Flynn. A self-taught virtuoso, Flynn has an unparalleled talent for transforming lackluster spaces into cozy living rooms, functional laundry areas, enchanting outdoor retreats, and so much more. Beyond the screen, Flynn, an Atlanta local, is our go-to guide to the city’s most sought-after furniture and decor shops. Whether you’re looking to totally furnish a room or simply need a little style refresh, design pro Brian Patrick Flynn shares the shops you should know about.
Header image above courtesy of Robert Peterson
Dixon Rye
1085 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta
Described by Flynn as “super bespoke and just brilliantly made,” each piece within Dixon Rye tells a story. Housed in the newly revamped Westside Ironworks complex, this isn’t just any old furniture store; it’s a treasure trove of expertly curated pieces that will elevate any room. From globally sourced found objects to locally crafted furnishings, proprietor Bradley Odom, whose résumé boasts stints at national retail giants like West Elm and J.Crew, knows exactly how to wow his clients.
Pieces
3234 Roswell Rd NW, Atlanta
At Pieces, a Buckhead mainstay since 2004, you’ll find “super coastal, modern-style antiques you can’t find anywhere else,” says Flynn. At first glance, you’ll notice lots of conversation pieces, fun accents, and gorgeous gifts that’ll add personality and charm to any space. Venture deeper, and you’ll discover sophisticated, high-quality furnishings meticulously crafted from natural materials that exude warmth and authenticity.
Huff Harrington Home
425 Peachtree Hills Ave NE No. 9, Atlanta
With stores in both Atlanta and Paris, Huff Harrington Home offers fine art, antiques, lighting, furniture, and decor. The interiors shop was established in 2011 by dynamic duo Ann Huff and Meg Harrington, who have curated both locations with a mix of their unique tastes. You can lose yourself and be inspired just perusing their charming, 4,000-square-foot store. If you’re looking for high-end, transitional pieces, Flynn highly recommends Huff Harrington Home.
Shop Stevie Interiors
3300 Heritage Walk Ste 101, Milton
Embarking on a space transformation journey is no small feat, but Shop Stevie Interiors helps make the process effortless. Established in 2020 by award-winning designer Meghan Bassinger, the Milton shop’s seasoned design staff will help you every step of the way. Known for pairing modern decor with antiques, the Shop Stevie Interiors team will help you select standout pieces that’ll elevate your space from mundane to magnificent.
BD Jeffries
3736 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta
Are you looking to give your home a more sophisticated, cultured appeal? Look no further than luxury lifestyle boutique BD Jeffries. Flynn recommends this location for an edited selection of beautiful bespoke furniture as well as unique home decor items, exquisite antiques, and captivating coffee table books, all of which you can purchase off the floor. You can also delve into their eclectic array of men’s and women’s accessories, including stylish hats, belts, and jewelry.
Urban Cottage
998 North Highland Ave NE, Atlanta
Located in Atlanta’s Virginia-Highland neighborhood, Flynn likes Urban Cottage for what he calls “one-of-a-kind smalls.” In non-designer speak, that means small items like tableware, cozy throws, art, and accessories – all the things that make your house a home. You’ll also find clothing, jewelry, an amazing selection of fragrances, and incredible, unique gifts. In addition to all of the hand-picked items in-store, Urban Cottage also builds custom furniture and offers interior design services to its customers.
Verde Home
999 Brady Ave NW Suite 4, Atlanta
Flynn’s pick for the best rugs and upholstery in the city is Verde Home in West Midtown. With a 10,000-square-foot showroom full of custom furniture, accents, lighting, and accessories to explore, there’s pretty much endless design potential here. You’ll also find designer favorite Farrow & Ball’s complete collection of paint and handcrafted wallpaper in the store.
Lewis & Sheron
1017 Collier Rd NW F1, Atlanta
Also located in Atlanta’s westside, Lewis & Sheron is a fourth-generation textile company with an esteemed reputation. Flynn particularly calls out this shop (truly a design center) for its custom upholstered furniture, pillows, and blankets, each meticulously crafted with the finest fabrics. You can even have your existing furniture reupholstered here, breathing new life into timeworn pieces and literally demonstrating the transformative power of interior design.
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11 spots to celebrate March Madness in Dallas
Ball out at some of our favorite bars, restaurants, and hangout spots in the city for March Madness.
March Madness is finally hitting Dallas, and the city is buzzing with excitement as NCAA teams prepare to ball out on the court. While tournament tickets might be pricey, Dallas has a plethora of activities this weekend to keep you in the action. We’ve got the scoop on local events, plus the best spots for game-watching and bracket monitoring. Check out our 11 picks below.
Hero by HG
3090 Nowitzki Way (Uptown)
With large, theater-like screens and immersive audio quality, catching the games at Hero by HG during the NCAA tournament in Dallas will make you feel like you’re at the American Airlines Center (which happens to be next door). Add in some fun arcade games, six full-service bars, and the option to “build your own bowl,” and it’s got everything you need to cheer on your favorite college team. So grab your squad, share a Mega Mule, and let the party begin.
Happiest Hour
2616 Olive St. (Uptown)
Just steps away from American Airlines Center, Happiest Hour will keep the madness going all weekend. Guests can watch the game on over 40 screens, including the 30-foot LED screen in The Garage. All weekend long, guests can purchase specialty cocktails from a March Madness-themed menu and be entered into a special “swoopstakes,” with winners and prizes announced each round. On April 8, at the end of the tournament, a grand prize winner will be announced.
Quarter Bar
3301 McKinney Ave. (Uptown)
Quarter Bar is offering some saucy specials during game times. Fans can enjoy $12 Patron Silver Margaritas, $12 Grey Goose Espresso Martinis, and $7 High Noons. Plus, guests can enter bracket contests for a chance to win up to $500.
AT&T Discovery District
308 S Akard St. (Downtown)
At the AT&T Discovery District in the heart of downtown Dallas, you won’t miss a minute of the action when you watch the games on their massive 104-foot media wall. Grab a cocktail at The Exchange and have a seat in the Discovery Garden for a truly incredible viewing experience.
Vincent’s Sky Bar at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District
800 N Harwood St. (Arts District)
This Saturday, March 30, Vincent’s Sky Bar at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District is buzzing with March Madness in Dallas! Partnering with Community Beer Co., they’re hosting all-day basketball festivities. Vincent’s will open at 11 a.m. and Community Beer Co. will be there from 2-6 p.m. offering seven different beers on tap. Guests can watch all the games (plus pre- and post-game coverage) on large HD TVs while they test their free throw skills in an arcade-style basketball game.
Stan’s Blue Note
2908 Greenville Ave (Lower Greenville)
Watch your favorite teams battle it out at one of Dallas’s longest-standing, most iconic dive bars. With multiple large screens, a home-like back patio, and prizes given out at various points of the night, Stan’s is a fun place to sit and stay, even if your bracket gets busted.
The Porch
2912 N Henderson Ave (Knox Henderson)
College basketball fans can enjoy a nice array of hearty bites at one of Knox Henderson’s buzziest spots. The Porch is offering Sweet Chili Wings served with celery for $16, Brisket Nachos with all the best toppings and Brisket Queso with guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo, both for $14.
Henry’s Majestic
2303 Pittman St. (Oak Cliff)
During all March Madness games, Henry’s Majestic – which has recently relocated to Oak Cliff – will offer $4 Estrella, $6 Screwball, and a $7 Elvis shot, comprised of Screwball, banana, and honey. Fans can also enjoy $10 Buffalo egg rolls and $12 wings and fries. Now, these are some specials to go mad over!
The Hub
1289 Johnson Rd (Allen)
From the Sweet Sixteen to the Final Four, The Hub is the ultimate destination for March Madness. A large back patio with astroturf makes for the perfect spot to watch the games in spring weather – which is even more exciting on a movie-theater-sized screen. If you’re a bit far from Dallas, this suburban sweet spot maintains a sporty spirit for fans everywhere.
Shark Club
8451 Parkwood Blvd (Plano)
You won’t miss a beat at Shark Club. At this Canadian-bred sports lounge based in Plano, guests can order a variety of unique bar food options as well as light bites. Watch all the games on their 44 TV screens or two large media walls – and keep an eye on their 50-foot sports ticker for updates by the minute.
Fanzo
5977 Preston Rd. (Frisco)
The newly opened Fanzo in Frisco is the ultimate sports fan destination. Guests can enjoy March Madness games on numerous screens, including a seven-foot-high video wall. Plus, skip the basic bar food, and try some next-level creations from chef Vijay Sadhu – including the chicken lollipops with spicy Manchurian or gochujang sauce, or the braised short rib, topped with Mexican curry mole and fenugreek mashed potatoes. After all, an occasion this special calls for equally exciting cuisine.
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