Pearl Bakery
It’s not uncommon to find me at Pearl Bakery first thing in the morning, somewhat (somewhat = 7-10 minutes) late to work, standing at the long thin Parisian-style wood-slab counter in the steamy warm bakery and slathering a warm chocolate panini with raspberry jam, paying no mind to the melty bits of chocolate getting all over my hands, face and clothing. Chocolate on my snout is nothing new.
It’s not uncommon to find me at Pearl Bakery first thing in the morning, slathering a warm chocolate panini with raspberry jam, paying no mind to the melty bits of chocolate getting all over my hands, face and clothing. Chocolate on my snout is nothing new.
A Pearl District mainstay and flour-dusted Portland temple of all things mixed, fermented, kneaded and baked, this simple space has high ceilings, old-fashioned tiled floors, a sprinkling of small round tables, and large glowing doorway leading to the huge commercial ovens and small mountains of flour sacks that gives new meaning to the phrase “see the light.”
On a warm summer morning, take an hour before work and order your coffee drink of choice and an almond croissant or piece of orange-rind studded gibassier bread, sit outside at one of Pearl Bakery’s sidewalk tables, and read or watch passerby—it’s one of life’s greatest little joys.
I can’t not recommend anything you might find in/on a cake pedestal, plate, shelf, or bread basket in the Pearl Bakery—but you really must leave the PB with the following items in your bag: the aforementioned chocolate panini, a walnut levain, an almond croissant, a cinnamon crown, an espresso walnut brownie, a slice of lemon crème fraiche cake, and a slice of huckleberry fromage blanc tart.
Should you need a sandwich fix come lunch time, pop in for a housemade sandwich on the freshest of bread, and a cup of soup as well, to dip your chocolate panini in.
Details
Cuisine: Bakery
Owner: Eric and Mary Lester
Atmosphere: Busy, open and airy Pearl District bakery with a European feel to it
Outdoor seating: Yes, outdoor tables line the windows along NW Couch and NW 9th
Noise Level: Quiet to energetic
Dress Code: Casual
Bring the Kids: Yes
Bathrooms: Left side, behind the tables
Parking: Metered parking on surrounding streets
Coffee: Batdorf & Bronson
Tea: Republic of Tea
Ideal Meal: For breakfast, an almond croissant and a chocolate panini with raspberry jam. For lunch, a roast beef sandwich with aged white cheddar, arugula & horseradish aioli on a fresh baguette, a little lemon tart, and a chocolate panini with raspberry jam
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Good for the following occasions: Breakfast/Brunch, Out With Friends, Kids Included, Dining Solo
Catering: No, but you can place an order for pickup, with 48 hour advance notice. To place an order, call 503.827.0910.
Reservations: No
Take-Out: Yes
Delivery: No
Catering: No, but you can place an order for pickup, with 48 hour advance notice. To place an order, call 503.827.0910.
Wi-Fi: No, but you can often pick up a signal from a nearby source
Deals: Need a cool gift for the gluten fiend in your life? Pick up Pearl Bakery's “Tour de Pain” certificate, good for an assortment of eight loaves. Just $25!