Imagine a place where the aroma of freshly baked bread mingles with the sweet scent of buttery pastries, and the promise of a perfect chocolate chip cookie awaits.
Welcome to Standard Baking Co. in Portland, Maine.
Nestled in the heart of Portland’s Old Port district, Standard Baking Co. is a hidden gem that’s been quietly revolutionizing the local bakery scene for over two decades.
This unassuming brick building might not catch your eye at first glance, but trust me, your nose will lead you straight to its doors.
As you approach, you’ll notice the charming blue awnings and flower-filled planters that frame the entrance, inviting you into a world of carbohydrate bliss.
Step inside, and you’re immediately enveloped in a warm, yeasty embrace that feels like a hug for your senses.
The interior is a delightful mix of rustic charm and industrial chic, with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and gleaming stainless steel equipment.
It’s like walking into your grandmother’s kitchen, if your grandmother happened to be a master baker with a penchant for artisanal European techniques.
The first thing you’ll notice is the tantalizing display of baked goods that stretches across the counter.
It’s a veritable carb lover’s paradise, with crusty baguettes standing at attention like delicious soldiers, ready to march straight into your shopping bag.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
We’re here on a mission, and that mission involves chocolate chip cookies.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“It’s just a chocolate chip cookie. How special can it be?”
Oh, my sweet summer child.
Prepare to have your taste buds blown away by a cookie that’s so good, it should come with a warning label.
These aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill cookies.
No, sir.
These are the Beyoncé of cookies – flawless, show-stopping, and leaving you wanting more.
Each cookie is a perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy center, studded with generous chunks of high-quality chocolate that melt in your mouth.
It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth, a symphony of sweetness that’ll have you questioning every other cookie you’ve ever eaten.
But here’s the kicker – these cookies aren’t even trying to be the star of the show.
They’re just quietly doing their thing, sitting there among the other baked goods like they’re not the culinary equivalent of a mic drop.
It’s this understated excellence that makes Standard Baking Co. so special.
They’re not shouting from the rooftops about their amazing cookies.
They don’t need to.
The proof is in the pudding – or in this case, the cookie.
Now, let’s talk about the bread for a moment, because it would be a crime to come to Standard Baking Co. and not mention their incredible loaves.
Their baguettes are so authentically French, you half expect them to start singing “La Marseillaise” right there on the shelf.
The crust is perfectly crisp, giving way to a soft, airy interior that’s just begging to be slathered with butter or used to mop up the last bits of your favorite soup.
And don’t even get me started on their focaccia.
It’s so good, it’ll make you want to book a one-way ticket to Italy.
Or at least to the nearest olive oil shop.
But wait, there’s more!
Their morning buns are a thing of beauty – flaky, buttery spirals of pastry dusted with cinnamon sugar that’ll make you forget all about your New Year’s resolutions.
And if you’re lucky enough to snag one of their almond croissants, prepare for a religious experience.
These golden crescents of joy are filled with almond cream and topped with sliced almonds, creating a texture and flavor combination that’s nothing short of heavenly.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – or rather, the line out the door.
Yes, Standard Baking Co. is popular.
Yes, you might have to wait a bit, especially on weekends.
But trust me when I say it’s worth it.
Think of it as a pilgrimage to the holy land of baked goods.
Plus, the line moves quickly, and the staff are so friendly and efficient, you’ll barely notice the wait.
Speaking of the staff, can we take a moment to appreciate these unsung heroes of the baking world?
They’re like the Avengers of the culinary universe, tirelessly working behind the scenes to ensure that every loaf, every pastry, every cookie is absolute perfection.
You can see them bustling about in the open kitchen, kneading dough with the precision of a surgeon and the passion of an artist.
It’s like watching a well-choreographed dance, if that dance involves a lot of flour and results in delicious baked goods.
Now, I know what some of you health-conscious folks out there are thinking.
“But what about my diet?”
To which I say – everything in moderation, including moderation.
Besides, these baked goods are made with such high-quality ingredients and such care that they’re practically health food.
Okay, maybe that’s stretching it a bit.
But life’s too short to deny yourself the simple pleasure of a perfect chocolate chip cookie or a warm slice of freshly baked bread.
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And let’s be real – after one bite of Standard Baking Co.’s offerings, you’ll be ready to throw your diet out the window faster than you can say “pass the butter.”
But Standard Baking Co. isn’t just about the food.
It’s about the experience.
It’s about the way the sunlight streams through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the rustic interior.
It’s about the sense of community you feel as you stand in line, bonding with your fellow carb enthusiasts over your shared love of all things baked.
It’s about the satisfaction of biting into a still-warm cookie or tearing into a crusty baguette, knowing that you’re tasting the result of years of expertise and passion.
In a world of mass-produced, preservative-laden baked goods, Standard Baking Co. stands as a beacon of hope for those who appreciate the art of traditional baking.
They’re proof that sometimes, the old ways are the best ways.
That there’s no substitute for quality ingredients, time-honored techniques, and a whole lot of love.
So, the next time you find yourself in Portland, do yourself a favor and make a beeline for Standard Baking Co.
Come for the chocolate chip cookies, stay for the bread, and leave with a newfound appreciation for the simple joys of a well-baked treat.
And who knows?
You might just find yourself planning your next trip to Portland around their operating hours.
Now, I know I’ve been raving about the chocolate chip cookies, but let me let you in on a little secret – everything at Standard Baking Co. is worth trying.
Their menu changes with the seasons, showcasing the best of what Maine has to offer throughout the year.
In the fall, you might find pumpkin bread that tastes like autumn in loaf form.
In the summer, their fruit tarts are bursting with local berries that’ll make you wonder why you ever bothered with store-bought desserts.
And don’t even get me started on their holiday offerings.
Their stollen is so good, it might just replace fruitcake as the official Christmas dessert.
But perhaps the most impressive thing about Standard Baking Co. is their commitment to sustainability and supporting local farmers.
They source many of their ingredients from local producers, ensuring that their baked goods not only taste amazing but also support the local economy.
It’s like eating your cake and feeling good about it too.
Or in this case, eating your cookie and feeling good about it.
And let’s talk about their coffee for a moment.
Because what’s a great pastry without a perfect cup of joe to wash it down?
Standard Baking Co. serves locally roasted coffee that’s the ideal companion to their baked goods.
It’s rich, smooth, and strong enough to stand up to even the most indulgent pastry.
Now, I’m not saying that their coffee is so good it’ll make you give up your fancy espresso machine at home.
But I’m not not saying that either.
One of the things that sets Standard Baking Co. apart is their attention to detail.
Every item that comes out of their ovens is a work of art.
Their croissants are so perfectly laminated, you can practically count the layers.
Their tarts are adorned with fruit arranged in patterns so beautiful, you almost feel bad eating them.
Almost.
And don’t even get me started on their bread scoring.
The designs they create on their loaves are so intricate, they could give your favorite tattoo artist a run for their money.
It’s this level of care and craftsmanship that keeps people coming back to Standard Baking Co. time and time again.
In a world of instant gratification and quick fixes, there’s something deeply satisfying about baked goods that take time, skill, and patience to create.
So, whether you’re a Portland local looking for your new favorite bakery, or a visitor seeking out the best that Maine has to offer, Standard Baking Co. should be at the top of your list.
Just be prepared – one visit might not be enough.
You might find yourself planning your entire day around their opening hours, strategizing the best time to avoid the lines, and debating whether it’s socially acceptable to buy one of everything on the menu.
And here’s a pro tip: if you’re staying in Portland for a few days, buy extra and store it in your hotel room.
Their bread makes for an excellent midnight snack, and their pastries are the perfect breakfast in bed.
Just don’t blame me if you end up extending your stay just to squeeze in a few more visits to Standard Baking Co.
It’s been known to happen.
So there you have it, folks.
Standard Baking Co. – where the cookies are life-changing, the bread is swoon-worthy, and the coffee is the perfect accompaniment to your carb-induced bliss.
For more information about their offerings and hours, be sure to check out Standard Baking Co.’s website and Facebook page.
When you’re ready to embark on your own baked goods adventure, use this map to guide you to pastry paradise.
Where: 75 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
And who knows?
You might just find yourself planning your next vacation around a bakery.
Stranger things have happened in the pursuit of the perfect chocolate chip cookie.