Essential Baking Company
(206) 545-0444
1604 N 34th St
(at Woodlawn Avenue)
Seattle,
WA
98103
47.6482
-122.3386
Neighborhoods: Lake Union, Wallingford
Hours:
Mon 6am-6pm
Tue-Fri 6am-11pm
Sat 7am-11pm
Sun 8am-6pm
Price:
$
Parking:
Street
Last updated 1.30.09
What People Are Saying About Essential Baking Company
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Its aromatic artisanal breads have lined the shelves of high-end local grocers for years, and now Essential has expanded its primary bakery to include a warmly charming cafe and lunch counter. Exposed-brick walls, high beamed ceilings and broad, sunny windows contribute to the casual, airy atmosphere. Sit at the knotty-pine lunch counters or soak up the sun on the front patio.
The Food
The seasonally driven menu focuses on European sandwiches with ingenious twists: Kalamata olive bread is slathered with cool feta-cucumber spread and freshly snipped oregano leaves, while a sophisticated white cheddar and Camembert grilled cheese is dressed up with pan-roasted Granny Smith apples, caramelized onions and crisp watercress. The Spanish-style hearth oven turns out robust slices of pizza bianca, a house specialty occasionally augmented with shards of prosciutto. Pastries and desserts are beautifully executed: Croissants burst with fresh raspberries, pears and apricots; decadent chocolate mousse is sweetly amplified with a buttery layer of creme brulee.
User Reviews
jt5472
July 07, 2008
Essential is an institution in Wallingford, and deservedly so. The breads are fresh, if not flavorful. The pastries are sweet, if not sublime. However, there is something I can't quite peg that isn't great about this place. It's not the workers, who are friendly and patient, but the lines are tiresome, and the quality of the breads are not worth the wait. The location is drop dead gorgeous, 1 block from Gasworks park - but they seem to have run in to some of the problems any successful and beloved brand does, complacency.
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medsarita
April 15, 2008
The bread is good. I love the pizza bianca and the (expensive) little pastries. The lunch items are pricey given the portions, and sometimes the soups can be a bit iffy/too-experimental. I'm not a regular, but already a couple times the morning baristas have acted put-upon when I "interrupted" their conversations to order coffee... never had that problem with staff later in the day though.
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ktmarblil
October 14, 2007
Not meant for tourists and you need to know how to order. Stand in the first line, place your order, walk to the register and then pay. Sometimes the staff will bring you your food but more often they yell your name out. When it's really busy, it's hard to hear. It is entirely worth the effort though. So far, it has been the best coffee I've had in Seattle and it has turned me into a pastry lover. I take everybody to Essentials. Very fresh, all organic ingredients, and an eclectic mix of workers.
read full reviewThe Details on Essential Baking Company
When to Go:
Stop by after work to get deals on almost-day-old loaves--usually half price or less.
The Extras:
The menu and location make this is an ideal spot to grab fixings for a picnic in nearby Gasworks Park.
Category:
Wholesale Bakers, Bakeries, Restaurants
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Outdoor Dining, Hidden Find
