The latest fast casual export from Utah.  As with the other options (Cafe Rio, Cafe Zuppa, Rumbi) it is focused on providing families with large quantities of safe options for a cheap price. Nothing really stands out as exceptional but several sandwiches can serve in a pinch as suitable lunch options.

The 'Must Try'- Disregard your better judgement and get the all you can eat weekend French Toast

Sassy’s Cafe & Bakery

Shabby Chic meets the family dinner.  Think of  a poor man's Sweet Cakes Cafe... complete with the sandwiches, cookies, and the scores of women gathering for the lunch and the latest gossip.  Sandwiches above average but man those cookies are something special.  

The 'Must Try'-  The cheesesteak is good but the real reason you are here is those cookies

Noble Eatery and Bakery

This place has the pedigree and expectations that come from Claudio Uriciuoli and his time at Noca and his apprenticeship with Nancy Silverton.  A very simple setting and concept executed at a high level by one of the best craftsmen in the Valley.


The 'Must Try'- The menu board varies but is always good

Breadcrafters Bakery & Cafe

It has a lot of the elements that you look for in a great neighborhood bakery.  What keeps it from joining the Varsity lunch list? The space is awkwardly cramped.  The lackluster soups detract from otherwise solid sandwiches.

The 'Must Try'- The Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich

The Phoenix 'Bakers' Dozen

With bread being the 'staff of life' and all we felt it was important to highlight the best spots in Phoenix to get this timeless staple.  Since it is has played a critical role in the development of nearly every culture on the planet we have opted for a list that highlights the many interpretations of how the power and taste of grain can be harnessed.

Whether you need something to end table your meats or you just want something lightly buttered here is our list of the best spots in Phoenix.

1. Pane Bianco- With a devotion to the old crafts, grain varieties, and recipes from an era that predates General Mills, Chris and Marco Bianco have opened our eyes to what bread should taste like.  While the bread is perfectly sublime on its own we prefer to enjoy ours in the form of a caprese sandwich.
2. Wildflower- While technically a chain it still manages to maintain the charm and connection of something locally entrenched in the community.  They have have about 17 breads served daily and most accompany the other dishes in one form or another.
3. La Purisima- A morning visit to sample some Pan Dulce, Encocado, or Pina Empanadas is all you need to realize why the neighborhood Mexican bakery is a flurry of activity every morning. La Purisima and its sister La Promesa have long been serving Central Phoenix with these south of the border staples.
4. Middle Eastern Bakery- Let's take the party to the cradle of civilization.  The menu is straight from the Cedars of Lebanon but there are also items from as far west as Greece. Their pita lightly warmed on a skillet with some olive oil is a revelation into why this is considered a staple for an entire region.
5. Chompies- From Jerusalem to New York to Phoenix comes the Jewish deli with the widest reach.  They have an expansive menu that covers all of the bases while also making room to get creative with Southwestern inspired ingredients.
6. Essence Bakery- From the humble origins of Middle-Eastern and Jewish baked goods we move to the haute world inhabited by the French.  The macaroons are the reason you make the trip but the  counter is full of items that satisfy the taste buds.
7. Whole Grain Natural Bread- This place will remind you of the fresh scents that used to come out of Grandma's kitchen.  Great bread but spectacular oatmeal cookies.
8. MJ Bread- The other half of the Tammie Coe baked goods empire.  You will find their treats at LGO and many other spots throughout town.  This is where you go when you want to make an impact when you host your next soiree.
9. Old Heidleburg German Bakery- While we may never understand our Bavarian friends affection for Hasselhoff we trust them implicitly when it comes to things that require precision, such as baking. Great pretzel rolls and some of the best rye bread in the Valley.
10. Kneaders- This place is the favorite aunt who will not let you leave until you have sufficiently gorged yourself in her kitchen.  Come here on a Saturday morning for their unlimited french toast and you will know what I mean.  You might be leaving full but make sure you take a loaf of ciabatta for later.
11. AJ's- They pride themselves of being the purveyors of fine foods and their bakery certainly makes the cut. We visit their boulangerie after dinner because in most cases it is cheaper and better then what was offered at the restaurant.
12. Karsh's- We mourn with the rest of Phoenix at the passing of this long time Kosher gem.  This was the place you went on the weekend for some of the city's best danishes. 
13. We are leaving #13 up to you.  What is another Phoenix bakery that deserves recognition?

Essence Bakery Café

A great cafe that offers a sleek setting for some fresh eats, but it is the pastries that justify a trip across town.  Owner/Baker Eugenia Theodosopoulos and her French training is much appreciated and we relish being able to get a world class macaroon without having to put up with French snobbery.

The 'Must Try'- No brainer, it's a couple macaroons

Kneader's Bakery

This place, and Cafe Rio, perfectly embody Utah's contribution to the culinary world.

The formula is simple:
Attractive Price Point + Family Friendly Atmosphere +Casual Dining + Mounds of Calories + Super Generous Portions = a decent week day option.

The 'Must Try'-  The Saturday Morning All You Can Eat French Toast

                                                     
                                                                     

Sweet Cakes Cafe

I'm secure enough in my masculinity to unequivocally endorse this place.  Look past the shabby chic decor and the gossiping grandmas and you will find some great sandwiches and the best sugar cookie I've had in Phoenix.

The 'Must Try'- Any sandwich will do so long as you leave with a couple Sugar Cookies.