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The Best Bakeries in Madison

Posted on March 19
Rob Thomas

Rob Thomas

A glass display case full of cakes and loaves of bread.

Rolling Pin Bake Shop in Fitchburg has several cases full of sweet and savory treats. (Rob Thomas / City Cast Madison)

Baked Lab, the new bakery at 2044 Atwood Ave., is Shawn Bolduc’s dream made real. Once an arts administrator at the Wisconsin Union Theater, Bolduc changed careers to become a baker, making wedding cakes and teaching baking classes out of a food incubator space.

Now, Bolduc has his own physical location for Baked Lab. On the City Cast Madison podcast today, host Bianca Martin talks to Bolduc about his vision for his bakery, and how he’d decorate the ideal Madison wedding cake.

City Cast

Atwood Bakery Is a Third Space for Sweet Treats and Community

00:00:00

Here are some other locally-owned bakeries in and around Madison where people who don’t mind getting a little flour on their fingers are making their dreams come true.

2935 S. Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg. Open Mondays through Fridays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed Sundays.

Since 2002, this Fitchburg institution has expanded from an indie bakery specializing in Russian and European pastries to a full-service bakery with a cafe serving breakfast and lunch. You can also find them at area farmers’ markets in the summer.

2021 Winnebago St. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Once a home bread bakery, this brick-and-mortar location opened in Schenk Corners in 2023. Still known for its bread, which ranges from traditional sourdough to adventurous varieties like miso sesame, the bakery also has a cafe and hosts events like “Half-Baked” improv shows.

961 S. Park St. Open Mondays through Fridays 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

No gluten, no problem at this Madison bakery that moved into a former Barriques on Park Street. They offer over 80 delicious gluten-free products as well as paleo-friendly offerings, from vegan pecan bars to keto mint oreo truffle bombs.

6712 Frank Lloyd Wright Ave., Middleton. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What started out of a UW-Madison student's apartment has become a full-service bakery, offering cakes, cookie cups, and brownies along with cake decorating classes for young and old.

1219 Regent St. Open daily 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You don’t have to wait in line at the Dane County Farmers’ Market anymore for Stella’s signature Hot ‘n’ Spicy Cheese Bread. At their new cafe, not only do they sell large and mini loaves, but they have sandwiches for lunch, coffee, beer and wine, and a patio that will be open for Badger Saturdays.

916 Williamson St. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tucked away on Willy Street is Madison Sourdough, a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. This bakery is special because not only do they use local grains in their products, but they also installed their own mill in 2016. They claim roughly 40% of the flour they bake with is milled in house.

1402 Williamson St. Open Tuesdays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Known for their croissants and pastries, Batch Bakehouse has been a Madison staple since 2009. Hot tip: The bakery tends to sell out of items later in the day so get there early or call ahead to reserve your sweet treat.

1402 Regent St. Open daily, hours vary

Greenbush Bakery is a Madison institution known for its eponymous donuts, which can also be found at many grocery stores around town. The bakery is also a certified Kosher dairy kitchen. L'chaim!

1924 Fordem Ave. Open Wednesdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Far Breton Bakery on the North Side specializes in French pastries and its owner has previously worked at the Ovens of Brittany, L'Etoile, Harvest, and Samba Brazilian Grill.

1851 Monroe St. and 557 North St. Hours vary by location.

With locations on both sides of town, Bloom Bakeshop is a favorite for many Madisonians. The small batch bakery opened a second location in the Eken Park neighborhood in 2022.

Did we miss your favorite bakery? Let us know!

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