We know what you may be thinking – death to carbs because #sixpackabs. We get it; it’s summer, and keto and juice cleanses are legit waist-busters. However, we feel that we would be doing you a disservice if we withheld vital information from you regarding a few of our favorite bakeries in Durham. And we just can’t do that to you. Cue the gluten.
“Baby” Scratch
While the original location has closed, the second location of Scratch still has us drooling. Tucked away in the quiet Lakewood district, you are invited in to the smell of their breads, pastries, and homemade granola. Want a pie? They have sweet and savory options available. Scratch’s ever-famous donut muffin will likely be your new go-to.
Sit on their patio and soak up the sun with one of their handcrafted iced lattes or their refreshing cucumber lemonade. We’re glad you’re still with us, baby Scratch.
Loaf
Prior to being a downtown Durham storefront, Loaf started out as a vendor at the Durham Farmers’ Market. It’s easy to see why their heart for community and expert baking skills has propelled them to flourish. Loaf is packed full of friendly faces, flatbreads, cookies, pastries, and of course, hearth-baked loaves.
It only took about 4 seconds for us to be convinced to get the hazelnut pain au chocolat, and it was worth its weight in gold. Another favorite was one of their daily loaves: cherry pecan!
Loaf offers their baking schedule online for those who need to stay in the know. Friendly tip: Saturdays are for Seeded Sourdough. If you can’t make it into Loaf, check out the Durham Co-op Market for some takeaway bread.
Ninth Street Bakery
Our friends at Ninth Street Bakery have served the city of Durham since 1981. They relocated away from Ninth Street years ago, yet kept their iconic Durham name. You can find them a stone’s throw away from Loaf in downtown Durham. Ninth Street is an established wholesaler that also houses a delightful cafe.
Home to the popular “Durm” loaf, they have a multitude of other stencils to add that special touch to your celebratory loaf. Some key players: the blueberry danish, ciabatta bread, savory vegan hand pies, and oatmeal raisin cookies with walnuts. So good that we got two: the pumpkin bar. It’s vegan and GF and it’s big enough to share. But, if you are anything like us, you will just savor it slowly over a couple of days.
Ninth Street, we love that we get to rep your apparel while we eat your pastries and specialty sandwiches on your patio!
Author: Melanie Ray
Hi Bull City! @Melny here. I grew up down the road in Cary and graduated from NCSU. After a time or two around the globe, I'm back to my NC roots and am slowly making Durham home. I'm a pediatric nurse and can typically be found with my fluffy dog who looks like a muppet, hiking a trail, or baking and creating in my kitchen. I love whiskey and believe the world needs a whole lot more kindness, humor, and ice cream. Happy to be here!
