Alchemist's Jam & Bakery — Restaurant in McMinnville

Man oh man, I LOVE Alchemist’s Jam! Though a bitty little shop down a side street (Ford) off McMinnville’s beloved Third Street, they’ve packed so much inside to adore.

If you live in the area, you are likely familiar with their exemplary jam. Crafted of local fruit in both traditional and more creative flavors, you’ll no doubt discover a variety to tempt you. While this is the foundation for their shop, there is so much more on offer here. If shopping, sustainable bath, body, cleaning, and home products abound. Also, beautiful pottery, artwork, books, and toys.

Once you’ve filled your arms with the above treasures, it will be time to select a drink and some baked goods. They have a short and sweet coffee and tea menu, and though it wasn’t listed, on a recent visit I inquired about hot chocolate, which they happily made. It tasted like melted chocolate mixed into frothed milk and was absolutely divine. My husband enjoyed his latte as well.

As a notorious sweet tooth, the baked goods are my go-to. I think I’ve tried nearly all and can attest to their excellence. Many include AJ’s namesake jam, but there are savory pastries on offer too, as well as loaves of sourdough bread (you can even buy some sourdough starter to bake your own!). The cookies are my favorite, as they are hefty, about as thick as three regular cookies stacked, and always moist and perfectly baked. I love the Moon Phase double chocolate cookie the very most – not-too-sweet, super dark chocolatey, and I find the powdered sugar to match the current phase of the moon incredibly charming.

Everyone here is so kind and friendly, it’s really a joyful space. There is a bistro table outside if you’d like to enjoy your goodies there, but they are just as delicious imbibed as you wander downtown McMinnville. The bad thing about Alchemist’s Jam is that they are only open Thursday through Sunday, so you can’t get their goodies any old day. But that just means you treasure them all the more...

Now, I may have been introduced to this place by a horrible ex, but I am keeping Alchemist in the breakup -nothing- could stop me from coming in for my Jam latte and croissant fix. Not only do these guys have the best pastries in town (possibly even all of Yamhill County), they serve affordable and delicious coffee and other beverages, and hello- the JAM is to die for.

Also important (to me) to note that this is possibly the queerest place in town. There are very few places in Yamhill County that I can walk in and right away see pride and mutual aid related signage, postcards, books., etc. That may turn some off, but this lesbian is thanking you all from the bottom of my heart for being here and doing...

Absolutely wonderful! I had found this gem before our Portland trip and had added it to the list but was not expecting to be as blown away as I was! We actually saw them at the Farmer's market and grabbed the Potato Galette and a cookie before some wine tasing, and honestly couldn't stop thinking about them for the entire day.

The next morning, we were lucky enough to be staying a block away so we started our morning here. Its a cute little spot with a great staff! We grabbed a biscuit with marionberry jam, another sugar cookie, an apple galette and a potato galette and every single thing was phenomenal.

I cannot wait for our next trip back because I can't stop thinking about how delicious...