Ken's Artisan Bakery — Restaurant in Portland

Ken's was brought to my attention after I ate at Checkerboard Pizza at Pine Street Market. The morning buns were calling my name, but it was already pretty late and I figured I wouldn't be able to eat anymore that night. Seeing that it was from Ken's (pizza owner, baker, and James Beard award winner!), I made a mental note to visit before I left Portland.

This particular Ken's is located on 21st Street in the Alphabet District. Parking is again - street parking. But luckily we were able to grab some close spots. Even coming around the afternoon, we found that the bakery was still quite crowded. And there were a lot of baked goods and desserts that caught my eye. Not only do they offer variety of sweets, but they also have savory sandwiches served during lunch from 11-3.

I knew I had to try the morning bun. I don't remember the price except that it was under $5. I believe it was cheaper than Tartine's $4.20 for their morning bun. And I have to say that I really enjoyed the bun from Ken's way more than Tartine's. This morning bun was flaky and had that crackle as I bit into it, yet the inside was soft and fluffy and buttery. I loved the cinnamon and sugary taste, and it was just enough to give the fluffy inside enough sweetness. Even my parents agreed that it was really tasty. Tartine's morning bun has a hint of orange to it and while it is unique, I didn't really like that fresh acidity with the sweetness of the bun. So having Ken's morning bun be sweet and not too cloying or sticky, I thought it was the perfect balance - and would go great next to a cup of coffee.

I really wanted to order the almond croissant, but they were fairly huge. And so I went with the fresh blackberry macaron, just because it looked amazing. And the price point of $3 wasn't too bad considering the plump blackberries in the middle. I wasn't sure what to expect - and I haven't been as big a fan of macarons as I used to be, but this macaron was amazing! The fresh buttercream in the middle really sealed the whole treat together. Blackberries were sweet with just a hint of acidity while the shells were soft and crumbly. Taking a bite into the dessert, I just felt it melt in my mouth and I knew I wanted to close my eyes and savor the bite. It was that good! They really created a party in your mouth because the cream and fruit and macaron shells - were all amazing.

Workers are super friendly and energetic. Loved the vibe that I got from the bakery. There were customers chatting, some reading, others working on stuff - made me want to sit there and read a book while eating my treats as well. Very Earthy tones to the bakery - tables made out of wood with feathers engraved. Some communal tables as well.

And the presentation of all the goodies - the cakes, the breads, everything! If you have a sweet tooth, I highly recommend you try Ken's while you're in Portland. One of my favorite finds, and I'm so glad I got the chance to try their morning bun! Prices are worth the quality! If I lived close by, I'd be there...

I can see why people would like this place, however with this being my first time here, I had a less than stellar experience. Ordered a slice of quiche warmed with a cappuccino and some bread to go. The quiche was served cold after I asked them to warm it up. When returned it was still partially cold, the store was about to close so I decided to eat it partially cold, then not to bother them. A female employee was quite rude to me when I was trying to leave after finishing the quiche, in a rush. It was a little behind their closing time and they already locked the front door so she yelled at me to use the back refusing to show me where it was. I understand that they were cleaning up and they wanted me to leave however I was still there because they were incapable of warming up the quiche I ordered. And I still needed to eat it, which I was rushed to do because of that. So the fact that I wasn't given time to eat what I ordered and then was given an attitude for it was incredibly unprofessional. Lastly the second that it became closing time they turned on this intense techno music as though I wasn't there which really ruined the atmosphere while already being rushed to eat an expensive piece of quiche that I didn't have time for because they were struggling to warm it up. It felt like a waste of my time and money I would have rather just gone home. And I can't imagine that lady talking to anyone that way if there was still another customer there, it's a shame how some people behave when given the opportunity. But despite the poor customer service and ruined atmosphere, I can say that the quiche though cold was good, the cappuccino was at least average and the bread I bought home was also well made, though not the best artisanal bread I've had in the city. I can see why they have been able to stay...

Ken's is the best French bakery in Portland for at least 8 years. Their breads, croissants, desserts, everything, are all made every day fresh from scratch.The owner had training in France and it shows.This is where you go when you want consistent, high quality foods and flavors. Get there early, before 4pm. The earlier the better so you can have your pick before they sell out. Everything is made with great ingredients and with care. You can really taste how much better this place is than all the other French bakeries in Portland. For 8 years Ken's has been my favorite, and I've tried them all. Ken's is always a little busy.But the wait is not long, the nice staff are very quick and helpful. Most of their customers already know what they want and are coming back for more. This place is making high end, high quality, fresh, from scratch, French bread and deserts that taste wonderful.

Croissant -is perfect, flaky , crunchy , layers, nice middle and golden brown outside. Buy 2. They disappear like a delicious cloud. Breads- all fresh and never dry Opera cake-decadent, good layers Tarts -seasonal fruits, grapefruit is my favorite, but I love every seasonal flavor they make. I could eat too many. Canelés - better than in Paris. kind of miraculous-. They can warm them up at Ken's, if you ask, I think that is it. I've seen French women almost get mad that the Canelés are so good at Ken''s in Portland.

This bakery is consistently great and never disappoints. If you need a pleasant and delicious start to your day, a decadent brunch or a lunch that won't disappoint, this is the place. I buy my friends desserts from Ken's when they need a little cheering up. I know I can count on everything they sell, to be excellent every time.

Ken's is worth it. Get there...