Brake Bread — Restaurant in Saint Paul

For years, I've left small restaurants and shops committed to writing a review. Despite my good intentions, I never followed through. However, after my visit to Brake Bread this morning, I vowed that their product and service so overwhelmingly exceeded any expectation I have of a small business that this time I would actually write one. So, here it goes.

I visited Brake Bread with my two daughters, four and seven years old. We were invited into a small but open space that gave a clear view of the craftsmanship underway, a counter filled with pastries, and a friendly staff. We ordered two cinnamon rolls, a chocolate babka, and coffee.

The cinnamon rolls were lightly glazed with frosting, the exterior was a bit crisp and chewy, and the inside was a soft ribbon of cinnamon laced dough. The glaze and cinnamon did not overwhelm the roll––It was sweet but not too sweet. A perfect counterpoint to gooey, sugary rolls found in shopping malls.

The babka's exterior and interior texture matched the cinnamon roll. The chocolate was rich with hints of cinnamon. It was a perfect companion to a well brewed cup of Bootstrap coffee.

The bread and pastries are not the only thing that shines at Brake Bread. The service was an outstanding combination of attentive service and warm hospitality. They invited my two girls behind the counter to checkout the bread baking in the oven. My four-year-old left saying "it is yummy, and I love it, and they are helpful." My seven-year-old said, "they are kind and everyone should go there." We all left happy and satisfied.

Before leaving, we picked up a loaf of their sandwich bread, Fwuffy, and a handful of cookies. We're already looking forward to lunch. We, without a doubt, will return to Brake Bread. And, if the owners or employees stumble on this review, thank you for a...

I'm WAY LATE to the party here, but Break Bread is fabulous. Leave aside the incredibly kind and generous crew that works there - the bread and baked goods are to die for!

I actually stumbled upon Break Bread one day when headed to Mojo Monkey Donuts, which I was also a bit late on, and went to check it out. The first time I went I ordered some baguettes and some chocolate croissants (Pan Au Chocolate) and I didn't buy enough to satiate the family at home. The second time I went I bought a few extra goodies for me to eat on the way home before showing the family what I picked up. And the stories continue...I haven't ordered a subscription service (YET!) but have some friends who do, and they rave about the quality and service of their delivered...

Kalamata Olive Bread (I don't remember the official name) was burnt. I'm not talking crispy crusts, I mean burnt. Charred black, cracked, and tasting like carbon. I know now that I will always have to ask the server to take the bread out of the bag and show it to me before I make a purchase to ensure it isn't burnt (at businesses other than Brake Bread because I now refuse to buy anything from them). To make matters worse I bit deeply into an olive pit that was contained in the bread and just about broke a tooth! Shame on you, Brake Bread, for knowingly serving customers burnt bread and hiding it in your bags to dupe them at checkout. You have lost a previously loyal customer. I...