The Bakingtist
222 Holmes Avenue NE
Huntsville, AL 35801
Website
Downtown Bakery
I’ve come across, and sampled their scrumptious cookies, at various markets around town for a while and new they were working towards a permanent location, so I was delighted to see they had set up shop in Downtown Huntsville. They’re also currently nominated for Best New Business of 2022 in Downtown Huntsville.
The décor is fun and fresh. I loved the old school desks, lab tables and chairs with the flowers in beakers providing a new spin on restaurant table flowers. The periodic baking table of elements was cute and well thought out and I can’t wait to take my science-loving daughter the next time she’s home from college. Two scientists featured prominently on the walls and the barista explained they rotate out different scientists each month with the staff able to choose a shirt representing their favorite.
I visited on a Tuesday morning to avoid crowds. The barista was delightful, very friendly and extremely knowledgeable but did express weekends, arriving early as well, is the best time to experience their complete smorgasbord. In spite of a somewhat limited offering on a weekday, they still had their delicious Blueberry Muffins (each one is a half-pound), Focaccia Breakfast Bakes (complete with some Conecuh Sausage inside) Apple Hand pies and two types of Kolaches. Unfamiliar with a Kolache, I looked it up to find a description of a sweet pastry that holds fruit and is surrounded by puffy dough. Sounds yummy, right? Like everything at The Bakingtist, they put their own spin on it. Their Kolaches the day I visited were Conecuh Sausage with Cheddar and Jalapeno and then one with simply Conecuh Sausage and Cheddar. (Saying simply sounds like it reduces it but really who doesn’t love Conecuh Sausage and Cheddar?)
On the weekends you can expect to see additions like Cruffins, Monkey Bread, Streusel and those famous 1/3-pound Groundbreaker Cookies. A variety of coffees round out the menu.
I scooped up a Blueberry Muffin and Americano and sat down at one of the tables to enjoy. The staff is dedicated to their craft as well. Displeased with how my first coffee was brewing, she started over wanting to ensure what she delivered was the best it could be. She was so enthusiastic and enjoyed chatting with me about the concept behind their offerings.
It’s a welcoming and relaxed vibe with some of the tables close to outlets so if you work from home like I do, it’s a great place to come and work when you need to get out of your house and want a yummy treat.
The Bakingtist is such a cool idea and a great fit for the Rocket City-the marriage of art and science if you will. As a fan of STEAM, I love to see it.
If you want to take a little of the science home, they offer t-shirts and kits that allow kids of all ages to experiment with the science of baking like the Bread Balloon Bonanza.
To stay up to date on menu offerings and hours, visit their Facebook Page.
