I t’s just a fact: life is better with freshly baked bread and pastries. Loaves, scones, baguettes, muffins, the list goes on and on. Are you getting hungry? We are too. Thankfully, you won’t have to drive far to satisfy the craving. Here is where to find breads and pastries with a list of great Bakeries in Olympia.

1800 Cooper Point Road SW, Olympia 360.742.3066

Phoebe’s Pastry Cafe is a one-stop shop for all things baked goods and a total no-brainer when you’re looking to fill up on a few special treats. Sandwiches, cookies, salads, cakes, croissants, you name it, and Phoebe’s probably has it. Their forte is baking, but they do a lot more than that, like their breakfast menu, which features a biscuits and gravy dish with freshly baked, dense, and chewy homemade biscuits that have a reputation around town. Don’t miss their full-size savory meat pies that are ready to be baked at home and the molasses cookies.

Enjoy your breakfast, lunch, or snack on their outdoor patio or inside the cafe. The inside cafe vibe is cozy, like your favorite neighborhood diner and sandwich shop, equipped with booths and many other seating options. For more information, check out Phoebe’s Pastry Cafe’s Facebook page.

Olympia Baking Company stands out against the competition for one reason: gluten-free baked delights. This naturally gluten-free bakery and bistro specializes in gluten free scones that are so good, you won’t believe they don’t have gluten. Plus, they always have at least a couple vegan scones as well. Don’t miss their Hawaiian scone, pizza scone, cornbread, and French onion soup.

Pop in to enjoy your gluten-free baked treat in their super quaint cafe, located just a few blocks from Capitol Lake. Also, keep an eye out for their daily soup and panini specials. For more information, follow them on the Olympia Baking Company’s Facebook page.

Left Bank Bakery in Olympia is everything you want from a French pâtissier. Their dry and cold case of divine baked goods would make anyone feel like a kid in a candy store. They offer over 12 delicious savory and sweet croissant options, a variety of quiches, cakes, puff pastries, brioche bread, cookies, tarts, macrons and so much more. Don’t miss the Kouign Amann, a sweet cake made with laminated dough that’s recipe originated in Brittany, and any of their perfect macarons.

Stroll up to the walk-up window to order your favorite treats to go. Be prepared, the lines can get pretty long, but that’s for a good reason. With over 10 years of excellence, Left Bank Bakery has undoubtedly secured its place in the bakery big leagues. Learn more at the Left Bank Bakery website.

1320 San Francisco Avenue NE, Olympia 360.753.8553

Lovingly known as Olympia’s neighborhood bakery, San Francisco Street Bakery has been located at this location for over 30 years. This spot has people lining up weekly for their delicious, airy and chewy hand-rolled bagels. Alongside the clear star of the show, they serve incredible bread, pastries, sandwiches, coffee, cakes and more. Don’t miss the lox bagel sandwich, topped with fresh onions, capers, and their assortment of fruit Danishes.

Enjoy your baked goods in their gorgeous patio garden, or check them out at the Olympia Farmers Market, where they’ve been selling goodies since 1990. For more details on their delicious bagels and treats, visit the San Francisco Street Bakery website.

Franz Bakery Outlet is a bit different than many other Olympia bakeries on this list. This long-running family-owned bakery has been around since 1906 and continues to serve a variety of bread, bagels and pastries. Franz Bakery Outlet isn’t a cafe but is more like a bread-centric grocery store that sells Franz brand baked good and treats at outlet prices. The selection is always plentiful, the staff is known to be helpful, and you simply can’t beat the prices. Don’t miss the various kinds of bread loaves and their famous chocolate donuts.  For more information on their hours and products, head on over to the Franz Bakery Outlet website.