Independent Baking Co
Welcome to Independent Baking Co, your go-to destination for authentic, handcrafted baked goods in the heart of Athens, Georgia. Located at 1625 S Lumpkin St, this charming bakery has earned a stellar 4.7-star rating from delighted customers, thanks to its commitment to quality and flavor. Whether you're in the mood for a rich chocolate croissant, a flaky morning roll, or the best freshly baked bread loaves, Independent Baking Co has something to satisfy every palate. The bakery prides itself on using traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients, making each bite a delectable experience reminiscent of artisanal bakeries in Italy. Conveniently situated within reach of Athens' vibrant community, Independent Baking Co is open Wednesday through Sunday, offering an inviting atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. While parking can be a bit tricky, many agree that the effort is well worth it for the exceptional treats waiting inside. With a reputation for warm service and a welcoming smile, the staff is dedicated to ensuring every customer leaves with a satisfied palate. Don't forget to indulge in their famous danishes—flaky, buttery, and packed with delicious filling, they are a favorite among regulars! Visit their website at [independentbaking.com](http://independentbaking.com) or call (706) 850-3550 to learn more about their offerings and plan your visit today!
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Salem
Independent has the most quality and authentic pastries and bread loaves I have ever had outside of Italy. I would highly recommend their chocolate croissant if you like something light, flaky, and chocolate-y. 😊 Their Olive Bread is a family favorite, and we love to eat it with a little butter on top. I have never been disappointed with any of their products and I’ve been a customer for years ❤️ Parking is a little difficult and I would not recommend taking more than 3 people inside with you due to the smaller size of the building.
Justine Lee
✅ Recommend: Morning roll - perfect smell and the texture! Croissant is good too but not as impressive as the morning roll. ❎ Not for me: Round bread - too hard for me. If you like hard crust; maybe this is for you. Perhaps the most famous bakery in Athens. My friends recommended me croissants and morning roll. Friendly staff and pretty store. Need to come early before they sold out!
Fernando Rodriguez
We love this little place! Our kids love the chocolate croissants and we love every single thing we've tried, usually go there on the weekends to get fresh breads. They always have a smile on their faces and are super friendly, there is no pressure to get you to buy and get you out the door quickly, they also have a small terrace next to the running store so you can get your coffee and pastries and enjoy the people go by!
Mariya Dan
Probably the best freshly-baked goods in Athens. Parking is annoying but worth it. Traffic in the area is crazy. There isn't much seating inside. Great service. Great prices. Dont forget to try the bread, croissants, and cardamom bun.
macy johnson
The danishes. Omg the danishes. Usually when I get danishes I pick around the edges and go straight for the filling but the flaky pastry is SO GOOD and so buttery you’re going to want to eat the edges. Their loaves are also amazing and have such great flavor and the filling is perfectly balanced, not too sweet and just rich enough
Delia Ludu
Excellent bakery. Fresh baked goods, great view of the bakers, nice view outdoors, variety of goods and breads, great customer service and great coffee. As a visitor to UG and Athens, I put this in the top 5 to visit in this area. Walking distance of 15 minutes from center of UG (hotel) or a 5 minute drive - easy to spot from Lumpkin St. Walked in on a Friday morning from a cold-ish and rainy day and were greeted with warmth and sweet smell of dough. The 5--ish bar stools they have are quickly used by long term residents - so if you find a spot, try to take it fast - most people stayed there an average of 1 hour just chatting. We tried a variety of goods including: morning roll (like a buttery and sugary wheel version of a croissant), orange and nut scone, carré des fraises (berries square) and a raisin bread. The bread was king - moist dough, light and excellent raisins (not super sweet). Really good latte too. This is a favorite on my Athens list!
Robert Protasewich
Last week I stopped by IBC in search of some good homemade Rye bread for our annual Corned Beef St. Patrick’s Day meal. The cashier recommended Sourdough Rye which is only made on SAT. I ordered 2 loaves for P/UP on SAT afternoon but I got tied up and did not realize they were open on SUN. So when I stopped in on TUES Peyton offered for me to pick out 2 loaves to replace the 2 loaves that I never received. Now that is excellent Customer Service! IBC will now be my go to Bakery. Check them out. Wonderful selection and they even have some great special roast coffee and other specialty items. Thx to Peyton and the entire IBC Team.
Aime Lecusay
Frankly I have had this bakery semi-buried in my book, but this latest and last purchase hammered the last nail on the coffin. I bought, regretfully 2, Apple Turnovers. With high expectations I cut into one of them only to have part of half an apple, UNPEELED! (epitome of laziness) slide out of the pseudo pastry dough. As I opened it I found a dry, unappealing…I would like to say “filling” but there was just a tiny amount of sprinkled cinnamon and a soggy looking pastry dough shell. Completely unacceptable, disappointing and pathetic for the price. I dare say McDonnald’s Apple Pocket is better, and that’s a statement. Please refer to the photos attached to this review, they speak volumes.
Rich M
I've been buying every day French bread for several years and it's delicious. Also their German Christmas stollen Is also excellent. But today I give it 3 stars only because I bought seedless rye bread for the first time and I was disappointed because it doesn't taste anything like rye bread that I've had. And I'm of Polish ancestry and I grew up in New York State and I've had my share of many bakeries rye breads and this fell way short. My advice is you may want to do a little more research and taste tests of any good rye bread, if you can find it, and see if you can replicate it or improve on it.
Agora Vintage
I’ve travelled the world (Europe, South America, Asia) and never found a better bakery than Independent. The quality is incredible because the owner takes immense pride in his work. He explained to me how the overwhelming majority of cinnamon is industrially-cultivated irresponsibly, dramatically impacting flavor. So he found this obscure dealer out of Oregon that has the best old-world cinnamon. This dude is diligent, and he cares. Absolutely delicious creations.
