The Zilker neighborhood is home to ThoroughBread, a small-batch bakery that has developed a legion of fans in just a few years of business. The cookies are really the star of the show here, and their flavors range from the more unique, like Peanut Butter and Jelly, to classic Chocolate Chip. With all-organic flour and naturally leavened sourdough, the fresh breads are also not to be missed.

An essential Hyde Park stop, Quack’s has remained a favorite for nearly 40 years. Students utilize the bakery’s long hours for late night study sessions, while families head to Quack's on the weekend for an early morning breakfast. The delicacies are all flavorful, but highlights include the Ham and Swiss Croissant, Chocolate Whipped Cream-Filled Cupcake and Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake. There’s something for everyone at Quack’s!

Locally owned for nearly 30 years, Upper Crust Bakery churns out cakes, pies, breads and so much more in their convenient central Austin location. Locals can snag a coffee and pastry on the way to work or enjoy a sandwich made on freshly baked bread for lunch. Upper Crust is also known for their cakes, which can be ordered for special occasions, but are also available daily in flavors like Italian Cream and Carrot.

Asian American desserts galore are available at OMG Squee. The treats are gluten-free and cute as can be, ranging from Butter Mochi Donuts to Snow Skin Mooncakes and a variety of macarons. Plus, you may recognize the business from season six of Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” in which owner Sarah Lim was featured as a hero.

Easy Tiger opened their first restaurant in 2012 and in just 10 years, has taken the city by storm. Now with three restaurants, a Pretzel Bar at Domain NORTHSIDE and their signature loaves sold in H-E-B, legions of locals love Easy Tiger. Although primarily lauded for their bread, the pastries are also tasty — especially the Cinnamon Knot, an ideal start to your morning when savored with one of Easy Tiger’s many coffee options.

Cookies are in the name, but every item at Tiny’s Milk and Cookies is worth a try. Their decadent brownie is big enough to share, but so scrumptious that you won’t want to. The Cheddar Rosemary Scone is a savory snack, and their Kouign-Amann is a wonderful version of the traditional French pastry. And for lunch, take a bite out of the rotating house sandwiches served on fresh bread.

A downtown standard, Walton’s Fancy and Staple serves delicious breakfast and lunch, but is also known for its pastry offerings. The bakery case is a sight to behold, with a great variety of sweets to choose from. The staff is always friendly at this brick-walled bakery, which is co-owned by actress Sandra Bullock.

Croissants are difficult to perfect, but chef and co-owner Sarah McIntosh has just about done it with the laminated offerings at Épicerie. Indulge with a Pain Au Chocolat, keep it simple with the Butter Croissant or try their monthly rotating flavors, created in partnership with local chefs. The rest of the bakery case is full of amazing items to eat along with a tasty coffee or after a delectable meal in the café.

Everything at Zucchini Kill is vegan, gluten-free and soy-free — it also tastes great, which is not always the case with food following these guidelines. The women-owned establishment pays tribute to feminist punk pioneers with their menu, which includes the Rebel Swrrrl Swiss Rolls and Strawberry Abyss Cupcakes. Now with a second locale on Fruth Street, Zucchini Kill’s popularity is growing.

Although a little outside of city limits, Abby Jane Bakeshop is worth a visit. Owner Abby Jane Love, who previously honed her skills at Dai Due Butcher Shop and Supper Club, is baking up breads, pastries, sandwiches and sweets with Texas-grown and milled heritage grains. You can even watch the millers work in the Barton Springs Mill facility during your visit! Come hungry and leave with boxes of treats for the ride home.

The specialties at Kellie’s Baking Co. include shortbread cookies printed with images of our dear city, as well as massive cookies stuffed with Oreos, chocolate and more. The bakery offers corporate gifting, catering, wholesale and nationwide shipping, but for locals, the retail bakeshop recently reopened with limited hours after being closed throughout most of the pandemic. Make a visit to support a small business creating extravagant goodies for Austinites’ cravings.

Find French delicacies galore at La Patisserie, an authentic, from-scratch pastry shop with two spots in Austin. Sip on a cup of Stumptown Coffee at the north location or Tweed Coffee at the south location — just don’t skip the macarons! Made with egg whites and almond meal, La Patisserie’s macarons are a light and sweet treat with crunchy meringues and creamy fillings.

Got a sugar craving? Head to Sugar Mama’s! The South First staple specializes in desserts made to order in small batches. And if you’re looking for a wedding cake, this bakeshop’s fully customizable creations will deliver in both the taste and looks departments. Fun fact: Sugar Mama’s appeared on Cupcake Wars back in 2013, coming back to Austin with a win in the Food Network competition show.

Although the Texas French Bread building was destroyed in a tragic fire in early 2022, the beloved bakery is still selling their goods through Farmhouse Delivery and at farmers’ markets around town. With a planned food truck set to eventually open in their original location, the TFB staff is committed to getting their French-inspired food to Austinites who love and support them.

Visit Tiny Pies for a taste of — you guessed it — tiny pies. With both savory and sweet options, you aren’t limited to just dessert at this bakeshop. Plus, the Tiny Pies team consistently creates special flavors for seasons and holidays throughout the year, making their miniature baked goods the perfect addition to a dinner party or family gathering.