Essential Baking Company

LOVE it + it is Organic. The food and coffee is great - much better than Starbucks or Tully's. The Lake Union cafe has more ambiance - but the Madison cafe is conveniently located for me and I go there all the time. more

The Essential Baking company that I've been to is the new on in downtown Seattle - located on 5th Avenue in the shopping district, it's a great little spot for a quick and tasty lunch. They have lots of sandwiches and salads to choose from as well as a wide variety of fresh baked breads and really tasty and sinful looking cookies and pastries. The smell in here in unbelievable! more

You can't even imagine how happy I was to have this place open up in my neighborhood. Judging by the steady stream of customers from day one, I'm not the only person who felt this way. It's especially busy on weekends when lots of families and couples stop here for lunch or brunch. I had been to the Fremont Essential Baking Co. during dump runs and knew I could make this place a habit if only it were closer to home. The Madison location lacks the charm of the warehouse in Fremont, but it does have more of a seating area. I really enjoy their rotating menu of cold and hot sandwiches and salads. I especially love that they serve cornichons with their sandwiches. It's a small thing, but not to someone who loves cornichons! All the ingredients they use are fresh and taste great. I'd recommend you get a side salad with your sandwich because it only costs marginally more, but you get lots of bang for your buck. Their balsamic vinaigrette dressing is perfect. The sandwiches are just a hair too expensive because they're really not that big. Their crepes are a little skimpy on fillings, but otherwise good. The boutique-y selection (ginger beer, Honest Tea, etc) in the drink cooler is fun, but a lot of people just have coffee drinks with their meals. It's also fun to pick out dessert (gourmet chocolates, tarts, or cookies) while you're waiting in line to pay. Their cookies are big and wonderfully chewy, but we've had stale tiramisu (which they happily exchanged). The place is small for the amount of business it gets, but tables turn over steadily. After you've ordered, just hang out and wait because a table will open up before your sandwich is ready. If you've dressed warmly, the tables on the patio are often open, especially on rainy days. Also worth mentioning: I've noticed a distinct (yeasty?) smell clinging to my hair and clothes when I leave. It's pretty strong, so hopefully you can head home right after to shower and change. more

Madison Park and Madison Valley are really gentrifying. There isn't any greater sign than the building that Essential Bakery is on. I can remember when that was one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in town. This location, despite its lack of parking is terrific if you are in the neighborhood or you are on a bike around Lake Washington, although they don't have a place to put your bike unlike Starbucks in Leschi. They serve really great baked goods in a crunchy granola style. BTW, their croissants are good, but you aren't in Paris, so they aren't as buttery. Their lunches are very good. Usually two soups and not just minestrone. Last time I was there, I had a Thai Curry that was excellent. The sandwiches are fine too. For bagels, they are OK, but I would go to Noah's on Capital Hill if you have the time. Still a terrific place and a good place to hang out for a while. They are open late for desserts so this is a good place for a chocolate cake :-) more

I like coming here on weekend mornings and getting something to munch on and a coffee. It's typically busy, but its a pretty large place and there is room to eat outside if its a decent day. I have also come here for later meals and the sandwiches have been good and the people working there have always been pleasant. I consider it a neighborhood bakery, but I know they have a few throughout the area. (and beyond?) more

The essential bakery is an upscale french style bakery. They have many varieties of breads in addition to quiches, crepes, soups and sandwiches. While the soups and sandwiches sound very good, they were a bit heavy for my taste, especially the broccoli soup. Desserts, on the other hand, were light and heavenly. I would certainly return here for pastries and desserts, but I will get my soup and sandwiches elsewhere. Expect a crush on weekends, the Madison location is quite popular. more

I usually go to Essential for the sandwiches and salads and they're always fresh and yummy. I like the roasted veggie sandwich and the portebella ruben the best. Both locations are inviting with lots of warm wood and exposed brick. Don't miss the chocolates and other lovely desserts or just pick some up for a special dinner. Oh! And the bread is great tool. more

There are two Essential cafe/bakeries: Madison Valley, at Madison and MLK, and in Fremont. The baked goods are great, as is their coffee. A combination you will not often find. more