I've been going to Columbia City Bakery since it opened, when it was just a really ridiculously good bakery in South Seattle that happened to be five minutes from my house. Now, it's a destination, and if you've eaten at some of the top restaurants in Seattle you've eaten their bread, since they supply many local establishments with hamburger buns, sandwich bread and those addictive baguettes.
The breads made them famous, but the pastries are just as good. Maybe not quite the best croissant in Seattle (that's a tossup between Cafe Besalu and Bakery Nouveau) but their rotating selection of unique treats like sesame tahini cookies, gougeres and full-size tarts of pies is unmatched.
[Full disclosure, I DO have a family member who is employed there, but I was a devotee of CCB long before that. Having a connection who brings CCB desserts to family gatherings is simply a bonus.]
Pros: Amazing bread, diverse pastries, neighborhood vibe
Cons: Crowded, can sell out of popular items
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