Five Unbeatable Bakeries in Amarillo, Texas

Amarillo, Texas, has great restaurants as far as the eye can see. On any given day one can find unforgettable steaks, sushi, and even homemade Italian gelato. Among these great culinary establishments are several dozen bakeries, some serving the community for the last half-century. Most Amarilloans will rattle off at least one of these top five when asked about their favorite bakery, and here are the results of my recent investigation.

5. Frank's Bakery
Frank's is a treasure, and the self-proclaimed "only French bakery in Amarillo", which may well be true. A tiny place with unbeatable baguettes and other breads, it doesn't seat more than about 30 people. The bakery is also defiantly cash only, and though it has always advertised a tea room there are nothing but Lipton bags and cups of hot water, and no separate room for high tea. Despite these small challenges, the smoked salmon baguette with cream cheese and onion, the creme' brulee', the eclairs and quiches will have you coming back for much more. Frank's bakery does French pastry unlike anything we've seen in Amarillo, and for that privilege most people here would do a lot more than come in with cash and bring our own suitable tea. The prices are middle of the road, especially reasonable for the fresh ingredients and quality in every item.

Frank's is located at 1923 S. Western Street in Amarillo, and their phone number is (806) 352-8089. They do not have a website, but menus and reviews can be found online with the search terms "Frank's Bakery Amarillo".

4. Biti Pies, Inc.
Located in the historic San Jacinto neighborhood of Amarillo and smack dab on Old Route 66, Biti Pies is a bakery with a clear vision for pastries and desserts: Make them small, and delicious! A true family enterprise, the bakery has thrived on its unique take, yes-but mostly on its quality of product. Very reasonably priced, the homemade pies include the divine Buttermilk Biti, as well as an unforgettable Pecan Biti, among many other variations and flavors. The Italian Cream Cake Biti along with the German Chocolate assure that cake lovers aren't left out of this scrumptious equation. Each dessert small enough for one person, plenty for two to share, are tiny miracles in the Amarillo community. No other bakery does it like Biti Pies, Inc., and they've expanded in recent years to include one other location in Amarillo, with their confections also available in local Walgreen's, select convenience stores and cafes.

Biti Pies, Inc. is located at 604 S. Maryland Street in Amarillo, phone number (806) 367-6413. Visit their informative website and learn more about the bakery by visiting www.bitipies.com .

3. Belmar Bakery
Many people in Amarillo have an ongoing love affair with Belmar Bakery, and that's because it's just the most consistently delicious, hard working bakery in town. From the box lunches, bieroxes, and sandwiches (try the grilled cheese with grilled peppers), to the custom cakes, pies, and assorted pastries, it is a baker's wonderland. In business in Amarillo since 1965, Belmar has a very extensive menu as well as a thriving catering and shipping business on the side, for those who consider its confections a special treat. Prices can sometimes be a bit on the high side, especially for extensively decorated cakes or special occasions, but well worth the price for the sheer quality of everything made. No wonder the bakery has such a loyal following, all of Amarillo knows Belmar Bakery is a can't miss!

The bakery is located at 3325 Bell Street in Amarillo, phone number (806) 355-0141. The website is very well done and gives customers a great visual experience before ever coming through the doors. www.belmarbakery.com

2. Great Harvest Bread Company
I was loathe to contribute a bakery to this list that is part of a chain, but Great Harvest Bread Company is not like other chains. Part of the more than 200 stores nationwide, Amarillo's Great Harvest bakery is surprisingly great for two reasons: One, because it is part of a chain, there is a risk that the pastries and breads will not contain the freshness that exists in local bakeries. Great Harvest bakes all their products from scratch each morning, leaving no doubt when you taste it that each item is extremely fresh. Two, the healthy options and low carb choices for every possible diet that exist on the bakery's menu are all exceptionally good. Any dietary requirement can be met without sacrificing taste here. For those reasons the reasonable prices are even more satisfying. During lunch the sandwiches at Great Harvest are out of this world, and can be made to any conceivable taste. The breakfast pastries are wonderful too, and each item on the menu is a great source of whole grain for those of us who need it. So don't count out chains just yet, there are a few who are surprisingly worth the visit.

Great Harvest Bread Company is located at 7402 SW 34th Avenue, #3 in Amarillo, and the phone number is (806) 463-5623. Visit their national website for more information, at www.greatharvest.com .

1. Village Bakery Cafe
Located in beautiful and chic Wolfin Village in Amarillo, the Village Bakery is a part of the local culture. With its bistro atmosphere and gorgeous artisan breads and pastries, every sense is heightened when you walk into this little gem. Sampling delicious coffees, teas and cappuccinos, you can while away the afternoon there just taking in the sights and smells. Using no mixes, frozen dough, or other cheats, there is no bakery in Amarillo with such attention to detail and quality, especially noticeable in the meals. Spicy meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes, breakfast panini, or kiwi tart anyone? There is just no other bakery in Amarillo that is quite as charming or as attentive to their beloved craft as the Village Bakery and Cafe.

Village Bakery is located at 2606 Wolflin Village or online at www.villagebakerycafe.com , and their phone number is (806) 358-1358.

As you can see, pastry, bread and dessert lovers in the Amarillo area have it pretty easy. Around nearly every corner are fantastic bakeries, serving the highest in quality and creativity. You may travel far and wide, and be true to your Starbucks or Krispy Kreme, but nothing else is quite like a hometown bakery. Visit one of the five reviewed here and see for yourself.