Scratch Baking Co - South Portland

This is a great local bakery, and while the bagels are certainly tasty, I take issue with those claiming they are the best bagels of all time. During my recent visit to South Portland, I went there twice; on Saturday morning at 7:30 AM, the line was already stretching down the block. The coffee and other pastries were also quite good. It's definitely worth a stop if you're in the area.

I visited for the first time this morning and was amazed by the long line stretching down the sidewalk. After trying a bagel, I understood why! They serve the best bagels and scones I’ve ever had, without a doubt! Plus, their system is very efficient at getting customers through quickly.

Some might say the bagels are too bready but I love them. The new space is set up well, so the line moves quickly. I haven’t seen as many vegan baked options recently but there’s always something.

Great sandwiches and food bread. My kids devoured several chicken salad sandwiches, which is an unusual miracle. They're very good at what they do. My one complaint is that the pretzel bread had a strongly phenolic (look it up) flavor that was off-putting enough that I wouldn't order it again unless it's addressed. I don't know if it's a lye bath process problem or sanitizer left over from dishwashing, but it's not ok. I would go back.

Most unique, soft and flavorful bagels I’ve ever had. The sea salt bagel is perfectly coated in a light crust of salt. We also tried the hot pepper, ham and chive scone and the ham and gruyere croissant. We are up visiting family in the area and when we return, we’ll be here for breakfast everyday! Everything looks scrumptious.