The Bakehaus: Thriving after opening in March 2020

April 12, 2022

The Bake Haus

442 Common Street, Belmont, MA 02478

The Belmont Center version of “Cheers” except caffeine, not hops, is the beverage of choice and yes, everyone seems to know your name.

A steady stream of customers enters during the 45 minutes I am here. Repartee between them and the wait staff and each other fills the narrow space.  The unmistakable aroma of coffee and croissants energizes the appetite.

The mask mandate has been lifted, some wear them, some do not. These days, having been vaccinated and boosted, I am getting more comfortable leaving my mask in my pocket.

"Baking Is A Science", says the sign that owners Michael and Brian  placed above the order counter. So is the art of combining it with the range of homemade pastries, sandwiches and choices of coffee that makes The Bakehaus a neighborhood hangout.

Deuces with comfortable high backed Parsons chairs against the right side and the inviting plush couch on the left are occupied as are several wrought iron tables and chairs on the sidewalk outside.

On this sunny mid 60s afternoon after a succession of raw rainy days, everyone is itching to get outdoors, feel the golden rays of the sun kissing their bodies, reminding us that spring has sprung.

Heck, the daffodils and tulips have been popping out for a week. It’s our turn to permanently welcome spring.

“Claire and Bob, your order is ready,“ says the server to a couple comfortably ensconced at the table in front of mine.

Explains why I haven’t seen customers picking up orders to go and then leaving… they ordered online and want to enjoy the ambience inside or at the tables in the sunny outside.

The panini press married the flavors of my Caprese Tuscan Chicken, served between layers of a warm baguette,  to perfection. I am a huge fan of muffins and scones. The poppy seed muffin was good and the moist recently out-of-the-oven blueberry scone was divine.

Talk about timing...the Bakehaus had a grand opening in March 2020 as the emerging pandemic began to steam-roll our way of life as we literally feared for our lives every time we ventured to markets and drug stores.

It's a miracle that the little outpost survived. It's staying power is rewarded by loyalists who show up day after day to enjoy coffee and pastries and paninis in a business with local roots. I cannot imagine a Dunkin’ Donuts or a Starbucks franchise on this stretch of Common Street or in Belmont Center… Neither can the parade of customers marching in and out of the Bakehouse today.

Daffodils are happily sprouting from the cold damp earth. What heralds Spring more than the fragrant yellow harbingers? And enjoying lunch al fresco, with winter and the worst of the  pandemic in the rear view mirror.

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"Baking Is A Science", says the sign that owners Michael and Brian  placed above the order counter. So is the art of combing it with the range of homemade pastries, sandwiches and choices of coffee that makes The Bakehaus a neighborhood hangout.

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Photos by Paul A. Tamburello, Jr.

Comments

[Emma]

Hi Paul,

Everyone loved reading about your experience here at Bakehaus. I noticed a couple of errors and have suggested corrections for you. Our owners are actually Michael and Brian. Although Michael was born in Germany, we do not have a second location there. Sounds like a nice dream though!

[Paul A. Tamburello, Jr.]

Thanks Emma,
The recipe for a good blog is to get the facts right, I appreciate the feedback!