Our Top Bakeries
Let's talk sweet stuff, Reno style. In our quest for the perfect baked goods, we've learned a valuable lesson: don't judge a cookie by its Instagram potential. Sure, we appreciate a gorgeously decorated tart that looks like it belongs in a Parisian window display, but what really makes our list? Taste. Period. Sometimes it's that perfectly flaky, butter-laden croissant from the fancy patisserie, and sometimes it's that humble chocolate chip cookie that reminds you of childhood – you know, the one that doesn't need a filter to make your mouth water. From macarons to muffins, we've eaten our way through Reno's bakeries (tough job, we know) to bring you the spots that prioritize flavor over flash. Your taste buds can thank us later.
Perenn Bakery
20 Saint Lawrence Avenue
Reno, NV 89509
Let's address the flaky, buttery elephant in the room: yes, Perenn is going to cost you more than your average bakery run. But one bite of their croissants and you'll understand why locals happily break their breakfast budgets here. The pastry case is like an edible art gallery, full of treats that look almost too pretty to eat (almost being the key word – let's not get crazy here). While the MidTown spot is cozy and perfect for grabbing your morning fix, their Ranch Harrah location is bigger, bolder, and offers take-and-bake options for those moments when you want to pretend you're the pastry wizard responsible for these creations. Pro tip: their breakfast sandwiches aren't just good, they're 'plan-your-morning-around-it' good, especially when served on their house-made bread that makes standard sandwich bread cry tears of inadequacy.
2. House of Bread
1185 California Avenue
Reno, NV 89509
If you've been around Reno long enough, you've probably tasted House of Bread's handiwork without even knowing it – they're basically the pastry puppet masters of the city, supplying pretty much every coffee shop worth its beans. Their flagship store, fresh off a glow-up that finally gives you room to sit and contemplate life's important questions (like 'should I get one more cinnamon roll?'), is where the magic happens. The adorable French owner brings that perfect mix of European expertise and warm hospitality, creating the kind of spot where you walk in for a quick pastry and end up leaving with a bag full of treats and possibly a new life motto about the importance of good bread. Pro tip: if you see the apple fritter, grab it. Don't think, don't hesitate, just do it. Future you will thank present you.
3. Beloved’s Bakery and Cafe
299 E. Plumb Lane, Suite 129
Reno, NV 89502
From farmers market darling to brick-and-mortar sensation, Beloved's is the kind of success story that makes you believe in the power of really, really good bread. Now nestled next to Reno Public Market (you know, one of those fancy food halls that make you feel like you're in a bigger city), this spot has locals setting their alarms for ungodly hours just to score their morning haul. And trust us, once you try their baked goods, you'll understand the early-bird dedication – we're talking 'text your friends at 7am with multiple exclamation points' good. Whether you're diving into their breakfast menu (because sometimes you need to sit and savor), grabbing a fresh loaf that makes your whole car smell like heaven, or picking up a box of pastries that'll have your coworkers fighting over the last bite, Beloved's lives up to its name. Pro tip: if you're aiming to be the office hero, get there early. Nothing says 'I deserve that promotion' quite like showing up with a box of their still-warm pastries.
4. Josef’s Vienna Bakery
933 W. Moana Lane
Reno, NV 89509
Let's talk about Josef's – because everyone else in Reno certainly will. This strip-mall stalwart has been serving up European-style pastries to generations of Renoites, and if you're new in town, at least three people have probably already insisted you try it. While we wouldn't call it a religious experience, they do hold the crown for being Reno's go-to spot for those Instagram-worthy macarons in every color of the rainbow. The pastry case is reliable, if not revolutionary, making it a safe bet when you need to grab something for your mother-in-law's birthday or that office party you forgot about until this morning. Is it the best bakery in Reno? No. Will someone get mad at us for saying that? Probably. But sometimes you just need a decent éclair and a box of pretty macarons, and for that, Josef's has you covered.
5. Mix Bakeshop
1117 California Avenue
Reno, NV 89509
If you've been reading this list wondering when we'd get to cupcakes, take a deep breath – we deliberately saved one of Reno's sweetest spots for the grand finale. Mix isn't just another bakery; they've mastered the art of the perfect cupcake, from reliable classics to seasonal creations that'll have you checking their display case for what's new. Need a showstopper for that big event? Their custom cakes and wedding creations have you covered. And let's talk about their pies for a second – you know those potlucks where everyone's supposed to bring homemade? This is where the smart ones get theirs. We won't tell if you don't.