Beach Lake Bakery

In the quiet, scenic landscape of Northeast Pennsylvania, there are treasures to be found far from the bustling city centers. For residents of Beach Lake, Tafton, and surrounding communities, one of the most delightful of these treasures is the Beach Lake Bakery. This family-owned artisan bakery is more than just a place to buy bread; it’s an experience that harkens back to a time when baking was a true craft, built on tradition and a deep love for the process. This article will provide an in-depth overview of Beach Lake Bakery, highlighting what makes it such a special and beloved local institution. It's a place where every loaf of bread, every pie, and every cookie tells a story of care and dedication, making it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates truly homemade quality.

The story of Beach Lake Bakery is a testament to the power of passion and community support. What began as a small operation in a home garage in the late 1990s, selling breads to a local fish market and a few friends, has since grown into a cherished local mecca for baked goods. Despite its growth, it has retained its authentic, small-batch feel. The atmosphere is consistently described as "warm and welcoming," a place that radiates "pride, tradition, and a true love for baking." The bakery specializes in a unique blend of "European-style breads and pastries and traditional American pies, cookies, and cakes," providing a diverse menu that caters to various tastes. The quality of their products, which use only untreated flours and no preservatives, is "second to none," according to enthusiastic customer reviews. The bakery’s unique schedule, being open to the public only on Saturdays, adds to its charm and makes a visit feel like a special event. We'll delve into the specific details that make this bakery a rare find, from its menu to its unique ordering process, ensuring you're well-equipped for your next trip to this Pennsylvania gem.

Beach Lake Bakery is tucked away on a quiet country road at 258 Milanville Rd, Beach Lake, PA 18405. The location itself, described as looking like a "private house on a country road," adds to the bakery’s charm and “hidden gem” status. While it may not be on a main commercial strip, its address is straightforward to find for those familiar with the area or using GPS. This secluded nature is part of its appeal, offering a peaceful and rustic setting for customers. For those driving, the location is accessible from various surrounding towns, and the ease of parking in this rural setting makes for a stress-free visit. However, it's worth noting that the space inside is quite small, with room for only "one group at a time." This personal, intimate setting further enhances the feeling of stepping into something truly special. For locals who have discovered this spot, its accessibility is not measured by traffic lights or a bustling downtown but by the simple, rewarding journey to get there. The journey itself becomes part of the experience, leading to a delicious reward.

Beach Lake Bakery offers a highly specialized range of services, focusing on quality and craftsmanship over quantity.

• In-Person Shopping: The bakery is open to the public for a limited time on Saturdays, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. During these hours, customers can visit the shop to purchase a selection of freshly baked breads, cookies, pies, and cakes. Due to the high demand and limited quantities, it is highly recommended to arrive early for the best selection.

• Online Preorders: To guarantee you get your desired items, the bakery offers an online preorder service. Customers can place their orders through the bakery's website, with the online store typically open from Monday at 8:00 AM until Wednesday at 8:00 PM. This service allows for a Saturday pickup, ensuring that popular items like the Three-Seed Sourdough or a Wild Blueberry Pie are reserved for you.

• Artisan Bread Selection: The bakery specializes in a wide variety of European-style and rustic artisan breads. The menu includes unique options like French-style focaccia, a rustic country loaf, and several types of sourdough, such as a Three-Seed Sourdough and Lisa's Sourdough. These breads are made with untreated flours and no preservatives, highlighting the bakery's commitment to quality.

• Homemade Pies, Cookies, and Cakes: In addition to their bread, Beach Lake Bakery is well-known for its delicious pies, cookies, and cakes. Items such as wild blueberry pie and chocolate chip cookies are mentioned in glowing reviews, with customers praising the quality and homemade flavor. The selection of pies and cakes is a major draw for those looking for a special dessert.

• Pantry and Local Products: Beyond its own baked goods, the bakery also offers a curated selection of pantry items from other local producers, such as Calkins Creamery cheeses and E & M Apiaries honey. This service not only provides a one-stop-shop for a complete meal but also supports other local businesses in the Pennsylvania region.

Several key features and highlights make Beach Lake Bakery a standout and cherished local spot.

• High-Quality, Artisan Craftsmanship: The most prominent highlight is the incredible quality of the products. Customers consistently praise the goods as being "beautifully made with obvious care and craftsmanship." The commitment to using untreated flours and no preservatives in their baking process results in products that are both delicious and healthy.

• Unique and Special Atmosphere: The bakery's physical space and its limited operating hours create a feeling of exclusivity and specialness. A visit feels like a treasured outing, not a routine chore. The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes customers feel as though they've "stepped into something truly special."

• Diverse and Delicious Menu: While specializing in artisan breads, the bakery's menu is also broad enough to include pies, cookies, and even a unique selection of local pantry items. The variety ensures that there is something for everyone, whether you're looking for a savory loaf of bread or a sweet dessert.

• Preorder System: The online preorder system is a major highlight, as it allows customers to secure their favorite items before the Saturday rush. This service is invaluable for those who want to ensure they don't miss out on popular goods and can plan their weekend accordingly.

• Local Treasure Status: The bakery is celebrated as a "treasure" and a "gem" by local residents. It's the kind of place that, once discovered, becomes a cherished part of a person's routine, and a place they are proud to have "right here in our own backyard."

For more information, to place an online order, or to get in touch with the bakery, you can use the following contact information.

Address: 258 Milanville Rd, Beach Lake, PA 18405, USA

Phone: (570) 729-7271

You can also visit their website to access the online store for preorders, which is highly recommended due to the limited in-store hours and high demand.

In conclusion, Beach Lake Bakery is a perfect fit for locals in the Pennsylvania region, especially those in the northeastern part of the state. Its unique business model—operating a small, artisan bakery with limited public hours—creates a sense of tradition and specialness that is hard to find in a world of commercialized bakeries. The bakery's commitment to high-quality ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship results in breads, pies, and pastries that are consistently praised as fresh, delicious, and made with love. The convenient online preorder system is an invaluable service for busy locals who want to guarantee they can enjoy their favorite items without the worry of them selling out. Most importantly, Beach Lake Bakery serves as a true community hub, a place that brings people together over a shared appreciation for simple, honest, and delicious food. It’s a local treasure that adds character, flavor, and a sense of pride to the Pennsylvania community.

Beach Lake Bakery

258 Milanville Rd, Beach Lake, PA 18405, USA