Brake Bread

**Introduction / Overview: More Than Just a Bakery—It's a St. Paul Institution**

For Minnesotans who value high-quality, ethically-sourced food and a strong sense of community, **Brake Bread** in St. Paul stands out as a true local gem. This is not your average corner store; it’s a dedicated **Bakery** founded on the three core principles of bread, biking, and building community. Nestled in the vibrant West 7th neighborhood, Brake Bread has earned a loyal following for its exceptional, naturally leavened (sourdough) bread and delightful traditional pastries.

The philosophy behind every loaf is simple yet profound: everything is baked from scratch with an intense focus on using locally-sourced, certified organic, or regenerative grains grown within hours of the bakery. This commitment means that every purchase directly supports Minnesota farmers and millers, fostering a healthier, more sustainable food system right here in the Twin Cities. The bread is crafted using a wild yeast starter over a patient 36-hour process, which not only enhances the flavor but also aids in digestion and provides a lower glycemic index.

While Brake Bread famously started as a subscription-based bakery making zero-emission deliveries by bicycle—a service that dramatically reduces car trips and highlights their commitment to sustainability—they also welcome everyone at their retail space. As local customers attest, the bakery’s popularity often draws a line of people waiting patiently for a fresh, warm treat, proving that the high quality and community spirit are well worth the anticipation. The atmosphere is warm, the staff is kind, and the entire experience is authentically St. Paul.

**Location and Accessibility**

Brake Bread is conveniently located in the West 7th Street area of St. Paul, making it a neighborhood staple and an easy stop for people passing through the area.

Address: **1174 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, USA**

The location is highly accessible and designed for customer convenience. Visitors will appreciate the following features:

• **Parking:** Unlike many urban locations, the bakery offers both a **Free parking lot** and **Free street parking**, making it easy to stop by for a quick purchase.
• **Entrance:** The retail space features a **Wheelchair accessible entrance** and a **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**, ensuring that the bakery is welcoming to all members of the community.
• **Service Style:** While customers will find a pleasant in-store atmosphere and **Onsite services**, the service is often structured for a **Quick visit**, perfect for busy morning routines or afternoon treat stops.
• **Atmosphere:** The shop is proudly **LGBTQ+ friendly**, embodying the inclusive, community-focused spirit of the neighborhood. The walk-up window system, often seen on busy weekends, is a testament to the freshness and demand for their goods.

**Services Offered**

Brake Bread offers a focused, high-quality range of products and services that cater to their local community, emphasizing freshness and sustainability.

• **Naturally Leavened Bread Sales:** The core offering is a rotating menu of sourdough loaves, including popular options like the Batard du Nord, Classic Cruiser, Sesame Seed Baguette, and unique varieties like Wilhelmina Rye.
• **Traditional Pastries and Sweets:** Offers a curated selection of pastries crafted with the same high-quality ingredients, featuring highlights like the customer-favorite **Cardamom Spinner**, almond scones, and special items like "afterschool special" cookies.
• **Beverage Offerings:** Serves high-quality **Coffee** and espresso drinks, such as iced almond lattes, to perfectly complement the baked goods.
• **Bread Subscription Service:** The signature community-supported bakery (CSB) program offers weekly or bi-weekly home delivery of fresh bread by bicycle to subscribers within St. Paul, a commitment that eliminates thousands of car trips annually.
• **"Bread It Forward" Program:** Operates a popular community program where customers can pay for an extra loaf to be donated to a local food shelf, often resulting in hundreds of donated loaves per month.
• **In-Store Shopping and Pickup:** Customers can visit the retail location for **In-store shopping** and quick pickups, with a daily menu often posted to let patrons know what breads and pastries are available.

**Features / Highlights**

The unique character and strong ethical foundation of Brake Bread make it a distinct and highly valued establishment in the Minnesota food scene.

• **Commitment to Local & Organic Grains:** A foundational feature is the use of almost all Minnesota-grown, certified organic or regeneratively farmed wheat, ensuring sustainability and supporting the local agricultural economy.
• **Expert Sourdough Craftsmanship:** Specializes exclusively in naturally leavened bread, a 36-hour process that maximizes flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits like easier gluten digestion and a lower glycemic index.
• **Sustainable Bicycle Delivery Model:** The famous bike delivery system—from which the bakery gets its name—is a major environmental and community highlight, making thousands of deliveries per year with zero emissions.
• **Exceptional Customer Service:** Reviews consistently highlight the friendly, "kind and appropriately chatty" staff who foster a welcoming, neighborhood-feel, making the queuing process part of the positive experience.
• **Creative and Delicious Pastries:** Beyond the bread, treats like the **Cardamom Spinner** and specialized seasonal danishes are highly praised by customers and are worth the stop on their own.
• **Community Engagement:** Actively gives back through its "Bread It Forward" loaf share program and proudly supports a vibrant, inclusive community, reflected in its status as **LGBTQ+ friendly**.

**Contact Information**

To subscribe to the bike delivery service, check the daily menu, or simply stop by for a fresh baguette and coffee, here is the contact information for this beloved St. Paul **Bakery**:

Address: 1174 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

Phone: (651) 300-9136

Mobile Phone: +1 651-300-9136

**What is Worth Choosing**

Choosing Brake Bread is an easy decision for any Minnesotan who believes that food should be delicious, healthy, and ethical. It is worth choosing for several key reasons that distinguish it from a typical **Bakery**.

First and foremost is the unparalleled quality of the product. The sourdough bread—made from a wild yeast starter and slow-fermented—offers a flavor depth and nutritional profile that mass-produced bread simply cannot touch. From the fresh, savory crunch of a sesame seed baguette to the heartiness of the whole wheat bread, you are getting the absolute best of artisanal baking.

Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, you are buying into a deeply rooted community ethos. The dedication to **Local Organic Grain MN** farmers, the zero-emission bike delivery system, and the remarkable "Bread It Forward" donation program show that this business prioritizes people and the planet. When you spend your money at Brake Bread, you are not just buying a loaf; you are investing in a healthier local food system and supporting your neighbors. The warm welcome and the genuinely friendly staff enhance this feeling of being part of something greater.

Finally, the convenience and comfort of the West 7th location—with easy **Free parking lot** access and a welcoming, inclusive environment—make it a seamless choice for both a planned weekly pickup or a random drive-by treat. Whether you are craving an iced almond latte and a unique **Cardamom Spinner** or stocking your pantry with the finest sourdough in the state, Brake Bread offers an experience that is authentic, rewarding, and exceptionally tasty.

Brake Bread

1174 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, USA