Grand Central Bakery - Cedar Mill Cafe

Introduction / Overview

Grand Central Bakery - Cedar Mill Cafe is a cherished establishment in the Northwest Portland neighborhood, standing as a testament to the Pacific Northwest's rich tradition of artisan baking and community-focused businesses. Located conveniently on NW Cornell Road, this spot transcends the definition of a mere bakery; it operates as a full-service Cafe, Coffee shop, Breakfast restaurant, Brunch restaurant, and Sandwich shop, all wrapped into one bright, inviting space.

What sets Grand Central Bakery apart is its long-standing commitment to traditional fermentation, rigorous local sourcing, and crafting food that is "worth slowing down for." They are widely known throughout Oregon for their rustic, high-quality artisan breads, with signature loaves like the Como and Sourdough earning national acclaim. This dedication extends to their pastry case, filled with everything from the celebrated Pecan Pull-Apart (once named one of Portland’s best pastries) to classic, flaky Chocolate Croissants, noted by local customers for being perfectly "tasty" and "Not too sweet."

Beyond the baked goods, the Cedar Mill Cafe offers a solid and fresh variety of breakfast and lunch items. From biscuit sandwiches to hearty seasonal specials and customizable sandwich options, the menu is designed to cater to a full spectrum of cravings. Adding to its appeal is the business's identity—it Identifies as women-owned—and its conscious effort to create a welcoming environment for all, noting itself as LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safe space. With a cozy, European-style atmosphere, full Accessibility features, and ample parking, it's a must-try location for anyone near the Cedar Mill area of Portland.

Location and Accessibility

The Grand Central Bakery Cedar Mill Cafe is perfectly situated at 12595 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97229, USA. This location places it conveniently near major thoroughfares, including Highway 26, making it an easy stop for commuters and residents of the Cedar Mill, Beaverton, and Hillsboro areas, as well as those visiting the nearby Nike campus.

The bakery prides itself on providing excellent physical accessibility for the community. The facilities are fully accommodating with a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a dedicated Wheelchair accessible parking lot, a Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating. This ensures a comfortable and stress-free dining experience for all patrons.

Parking is straightforward and plentiful, with both a Free parking lot and Free street parking available, which is a significant advantage in the often-busy Portland suburbs. The cafe offers Amenities like Restroom facilities and Wi-Fi, making it suitable for both a Quick visit and for those wishing to settle in for a relaxed brunch or work session. The staff’s welcoming nature, combined with the clearly stated mission to be an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace, further solidifies its status as a comfortable neighborhood hub for all Oregonians.

Contact Information

For pre-orders of artisan bread, catering inquiries, or questions about the daily pastry selection and hours of operation (typically closing at 4:00 PM daily), local users can contact the Cedar Mill Cafe directly.

Address: 12595 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97229, USA

Phone: (503) 808-9878 (also listed as +1 503-808-9878)

Services Offered

The Grand Central Bakery Cedar Mill Cafe offers a wide array of services that blend a traditional artisan bakery with a modern neighborhood cafe.

• Artisan Bread Sales: Daily availability of signature, scratch-made loaves, including Como (an Italian-style hearth bread), Sourdough, Campagnolo (country-style), Goldendale Whole Wheat, and Rustic Baguettes.
• Full Breakfast and Brunch: Offers satisfying Dining options for Breakfast, including biscuit sandwiches, savory quiche, muffins, and various pastries.
• Sandwich Shop Menu: Features hearty lunch options like the popular Blue Ribbon (roast beef, blue cheese mayo, pickled red onions) and classic items like Grilled Cheese (organic white cheddar & Gouda) and the BLT on their toasted Como bread.
• Specialty Pastries: A broad selection of irresistible pastries baked fresh daily, such as the famous Pecan Pull-Aparts, Chocolate Croissants, Cheese Danishes, and Rustic Cinnamon Rolls.
• Coffee and Specialty Drinks: Full Coffee service is an Offering, including lattes, cappuccinos, and iced drinks like the popular matcha iced latte.
• Seasonal and Holiday Items: Provides rotating seasonal soups (like Cream of Tomato or New England Clam Chowder) and festive treats, including holiday cookies, pies (like Marionberry and Bourbon Pecan), and U-Bake frozen items.
• Flexible Order Options: Supports Delivery, In-store pickup, In-store shopping, Takeout, and a welcoming Dine-in experience.

Features / Highlights

Local Oregon users appreciate Grand Central Bakery - Cedar Mill Cafe for its high-quality food and strong community values.

• Nationally Recognized Artisan Bread: Known across the Pacific Northwest for pioneering artisan baking, their bread is of exceptional quality, forming the foundation of their entire menu and available for purchase by the loaf.
• Pastries with Perfect Balance: The pastries and baked goods, such as the Chocolate Croissant and Pecan Pull-Apart, are consistently praised for being "Not too sweet," a characteristic highly valued by customers seeking authentic flavor over excessive sugar.
• Community-Focused Business: Clearly Identifies as women-owned and commits to a fully inclusive atmosphere as an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace, supporting a core value of the Portland community.
• Full Meal Service: Functions efficiently as a Bakery, Coffee shop, and Sandwich shop, making it a reliable destination for any part of the day, whether you need a morning pastry, a full Blue Ribbon sandwich lunch, or bread for dinner.
• High Accessibility: Provides comprehensive accessibility features, including dedicated parking and seating for wheelchairs, ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons.

What is Worth Choosing

For Oregonians in the NW Portland/Cedar Mill area, Grand Central Bakery is worth choosing because it delivers uncompromising quality in both its baked goods and its full cafe offerings, backed by a commitment to community. It is the perfect blend of an exceptional bakery and a cozy, full-service cafe.

The primary reason to choose this location is the sheer quality and freshness of the food, from the daily-baked artisan breads to the irresistible, classic pastries. Customers consistently confirm that the food is "Great" and the bread is "fresh," with sandwiches like the Blue Ribbon being "really good." While the space can be a little loud during busy hours—a common sign of a popular, bustling cafe—the taste and freshness of the product are undeniable.

For breakfast, the pastries are a must-try, offering traditional flavors without being overly sugary. For lunch, the ability to get a chef-quality sandwich (like the Cubano or the Blue Ribbon, built on their house-made breads) elevates the experience far beyond a standard deli. Choosing Grand Central Bakery means supporting a women-owned business that actively fosters an inclusive environment, all while enjoying some of the finest artisan baking and freshest cafe fare the Portland area has to offer. It is the reliable choice for a high-quality, authentic Pacific Northwest bakery experience.

Grand Central Bakery - Cedar Mill Cafe

12595 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97229, USA