Helen Bernhard Bakery

For nearly a century, Helen Bernhard Bakery has been an integral part of Portland’s culinary landscape, earning its status as one of Oregon's oldest and most cherished bakeries. Established in 1924 by Helen Bernhard—who began by baking cakes for neighbors out of her home next door—this bakery has grown into a multi-generational institution, yet it still retains that warm "home bakery feeling." It is a cornerstone business on the busy NE Broadway corridor, celebrated for its wide array of classic baked goods, which span from everyday comfort items to elaborate, custom-designed celebration cakes.

Categorized as a full-service Bakery, Cookie shop, Dessert shop, and Donut shop, Helen Bernhard offers something for every craving and occasion. Patrons often describe their signature cakes as "beautifully crafted," "perfectly soft," and—a key point of pride—"never too sweet." This balance is a testament to the bakery's old-school, from-scratch baking methods, a rarity for a retail bakery of its size and longevity. While the quality of their custom cakes consistently brings "joy" to families and creates "absolutely magical" memories, it is important for new customers to understand that the focus is on traditional baking methods, and complex, trend-driven custom requests require clear, detailed communication to meet expectations. Nevertheless, for generations of Oregon families, a Helen Bernhard cake is synonymous with life's major celebrations.

Helen Bernhard Bakery is conveniently located in the vibrant Northeast Portland quadrant, specifically on the commercial strip of NE Broadway which borders historic and desirable neighborhoods like Irvington and Grant Park. The area offers a mix of local shops, eateries, and historic architecture, making the bakery a natural stop for both planned visits and impulse treats.

The full address is:

1717 NE Broadway #1775, Portland, OR 97232, USA

Accessibility and Convenience for Local Users:

The bakery is highly accessible, featuring amenities that prioritize ease of visit for the local community:

• Free Parking Lot: In a busy urban location like NE Broadway, the availability of a dedicated Free parking lot is a major advantage for customers making large cake or pie pickups.
• Free Street Parking: Additional Free street parking is also available in the surrounding area, though time limits should always be observed.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: The property includes a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, demonstrating a commitment to serving all members of the community.
• Vibrant Neighborhood: Situated on a bustling street known for offering "Everything for Everyday," the location is also excellent for public transit users and is easily walkable from surrounding residential areas.
• Welcoming Environment: The bakery is a designated LGBTQ+ friendly space, maintaining the inclusive spirit of Northeast Portland.

Helen Bernhard Bakery offers a straightforward, traditional retail experience built around convenience and quality.

• In-store Shopping: The central service allows customers to browse the display cases filled with fresh cakes, donuts, pies, and pastries.
• Takeout Service: All items, from single donuts to full pies and custom cakes, are available for Takeout.
• In-store Pickup: Customers can pre-order custom cakes, large coffee cake rings, or dozen-plus donut orders for easy In-store pickup.
• Onsite Services: While primarily a grab-and-go spot, the staff provides friendly Onsite services to assist with selections and custom orders.
• Coffee Service: Offering a selection of Coffee to pair perfectly with their wide range of breakfast pastries and donuts.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts all modern payment types, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, catering to customers seeking a Quick visit.
• Large Orders and Customization: Specializes in large volume orders for events, including custom-designed birthday and wedding cakes (though customers should ensure detailed communication for highly specific designs).

The key highlights of Helen Bernhard Bakery stem from its deep history and its dedication to classic, high-quality baking across multiple product categories.

• A Centennial Legacy: Established in 1924, Helen Bernhard Bakery is one of Oregon’s most historic and long-standing businesses, a true Portland icon that has served multiple generations of families.
• The Cake Tradition: Famed for its custom-decorated cakes that are celebrated for being moist, perfectly soft, and having a balanced sweetness level—making them a family tradition for major milestones.
• Local Pie Favorites: Offers a classic selection of fresh-baked pies, including regional must-tries like Marionberry Pie ($16.50), alongside traditional favorites like Apple, Cherry, and Cream varieties.
• Donut Value: A genuine Donut shop offering exceptional value, with a "Dozen - 12th donut free" policy. Options include traditional Cake ($1.15), Raised ($1.55), and more intricate Specialty ($2.15) donuts.
• Extensive Breakfast Pastries: The daily menu is perfect for a morning stop, featuring favorites such as a variety of Danish (including Cheese Pockets and Sticky Buns), Muffins, and different sizes of the highly popular Cinnamon Rolls.
• Coffee Cake Excellence: A great selection of coffee cakes and sweet breads, including Buttermilk Almond Tea Cake ($10.25) and various Bundt Cakes ($6.99), perfect for sharing at gatherings.
• Historic Location & Convenience: Operates out of its historic 1939 building and offers the urban convenience of a Free parking lot.

To place an order, inquire about custom cakes, or check on daily availability of pies and donuts, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1717 NE Broadway #1775, Portland, OR 97232, USA

Phone: (503) 287-1251

For Oregon locals, Helen Bernhard Bakery is worth choosing primarily for its unparalleled history and its commitment to time-tested, traditional baking. When you choose this bakery, you are not just purchasing a dessert; you are participating in a century-long Portland tradition.

Choose Helen Bernhard when:

You Need a Celebratory Cake: For traditional birthdays, anniversaries, or wedding cakes, the bakery's core strength lies in its classic recipes that have delighted families for generations. They are praised for their perfect texture and non-overly-sweet icing, which appeals to a broad range of tastes.You Crave Classic Pastries and Donuts: As a traditional donut and pastry shop, this is the perfect stop for a morning treat. The combination of excellent value (like the 12th donut free in a dozen) and variety—from the simplicity of a Cake donut to the sweetness of a Sticky Bun—makes it an ideal daily stop.You Want Regional Specialties: The presence of an authentic Marionberry Pie is a clear indicator of their commitment to Pacific Northwest favorites, making it a reliable spot for holiday gatherings and special meals.

While a single, negative customer experience involving a highly specialized, modern cake design suggests that complex customization may sometimes lead to disappointment—highlighting a reliance on traditional methods—the overwhelming, multi-generational loyalty to their classic products speaks volumes. The bakery’s true value is in its established foundation: providing consistently delicious, classic American and European-style baked goods that have formed the backbone of countless Oregon family traditions. For reliable quality, classic taste, and the convenience of on-site parking in Northeast Portland, Helen Bernhard Bakery remains a cherished local landmark.

Helen Bernhard Bakery

1717 NE Broadway #1775, Portland, OR 97232, USA