Larsen's Bakery

Introduction / Overview

A long-standing fixture in the Ballard neighborhood, **Larsen's Bakery** has served the Seattle community since 1974, bringing the time-honored techniques and rich traditions of European artisan baking to Washington State. Located at **8000 24th Ave NW**, this establishment is renowned for its handcrafted, traditional Scandinavian and Danish baked goods, a reflection of its founder's roots in Copenhagen.

For decades, Larsen's has been a reliable destination for everything from special occasion cakes and authentic ethnic pastries to everyday breakfast treats. The bakery’s display cases are famously immense, drawing the eye with beautifully crafted Danish pastries, sweet cakes layered with creamy fillings, and savory items. It is the kind of place where loyal customers, who have lived in Ballard for decades, feel a deep connection, making it a true local landmark.

While the sweet products—like the iconic **Maple Bar** or the diverse Kringle and Smorkage selections—are a major draw, the bakery also excels in savory options, such as the highly-rated **Ham & Cheese Croissants** and savory scones. The atmosphere is consistently described as welcoming, with **friendly and courteous staff** who are happy to assist patrons, whether they are regulars or just stopping by for a **Quick visit** and a cup of their highly-regarded coffee.

Location and Accessibility

Larsen's Bakery is ideally situated on the corner of 80th Street and 24th Avenue NW in the vibrant, historic Ballard area of Seattle, WA. The address is **8000 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117, USA**, placing it conveniently within the bustling neighborhood yet easily accessible for customers driving or walking.

The bakery prioritizes ease of access for all members of the Washington community, offering several practical amenities:

• Physical Access: The building features a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, ensuring a smooth experience for all patrons.
• Parking: A significant convenience in a dense urban area like Seattle, the shop offers **Free street parking** nearby, allowing customers to quickly pop in for **Takeout** or stay a bit longer.
• Dining Amenities: For those looking to enjoy their coffee and pastry on-site, the bakery provides a clean **Restroom** and complimentary **Wi-Fi** access, making it a comfortable spot for a short, relaxed stop.
• Payment Flexibility: The business accepts modern transaction methods, including **Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments**, facilitating a fast and efficient transaction.

Services Offered

Larsen's Bakery provides a comprehensive range of bakery and beverage services, catering to breakfast, everyday treats, and special events:

• Traditional Scandinavian Baked Goods: Specializing in authentic Danish treats, including the famous pretzel-shaped **Kringle** (often almond-filled), **Smorkage**, **Kransekage** (almond ring cake), and **Cardamom Braid**.
• Sweet and Savory Pastries: An extensive selection of pastries is offered, including a variety of Danishes, doughnuts (like the popular **Maple Bar**), bear claws, and savory options like **Ham & Cheese Croissants** and savory scones.
• Custom and Decorated Cakes: The bakery accepts orders for **Decorated Cakes (made to order)** for special occasions, allowing customers to choose cake types, fillings (such as Bavarian Cream, Fresh Strawberries, or Champagne filling), and various icings.
• Full Beverage Service: They offer high-quality **Coffee** and other specialty drinks, with customers raving about both the black coffee and unique items like the **Grey Fog drink**.
• Breakfast and All-Day Treats: The core service is providing daily baked goods suitable for **Breakfast**, as well as desserts and pastries available throughout the day for a quick indulgence or **Onsite services**.
• Takeout and Online Ordering: Patrons can easily get their items via **Takeout** service, and the bakery also maintains an online presence for ordering some of their signature products.

Features / Highlights

Larsen’s Bakery stands out in the competitive Seattle bakery scene thanks to several defining characteristics:

• Authentic Scandinavian Tradition: The deep roots in **traditional Danish baking**, established by founder Poul Larsen, ensures that the specialty items, particularly the **Danish Kringle**, are made with time-honored techniques that are hard to find elsewhere in Washington.
• Highly-Rated Coffee Service: Beyond the pastries, the shop is praised for offering **excellent coffee** and specialty beverages, making it a comprehensive morning destination.
• Community and Inclusivity: The bakery has a clear community focus, listed as **LGBTQ+ friendly**, and the staff is known for being **helpful and courteous**, even assisting customers with finding other local establishments, fostering a genuinely warm atmosphere.
• The Savory Selection: While sweets are dominant, the quality of the savory items, such as the flaky, flavorful **Ham & Cheese Croissant**, is frequently highlighted as a must-try for those preferring a less sugary bite.
• Longevity and Loyalty: Being a Ballard institution **serving Seattle for over 50 years** (since 1974) instills a high level of trust and loyalty among long-time Washington residents, who view it as a necessary stop whenever they are "in town."

Contact Information

Larsen's Bakery is available for inquiries and orders via the following information:

Address: 8000 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117, USA

Phone: **(206) 782-8285**

Mobile Phone: **+1 206-782-8285**

What is Worth Choosing

Larsen's Bakery is an essential choice for Washington users who value tradition, variety, and the rich, authentic flavors of Scandinavian baking. It is highly recommended to choose this bakery when:

• You are specifically seeking **authentic Danish specialties** like the renowned **Kringle, Smorkage, or Kransekage** for a special gathering or a truly unique treat.
• You need a dependable spot for a daily **Breakfast** that combines an excellent cup of **Coffee** with a choice of high-quality **savory (e.g., Ham & Cheese Croissants)** or classic American/Danish sweet pastries.
• You require a **custom-made cake** for an event and are looking for a local, long-standing Seattle bakery with decades of experience in creating classic layered cakes with various, decadent fillings and icings.
• You want to support a local institution in Ballard that is **LGBTQ+ friendly** and known for its friendly, community-oriented staff and comfortable amenities like **Wi-Fi** and **Free street parking**.

While some patrons have expressed concerns about the freshness of certain bread items, the overall consensus is that the extensive selection, exceptional specialty Danish pastries, and stellar customer service make Larsen's Bakery a beloved and necessary part of the Seattle food landscape that customers will "always be back" to visit.

Larsen's Bakery

8000 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117, USA