Machine Shop

For pastry connoisseurs and casual diners alike in **Pennsylvania**, **Machine Shop** has firmly established itself as a premier destination for world-class baking. Operating as a **Bakery** with a deep specialization in **traditional French techniques** (often referred to as a *Boulangerie*), Machine Shop has garnered national acclaim, often being cited among the best bakeries in the United States. Located in the heart of **South Philadelphia**, this establishment is celebrated for its mastery of laminated dough, producing viennoiserie that customers describe as a "trip to Paris without leaving town."

Machine Shop, led by acclaimed Pastry Chef Emily Riddell, proudly identifies as a **women-owned** business, bringing a fresh, expert perspective to classic French baking. The menu is a comprehensive showcase of buttery, flaky delights, including a wide array of croissants, innovative savory danishes, decadent tarts, and artisanal breads baked with incredible attention to detail. The focus on quality and authenticity is unmatched, with every item—from the simple **Traditional Croissant** to the complex **Kouign Amann**—promising delicate, buttery layers. While the quality is consistently praised for its fantastic flavor and texture, the environment is welcoming, rejecting the pretension sometimes associated with high-end French patisserie, making it a friendly and professional favorite for the local Pennsylvania community.

**Machine Shop** is located in one of South Philadelphia's most unique and dynamic structures, the **Bok Building**, an adaptive reuse of a former vocational high school. The specific address is **1901 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA**. This setting places the bakery in a vibrant, community-focused hub, with the bakery itself located on the ground floor in what was once the building's auto body workshop.

The bakery is highly committed to accessibility and convenience for all patrons in the Pennsylvania region:

• **Wheelchair Accessibility:** The facility offers a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, **Wheelchair accessible restroom**, and **Wheelchair accessible seating**, ensuring a comfortable visit for every customer.
• **Parking:** Customers benefit from the availability of **Free street parking** in the surrounding area, a valuable amenity in a dense urban environment.
• **Planning:** The services are structured for a **Quick visit**, making it an ideal stop for a morning coffee and pastry takeout or a brief sit-down break.
• **Restroom Facilities:** The inclusion of both a **Restroom** and a **Gender-neutral restroom** speaks to the bakery’s modern and inclusive approach to customer amenities.

The location within the Bok Building is often cited as a feature itself, offering an intriguing atmosphere that blends historic architecture with modern design, including visible kitchen workspaces where customers can sometimes observe the meticulous process of lamination.

Machine Shop offers a streamlined service model focused on providing a high-quality, convenient experience centered around its baked goods.

• **In-store Shopping:** Customers can browse the extensive and visually stunning custom pastry case to select their desired viennoiserie, breads, and tarts directly.
• **Takeout Service:** The primary service mode allows for fast and efficient purchase and packaging of pastries, ideal for busy commuters or those stocking up for the weekend.
• **Onsite Services (Dine-in):** The bakery provides seating options, including counter seating and small tables, where customers can enjoy their fresh pastries immediately after purchase.
• **Coffee Service:** The bakery offers **Coffee** on its menu, providing the perfect pairing for their renowned pastries, often working in conjunction with a coffee shop next door to complete the morning routine.
• **Multiple Payment Options:** Convenience is ensured with support for modern payment methods, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.
• **Wholesale Operations:** Though primarily a retail shop now, Machine Shop started as a wholesale operation, indicating the capacity to handle large orders and custom requests for local restaurants and businesses.

Machine Shop is highly distinguished in the competitive Pennsylvania food scene by its unique heritage and commitment to excellence, which is recognized both locally and nationally.

• **Nationally Recognized French Baking Excellence:** The bakery has been included in The New York Times' list of the "Best Bakeries in the U.S." and named one of Eater's best new restaurants, underscoring its elite status in French pastry.
• **Mastery of Laminated Dough (Viennoiserie):** The strong suit of the bakery is its delicate, buttery, and flaky laminated dough. The **Traditional Croissant** and **Kouign Amann** are must-try items, often hailed as some of the best in the city.
• **Innovative Savory Pastries:** Machine Shop moves beyond classic sweets with unique savory danishes and pastries, such as the **Jammy Egg + Pepper Stew** pastry and the seasonal **Kale + Cheddar Danish** or **Tomato Danish**, providing excellent savory breakfast options.
• **Artisanal Bread Program:** The bakery offers high-quality, handcrafted breads like the **Country Batard**, **Tomato Focaccia**, and various **Boules** (e.g., **Olive + Za'atar** and **Polenta**), baked to perfection.
• **Women-Owned Leadership:** The distinction of being a **women-owned** small business appeals to local patrons who value supporting diverse, independent entrepreneurial efforts.
• **Unique Location and Ambiance:** Situated in the beautifully repurposed **Bok Building**, the atmosphere is design-forward yet welcoming, utilizing the original auto body shop space with features like velvet banquettes and a massive custom pastry case.

While some public listings indicate no direct phone line for the retail shop, the main public and administrative contact points for Machine Shop are often routed through their digital presence or general company lines associated with the Bok Building context. However, based on the most common reliable data points provided and confirmed in search results:

• **Address:** 1901 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA
• **General Phone/Admin Contact:** (800) 544-6566

For the most up-to-date hours and stock availability, customers in Pennsylvania should consult the bakery’s official website or social media channels.

For residents and visitors in the **Pennsylvania** region, choosing **Machine Shop** is an investment in pastry perfection and nationally recognized quality. What is truly worth choosing here is the opportunity to experience **French *viennoiserie* at an elite level** without the need for international travel.

The absolute draw is the **laminated dough**. Customers consistently rave about the **flakiness, buttery quality, and delicate flavor** of the croissants and danishes. Items like the **Traditional Croissant** and the seasonal fruit danishes are baked and crafted by a team led by a James Beard Awards semifinalist, ensuring a standard of excellence that is rare. While some customer feedback notes the importance of consistent baking—observing that the line between 'twice baked' and 'burnt' can be fine—the underlying quality of the dough and fillings is considered "excellently made" and "unmatched."

Furthermore, Machine Shop's menu offers incredible variety beyond the sweet treats. The **savory danishes** and the hearty, flavorful breads like the **Tomato Focaccia** ensure there is a compelling option for every palate, making it an excellent stop for breakfast, brunch, or a quick lunch. By choosing Machine Shop, customers in Pennsylvania are supporting a celebrated **women-owned small business** that operates in a uniquely historical and accessible location, providing a consistently elevated, European-quality baking experience right in the heart of South Philadelphia.

Machine Shop

1901 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA