Macrina Bakery & Cafe

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Washington state, the name Macrina Bakery & Cafe is synonymous with a decades-long commitment to the art of baking. Established in Seattle, Macrina has grown from a single location to become one of the region’s most respected artisan bakeries, celebrated for its rustic European-style breads, sophisticated pastries, and robust café menu. This particular location at 1943 1st Ave S sits in the dynamic SODO (South of Downtown) neighborhood, perfectly positioned to serve both the bustling professional community and local residents seeking a moment of culinary excellence.

Macrina’s philosophy, inspired by the 4th-century Greek mystic St. Macrina, emphasizes community, sharing, and a simple, self-sufficient life, which translates directly into their product. The founders' passion for bread is evident in every loaf, baked using time-honored techniques and often featuring regionally sourced grains. This is more than just a bakery; it is a full-service experience that functions as a breakfast restaurant, brunch destination, and cafe, making it an essential stop for any Washingtonian seeking high-quality food in a welcoming, beautiful space. From a quick coffee and an Almond Pinwheel to a full weekend brunch, Macrina has cemented its status as a local institution since its founding in 1993. Their dedication has earned them numerous local and national accolades, including recognition from prestigious sources like Fodor’s and Condé Nast Traveler.

The menu at Macrina is extensive and diverse, ensuring there is a compelling option for every palate and time of day. Morning offerings range from the rich and flaky Chocolate Cornetto to hearty sandwiches like the Sausage Breakfast Biscuit. For lunch, patrons can enjoy freshly prepared items such as the Grilled Cheese or the Organic Greens Salad. The bakery's core specialty, however, remains its bread—a foundation built on full-flavored, naturally leavened sourdoughs and traditional loaves that celebrate Northwest ingredients like apples, potatoes, and cranberries. The entire operation is a tribute to quality ingredients and artisanal craftsmanship.

Location and Accessibility

Macrina Bakery & Cafe is conveniently located at 1943 1st Ave S, nestled in the heart of Seattle's SODO district, a neighborhood characterized by its blend of industrial history and modern commerce. This prime location offers excellent accessibility for local Washington users, whether they are visiting from downtown, the greater Seattle area, or catching an event nearby.

The address is easily reached via major city routes, making it a simple drive for those coming from neighboring communities. Public transportation options are also plentiful, typical of a main Seattle corridor. Parking, while urban, offers flexibility; customers can utilize free street parking where available, or opt for paid parking lots and paid street parking to ensure a swift visit. This combination of transit access and varied parking options is a significant benefit in a busy urban area like SODO.

Once inside, the café is thoughtfully designed for user comfort and convenience. The facility is fully committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. Furthermore, the café is set up to accommodate various dining preferences, offering options for a 'Quick visit' as well as comfortable spaces for those who wish to 'Dine-in' and linger. The availability of amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and clean restrooms ensures a pleasant experience for all guests, solidifying its appeal as a local gathering spot.

Services Offered

Macrina Bakery & Cafe offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to the needs of the Washington community, from daily retail indulgence to major event catering.

• Retail Bakery Sales: Offering a wide selection of daily baked goods, including diverse artisan breads (like MadRy Organic Sourdough Bagels and Rustic Potato Loaf), sweet pastries (such as the Raspberry Cornetto and Pecan Sticky Bun), and assorted cookies.
• Full-Service Café Dining: Providing in-house dining with an extensive menu for Breakfast and Brunch, featuring savory meals like the CATE Breakfast Sandwich, the Morning BLT Sandwich, and Quiche Slice - Verdura.
• Specialty Coffee and Beverage Service: Serving a full range of coffee, espresso, and non-coffee drinks, including Cold Brew Can and various teas, complementing all food items.
• Convenience Options: Multiple ways to enjoy their products, including Delivery, In-store pickup, In-store shopping, and Takeout, catering to the busy schedules of local patrons.
• Catering and Large Orders: Providing catering services for corporate meetings, events, and family gatherings, with offerings such as Assorted Pastries platters and Quiche orders, ensuring Macrina’s quality is available for any function.
• Custom Cake and Confectionery: Offering specific cakes and sweets like the Mini Apple Cranberry Upside-Down Cake and the Mini Salted Caramel Cup, with pre-order options available for special occasions.

Features / Highlights

Macrina Bakery & Cafe stands out in the competitive Seattle culinary scene due to several key features and a deep commitment to its values, making it a worthy choice for local users.

• Commitment to Artisan Baking: The use of traditional, old-world methods, including naturally leavened doughs, results in unique products like their MadRy Sourdough Bagels and a highly regarded variety of signature artisan loaves.
• Focus on Local Sourcing: A strong partnership with the nationally renowned Bread Lab and the use of locally grown and milled wheat—often organic and Salmon-Safe certified—emphasizes a commitment to sustainable Washington agriculture.
• Robust Menu Versatility: The unique positioning as a Bakery, Breakfast restaurant, Brunch restaurant, and Cafe provides unmatched versatility, allowing patrons to find something satisfying at any time of day, from a simple Sesame Bagel to a full Demi Sandwich.
• Community Enrichment: Macrina actively supports non-profit organizations in the Puget Sound region, including those focused on addressing homelessness and aiding local community groups, embodying their founding philosophy.
• Accessibility and Amenities: The provision of essential amenities like a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi enhances the customer experience for all visitors, making it a comfortable and inclusive space.
• Decades of Acclaim: Operating since 1993, the bakery has accumulated numerous awards and high praise over the years, including multiple James Beard Foundation nominations for the founder, Leslie Mackie, and consistent recognition as one of the best bakeries in the nation.

Contact Information

For Washington customers looking to visit, place an order, or inquire about Macrina Bakery & Cafe's offerings, the key contact details for the SODO location are as follows.

• Address: 1943 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, USA
• Phone: (206) 623-0919
• Mobile Phone: +1 206-623-0919

The bakery is equipped to process various forms of payment, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, providing a seamless transaction experience.

What is Worth Choosing

For residents and visitors of Washington, Macrina Bakery & Cafe is worth choosing for its exceptional dedication to quality, its deep community roots, and the sheer variety of its offerings. The choice to patronize Macrina is a vote for supporting a local institution that champions Northwest ingredients and artisanal methods.

Specifically, Macrina is the perfect choice for users prioritizing ingredients and craftsmanship. Their close relationship with the Bread Lab and local farmers ensures that the flours used in items like their sourdough and bagels are flavorful, nutritious, and sustainably grown right here in Washington state. The complexity of items like the Roly Poly—described by a customer as a slightly denser, richly swirled croissant with a hint of cream cheese frosting—demonstrates the skilled, high-level baking that sets them apart from conventional bakeries. Even with polarizing items, like the Cinnamon Roll that some patrons find too innovative, the quality of the dough, noted as a “slightly dense croissant,” speaks to the foundation of their high-end French and Italian-influenced baking traditions.

Furthermore, Macrina is an excellent choice for a full culinary experience. As a brunch restaurant, the option to order a Morning BLT Sandwich with perfectly toasted bread, or one of their acclaimed breakfast sandwiches, elevates the stop beyond a mere pastry run. The availability of Delivery and Takeout options further enhances its value, making it a convenient choice for busy mornings or planned gatherings. In essence, choosing Macrina Bakery & Cafe means selecting a piece of Seattle’s distinguished culinary history, built on integrity, local sourcing, and the undeniable joy of artisan baking. It is a choice that ensures a quality meal, a comfortable environment, and support for a business that gives back to the Washington community.

Macrina Bakery & Cafe

1943 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, USA