Metropolitan Bakery

Introduction / Overview

Metropolitan Bakery stands as a proud cornerstone of Philadelphia's rich culinary scene, a testament to the enduring love for expertly crafted, all-natural baked goods within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Established by Wendy Smith Born and James Barrett, this bakery has grown from a local labor of love into a revered Philadelphia institution since 1993. The philosophy is simple but powerful: traditional methods, natural ingredients, and a patient, long-slow-cool rise using an all-natural starter. This commitment to quality has earned Metropolitan Bakery a place on the menus of many of the city's finest restaurants, solidifying its reputation as a leading artisan baker.

The location within the iconic Reading Terminal Market makes it an essential stop for Pennsylvania residents and visitors alike. It offers a dazzling array of over 30 varieties of homemade breads, alongside a spectacular selection of European-style pastries and sweets. From the moment you approach the stall, the aroma of freshly baked goods promises a deeply satisfying experience. Metropolitan Bakery doesn't just sell bread; it sells a piece of Philadelphia’s artisanal history, offering everything from daily loaves to specialty baked treats perfect for a quick breakfast or stocking up on weekend provisions. It's a professional and friendly establishment that warmly welcomes all patrons, including being proudly LGBTQ+ friendly, ensuring a pleasant shopping experience for everyone in our regional community.

Location and Accessibility

Metropolitan Bakery is strategically located in the beating heart of Philadelphia’s food culture: the historic Reading Terminal Market. The precise address is 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. This placement is highly advantageous for accessibility, making it an incredibly convenient stop for Pennsylvanians traveling to or through Center City, whether for work or leisure.

The bakery’s home inside the market places it directly in the city’s central transportation hub. It is mere steps from SEPTA’s Jefferson Station, servicing all Regional Rail lines, which provides direct access from surrounding counties like Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware. The proximity to the Pennsylvania Convention Center also makes it a perfect fuel stop for attendees. For patrons with mobility concerns, the location within the market is fully accessible, featuring a Wheelchair accessible entrance. This commitment to easy access ensures that every member of the Pennsylvania community can enjoy their gourmet offerings. The market’s bustle provides a vibrant, energetic setting, and Metropolitan Bakery's central spot means it's often the first and best choice for those seeking quality bread and coffee upon entering the grand hall. For a "Quick visit" or a leisurely morning browse, the location is simply unmatched.

Services Offered

Metropolitan Bakery at the Reading Terminal Market provides a focused selection of services centered around high-quality baked goods and a convenient shopping experience for the busy Pennsylvania crowd.

Key services and specialties available include:

• Bakery: Specializing in over 30 varieties of hand-crafted breads, including signature loaves like the San Francisco Sourdough, Multigrain, Pain au Levain, Rosemary Olive Oil, and the highly-regarded French Baguette. Seasonal and weekly specialty breads like Challah (available Friday) are also featured.
• Artisan Pastries and Sweets: A broad selection of morning pastries such as Plain, Chocolate, and Almond Croissants, various Danishes, Muffins, and Scones. Decadent treats like the sought-after Kouign-Amann (often available on Saturday) and Canelle are standout offerings.
• Grab-and-Go Meals and Snacks: The menu often extends beyond baked goods to include items like Housemade Soup, Tarragon Chicken Salad, Lentil Salad, and a selection of savory Spreads (e.g., Salmon Dill, Basil Pesto, Olive Tapenade) and pre-made sandwiches, perfect for lunch or a quick snack.
• Coffee Service: Metropolitan Bakery provides freshly brewed "Coffee" to perfectly complement their breakfast and pastry offerings, positioning them as a complete morning destination.
• Takeout Service: The primary service model is "Takeout," designed for quick transactions to accommodate the heavy foot traffic of the market.
• Payment Flexibility: Customers can make fast purchases using various methods, including Credit cards and Debit cards, catering to modern customer convenience.

Features / Highlights

Metropolitan Bakery’s long history and prominent location within the Reading Terminal Market highlight several distinctive features that make it a favorite among local Pennsylvanians.

• The Kouign-Amann: A major highlight frequently praised by customers. This rich, flaky, multi-layered Breton pastry is a decadent, beautifully balanced treat known for its crunchy, caramelized layers and subtle salty finish. Its availability often makes it a destination-specific draw for pastry connoisseurs.
• Exceptional Croissant Quality: The bakery is recognized for its high standard of French-style pastries. Customers often point out the "fairly priced almond croissant" with a "beautifully glazed buttery base" and a "generously equivalent" almond filling to croissant ratio, showcasing their commitment to quality and portioning.
• Artisan Bread Heritage: Since 1993, Metropolitan has championed an all-natural starter and a “long-slow-cool” rise process, lending their signature breads a complex flavor and superior texture. This commitment is why their breads are featured in many of Philadelphia's top restaurants.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Environment: The business is noted as "LGBTQ+ friendly," demonstrating a commitment to being a welcoming and safe space for all members of the diverse Philadelphia community and surrounding Pennsylvania region.
• Convenient Access and Speed: Designed for a "Quick visit," the bakery is optimized for efficiency, catering to the needs of commuters and market patrons looking for a swift, high-quality transaction.

Contact Information

For residents and visitors in the Pennsylvania region seeking the finest artisan bread and pastries, Metropolitan Bakery can be found at the following location within the Reading Terminal Market:

Address: 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA (Inside Reading Terminal Market)

Phone: (The most commonly listed general phone number for Metropolitan Bakery's main office/nearby location is (215) 545-6655, but please note that a specific phone number for the Reading Terminal Market stall is often limited to the Market's general information line.)

Note: Due to its location within the larger Reading Terminal Market, the bakery’s contact information often directs to general market or corporate lines. Please check the market’s website for the most up-to-date hours of operation.

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Metropolitan Bakery is a choice for authentic, time-honored baking tradition in the heart of Pennsylvania’s largest city. For residents of the region, this bakery represents a commitment to sourcing local, using natural ingredients, and applying classic European techniques, resulting in a product quality that is consistently praised and sought after. It’s worth choosing for several compelling reasons that resonate with a local user’s needs.

First, the bread program is a defining feature. If you are looking to elevate a family dinner or simply want the most flavorful, crusty loaf for your week, Metropolitan Bakery’s wide range of handmade, slow-fermented breads—from their French Baguette to the hearty San Francisco Sourdough—is unparalleled in the market setting. The ability to purchase these restaurant-quality loaves directly is a significant advantage.

Second, the unique pastry selection, particularly the Kouign-Amann, is a must-try local delicacy that has garnered a loyal following. This rich, buttery treat alone warrants a visit, offering a taste of European excellence right here in Philadelphia. Similarly, their consistently high-quality croissants and other morning goods make them a perfect daily breakfast destination.

Finally, Metropolitan Bakery offers convenience without sacrificing quality. Located in the highly accessible Reading Terminal Market, and designed for a "Quick visit" with accessible entry and modern payment options, it is the ideal spot for busy Pennsylvanians who demand gourmet standards on the go. Whether you are grabbing a quick coffee and croissant on a weekday or taking home a dozen specialized breads for a weekend feast, Metropolitan Bakery delivers a premier, friendly, and efficient experience.