Poppy Bakery

For those in Wisconsin who appreciate the true artistry of scratch-made baking, Poppy Bakery stands as one of Milwaukee’s most celebrated new additions. Evolving from its popular roots as a farmer’s market pop-up, this brick-and-mortar gem, nestled on the East Side, has quickly earned a reputation for excellence that regularly causes lines to stretch "out the door" on weekends—a testament to the incredible quality and flavor locked into every pastry.

Poppy Bakery is the culmination of a long-held dream by Pastry Chef and Owner Amy Gorski. The business concept is built on a passionate commitment to local sourcing and seasonality. This is a bakery that lets the Wisconsin calendar dictate its menu; you will find no imported passionfruit here. Instead, Gorski works directly with small, regional farms, including respected names like Meadowlark Organics, to ensure the freshest seasonal produce is highlighted. This means a visit in late spring might celebrate rhubarb and strawberries, while a fall trip will feature apples, stone fruits, and warm spices. This deep connection to regional agriculture not only ensures peak flavor but also places local Wisconsin farmers at the core of the business model.

The bakery has become famous for its signature items, including a transcendent cinnamon roll that customers describe as feeling like you’re eating "the very center of the roll" with every single bite. Other standouts, like their chocolate chip cookies, are frequently hailed as "one of the best in the city" for their crisp exterior, perfectly chewy interior, and complex flavors of caramelized sugar and flaky salt. This commitment to fresh, locally-driven, and meticulously crafted products has firmly established Poppy Bakery as a world-class destination bakery right here in the 414 area code.

This is a place where every pastry has been thoughtfully considered and carefully executed, from the foundational sourdough to the delicate finishing glazes, creating a welcoming, necessary haven for wholesome and decadent baked goods.

Poppy Bakery is perfectly situated in a vibrant and charming section of Milwaukee's East Side, offering locals and visitors a delightful spot to grab an artisanal breakfast or afternoon treat.

The bakery’s location is: 2021 E Ivanhoe Pl, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA. This address places it directly adjacent to the Ivanhoe Plaza—a beautifully painted, recently pedestrianized area.

• Prime East Side Spot: Located in the lively Lower East Side neighborhood, making it a convenient stop for residents, students, and those visiting the North Avenue corridor.
• Outdoor Ambiance: The adjacent Ivanhoe Plaza offers a unique setting with picnic tables, providing the perfect al fresco space to immediately enjoy your fresh pastries and coffee.
• Artisan Viewing Window: The shop design features a viewing window from the street, allowing customers to watch the skilled bakers and artisans at work, reinforcing the transparency and craftmanship of the products.
• Walk-Up Convenience: The bakery typically focuses on a streamlined counter service model, ensuring that even when the line is "out the door," the process of ordering and paying moves quickly, making it accessible even for a rapid morning stop.

Poppy Bakery's menu is defined by its seasonal rotation and its expert-level execution of classic and innovative pastries.

• Signature Breakfast Pastries: Daily offerings of crowd-pleasing favorites, including the widely acclaimed cinnamon rolls, various brioches (such as bacon and blackberry flavors), scones (e.g., apple ginger, blueberry tarragon), and delectable coffee cakes.
• Artisanal Breads: Production of foundational breads, most notably wood-fired sourdough loaves and savory sourdough focaccia, perfect for meals and entertaining.
• Afternoon Sweets and Cookies: A selection of high-end desserts, including the famous chocolate chip cookies, brownies, dark chocolate cardamom knots, and unique creations like the brown butter miso cookie.
• Seasonal Specialties: A rotating menu that highlights what is fresh from local farms, featuring items like rhubarb bostock (with housemade jam), maple pecan sticky buns, and tarted cherry hand pies, ensuring there is "always something new to try."
• Coffee Program: Serving responsibly-sourced Valentine Coffee, providing the ideal beverage pairing for the bakery’s sweet and savory treats.
• Small-Scale Retail: Offering specialty pantry items or preserves made in-house using seasonal produce that is out of season (e.g., house-made jams).

Poppy Bakery's distinct features are rooted in its dedication to quality and its strong connection to the local food community.

• Uncompromising Ingredient Philosophy: A strict commitment to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and rejecting artificial elements like food colorings and sprinkles, focusing purely on natural, wholesome flavors.
• The Perfect Cinnamon Roll: A highly praised signature item that achieves the rare feat of tasting like the prized center of the roll throughout, making it a powerful draw for visitors from across Wisconsin.
• Artisanal Craftsmanship: Each item, from flaky croissants to savory hand pies, showcases a high level of baking skill, often described by customers as comparable to bakeries in major international cities like Copenhagen.
• Commitment to Slow Growth and Consistency: The owner, Amy Gorski, has stated a commitment to "grow slow and do it right," ensuring that every guest receives "perfection" and maintaining a high standard of consistency—a rare find in rapidly expanding businesses.
• Community-Focused Atmosphere: Staff are consistently described as friendly, enthusiastic, and welcoming, creating a positive neighborhood hub where customers feel genuinely appreciated.

For inquiries about seasonal menu items, large orders, or operational hours, please contact Poppy Bakery using the information below.

• Address: 2021 E Ivanhoe Pl, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA
• Phone: Please note that the primary contact for inquiries is typically the bakery's publicly listed number. Based on the current availability of public data, this information is not universally published, and customers are encouraged to visit the location during operational hours (often Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) or check the bakery's social media channels for direct contact and the most current menu updates.

For any Wisconsin resident, choosing Poppy Bakery is choosing a world-class culinary experience deeply rooted in local values. It is absolutely worth seeking out for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, the emphasis on seasonality and farm-to-bakery sourcing means the flavors are always at their peak, directly supporting the state’s agricultural partners. When you buy a strawberry brioche in June, you are truly tasting the best of that season in the region.

Secondly, the quality of the baking is truly exceptional. The pastries are not just sweet treats; they are expertly crafted foods designed to highlight the natural qualities of the ingredients. The famous cinnamon roll, the “perfection” of the scones, and the uniquely flavored cookies (like the brown butter miso) offer a level of sophistication and satisfaction that few other regional bakeries can match. Even the line out the door—which moves quickly thanks to the efficient and friendly staff—is evidence that this is a truly special, destination-worthy spot.

Finally, by visiting Poppy Bakery, you are contributing to a genuine small business dream led by a passionate local artisan. Owner Amy Gorski’s commitment to growing slowly and ensuring absolute quality means every dollar spent directly supports a high standard of craftsmanship and community well-being. Whether you are looking for a weekend splurge, a unique treat for the office, or simply the best cinnamon roll you've ever had, Poppy Bakery on Ivanhoe Place is an absolute must-try fixture in the Milwaukee culinary scene.

Poppy Bakery

2021 E Ivanhoe Pl, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA