Thunderbird Bakery & Cafe in Oshkosh, WI: Artisan Sourdough, Gourmet Pastries, and Local Coffee

Thunderbird Bakery & Cafe Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Oshkosh and the greater Fox Valley area in Wisconsin, finding a bakery and cafe that elevates daily staples into culinary experiences is a true local treasure. That is precisely what you’ll discover at Thunderbird Bakery & Cafe. More than just a simple corner shop, Thunderbird has established itself as an artisan destination, deeply rooted in the craft of bread-making and fine pastry creation. It’s a place where the air is thick with the inviting aroma of freshly baked sourdough and high-quality, locally roasted coffee. This establishment seamlessly blends the rustic tradition of a top-tier bakery with the comfortable, welcoming atmosphere of a modern cafe, making it an ideal spot for everything from a quick morning coffee to a leisurely weekend brunch.

The philosophy here centers on quality ingredients, meticulous technique, and a genuine passion for the final product. This commitment is evident in their specialty offerings, particularly their handcrafted, long-fermented sourdough breads and their flaky, European-style pastries. Local patrons consistently praise the freshness and depth of flavor found in their baked goods, noting that the care put into each item transforms a simple purchase into a moment to be savored. By pairing these exceptional bakery items with a thoughtfully curated beverage menu, Thunderbird Bakery & Cafe provides a comprehensive and high-quality experience that Wisconsin locals appreciate—a dependable source for gourmet comfort and culinary excellence right here in Oshkosh.

Location and Accessibility

Thunderbird Bakery & Cafe is conveniently located at 959 W 6th Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA. Situated in a community-friendly area of Oshkosh, the location offers easy access for both neighborhood regulars and visitors traveling from other parts of the Fox Valley, including Fond du Lac or Appleton. The establishment’s commitment to accessibility is excellent, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons.

Key accessibility features provided at this location include:

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Ensuring smooth entry for everyone.
Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Dedicated spaces close to the entrance for convenience.
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: Maintaining comfort and usability for all guests.
Wheelchair Accessible Seating: Thoughtfully arranged dining areas to accommodate all mobility needs.

In terms of parking, the cafe is situated to provide multiple convenient options, including a Free Parking Lot and available Free Street Parking. This combination minimizes any hassle for visitors, whether they are planning a quick in-store pickup or settling in for an extended dine-in experience. The cafe's location on West 6th Avenue makes it an intuitive destination for anyone seeking high-quality baked goods and a comfortable, fully accessible dining environment in Oshkosh.

Services Offered

Thunderbird Bakery & Cafe offers a diverse range of services, effectively combining the best aspects of an artisan bakery with a full-service coffee and brunch spot. Their comprehensive model caters to various needs throughout the day, ensuring high-quality options for quick visits, leisurely dining, and pantry stocking.

Artisan Bread Program: Daily baking of specialized, long-fermented breads like Country Rustic, Rye Rustic, and unique options such as Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough and Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough.
Gourmet Pastry and Sweet Shop: Handcrafted sweets including classic pastries (e.g., Classic Croissant, Pain Au Chocolat), specialty items (e.g., Almond Croissant on select days, Churro Monkey Bread), and a dedicated selection of Gluten Free Desserts (GF Brownie, Jam Bars).
Full-Service Cafe Beverages: An extensive menu of expertly prepared coffee drinks utilizing locally roasted Ruby Coffees, including specialty lattes (Horchata, Lavender Honey, Toasted Coconut), classic espresso drinks (Cappuccino, Cortado, Espresso), and unique cold drinks (Summer Bouquet Matcha, Cold Brew, Seasonal Lemonade).
Savory Baked Goods and Light Meals: Offerings that go beyond sweet treats, such as Bacon Cheddar Jalapeño Croissants, Breakfast Sausage Rolls, Ham + Cheese Croissants, and Savory Tomato Galettes, perfect for a non-sweet breakfast or lunch.
Dedicated Brunch Menu: A focused selection of made-to-order sandwiches and light meals, including the Breakfast Sandwich on Sourdough, the popular Cubano, Grilled Cheese, and various other sandwiches like the BLT and Turkey Pesto Melt, available for dine-in or takeout.
Local Pantry/Merchandiser Retail: Selling high-quality local provisions such as Ruby Coffees (retail), Local Honey, Maple Syrup, Grandma Blake's Jams, Human Kind Juice, Fizzeology, and Wisco Pop Soda, supporting other Wisconsin-based businesses.
Flexible Service Options: The cafe supports In-store pickup, In-store shopping, Takeout, and Dine-in, allowing patrons to choose the service that best fits their schedule.
Kid-Friendly Menu: Simple, appealing options specifically for younger patrons, including Kids Almond Butter + Jam and a Kids Char-Kid-Erie Plate.

Features / Highlights

Thunderbird Bakery & Cafe’s features stand out as highly appealing to the discerning Wisconsin local who values quality, local partnership, and a warm atmosphere. These elements collectively define its distinct identity in the Oshkosh community:

Commitment to Sourdough Excellence: The use of long-fermented sourdough for a variety of breads, including both rustic loaves and sandwich bread, ensures a superior texture, depth of flavor, and crust quality that is highly sought after by bread enthusiasts.
Support for Wisconsin Producers: The prominent feature of locally roasted Ruby Coffees in their beverage program and the inclusion of other local retail products like Grandma Blake's Jams and Wisco Pop Soda demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting the regional economy and other small businesses.
Gourmet Pastry Variety: The menu extends beyond standard fare to include high-end, European-style pastries like Almond Croissants and Pain Au Chocolat, as well as creative and decadent sweets like Churro Monkey Bread and Millionaire Shortbread, providing a true gourmet bakery experience.
Dietary Consideration Options: The thoughtful inclusion of clearly marked Gluten Free options in the sweets menu, such as the GF Brownie and Jam Bars, ensures that patrons with specific dietary needs can also enjoy delicious, high-quality treats.
All-Day Culinary Versatility: Operating simultaneously as a serious artisan bakery, a dedicated coffee house, and a quality brunch spot allows Thunderbird to meet multiple customer needs in a single visit, from grabbing a loaf of bread to enjoying a full meal and a specialty latte.
Highly Accessible and Comfortable Setting: The comprehensive accessibility features (parking, entrance, seating, restroom) and multiple parking options ensure that the cafe offers a truly welcoming and barrier-free environment for all local visitors.

Contact Information

To experience the artisan baking and comfortable cafe environment of Thunderbird Bakery & Cafe, you can connect with them directly at their Oshkosh location. We encourage you to call ahead, especially for inquiries about large bread orders or the availability of specialty items like the Almond Croissant, which is offered on specific days.

Address: 959 W 6th Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA

Phone: (920) 385-0218

What is Worth Choosing

For local users in Wisconsin, choosing Thunderbird Bakery & Cafe is an easy decision for several compelling reasons that resonate with our local appreciation for quality and community. What is truly worth choosing about Thunderbird is the uncompromising quality of its core product: the bread. In an era of mass-produced goods, the dedication to slow-fermented, hand-crafted artisan sourdoughs—ranging from the essential Country Rustic to the bold Jalapeño Cheddar—sets them apart. A fresh loaf from Thunderbird is an elevated experience that forms the foundation of great meals at home.

Beyond the bread, you are choosing to support a business that actively invests in the Wisconsin economy by featuring and serving other beloved local products, such as Ruby Coffees and local pantry items. This network of local support is something the Fox Valley area deeply values. The entire experience is curated for pleasure and convenience: you can start your day with a perfectly pulled Espresso or a unique Maple Sweet Cream Cold Brew, enjoy a hearty, high-quality brunch item like the Cubano, and leave with a loaf of exceptional bread and a jar of local jam. The combination of serious artisan skill, wide-ranging menu variety (including options for those needing gluten-free sweets), and a consistently friendly, cozy atmosphere makes Thunderbird Bakery & Cafe a definitive must-visit local gem in Oshkosh. It is an ideal place to slow down, connect with the community, and savor genuinely handcrafted food, which is why it receives such enthusiastic praise from local patrons.

Thunderbird Bakery & Cafe Food & drink

Breads + Rolls
Country Rustic $7.00
Naturally leavened sourdough with a mild, tangy flavor and a golden ridged crust. Ingredients: bread flour, whole wheat flour, water, salt Contains: wheat
Country Sandwich $7.00
Naturally leavened sourdough with a mild, tangy flavor and a softer crust than our rustic version. Comes pre-sliced. Ingredients: bread flour, whole wheat flour, water, salt Contains: wheat
Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough $8.50
Our classic country sourdough folded with Red Barn aged white cheddar and local jalapeños.
Rye Rustic $8.00
Quickly becoming a customer favorite, this light rye load features Certified Organic rye from Meadowlark Organics in Ridgeview, WI. Named and inspired by our Grandmother Violet, who made a mean darker version. Ingredients: bread flour, local rye flour, water, salt Contains: wheat
Seeded Whole Wheat Rustic $8.00
50% whole wheat, naturally leavened sourdough. Hearty and earthy, topped with a blend of pumpkin, sunflower, black sesame and flax seeds. Ingredients: bread flour, whole wheat flour, seed mix (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds) water, salt Contains: wheat
Seeded Whole Wheat Sandwich Loaf $8.00
50% whole wheat, naturally leavened sourdough. Hearty and earthy, topped with a blend of pumpkin, sunflower, black sesame and flax seeds. A softer crust than our rustic version. Comes pre-sliced. Ingredients: bread flour, whole wheat flour, seed mix (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds) water, salt Contains: wheat, sesame
Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough $8.00
Naturally leavened sourdough with golden raisins and a hint of cinnamon. Ingredients: bread flour, whole wheat flour, water, golden raisins, sugar, salt Contains: wheat

Sweets
Almond Croissant (Thurs-Sat Only)
Our classic butter croissant is filled with house made almond cream and topped with toasted almonds. We use Pine River Dairy Butter (Manitowoc, WI) in all of our pastries. Ingredients: flour, milk, butter, almond cream (almond meal, butter, sugar, eggs, flour, rum) salt, yeast Contains: wheat, milk, egg, tree nuts
Apple Galette
Enjoy this rustic, free form hand pie for breakfast or with a scoop of ice cream for dessert. Ingredients: Apples, butter, all purpose flour, whole milk, cream cheese, sugar, spices. Contains: wheat, dairy,
Churro Monkey Bread
Our classic flaky sourdough croissant dough cut into gooey, bite sized pieces tossed with cinnamon and sugar. A take on the classic Mexican street food treat. Ingredients: flour, milk, sugar, salt, yeast, spices Contains: wheat, dairy
Cinnamon Roll
Our signature (and best selling) cinnamon roll is made with our long fermented sourdough pastry dough, Pine River Dairy Butter (Manitowoc, WI) that results in a flaky and delicious outside with a soft, sweet center. Big enough to share. Best served warm. Ingredients: bread flour, butter, milk, flour, sugar, salt, yeast, coffee Contains: wheat, milk
Classic Croissant
Made in the old world style using sourdough and a slow fermentation, these classic butter croissants are flaky, buttery, and delicious. We use Pine River Dairy Butter (Manitowoc, WI) in all of our pastries. Ingredients: flour, milk, butter, sugar, salt, yeast, egg Contains: wheat, milk, egg
GF Brownie W/Strawberry Buttercream $5.00
Ingredients: chocolate, *oat flour, heavy cream, butter, cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, strawberries, salt, vanilla, baking powder Contains: dairy, egg *oat flour is certified gluten free
GF Brownie With Almond Buttercream $5.00
This brownie is rich and beyond decadent. Dense, chocolate base topped with seasonally rotating buttercream flavors. Made with certified gluten free oat flour. Ingredients: Chocolate, (sugar, cacao beans, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin & vanilla) oat flour, sugar, brown sugar, butter, eggs, heavy cream, molasses, ginger, spices, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder Contains: dairy, soy, egg
Jam Bars (Gluten Free) $5.00
Seasonal fruit makes this a not-too-sweet (and gluten free!) favorite. Current flavor: Grape Ingredients: Seasonal fruit, almond flour, oat flour, oats, butter, sugar, almond butter, maple syrup, lemon, vanilla, almond extra, salt, baking powder Contains: dairy, egg, tree nuts
Millionaire Shortbread $3.00
Classic buttery shortbread topped with house made butterscotch and chocolate ganache.
Pain Au Chocolat (Chocolate Croissant)
Our long fermented sourdough pastry wraps around 60% dark chocolate batons. This pastry is best served warm. We use Pine River Dairy Butter (Manitowoc, WI) in all of our pastries. Ingredients: flour, milk, butter, sugar, chocolate (sugar, cocoa paste, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla) salt, yeast, egg Contains: wheat, milk, soy, egg
Spelt Chocolate Chip Cookie $2.65
Crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, this thin and delectable cookie is made with Certified Organic Spelt Flour from Meadowlark Organics (Ridgeview, WI) and boasts a nutty, caramel finish. Topped with flaked sea salt. Ingredients: Sugar, butter, spelt flour, chocolate chips (Sugar, cacao beans, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin and vanilla), all purpose flour, brown sugar, egg, salt, baking soda, vanilla. Contains: wheat, dairy, egg

Savories
Bacon Cheddar Jalapeno Croissant
Olden Organic's jalapeños, Nueske's Bacon and Red Barn Edun Cheddar inside of our handcrafted croissant dough.
Breakfast Sausage Roll
Wagner Market's breakfast brat gets nestled inside our flaky, long fermented sourdough pastry dough. Served with a (slighty) spicy maple dipping sauce.
Ham + Cheese Croissant
Our flaky, long fermented sourdough pastry dough is layered with Pine Ridge Dairy butter wrapped around Nueske's ham and gruyere. Ingredients: flour, ham, aged cheddar, milk, butter, sugar, salt, yeast, egg Contains: wheat, dairy, egg
Savory Tomato Galette
Roasted garlic purée is topped with Pickett Produce tomatoes, feta and purple basil, tucked inside of a Meadowlark Organics rye crust, finished with a light sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.
Side Of Dijon Mustard $0.25

Beverages
Americano
Ruby espresso and hot water
Breve
Ruby blended espresso with heavy cream. All sizes include 2 shots and whole milk unless otherwise requested.
Cafe Au Lait
Ruby drip coffee with hot steamed milk.
Cappuccino $3.50
Caramel Latte
Our house made caramel syrup* with Ruby espresso and steamed milk. All sizes include 2 shots and whole milk unless otherwise requested. *caramel syrup contains dairy
Chai Latte
Cold Brew
Cortado $3.50
Ruby Espresso topped with steamed milk and foam.
Decaf Drip
Drip Coffee
Freshly brewed coffee from Ruby Roasters. Variety rotates seasonally.
Espresso $2.50
Ruby Roasters Creamery espresso.
Horchata Latte
Ruby espresso with house blended rice milk + sweetened condensed milk with cinnamon and nutmeg. (contains dairy, not able to be made dairy free)
Hot Chocolate
Latte
Ruby Coffee's blended espresso with steamed milk. All sizes include 2 shots and whole milk unless otherwise requested.
Lavender Honey Latte
Lavender Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Macchiato
Ruby espresso with a touch of foam.
Maple Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Mocha
Our house made mocha syrup with Ruby espresso and steamed milk. All sizes include 2 shots and whole milk unless otherwise requested.
Redeye
Our fresh brewed drip coffee with 2 shots of Ruby espresso.
Seasonal Lemonade
Our house made lemonade rotates with the freshest seasonal produce. Current lemonade is Strawberry.
Steamer
Teas
Vanilla Latte
Our house made vanilla bean puree syrup with Ruby espresso and steamed milk. All sizes include 2 shots and whole milk unless otherwise requested.
Toasted Coconut Sweet Cream Cold Brew
House made toasted coconut syrup with cream and our Ruby cold brew coffee.
Summer Bouquet Matcha
Vibrant matcha tea and creamy milk, sweetened with our house-made lavender and rose geranium syrups for a delicate, floral finish. Enjoy hot or iced.
Arlo Palmer
Black Currant Lemonade with black tea. Named in honor of our smallest supervisor, 4 year old Arlo Wester.

Brunch
BLT $13.00
Fresh local tomatoes from Pickett Produce, Nueske's Bacon, spicy mayo, local greens on country sourdough. Served with a side of Slide potato chips, made in Madison.
Breakfast Sandwich On Sourdough Bread $10.50
Baked egg, cheddar, herb mayo on our country sourdough. Your choice of ham or bacon if you'd like.
Buttermilk Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich $12.00
Chicken Salad Sandwich $12.00
Roasted chicken, red curry mayo, radish, dried apricots, greens on country sourdough. Served with a side of Slide chips- made in Madison.
Croissant Breakfast Sandwich $10.50
Baked egg, cheddar, herb mayo on our flaky croissant. Your choice of ham or bacon if you'd like.
Cubano $16.00
Pulled pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, dijon mustard on country sourdough.
Grilled Cheese $11.00
Wisconsin cheddar, provolone and gruyere on country sourdough.
Lentil Zucchini Salad
Green Lentils, orzo, fresh zucchini and kale from Park Ridge Organics are the stars of this salad. Tossed with fresh dill, scallions, pistachios and a lemon vinaigrette. Ingredients: Lentils, Orzo, Kale, Zucchini, pepperoncini, parsley, pistachios, olive oil, lemon juice
Veggie Sandwich $10.00
House made hummus, provolone, pea shouts, pickled ginger carrots, cucumber on seeded wheat sandwich
Half Sandwich + Side Salad $9.00
Turkey Pesto Melt $15.00
Roasted turkey, provolone, and local tomato with a house made pesto on country sourdough. **PESTO CONTAINS TREE NUTS**

Pantry/Merchandiser
12 Oz Chicken Salad $10.00
12 oz of our house made Red Curry Chicken Salad. Roasted chicken, dried apricots, radishes, and red curry mayo.
8 Oz Hummus $6.00
House made, bright and yummy. Ingredients: chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic, salt
Asparagus $7.00
Grown in Ripon, WI by Olden Organics.
Fizzeology $10.50
Traditional Korean superfood made with burdock from the Kickapoo Valley. Cabbage, carrots, onions, red pepper, black spanish radish, daikon, parsnips, burdock, ginger, garlic and real salt.
Grandma Blake's Jams
Homegrown produce made right here in Oshkosh.
Human Kind Juice $3.75
Local Honey $7.50
11 oz. raw honey from Jerry's Honey in Fond du Lac.
Maple Root Beer $3.75
Maple Syrup
Wisconsin sourced maple Syrup from Uncle's Mike's.
Redmond's Apple Cider
Local apples grown and pressed by Redmond's Apple Basket Orchard just outside of Ripon. Available seasonally.
Retail Teas $0.00
Ruby Coffees
STILL WATER $3.00
Wisco Pop Soda
Made in Madison, WI
Beef Snack Sticks $10.50
the butcher PINE RIVER Uncured Original Snack Sticks *No Nitrite or Nitrate Added except those naturally occurring in Celery Powder

Kids Menu
Kids Almond Butter + Jam $6.00
Almond butter + strawberry jam on seeded whole wheat sourdough, with a side of applesauce
Kids Char-Kid-Erie Plate $6.00
Sliced sourdough, hummus, cubed cheese, seasonal veggie, natural beef stick
Kids Grilled Cheese $6.00
Seeded whole wheat sourdough with Wisconsin cheese and a side of house made applesauce.

Thunderbird Bakery & Cafe Details

Service options
In-store pickup
In-store shopping
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Coffee

Dining options
Breakfast

Amenities
Restroom

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking

Thunderbird Bakery & Cafe Photos

Thunderbird Bakery & Cafe Location

Thunderbird Bakery & Cafe

Wisconsin Winnebago County Oshkosh West 6th Avenue

959 W 6th Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA

Thunderbird Bakery & Cafe Reviews

An average rating of ★4.9 from 137 user reviews.

croissantssourdoughcinnamon rollslattesbreakfast sandwichchoicemonkey breadbrowniesroastedcheddar sourdough

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Thunderbird Bakery is a total gem in Oshkosh! Everything here tastes like it was made with love and care. The bread is hands-down some of the best I’ve had.Their pastries are equally amazing (don’t miss the croissants or seasonal specials!), and everything always feels super fresh.The vibe is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and passionate about what they do. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, grab a coffee, and savor every bite. A must-visit for any bread or pastry lover!
July 08 · S M
Always good to have a Ruby roasted cup of coffee. While my cappuccino was not quite as good as it could’ve been, their drip was solid. Bakery was also pleasant and delicious. Would come again!
August 30 · David Fischer
In Oshkosh for the airshow and needed some great coffee. Not only did I find that but I found a great bakery! I liked it so much I waited until they opened at 7am to grab food and coffee for my 16 hour drive.
July 25 · Eric Krell
Awesome place to grab high tier coffee and grub. Had the best sandwich of my life here. BLT is gustatory transcendence
July 02 · kevdwiz
This is the best bakery! The treats are amazing! We had the almond croissant and churro monkey bread, then we took a chocolate chip cookie and it was amazing! The staff were so kind in helping us!
September 12 · Joyce Armstead