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Classics are first rate - nicely crusted, chewy, flavorful crumb, quite consistent. He also does creative experiments at times with unusual flours and flavorings which are more or less interesting depending on your tastes. I love the classic round loaves - always great!
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Our family loves Crust Baking! Picking up loaves from Hugh was one of our favorite weekend activities when we lived in Alameda. We are grateful to be able to order occasionally for our friends and family who still live there - such a sweet way to let them know we are thinking of them!
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Amazing breads and baked goods! I like the changing selections, always with amazing grains. My favorite is the spin on German Volkornbrot: A sourdough rye bread with rye flour, fresh ground rye, cracked grains, raw seeds, french sea salt -- absolutely delicious. It is wonderfully moist, dense, and crackling outside. Definitely gets my "German Stamp of Approval" :)
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Hugh makes the best bread and also sweet treats. The affordable price and fun of not knowing what the next bake will be make this service one of a kind. I highly recommend his services to anyone looking for good bread, spontaneous sweet treats and a local different type of bakery to take care of your carb cravings.
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I’ve been lucky enough to have tried most of Hugh’s baked goods. Some highlights have been his panettone, delicious on its own or as French toast, sourdough cinnamon rolls and the dense Vollkornbrot loaf. He uses the highest quality grains and is always trying something new.
Hugh’s baking range is impressive for someone who didn’t start with classic training. Most recently I tried his chocolate croissants which were delicious. One of my favorite seasonal items are his fruit tarts - yum. If you’re looking for craft coffee to go with your baked goods, Hugh roasts his own beans too!
Crust Baking is a delightful gem on the local Alameda scene. You’ve gotta try it if you love fresh baked goods.
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Hugh is a FANTASTIC baker! The croissants are so buttery and flakey! The carrot cake is superb!… not super sweet, but very decadent. The cinnamon rolls are so delicious and perfect for the morning with coffee. They’re so big that I end up freezing some for later. My absolute favorite though is his Japanese milk bread. I would order that every week, if I could. His other loaves of bread are so hearty and perfect for sandwiches or just toasted with butter. I cant say enough amazing things about Hugh’s baking. His passion clearly comes through each and every thing he bakes!
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If you’re looking for the best bakery in Alameda, Crust Baking on Pacific Avenue is an absolute must-visit. Their fresh sourdough bread has the perfect crust and a soft, flavorful interior—some of the best I’ve had in the Bay Area. The croissants and pastries are always buttery, flaky, and baked to perfection.
If you’re searching for Alameda bakeries near me that truly stand out, Crust Baking is the place to go. Their passion for craft baking and commitment to the community really shines through. Highly recommend!
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I love this neighborhood micro bakery! I've been getting Crust loaves since 2020/2021, and it's always a joy. I love all of the effort Hugh goes to to source nutritious grains, and to educate us on what we're eating - and that every bake seems to be something a little bit different.
Pro-tip: slice your loaf when you get home, enjoy a slice or two, then throw the rest in the freezer so you always have this delicious fresh bread on hand.
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I've tried the "basic" sourdough bread subscription and purchased several of Hugh's delicious homemade pasties and couldn't of been happier. From the communication to the quality of his breads and pastries, you can tell there is love and technique put into each item. I'd highly recommend trying baked goods from Hugh and Crust Baking. It doesn't get much better than supporting local and enjoying tasty food!
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I’m pretty sure there’s nothing better than picking up warm, freshly baked, bespoke bread from Crust, except possibly picking up warm, freshly baked croissant. There is no better bread. The children and teenagers in my life look forward to this bread. Because they are indeed the toughest critics, “Hugh’s Bread” is the benchmark for all other products. Get yourself some angel food or chocolate cake if you can!