Ken's Artisan Bakery

338 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States
+1 503-248-2202
$$$ Bakery , Sandwich shop
(1535 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Ken’s Artisan Bakery is a cozy and bustling bakery and sandwich shop tucked into the Northwest Portland neighborhood near Washington Park. It’s the kind of place where locals come early to beat the rush and grab flaky croissants or hearty sandwiches made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Expect a warm, slightly tight interior with a mix of long communal tables and small spots for two, where the smell of fresh bread and pastries fills the air.

The bakery shines in its range of buttery croissants, from the classic almond and chocolate to seasonally inspired options like the Oregon Croissant filled with local berries and hazelnut cream. It’s a great stop for breakfast or a casual snack — the morning buns and passion fruit tarts offer a balance of sweetness without feeling overdone, while the bacon quiche and Theo’s egg salad sandwich cater to those looking for a savory bite. Sandwiches here, including the ham and asiago combos or the more complex Ken’s Hero with cured meats, demonstrate care in both flavor and bread quality, making them satisfying for a midday meal.

Coffee lovers will find strong, well-balanced cappuccinos and mochas that pair naturally with the baked goods without unnecessary sweetness. It’s a spot where locals might pause during a walk through nearby parks, grabbing a pastry to go or hoping to snag one of the limited tables for a quiet moment of indulgence. Because the space is popular and often full—especially on weekend mornings—it’s smart to come early or plan on taking your treats away.

Overall, Ken’s Artisan Bakery suits anyone who appreciates a genuine bakery experience without seating frills — people who want quality bread and pastries with flavors rooted in Portland’s artisan food culture. Families, neighborhood regulars, and visitors passing through Washington Park all find something to enjoy here, whether it’s a buttery croissant on the go or a thoughtfully crafted sandwich enjoyed inside amidst soft chatter and the hum of a busy morning.

What they serve
Serves coffee
Best for
Serves breakfast
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Parking
Paid street parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

1535 Reviews
Estela Lee

03 Jan 2026

Very busy and warm inside, and the line moved quickly — I waited about ten minutes. I picked up a butter croissant, chocolate croissant, and almond croissant, and they made a perfect breakfast once I got home and added a little filling. I’d love to come back when I have more time and sit down to enjoy everything in the shop.

Pooja Chaudhary

29 Dec 2025

TLDR; amazing tarts, may probably have to take it to go since tables might not be available We came in late in the afternoon and just got a small mocha, an apple tart and a chocolate hazelnut tart between the two of us. We did get lucky enough to get a table because someone left as soon as we ordered but the place was absolutely FULL when we arrived! The coffee is nice - not too sweet (which is always an issue with mochas), not acidic, super smooth. Love that they have an 8oz size! The tarts were delicious too - I did like the apple tart more than the chocolate hazelnut (which surprised me) - the apple almond combination really was what did it for me! The chocolate one is still pretty nice too- again, not too sweet, very rich with a hint of bitterness. The crust on both was really good - broke easily, not dry, not soggy.

Nan Liu

15 Nov 2025

It's very close to the Washington Park and I walked in from the park. There are maybe bakeries to choose from. I like palmier so I ordered the one. It's the last one. Amazingly good. Both coffee and bakeries are reasonably priced and the staff are very kind and helpful. There are long table 8 and small round tables for two people. Big window and old fashion interior. I love here.

Bryan “Dad of 4”

14 Nov 2025

Our family stopped in at Ken’s Artisan Bakery and overall had a very solid experience. We ordered a variety of items to get a feel for the menu. The croissants were well-made with good texture and flavor — light, flaky, and satisfying. The ham, thyme, goat cheese, and Gruyere croissant in particular was excellent and stood out as the best item of the visit. I had the tuna salad sandwich, which was very good. The addition of pickled onion brought a bright, sharp contrast that elevated the whole sandwich. We also tried the grilled cheese, which was just okay — not bad, but something we probably wouldn’t order again. The pumpkin macarons were a hit with the kids, and we took home a few extras. One of the highlights for me was the coffee — genuinely some of the better coffee I’ve had. Rich flavor, smooth, and well-balanced. The only real drawback was the customer service, which felt a bit impersonal and transactional. Not rude, just not warm or welcoming. More of a “big city, stay in your lane, order and move along” feel. If you’re looking for a cozy, friendly small-town bakery vibe, this is not that. If you want excellent baked goods and quality coffee, this place delivers. Would return, especially for the croissants, macarons, and coffee.

Emma Vande Krol

24 Oct 2025

This bakery has been on my favorites for a while and I finally got around to trying it. It definitely lived up to my expectations. I got the seasonal vegetable quiche and it was soo good. My friend and I both got the Oregon croissant which was delicious. The ingredients and bread here are so fresh. You walk in and it smells amazing. However, it was definitely busy and had a line around 9:30am but I would wait for another pastry here anytime.

Zach Newman

21 Oct 2025

had to wait 10-15 minutes to order but it was ultimately so worth it. we had a couple savory pastries: the cheesy, salty, unctuousness of the gruyère and ham croissant as well as the goat cheese and leek pastry and both really hit the spot. soft and flaky and a good balance of sweet and cheesy and herby. very good. also had a beautiful fresh tart!

Kelly Gardner

27 Sep 2025

Stopped by on a holiday for a bit of coffee and the hope of eating something delicious from the display case. While food was not to be - unless bread alone would suffice, then a handcrafted coffee became the tasty treat. The staff is positive and helpful. The space is cozy, by that I mean close quarters in a good way. If you are not vegan you are going to love the pastries and treats they offer! So many and so beautiful! If you are vegan they have a selection of breads to tempt you… My coffee - a latte with oat milk, a touch of their house made vanilla and cinnamon. The wait was a bit long but worth it as the coffee was hot and drinkable while being totally delicious! The four stars is because I felt left out of tasting the treats that made my mouth water just from looking at them

YD

17 Sep 2025

Came in on a Monday morning, first time we ever saw the full collection on shelf. Returned on a Friday morning, the line was from outside of the store! My favorite bakery in town. Love the berry Oregon and savory cheese &leek croissants. Bead loaf was legit too. Be back soon!

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