Independent Baking Co
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Independent Baking Co

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A small, beloved bakery crafting gourmet, scratch-made pastries, breads, and cookies daily. A true taste of Europe in Athens.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Independent Baking Co

Independent Baking Co

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A small, beloved bakery crafting gourmet, scratch-made pastries, breads, and cookies daily. A true taste of Europe in Athens.

"The best freshly-baked goods in Athens - worth the parking annoyance and the wait!"

TIP

Visit Early to Avoid Sell-Outs

Popular items, especially breads and pastries, sell out quickly. Arrive early to ensure availability.

Consider Advanced Ordering

For popular items or larger orders, consider calling ahead or ordering in advance to secure your favorites.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 7AM

Cuisine

Bakery

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(706) 850-3550

Address

1625 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30606, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Artisan Breads and Pastries

Artisan Breads and Pastries

Experience scratch-made European breads like spelt and rye, and authentic Italian pastries such as chocolate croissants and Olive Bread.

Google Review+2
The Famous Morning Roll

The Famous Morning Roll

Don't miss the signature Morning Roll, a delectable swirl of cinnamon and pastry that locals and visitors rave about.

The Perfect Foodie Weekend in Athens, GeorgiaThe 18 Best Restaurants In Athens, Georgia, To Try NowSouthern Living's best Athens restaurants. How many have you tried?+2
Exceptional Customer Service

Exceptional Customer Service

Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with knowledgeable and friendly staff who are passionate about their baked goods.

Google Review+2
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Visit Early to Avoid Sell-Outs

Popular items, especially breads and pastries, sell out quickly. Arrive early to ensure availability.

Consider Advanced Ordering

For popular items or larger orders, consider calling ahead or ordering in advance to secure your favorites.

Parking Can Be Tricky

Parking is limited, especially during peak times and Athens football game weekends. Plan accordingly.

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Tips

from all over the internet

Visit Early to Avoid Sell-Outs

Popular items, especially breads and pastries, sell out quickly. Arrive early to ensure availability.

Consider Advanced Ordering

For popular items or larger orders, consider calling ahead or ordering in advance to secure your favorites.

Parking Can Be Tricky

Parking is limited, especially during peak times and Athens football game weekends. Plan accordingly.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Independent Baking Co. is lauded for its exceptional, scratch-made artisan breads and pastries that rival those found in Europe. Customers rave about signature items like the Morning Roll and croissants, and praise the friendly, knowledgeable service. However, be prepared for limited seating and parking, and the popular items frequently sell out, especially later in the day.

"Probably the best freshly-baked goods in Athens. Parking is annoying but worth it. Traffic in the area is crazy. There isn't much seating inside. Great service. Great prices. Dont forget to try the bread, croissants, and cardamom bun."

Mariya Dan

"Last week I stopped by IBC in search of some good homemade Rye bread for our annual Corned Beef St. Patrick’s Day meal. The cashier recommended Sourdough Rye which is only made on SAT. I ordered 2 loaves for P/UP on SAT afternoon but I got tied up and did not realize they were open on SUN. So when I stopped in on TUES Peyton offered for me to pick out 2 loaves to replace the 2 loaves that I never received. Now that is excellent Customer Service! IBC will now be my go to Bakery. Check them out. Wonderful selection and they even have some great special roast coffee and other specialty items. Thx to Peyton and the entire IBC Team."

Robert Protasewich

"Independent has the most quality and authentic pastries and bread loaves I have ever had outside of Italy. I would highly recommend their chocolate croissant if you like something light, flaky, and chocolate-y. 😊 Their Olive Bread is a family favorite, and we love to eat it with a little butter on top. I have never been disappointed with any of their products and I’ve been a customer for years ❤️ Parking is a little difficult and I would not recommend taking more than 3 people inside with you due to the smaller size of the building."

Salem

What People Like

Authentic European-style breads and pastries
Delicious signature Morning Roll
Friendly and knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Limited seating
Items selling out quickly

Frequently Asked Questions

The signature Morning Roll, croissants, chocolate croissants, and Olive Bread are highly recommended by customers. Many also praise their selection of artisan breads.

Google Review+2

Parking is limited and can be challenging, especially during peak hours or home football game weekends. It's advised to plan your visit accordingly.

Google Review+1

To ensure you get the freshest selection of popular items before they sell out, it's best to visit early in the morning, especially on weekends.

Google Review+1

Independent Baking Co. has limited seating, with a few bar stools inside and a small outdoor bench. Most patrons opt for takeout.

Google Review+1

Yes, it's recommended to consider advanced ordering or calling ahead, especially for popular items that tend to sell out quickly.

While the focus is on traditional baking, some pastries and breads may be suitable. It's best to inquire directly about specific dietary accommodations.

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The Perfect Foodie Weekend in Athens, Georgia

Breakfast at Independent Baking Co.: Athens and European towns have many things in common (see above for proof!), but this teeny bakery in Five Points seals the deal. Made from scratch on premises and baked fresh daily, the counter-service bakery offers up dozens of bread varieties (hearth-baked rolls, fruit-studded ryes, and yeast-leavened breads) and pastries (I’m partial to the apple and cheese Danish), alongside espresso drinks. Word to the wise: Independent’s closed on Mondays.

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Independent Baking Co., is a simple bread and breakfast pastry bakery, offering hearth-baked rolls, loaves, and buttery viennoiserie, all made from scratch on premises and baked fresh daily. They have a few seats for you to enjoy an espresso beverage with a pastry inside at one of their window bars or, in fine weather, outside the door on the heart-pine bench, watching Five Points life go by.

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Independent Baking Co. is a true gem of Athens, Georgia, known for its fresh, handcrafted bread and pastries. Baked fresh daily using locally sourced ingredients, their artisanal products offer a taste of authentic, homemade goodness that's hard to find elsewhere. The bakery also serves a selection of exquisite coffees, making it an ideal spot for a wholesome and flavorful breakfast.

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If you’re looking for something a little less sweet but packed with tastes that remind you of autumn, head to Independent Baking Co. Starting in November (though possibly earlier), the Five Points staple will debut its seasonal cranberry pecan bread just in time for the holidays. The bakery will also add a savory danish to its menu.

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You’ll thank yourself later for embarking on an early outing to Independent Baking Company for a croissant or cinnamony Morning Roll. Popular items regularly sell out, especially on weekends. Right next to the historic five-point intersection, locals line up for fresh loaves, coffee, and pastries to go.

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It is known for croissants or cinnamony Morning Rolls, which sell out regularly on weekends. "Right next to the historic five-point intersection, locals line up for fresh loaves, coffee, and pastries to go," the article stated.

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Heading to a football game in Athens, Georgia? Here are seven restaurants and a bakery to try

Photo by Anne Braly / The "best bread in Georgia," as deemed by Food & Wine magazine, is baked fresh each morning at Independent Baking Co. in Athens.

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Independent Baking Co (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide