Paonia Bread Works

"I never had a chance to try the food. It seemed very good. I went in with my service dogs and was told to get out by one of the owners. A fairly despicable man that chewed with his mouth open and called me a jerk. There was a sign posted on the door that said dogs must be on a leash. My service animals were leashed, vested and trained for public service. The owner acknowledged that and told me to get out. I’d stay away. Seems mighty unwelcoming."

"A cute place. I had some free time between meetings so I stopped by for hot chocolate and pastries. They are all made in home with the best ingredients. I loved the scones and plan to go back tomorrow morning to get all the goodies. The earlier you come the more options you have. Also make sure to bring cash or check. Over all A++"

"This is a great gem with homemade bakery goods. The bagels were amazing! Cash only!"

"I was in love as soon as I walked in. The food tasted of love in every bite. The sandwiches were perfect for an amazing lunch. From the food to the atmosphere was very much relaxed and artistic. I really wish I could have tried everything on their menu. 10/10 recommend to everyone!"

"Paonia Bread Works started, as the name implies, making and selling organic, artisan bread. I’ve particularly enjoyed their bagels, sold through local stores. Some deliveries are made by bicycle, although volume has required acquiring some vehicles. They just opened a retail outlet that sells bread products, as well as coffee and related items. I love the space. There is a high ceiling, two long tables for individuals and groups, and a corner with a big couch and chairs. One wall is covered with art, and pleasant music plays. This sounds like a zillion other coffee shops, but this is a particularly engaging space. I’ve uploaded several photos. The bread, bagels, muffins etc. are really good—handmade on site. The owner, Chris, tells me that the ingredients often are locally sourced. For instance, their hard boiled eggs are organic and local. The drip coffee is Ethiopian and Sumatran, from Rock Canyon coffee (Basalt, CO). It’s good coffee, enjoyed by many locals. They also have iced tea, espresso, macchiato, cappuccino latte. To give you an idea of prices, at this writing you can get a handmade toasted bagel with cream cheese and a cup of drip coffee for $4 (including tax). That’s a good deal. (Edit) Focaccia is a recent addition, and the menu changes daily.  In the photos, from the top down, today they are offering four kinds of focaccia with: Fresh raspberries, semi-sweet Ghiradelli chocolate, pine nuts Peaches, lemon, and cinnamon Fresh raspberries, peaches and pine nuts Fresh raspberries They also make rosemary focaccia, African olive with herbs, a breakfast focaccia with eggs sunnyside up and strips of bacon, triple cheese focaccia (gorgonzola, mozzarella, monchago). And there's more! Specialty pizzas are often available in the afternoons, gourmet quality, typically organic. (end edit) The staff is friendly, attentive, experienced and helpful. They’re fun to chat with. The owner Chris has been called “a master baker with an amazing feel for the bread and textures.” Chris’ vision is to have Paonia Bread Works be a “third space” in support of the community, a place that facilitates interaction. Consequently, there is no wifi at present although that could change. I discussed the lack of wifi with Chris, and indicated that I thought that could limit business. However, there are plenty of other places with wifi, such as the Paonia Library a couple of blocks away. So my impression is that the Paonia Bread Works is intended to be a place to disconnect from email and social media for a bit, and to enjoy good food, community awareness and conversation. At present it’s cash only—that reflects Chris’ vision of not getting caught up in technology. In summary, Paonia Bread Works is a special place, and worth visiting for the quality of the food and drink, the ambiance, and the human connection you can enjoy here. Highly recommended."