Photo by Christian Gooden (Post-Dispatch)
Knead Bakehouse & Provisions
AJ Brown, who with his wife, Kirsten, opened Knead Bakehouse + Provisions in Lindenwood Park in late 2017, told me he views the bakery and cafe’s signature Rustic Loaf as a distinctly Midwestern style of bread. It begins with a 6-year-old sourdough starter to which he adds a blend of einkorn, rye whole wheat and Missouri and Illinois wheat berries, with sea salt, all of which ferments for 72 hours. The resulting bread is excellent by itself — crusty, airy and tangy — and also makes a fine base for sandwiches and topped toasts. And alongside the Browns’ brioche bread and other baked goods, the Rustic Loaf cinches Knead’s place of high esteem in St. Louis’ growing artisan-baking scene.
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (closed Monday)
Last year's ranking: New this year
Opened: 2017