Photo by J.B. Forbes (Post-Dispatch)
Nathaniel Reid Bakery
The St. Louis baking scene is in a far better place now than it was at the beginning of the past decade. The idea of a Nathaniel Reid Bakery in every neighborhood doesn't seem so far-fetched. OK, not literally the Nathaniel Reid Bakery. There is only one Nathaniel Reid, a singular talent and James Beard Awards semifinalist for outstanding baker whose signature pastries you view as you might a collection of Fabergé eggs. Nathaniel Reid Bakery isn't a museum, though. It is an everyday bakery, where you can grab a coffee and a croissant or a sandwich and a cookie — though you might pause your morning routine to marvel at the croissant's lamination. And you might as well grab the Amber or another of Reid's pastries for later. They are portioned and priced for you.
Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday (closed Sunday)
Last year's ranking: Rest of the Best
Opened: 2016