In the year 2000, Joanne Chang's Flour put this then-desolate stretch of Washington Street on the culinary map—and "X" still marks the spot for seekers of fresh-baked treasures and delicious sandwiches.
Vibe: Pastel hues and a chalkboard menu make Flour as cute as a cupcake—and that's before you even get to the decadent baked goods gracing the counter.
Food: Flour is one of our favorite stops for breakfast, whether you want something sweet or savory and filling. A star at the dessert counter is the highly addictive sticky bun, made with buttery brioche dough, drizzled with gooey caramel, and sprinkled with toasted pecans. Sweet lovers can also find a deliciously moist banana bread, lemon-ginger scones, and the TCHO chocolate chip cookie made with no less than three kinds of Scharffen Berger chocolate. The sandwiches are no mere afterthought. Fans of Flour praise its breakfast egg sandwich—an egg soufflé on focaccia bread with cheese, arugula, tomato, and dijonnaise. And who can resist a classic ham and cheese croissant, crafted here with ham, Gruyere cheese, and whole grain mustard baked inside a flaky, handmade croissant?
Drink: An espresso machine on site cranks out all the regular coffee drinks—from mochas to lattes to cappuccinos. You can get drip coffee, too. For more hydrating options, try a house-made seltzer with flavors like raspberry and rhubarb, a selection of milks from Shaw Farm, and juices.
Time Out tip: Flour is popular, so expect wait times. The well-initiated know to order ahead so they can easily pop in to pick up their order to go.