amazing the bread was perfect and the cookies were even better. will be back again soon!

I do not write a lot of reviews, but I absolutely love this place. Bantam bread is a phenomenal baked goods shop Breads, dirt bombs (yummy treat), and all the goodies that they sell are simply delicious. The food is Clean, wholesome, healthy and the bakery family owned, it's the only place we buy bread and bake goods for our family. they make food the way it was intended to be made, the old-fashioned, clean and honest way. It's worth the trip every single time and I cannot give them a more positive review. The staff is awesome and kind and knowledgeable. It's simply a tremendous resource for our community. and the prices are very reasonable as well! Treat yourselves and your family and come here. You will not be disappointed! Their breads are unbelievably delicious! read more

Since I've been on a Keto diet for the past year, I keep my carbohydrate levels very low, so that means "no bread". I broke that rule this week, and dropped into Bantam Bread to purchased a loaf of sourdough bread. Brought it home, had a few slices with butter, it was good. My Mother In Law & wife really liked the sourdough too. All the breads are made there fresh daily, of course. Bantam Bread has a nice selection of baked goods also. Can't say that I'll partake in those anytime soon, but I could always bring some home for the non-carnivores living in the house. Since I pass by this shop four days a week, I know I'll drop in occasionally to pick up more sourdough bread, even if it's not for myself. read more

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One of my absolute favorite bakeries!!! They have some of the best bread. Absolutely love the sourdough and the Kalamata olive sourdough bread. Always great service, it's a cute little place. I take a ride up to Bantam from New Haven a few times a year mainly just for Bantam Bread! read more

Can someone please tell me why I have never been here before or why I have never heard of it?!! I happened to see that they were voted number one bakery in the new Litchfield magazine, so I knew I had to visit. The small space is a little hidden, but once you know the location It is easy to find. There is a small parking lot too. They offer breads, pastries, cookies, and even granola. The bread was really good, but the chocolate chip cookie was absolutely delicious. The lady working at the front counter was so nice and she gave me a lot of information about all the different things they had to offer. I look forward to going back! read more

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Absolutely the best bread anywhere, but I must ask the owners...are you making the bread smaller? certainly looks that way. I made a tuna sandwich the other day, and within 4 bites, one half was gone. For $7.50, people, and me in particular, want their monies worth. read more

Went in today and bought a few things. After, my daughter 6, whispered in my ear that she really had to pee. I asked the lady if it was possible for her to use the bathroom. Nope. I get heath regulations but really? Certainly no small town vibe here. read more

Some bread good as usual. The famous holiday loaf was dense and tasteless, not as used to be.

Great fresh bread and pastries. Worth finding and getting delicious breads. Highly recommend the flax seed sourdough. Reasonably priced for the quality. read more

I recently remotely attended a Food Blogger Chat. When asked for her favorite food, one Blogger said, "bread". It's probably not the coolest answer, but I know what she means. I also appreciate great bread. Without great bread, there is no great sandwich. No great toast. No great French toast. No great Avocado Toast. That's why I try to plan all of my visits to Litchfield County for when Bantam Bread is open. Bantam Bread is a small bakery that takes up the bottom area of a large house-type structure a little west of the three Arethusa businesses. In warmer weather, I've walked from ice cream at Arethusa, to get coffee at Arethusa a Mano, and then to Bantam Bread. Far too cold and icy for that on this visit. I'm not sure if they have outside tables anywhere, but I'd call Bantam Bread more of a grab and go type of bakery in any event. My favorite thing to buy at Bantam Bread is their plain sourdough. The problem is, if you're too late, they're sold out. I learned on my most recent trip, that you can actually get there too early as well. I pivoted to a loaf of an artisanal white bread and a large baguette. I also purchased house granola, chocolate chip and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and a thin, crispy bread-like dessert they call "elephant ears". They're wizards with bread (The Sorting Hat tells me House Ravenclaw). With the white loaf, I made terrific grilled cheese, and awesome toast. With the baguette, I made some toast points and a homemade cheese steak where the bread was the star of the show. I was also a big fan of the granola and elephant ears. I love how the elephant ears crack as they finally succumb to the pressure of your teeth. I have a stylistic issue with the cookies. Bantam Bread is Team Crispy Cookie. I'm Team Soft Cookie. That said, they were well executed Crispy Cookies. Even if you're not inclined to plan a trip from The Hartford area around bread like I do, a trip to Bantam Bread combines nicely with outings to the Arethusa Businesses, Kent Falls Brewing, Bantam Lake, Thorncrest Farm/Milk House Chocolates, Nodines, Litchfield Distillery, etc. Five Stars read more

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My wife has wanted to stop in for quite some time. We were off this week and in the area so we decided to pop in. Plenty of parking right near the entrance. The front door is actually located down the path with plenty of signs to direct you. As soon as you walk in there is a pleasant smell in the air with all of the breads being baked. Their main oven is located directly behind the bread casing pictured in one of the photos. The staff was friendly and helpful. We ordered a sourdough loaf. It was baked fresh and delicious, much better than a name brand store such as Stop & Shop or Big Y. It is a little pricier than a regular loaf but you get what you pay for. Definitely a nice treat for this rainy icy day. read more

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Very cute and rustic bakery. Bought a loaf of sourdough bread that was excellent. Also purchased a fruit tart that was as expensive as the loaf of bread (~$7.25), but was exceptional! We will be back to sample their other goodies. Service was friendly read more

Wow! Tiny little bakery - upon opening the door a heavenly cinnamon scent tantalized me. I wanted to buy everything! The palmiers (elephant ears) are crisp, caramelised, and perfectly flaky. The bread is crusty and chewy and soft and fluffy. My French husband is impressed! What a find! read more

Bantam Bread - Bread selection. The Pain de Campagne is pure heaven. - Specialty Food Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

So many types of bread and cookies and other great pastries. I tried the granola and cookies.

Something significant has changed at Bantam Bread. I purchased a seeded semolina loaf this week. The crust was soft and the interior was doughy. Did they switch ownership or is there a new baker??? In addition I also purchased one strawberry rhubarb pastery. It measured about 3" X 3" square and 1" tall. It was $$7.25. Yikes !!! This is a total rip off. read more

We'll be together with a roof right over our heads We'll share the shelter of my single bed We'll share the same room, Jah provide the bread (Is This Love? - Bob Marley) Yup, they sure provide the bread and a whole lot more. As you enter the Bantam Bakery, the intoxicating smell of fabulous baked goods will envelop you before the door behind you even closes. And if that amazing aroma isn't enough, the sight of dozens of fresh loaves of bread plus pies and all sorts of great looking delicacies will grab your attention. After gawking for a while, we settled on two macaroons, a loaf of cinnamon raisin bread, a small raspberry teacake loaf, an Orange Almond Brioche, a pecan shortbread cookie, and a big square of crumb cake for around $25. And how were they? Glad you asked. The cinnamon raisin bread was freaking great! We knew it was going to be, because the smell that filled our car on the drive home from Bantam was driving us crazy. You should know that the bread is sold as a whole loaf, and not put through the slicing machine, because the raisins would gunk up the blade. So we carved out a few slices on our own, popped them into the toaster oven and enjoyed them with a dab of butter. Holy Simple Pleasure--were they great! Wonderful texture, wonderful taste, not too sweet - pretty much perfect. Score 10/10 Pecan Shortbread Cookie- Pretty good !! A very simple cookie with a nice dab of sweet jam in the center. Score 8/10 Orange Almond Brioche -Excellent, with a soft center, crunchy top with plenty of almonds in a sweet orange glaze over a thin layer of almond paste cake. Score 10/10 Crumb Cake - Pretty good - a super crunchy crumb topping over a plain cake base. Score 8/10 The Raspberry Teacake Loaf was very good too. It was dense, mildly sweet, had a thin glaze on the top of the loaf, and plenty of raspberry puree swirled throughout. Score 9/10 The Macaroons - Let me be clear, these are macaroons not macarons, but as far as macaroons are concerned, these were not what we expected. They were much drier inside than the macaroons we are used to having, and far less sweet (we missed that gooey sweetness after you bite into it). Score 7/10 read more

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Small bakery in the basement of a house. No seating Have both baked goods and breads for sale, as well as a small drink selection I tried a fruit filled pastry and the Irish soda bread The pastry was phenomenal (10/10), but the Irish soda bread was not my favorite 7.5 read more

Consistently great bread products every week. The Irish soda bread (they make it only on Thursdays) is a favorite of ours, and the semolina baguettes have an excellent outer crust and soft inside thats perfect for dipping in olive oil. I believe this bread shop has been around for almost thirty years and it's clear why they are still around, keeping consistently high standards in their baking processes every day. read more

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Bread and pastry's never disappoint! Very welcoming staff. Fresh baked bread in the morning, nothing better

Bantam Bread is located in an old house next to Arethusa. I'm not sure exactly what I had been expecting, but considering how many items they carry, the shop is small. In the time of Covid, one person is allowed in the store at a time, and considering I think you could each both sides of the shop with arms outstretched, that may be a good rule to carry forward. I can't imagine how frustrating it must be to try to look at everything with other people jostling for space. They sell a great selection of local products (maple syrup, Bridgewater chocolate, their own wine vinegar) and of course bread. The dirt bombs weren't what I was expecting, I thought they may have sugar on them, but they are amazingly sweet and buttery pastries. The cookies are very good - a little crumbly with some softness. The chocolate chips are flat, which is kind of cool! read more

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Exceptional sourdough. I always grab an olive loaf when I'm around. Last time I was in I decided to try their cheese and strawberry rhubarb danish and was not disappointed. There's nothing like the smell of fresh baked bread and Bantam Bread delivers every time. read more

Cute little bakery. Got some challah bread which tasted more like regular bread but light. Also got delicious chocolate shortbread cookies. And dogs liked the biscuit I got them. Selection wasn't huge on a Friday afternoon. read more

Bantam Bread - Specialty Food Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

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Love, love, love this gem. I fly into CT almost every year to visit family and I make this place a MUST. This past month I was in town on a Friday night for a Saturday wedding but had to fly back to Chicago by Sunday afternoon. We briefly stopped at Bantam and I stuffed my luggage with the bread loaves and bought all the chocolate croissants... guess who was envied on the plane ride home? read more

Bantam Bread - Entrance - gorgeous fall colors - Specialty Food Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

Best artisan bread! Worth the trip from Danbury! After ice cream at Arethusa. Something delicious to take home and enjoy! read more

Bantam Bread - Specialty Food Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

Whatever they do to make their breads so scrumptious I hope they continue it forever. They really enhance every meal.

Each item we've bought from Bantam has been very good there are stand out items: the tea cakes are great and we always keep at least one in house also Kouign-Amann was new to me and now a favorite You can not go wrong in anything they make read more

These guys are amazing. Great bread, all varieties. But not just bread. Fresh baked items like tea cakes, cookies, pies, brioche and fantastic dog biscuits. My pups tell me all the time. Quality ingredients, great service and friendly folks. Nothing better. Get there now! read more

Bantam Bread is the premier bakery for quite a large radius, not only for their scrumptious variety of breads, but also for their pastries, tarts, cookies, and pies. It takes me 22 minutes to drive there, but that's well worth it. If you develop a taste for one of their more popular items, like the seeded semolina baguette, it's a good idea to call shortly after they open to have them set some aside for you. read more

Must try if in the area!!! Honestly the BEST bread I've ever had. Incredible flavor and so SO fresh! Lots of flavor options, we purchased the olive bread, semolina bread, and sourdough bread. All equally delicious. They will even slice the loaf if you request. Also seemed to have an assortment of local cheeses, pies, cookies, and dog treats. Tiny place so parking is tight as is their space to wait in line. Don't let that detour you! Would definitely return. read more

Stopped in to buy bread on October 31st. Sign says "please wear mask" (so I did) I stepped inside to see a couple purchasing bread. Woman had mask, man did not. So I removed mine. I was immediately barked at by the clerk to put my mask on. I said "but he isn't wearing one"... The clerk said (essentially) "too bad, put yours on" The man without the mask says "I forgot my mask and besides, I'm fully vaccinated" I said "well so am I"... The clerk still insisted that I put my mask on. This is Jim Crow for 2021 Rather than partake in their selective enforcement of their "mask rules" I walked out without making a purchase. I will obey the rules, but only if EVERYONE has to abide by them. They lost me as a customer. read more

A tiny and lovely bakery in Litchfield. It's in a basement of a house and you can park easily. I tried dirty bombs because of its interesting name. But the taste was not interesting but kinda boring. Angel biscuit was not amazing either. It was dry and nothing special. I liked orange brioche which had a lot of almond on top and orange jam inside. It was really sweet. Try this place if you are in this area. It's not a place you must try though. read more

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My husband stopped by to get some Bread and dessert. The bread was so fresh and delicious. I haven't tried their creme brûlée test but can't wait to dig in. read more

I have been hearing about Bantam Bread for years - and haven't had the time to take the trip up to Bantam to check it out.. Unfortunately they had another location closer to home that closed before I had a chance to stop by.. So, on a slow Saturday we decided to take the ride up toward Litchfield and see this nice rustic bread bakery. It's a nice ride to Bantam, and the Bread Co. is a good reason to take the trip. The bake shop is a basement in a house located on one of the towns main roads, easy to find and parking was no problem. The store wasn't fancy or a cafe or anything out of the ordinary - a focus on their baked goods is all that is really necessary here. They do have a small fridge with some cheeses and bottled beverages. The staff was super friendly and nice, helpful in trying to narrow down my baked good purchase to a reasonable amount. We were there sort of late in the day and it was clear that some of their selections had sold out earlier. We tried a few cookies and some breads and they were all excellent. The cow cookie was a nice crisp sugary cinnamon pastry. The 'dirt bomb' was also very good - if you haven't had one of these yet, check it out - its a muffin covered in cinnamon sugar, sort of like a donut but not fried. This is the kind of place you know you will return to, and that you want to try one of everything. Bantam is a place to go for some really great bread. read more

Bantam Bread - bread's ready!! - Specialty Food Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

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I grew up in Washington, CT and wow, I remember when this spot opened. I am so happy that it is still going strong. This is literally some of the best bread on the PLANET. I love their sunflower sourdough, raisin bread, and ginger cookies. Oh, and believe the hype. The dirt bombs and angel biscuits are amazing! I try to pick up a loaf or two whenever I am in town visiting family. If I lived closer to this place I would definitely be eating all the carbs, all the time. read more

Amazing craftsmanship put into every loaf. Well worth the gluten. Wish the parking was a bit safer but we used the other lot next to it and walked up a path in order to avoid the crowded parking near the entrance. read more

The woman at the sales counter touched every bread as she pointed out what they had, and she rested her bare hand on a loaf as she talked to customers. Yuck. They could not slice the olive or walnut bread. The raisin bread was burned on the top. The whole grain bread "hadn't been proofed correctly so didn't rise" [their words]. BUT, you could certainly buy these. I didn't. Major disappointment as I had gone well out of my way to try what was touted to be a great bakery. read more

Cookies were disappointingly dry. Challah bread was pale white in color, unsweetened and not braided. Don't call it Challah bread. Peasant bread was so so. They need to step their game up! read more

Great bread, great people. What more could you ask of a bakery? The pastries look amazing but this is where I go for bread. In the fall they have local apples. It's easy to stop on my way home from work and everyone is very nice. read more

Whatever they bake- be it different breads, cakes or cookies - all of their products are fabulous and really yummy!

Get their Holiday Bread for Thanksgiving. Get it for any holiday. Get it for anytime, since every day's a holiday. Then go across the street diagonally to Arethusa Farm Dairy and get some butter. Then go home and gorge. Makes great toast, too. And all their other stuff is great, by the way. Dirt Bombs are made to devour. Buy one and rue the fact that you only had one to eat. Buy two, eat one, and save the other to eat later. Ignore. Eat that one, too. read more