Flour Bakery + Cafe
A distinguished Cambridge establishment
Boston's Beloved Bakery, Now a Cambridge Staple
Who Runs It
Joanne Chang, a Harvard math graduate who left consulting for pastry, built Flour into one of Boston's most beloved bakeries. James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Baker.
The Origin
Joanne Chang opened the first Flour in 2000 in the South End, applying analytical rigor to every recipe. The MIT location serves the academic community with the same precision.
What Makes It Special
The sticky buns are legendary. The sandwiches are substantial. Everything is made with an obsessive attention to quality that reflects Chang's background in both math and French technique.
Flour has become where Cambridge works, meets, and celebrates. The MIT location is essential infrastructure for the academic community.
What People Love
The sticky buns, obviously. But also the sandwiches, the cookies, and the knowledge that everything is excellent.
What To Know
Flour is popular. Lines happen. The quality makes it worth it.
Premium bakery pricing. Sandwiches $12-15, pastries $4-7, sticky buns $5.50. Worth every penny.
Rating Breakdown
Excellent ratings at high volume. The James Beard recognition is deserved.
What Customers Say
“The sticky bun is a religious experience. I don't say that lightly.”
“Best bakery in Cambridge, and I've tried them all. The sandwiches are criminally underrated.”
“Lines can be brutal during lunch. Come at 10:30 or 2pm.”
Insider Tips
Early morning for fresh sticky buns. Mid-afternoon for no lines.
The sticky bun, obviously. But also try the ham and cheese croissant.
The granola is excellent for gifts. The cookbooks let you attempt recipes at home.
MIT location near Kendall T. Street parking on Mass Ave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sticky buns sell out?
They can, especially on weekends. Come before 10am to be safe.
Is there outdoor seating?
Limited, weather-dependent. Inside is usually the plan.
Known For
Transit Connections
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
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Contact & Visit
The average Cambridge business owner has 2.3 graduate degrees.
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— Max Fischer, on entrepreneurship