Pastries at Pint Size Bakery

On Saturday morning, I woke up early and visited Pint Size Bakery & Coffee, a new bakeshop in St. Louis’s south city.  I had only heard good things about Pint Size, as it has been featured in many local publications and received rave reviews. Chef/Owner Christy Augustin started the bakery after working as a pastry chef in many kitchens, including the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans, and the Sidney Street Cafe in St. Louis (a popular and well-respected local restaurant).

Pint Size Bakery Declaration

What intrigued me about Pint Size was its committment to “small batch baking,” which means that they make baked good throughout the day, but never re-sell them a day later.  That way, everything stays extremely fresh…but also sells out by early afternoon.  When I arrived at Pint Size at 9 A.M. on a Saturday morning (it opens at 8 A.M.), some of the most popular breads were already gone.  Like the early bird who catches the worm, you have to get to the bakery relatively early to snag the best baked-goods.

Exterior of Pint Size Bakery & Coffee

Pint Size is (as the name suggests) a tiny shop, and I was wondering how the bakers had enough room to work.  The front of the bakery consists of a few square feet of waiting room (where the line forms), a long counter, and a glass window behind which the cookies, cakes and muffins are kept.  I’m glad the glass is there, because it protects the baked goods from people like me (who have little impulse control when they’re only inches away from buttery, sugary goodness).

Pumpkin Loaf at Pint Size Bakery

As I waited in line, bakers kept coming out of the back of the shop with baking sheets and trays, and replenishing the stores of baked goods.  Freshly-baked scones were added to retro-inspired baskets, and mini-muffins were lined up carefully in rows.  I hadn’t seen baked goods replaced or laid-out like this since I was in France, and I was excited at the prospect of eating fresh pastries…All too often (and probably without my knowledge) I consume re-heated or day-old breads and cookies.

Banana and Blueberry Mini Muffins at Pint Size Bakery

It was hard to choose between the wide assortment of muffins, scones, cupcakes, and breads…There were even breakfast cookies with oatmeal, pineapple, raisins, and walnuts. Everything looked delicious, but what stood out to me were the sweet scones and the mini-muffins. The mini-muffins came in two different flavors: Banana and Blueberry, and I liked how the top of the Banana muffins were garnished with a banana chip.

Breakfast Cookies at Pint Size Bakery

When I read the description of the sweet scones (“Brownie Chunk and Cherry”), I knew I had to try one.  The scones had large chunks of dark chocolate brownie throughout, as well as fresh (not dried) cherries. The top of the scones were sprinkled with coarse sugar, giving the exterior a nice, crunchy texture, while the inside was more buttery and fluffy.  I literally exclaimed after my first bite…It was that good.  I’m still thinking about it days later…which probably means I need to go back and get another one soon.

Ham, Green Onion and Bleu Cheese Scone at Pint Size Bakery

The only mishap that occurred was when I ordered.  The cashier accidentally gave me a savory scone (with ham, bleu cheese, and green onions) instead of a sweet scone, and I didn’t find out until I got back to my car and was preparing to devour my purchases.  When I went back into the shop, the cashier handed me a sweet scone, and said, “My mistake is your gain.” I don’t eat ham, but in the spirit of free food, I tried a few bites of the savory scone.  And I’m happy to report that it was delicious; the bleu cheese was not too salty or overpowering, and nicely complimented the flavor of the green onions.

Outside of Pint Size Bakery & Coffee

Pint Size is far away from my house, and a bit of a trek on a Saturday morning.  But after trying a few of their baked goods, I can safely say that they trip is worth making.  Next time, I’m going to try to get there at 8 A.M. when they open…That way I can have my choice between their whole assortment of breads, muffins and cakes.  Plus, there’s nothing better than waking up to the smell of fresh baked goods…