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Bastion Bakery
Master Critic Review
Bastion Bakery
7.9
Bastion brings farmers-market sourdough and viennoiserie into a permanent Grand Central Market stall, focusing on whole-grain loaves and cultured-butter pastries. It’s a go-to for serious bread and croissants in the middle of downtown’s busiest food hall.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole-grain sourdough loaf, Pistachio croissant, Morning bun
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: Organic whole-grain sourdough and croissants baked fresh daily at GCM.
Who should go: Bread nerds and commuters grabbing pastries on the move.
When to visit: Late morning for widest pastry selection without commute rush.
What to order: Whole-grain sourdough, pistachio croissant, morning bun.
Insider tip: Buy loaves early; popular breads often disappear by afternoon.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Use the Grand Central Market parking structure on Hill Street; rates vary by hour but expect $4–$10 depending on duration. Street parking is limited and competitive on weekdays.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—typical GCM food-hall attire. Anything from office wear to weekend jeans fits in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively due to the open food-hall environment; conversation is possible but not quiet-café level.
Weekend wait: Not applicable; the bakery closes earlier and operates as a counter-service stall.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, but expect brief lines during peak commuter and lunch periods.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—most pastries and loaves are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some breads may be vegan, but most pastries contain butter. Check daily labels.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—this is a wheat-forward bakery, and gluten-free items are not a core focus.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a sit-down date since it’s a food-hall stall with no dedicated seating, but great for a quick meet-up or grabbing pastries before a downtown walk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—GCM has communal open seating, but availability fluctuates. Expect to scout for seats during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—food-hall seating and simple pastries make it easy for families, though strollers can be tricky during crowded periods.
Best For
Better for: Best for whole-grain, naturally leavened breads and butter-forward pastries made with organic flour—ideal for serious bread buyers.
Skip if: Skip if you need gluten-free baked goods, quiet café seating, or a full breakfast menu.