Babette’s Artisan Bakery

My last job in the culinary world was in a French Bakery. The owner taught us how to make the perfect French croissant and being from France knew an imposter croissant immediately. With that being said, Babette’s Bakery has it down. We got an orange poppyseed breakfast pastry made with croissant dough and it was perfect. Absolutely perfect.
While we got the sweet, we actually started with prosciutto and butter baguettes and it could not have been a better breakfast in that moment. The bread was crispy on the outside but not so crispy you cut your mouth and chewy on the inside. Exactly what artisan bread should be. The butter and prosciutto were decadent, salty and a little sweet and were a perfect foil to the bread.
I have a new job very close and I have a feeling I am going to be stopping in often!

The highest compliment I can give a bakery is that I know I would be happy no matter what I order. This is that sort of bakery. Once you sample a few exceptional items, you can trust that the bakery knows what it’s doing and won’t lead you astray. That compliment also saves me from minutely review the offerings. This isn’t quite Tartine in breads or croissants, but to be near that level is enough.
I wish all bakeries offered sample slices of bread.

Best croissants I’ve ever had. My husband loves the prosciutto sandwiches. This place has become our weekend ritual. The only thing we hate about it is the fact that they don’t have a bread slicer.
The owner is usually there greeting patrons while working in the «kitchen». He and the entire staff is wonderful.

Are you kidding me?! I lived in France for years and this place is literally as good, and mostly better than anything I had out there. As a home baker I cannot rave enough about their bread and pastries. This bakery is one of the best things in all of Denver. What a gem! Their pastries are seriously out of this world. Worth every penny. You will NEVER find a better croissant. EVER. I love this place!

This bakery is the best in Denver.
He does such an amazing job. I keep going back after Trying new bakeries in town. I would definitely recommend this place to everyone!!’

Astounding, everything is jaw droppingly good. I feel so lucky to live in Denver and to have access to Babette’s. From croissants that shatter to the rich butterscotchy tones in the breton butter cake, words just cannot describe how good these things are. What is clear is that Steve is not only a world class baker but that the man is an artist.
And how they’re making Canales?! It just keeps getting better and better…

This is what a small artisan bakery looks like. Amazing range is on display with their pastry and bread. The overwhelming criticism I’ve read on Unilocal is that their bread is burnt… not so.
This bread has an excellent texture on the crust, that imparts great flavor. Trust me when I say, these loves are not burned at all. The interior of the bread is quite moist, and flavorful. The bread is truly complex and full of great flavor you’re not going to find elsewhere.
The pastries are also delicious. Wonderfully flakey, great texture, just the right amount of sweet. There is a myriad of deliciousness to try.
The service is also friendly. All three people that I’ve interacted with here are just what you’d want when you are a newb to a business.
They display a great command of all things baked. I would make a trip here daily, but my pants would not thank me as they would be changed out for many sizes larger.

Everything I have had here, from the breads to the variety of pastries, has always been excellent! Stop by when you are in the source!

Enough is Enough… Golden brown I can handle, but black and burnt is just unacceptable in bread and pastries.
I think baking is an art form, and to master any art form is a life long pursuit. It is my greatest hope that these very nice people, who happen to be above average bakers– further develop their skills!
While beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder– Burnt is Burnt!!! And Dark Brown/​Black is NOT Golden…
Service is great, friendly, always with a smile, and eagerly offers sample tastes of their bread.
While I am also aware that as an art form baking will certainly allow many of us to develop certain tastes in our choice of breads and pastries… I would imagine most of us do not want to suffer through completely burned crust, or over-​cooked pastries.
I do and will continue to enjoy their croissants. For some reason they have taken a stand that the croissant should be golden brown and delish. And they are truly yummy! Buttery, soft inside, and flaky on the outside. I have yet to suffer through a burned croissant– thank you for that!
This review is truly a hope to see a change in the manner their breads are cooked. The insides have always been soft, fragrant, and so enjoyable. BUT… if you are like me, you want to enjoy a wonderful crusty bread and savor every last crumb. With Babette’s bread, I am left throwing the crust away and that is just unacceptable!
I have had nearly every bread they serve, as well as many of the pastries. After bringing home several items for Thanksgiving to share with family, I was brought back to reality when I saw the shocked faces looking over the over-​cooked, burnt times. I was literally in denial, because I wanted to like this place to much. And I even ignored my feelings about their offerings because I liked the experience of buying fresh baked bread.
My denial is lifted and I just cannot suffer through another over-​cooked pastry, or burnt crust on a loaf of bread.
Sadly there are so fews bakeries in Denver and that is perhaps why we have to suffer through burnt breads.
On my last visit while purchasing a loaf of bread, I asked the friendly worker for the lightest of the loafs available and she literally said, «oh come on, they are not that bad…» They know there’s an issue, but as long as customers are lined up handing over their $$$ nothing is going to change.
As soon as they change their view, I would be the first to line up to purchase more bread and will revise this review!

I really really REALLY wanted to like this bakery: small business, locally owned, close to home… No. Nope. Nuh uh. I gave it the should be magical 3 times. Every single time the goods were all burnt. The first time, I heard the carmelization shpiel. Maybe. Tasted it: that bread was burned like my ex did me. Second time, I thought «maybe I went on a bad day. Give em another shot (see the reasons I wanted to like them)». Third time: I was at the source for these amazing watermelon jalapeño margaritas that come with crappy service. I was on the way back to the table from the restroom. I stopped in the bakery. The olive loaf SOUNDED incredible. Bread looked dark and the space was dark. I thought it would be fine. Tasted it and it was burnt. Again. Like everything else from there. I’m done trying. Seems like Babettes is done trying too.

A decent place for a croissant. The morning buns, pains au chocolat, and cardamom rolls are all so flaky, buttery and so worth going to this place. But the loaves of bread are burnt. I know the baker says this is how bread should be, but after going to bakeries in Italy and France, I did not see one loaf this brown.
Four stars for the croissants being just as good as Paris, please stop burning the loaves.

You have to go early to get the baguettes and croissants. I bought an almond croissant, and a baguette for a cheese plate. The quality is about as good as I had in Paris. Crusty, with an earthy depth of flavor that only traditional starters and time can produce.

I went to Babette’s around noon today and they were practically sold out! This, in and of itself, says a lot. I purchased a well done whole wheat loaf because I wasn’t into an olive loaf today. Wow! This bread is the real deal! The gorgeous, crunchy crust gives way to a super soft center. One slice was not enough in that moment. I cannot wait to go back later in the week at 8 AM, as recommended.
Do not listen to the whiners who complain about slightly burnt bread. They would have never survived living in days gone by. And please don’t listen to the people who complain about the fact that they are out of bread by mid day. They have no idea that this couple is baking bread when while the complainers are passing out at 3 AM after the clubs. Clueless.

I think I died and went to carbohydrate heaven. OH MY GOODNESS this place absolutely nailed it! The bread and the pastries are on par with what I’ve eaten at cafes in Paris, and it’s all in this tiny little bakery nestled inside The Source.
The pain au chocolat was flaky, buttery, chocolatey goodness. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, the morning bun blew my mind. I have an incredible sweet tooth and know good desserts, so believe me when I say that the morning bun was one of the most delicious pastries my palate has had the delight of tasting! Just order it. you’ll thank me later!
I also walked out with a brioche loaf… can’t wait to make french toast this weekend!

Saturday January 10^th 2015. After Lunch, we head down to this Bakery. Time was about 13:15hrs. By that time, the choices to purchase Artisanal Breads or Pastries are VERY LIMITED. *SIGH*
I should have gone earlier. Oh Well…
All the baked goods even the pastries looks all DARK & BURNT! * DOUBLE SIGH*
From what I can recall I purchased the following items :
* 2 Pain Au Chocolat
* 1 Danish
* 1 Twisted Cinnamon
Errr, ALL THOSE BURNT BREADS and PASTRIES. Did I go on a WRONG Date, Wrong Day, WRONG Time? Hmm. I wonder and ponder…
All was under $ 20. Would I return? NOT in a hurry. Sorry Babette’s Artisan Bakery, there are other Bakeries in town that is WORTH going but you indeed disappointed me in an ENORMOUS ways… From all THOSE GLOWING Reviews, this bakery is indeed OVER-​HYPED and OVER-​RATED…
Even when I get the chance to eat or consume all the Baked Pastries, they tasted burnt, vey very burnt. NOT Flaky at all, as I was hoping from the Pain Au Chocolat. The amount of Chocolate in the Pain Au Chocolat was too skimpy for my liking. Then from the Danish, if I am NOT mistaken it was Pear with Almond. Hubs had those, even though I had a bite too. Hubs said it was just «MEH». Same goes to the Twisted Cinnamon. *SAD FACE INDEED*
Maybe just maybe, NOT TO SELF: If to return perhaps I should go EARLY IN THE MORNING when they just open their DOORs… I whispered to myself…
Babettes in The Source Building
3350 N. Brighton Blvd, Suite 140,
Denver, Colorado 80 216
Tel: (303)-993−8602
Email :
@27/2015

The pastries and croissants here are simply amazing. They are the best I have had since visiting Paris. I also tried a taste of the olive bread. I am not a fan of olives but this bread is just plain good!
The service is awesome. they are super nice and helpful. My only real gripe is the hours are a bit short. Ive been in a couple times and have just barely missed them.
I love swinging by here for small snacks. can’t wait to try some more of their awesome baked goods!

I really appreciate any place doing artisan style breads. Service has always been friendly. Last time I was there there was a cute girl who helped us.
Enjoyed a bageutte I got (though it was very thin).
Also picked up an apple frangipan croissant type thing and then another sweet croissant (in picture).
All the items mentioned above were delicious. I did find the apple-​frangipan croissant a bit sweet.
The one strange thing about this place is the degree of browning they bake some of their goods to. IMO in some cases they are pushing past golden carmelization of crust via maillard reaction into burnt territory. This is intentional as I have visited multiple times. I think it’s a bad choice and I won’t buy those items again. I would really like to see them back off to golden brown territory.
(I pulled an image from their website of a quarter of a boule to put up here, look at the edges and you can see how brown they are.)

Best bread I’ve ever had. Made fresh every morning, this family owned bakery has been at it for over 10 years and it shows! Don’t be surprised if they run out in the late afternoon hours so plan accordingly. My favorite was the Olive loaf but it’s actually hard to have one — they were all great. Samples are provided.
On the dessert side, the Chocolate Sables were amazing! I highly recommend them for chocolate lovers

Last two times I’ve been there, they are randomly (unscheduled) closed. Not a huge deal, but won’t be coming out of my way there unless I’m already at the source for something else.
Another time, they were out of what I wanted, which is fine, but then got an annoyed explanation of «we’re not even usually open Mondays» — as if I should be grateful they are EVEN open? Or not baking freshly that day? I don’t know. Confused by the service here.

Almond croissant made me feel like a little kid. I felt spoiled and immature.
The Source is where this bakery is at. Expect burnt crisp deliciousness sorts of artisan pan.
The sticky delicious almond cream fell all over my face, hands, and phone. Take your time here and enjoy an expensive 4.95 almond croissant. The day you want to spoil yourself with a awesome kick back location bring coffee or buy some next door