Ken's Artisan Bakery

338 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States
+1 503-248-2202
$$$ Bakery
(1535 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you find yourself wandering the charming streets of Portland, OR, let your senses guide you to Ken's Artisan Bakery, a delightful haven nestled at 338 NW 21st Ave. This bakery is not just a stop for your daily bread; it's a destination where the art of baking meets local dining culture, all wrapped in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Upon stepping inside Ken's Artisan Bakery, you're immediately enveloped in the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked goods. The meticulously crafted pastries and breads are a testament to the bakery's commitment to quality and authenticity. From flaky Butter Croissants to decadent Almond Croissants, each bite is a celebration of texture and flavor. The Oregon Croissant, filled with rich local ingredients, and the Morning Bun are also fan favorites that showcase the creativity behind the bakery's offerings.

For those with a penchant for something heartier, the sandwiches and soups elevate lunch to new heights. The Ken's Hero - an Italian-inspired delight layered with capicola, mortadella, and salami on a ciabatta bun - has received rave reviews for its mouthwatering depth of flavor. Don’t miss the Tuna Salad Sandwich served on a buttery croissant; it’s a comforting classic that perfectly balances freshness and indulgence.

Customer experiences echo the quality of Ken’s fresh creations. One guest, Izzy Adams, enthusiastically describes a meal that combined cozy quiche and sweet carrot cake with their notably flavorful coffee—a perfect representation of the delightful pairings available. Meanwhile, Maressa Blakeney was blown away by the beautiful Lemon Meringue Tart, drawing admiration not just for its look but also its flawless taste.

While the bakery may experience bustling crowds, it's a testament to its popularity and the high demand for its incredible baked goods. A tip from regulars is to check out the annex two doors down, which offers a similar menu with potentially shorter lines. The atmosphere is cozy and a tad bustling, making it an excellent stop for a casual meal or a quick pastry on the go.

The ambiance is enhanced by the sight of bakers at work, crafting each item with passion. Despite the occasional cramped seating, the rich flavors and welcoming spirit make Ken's Artisan Bakery a must-visit spot. As you enjoy your treats, consider sharing your experience in the nearby bookstore or exploring the eclectic neighborhood further.

In sum, Ken's Artisan Bakery is not just a bakery; it's a community hub where people gather over delicious food and create lasting memories. Whether it's a buttery croissant or a hearty sandwich, every bite is a testament to the skill and dedication of the team behind this Portland gem.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Service options
In-store pick-up for online orders
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
No same-day delivery
Offerings
Serves coffee
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly
Planning
Good for quick visit
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Paid street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

1535 Reviews
Izzy Adams

23 Sep 2025

The baked goods and food is delicious!!! we got the vegetable and bacon quiche, as well as a carrot cake, some type of bread that had goat cheese and leeks in it, and two coffees. My coffee was called something ay laite with homemade vanilla and oat milk in it. It was delicious and then we took it next-door to the bookstore and red ball. We hung out. It was absolutely lovely. I highly recommend. Also the Customer Service was very nice and everyone there seemed friendly has a nice welcoming vibe.

Yulily

09 Sep 2025

04/01/2025 (Tue) This place is known for its freshly baked bread and palmier cookies, which I used to come here quite often to buy them. However, since there’s no parking, I never really had the chance to dine in—just once a long time ago. When we visited again after a long time, we noticed that the interior had been renovated. The space felt more open, with more room between tables, creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. We enjoyed Theo’s Egg Salad Sandwich ($13) and Ken’s Hero ($14) with coffee. The freshly baked bread was wonderfully fragrant, and the egg salad sandwich was packed with eggs. The Hero had a nice kick of vinegar, and both were absolutely delicious!

Bon Baron

21 Aug 2025

We had lunch here at noon on July 26. The almond croissant and apricot tart were both tasty. My partner said his sandwich, Ken's hero, was quite good as well. I didn't see any flies, but I saw some dust around the A/C. Everything else looked clean.

Tom Moran

16 Jul 2025

Love this place - croissants are the best! Try the gorgeous lemon tart with an oat milk chai - mmmm. Tip: the line is long, so try the annex two doors down for most of the same menu.

Maressa Blakeney

15 Jul 2025

Omg!!! Mouthwatering and Delicious!!! As soon as I walked in and saw the pastries, I wanted them ALL. This was my first time going to kens and I will absolutely be back. The Lemon Meringue Tart was Beautiful and my daughter loved choosing the flower that was on top. The taste blew me away. Not to sweet or tart, the crust was everything I've ever wanted crust to taste like, but I had never been able to find or make. I should have bought 10! The mini carrot cake was light and airy, frosting was rich but not overpowering ( you could eat 5 mini carrot cakes ans not feel sick) and it had the perfect carrot cake taste! It had to tiny candy carrots as a garnish which my 4 year old loved. The cherry tart in my picture I did not try but was told it did not disappoint! The people here are so friendly and kind(patient when you can't make up your mind). I highly recommend Kens Artisan Bakery!!!!

Lisa P

08 Jul 2025

Delicious food and drinks! We went on a Friday morning around 9:45am. I wanted breakfast (I’m from out of town, didn’t realize there was no breakfast); however, I was able to place a lunch order around 9:50 for the egg salad sandwich. I also ordered an Oregon croissant and vanilla latte. Everything was delicious! There is not much seating and it felt a little cramped, but overall it was very good and I would return!

Charlie Te

04 Jun 2025

It's been awhile since I visited this location. I wanted to grab a sandwich and decided to stop by. The place does get busy, but they are quick to get the line moving and food out. I ordered the Ken's Hero, which is similar to an Italian sandwich. The sandwich was delicious and the ciabatta bun gave it that extra texture to the sandwich.

Leezy

29 May 2025

All their baked goods are delicious. I used to go all the time when I lived in the neighborhood. It’s a true local gem. Now I make sure to stop by whenever I’m in Portland. Their sandwiches are amazing and the seasonal tarts are to die for. The strawberry tart tastes like heaven. I love Ken’s artisan bakery!

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