Welcome to Paonia Bread Works
Paonia Bread Works, located in the heart of Paonia, CO, is a charming local bakery and café renowned for its organic, artisan breads and community spirit. Established with a vision of creating a lively “third space,” it invites patrons to relax, socialize, and enjoy quality food. Highlights include exquisite focaccia, delightful bagels, and specialty pizzas crafted with locally sourced ingredients. The inviting atmosphere features cozy seating and community art, fostering connections among locals. With friendly staff and a commitment to fresh flavors, Paonia Bread Works is not just about food; it’s about the joy of coming together over delicious, handmade treats.
- 530 Grand Ave, Paonia, CO 81428, United States530 Grand Ave, Paonia, CO 81428, United States Hotline: +1 970-527-5376
Welcome to Paonia Bread Works, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Paonia, Colorado. Located at 530 Grand Ave, this artisan bakery has become a beloved gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. With a commitment to quality and community, Paonia Bread Works offers an inviting space filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods and the warmth of friendly conversation.
At its core, Paonia Bread Works specializes in organic, artisan bread, yet its offerings extend far beyond the simple loaf. Customers rave about the gourmet pizzas, featuring unexpected toppings such as potatoes, which have delighted taste buds even when the combination seemed unconventional. The focaccia is another highlight—handcrafted and perfect for pairing with local goat cheese and fresh peaches. Many have discovered that enjoying their focaccia at the picturesque Paonia River Park makes for a truly local experience.
One of the standout features of Paonia Bread Works is its emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients. From organic hard-boiled eggs to specialty breads and pastries, they prioritize quality, ensuring that everything they serve tells the story of the community. Customers have also praised the freshly baked bagels and cannoli, which showcase unique flavors and textures, such as a touch of cinnamon and delightful fermented notes.
The rustic yet vibrant ambiance of Paonia Bread Works makes it a true "third space" where the community comes together. Its high ceilings, inviting couches, and communal seating foster a sense of connection. The environment encourages meaningful conversations away from the distractions of modern technology, offering a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. While it remains cash-only, the experience is worth every cent.
With an impressive menu that changes daily to include seasonal specialties, whether you're a fan of breakfast or simply after a quick coffee, Paonia Bread Works never disappoints. The staff's warmth and dedication to service elevate the experience, making this bakery not just a place to eat but a destination to connect.
Next time you find yourself in Paonia, make sure to stop by Paonia Bread Works for a bite of the local flavor and a taste of home. You won’t just enjoy delicious food—you’ll become part of a welcoming community.

Food is always good, even pizza with potatoes on it was decent which I did not expect. Locals spot, lots of chatter and gathering. Good place to sit on the couches and sip and eat. Their focaccia is proper as well, goes good with local goat cheese and peaches. Pbw for the win.

Great fermented flavors came through with a touch of cinnamon on my cannoli. Helpful and kind service even late in the day when the pickings have slimmed down. Enjoy a treat from them at the Paonia River Park for a real local experience.

Fabulous local bakery and coffee shop. Wonderful food and friendly people and staff. One of Paonia's favorite watering holes, it is a sure place to run into friends or meet new ones. Definitely stop by if you find yourself in the neighborhood. Be sure to bring cash (ATM on site) and your own reusable mug if you like! Wifi available. Dogs welcome outside. Community seating. Parking in front is limited but more is available across the street.

Paonia Bread Works started, as the name implies, making and selling organic, artisan bread. I’ve particularly enjoyed their bagels, sold through local stores. Some deliveries are made by bicycle, although volume has required acquiring some vehicles. They just opened a retail outlet that sells bread products, as well as coffee and related items. I love the space. There is a high ceiling, two long tables for individuals and groups, and a corner with a big couch and chairs. One wall is covered with art, and pleasant music plays. This sounds like a zillion other coffee shops, but this is a particularly engaging space. I’ve uploaded several photos. The bread, bagels, muffins etc. are really good—handmade on site. The owner, Chris, tells me that the ingredients often are locally sourced. For instance, their hard boiled eggs are organic and local. The drip coffee is Ethiopian and Sumatran, from Rock Canyon coffee (Basalt, CO). It’s good coffee, enjoyed by many locals. They also have iced tea, espresso, macchiato, cappuccino latte. To give you an idea of prices, at this writing you can get a handmade toasted bagel with cream cheese and a cup of drip coffee for 4 (including tax). That’s a good deal. (Edit) Focaccia is a recent addition, and the menu changes daily. In the photos, from the top down, today they are offering four kinds of focaccia with: Fresh raspberries, semi-sweet Ghiradelli chocolate, pine nuts Peaches, lemon, and cinnamon Fresh raspberries, peaches and pine nuts Fresh raspberries They also make rosemary focaccia, African olive with herbs, a breakfast focaccia with eggs sunnyside up and strips of bacon, triple cheese focaccia (gorgonzola, mozzarella, monchago). And there's more! Specialty pizzas are often available in the afternoons, gourmet quality, typically organic. (end edit) The staff is friendly, attentive, experienced and helpful. They’re fun to chat with. The owner Chris has been called “a master baker with an amazing feel for the bread and textures.” Chris’ vision is to have Paonia Bread Works be a “third space” in support of the community, a place that facilitates interaction. Consequently, there is no wifi at present although that could change. I discussed the lack of wifi with Chris, and indicated that I thought that could limit business. However, there are plenty of other places with wifi, such as the Paonia Library a couple of blocks away. So my impression is that the Paonia Bread Works is intended to be a place to disconnect from email and social media for a bit, and to enjoy good food, community awareness and conversation. At present it’s cash only—that reflects Chris’ vision of not getting caught up in technology. In summary, Paonia Bread Works is a special place, and worth visiting for the quality of the food and drink, the ambiance, and the human connection you can enjoy here. Highly recommended.

Breadworks is the place for a heaping helping of local flavor, home town heart and soul piled high on fresh everything bagels and sourdough sandwiches, gourmet deserts, pizza, coffee, ambience for days, great staff, live music and so much more! I just can't recommend this place enough! Enjoy!!!

I was in love as soon as I walked in. The food tasted of love in every bite. The sandwiches were perfect for an amazing lunch. From the food to the atmosphere was very much relaxed and artistic. I really wish I could have tried everything on their menu. 10/10 recommend to everyone!

Such a great place to grab a quick bite! The staff was amazingly friendly and helpful. I'm more of a deep dish pie, or hand tossed (medium thickness crust) kind of pizza lover, yet their thin crust was delicious. The toppings were of outstanding quality, and their pesto was on point! They also had a bakery, which was what I expected, yet they have so much more. A great selection of local and organic drinks. I was pleasantly surprised by the scents as I walked in the door, and I'm so happy they're only one town away, I will be returning. Thank you, great job!

A cute place. I had some free time between meetings so I stopped by for hot chocolate and pastries. They are all made in home with the best ingredients. I loved the scones and plan to go back tomorrow morning to get all the goodies. The earlier you come the more options you have. Also make sure to bring cash or check. Over all A