- Attraction: Bread and Butter
- Location: 3955 Dayton Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37415
- Industry: Bakery
- Website: https://butterthebread.com
Time stands as the secret ingredient behind every golden-crusted loaf at this Red Bank treasure.
Since opening its doors in 2016 after building a following at local farmers markets, Bread and Butter has become the go-to destination for anyone seeking authentic European-style bread in Chattanooga.
Located just ten minutes north of downtown in what used to be a Baskin Robbins, this micro-batch artisan bakery specializes in sourdough breads that use a slow fermentation technique to coax out flavors most commercial bakeries never discover.
What sets this place apart from your average bakery is the commitment to doing things the old-fashioned way. Every single loaf gets mixed, shaped, and scored entirely by hand, and while other bakeries rush production with excessive yeast, here patience reigns supreme.
The result?
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Keep Exploring →Breads with complex flavors, perfect textures, and that unmistakable artisan quality that keeps both locals and visitors coming back for more.
Breads Worth the Drive
The Baguettes: These beauties emerge from the oven at 10 a.m., and you’ll want to time your visit accordingly.
The crust delivers an exceptional crunch with a fine, pointed end reminiscent of French flutes, while the interior stays slightly dense but incredibly flavorful. The texture combination is nothing short of miraculous, earning comparisons to bread found across Europe.
Not Quite White: This signature European-style country sourdough serves as the bakery’s flagship loaf. Hand-shaped with care, it works wonderfully for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with good butter. The balanced flavor profile means it pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory toppings.
Roasted Garlic Bread: Baked fresh on Wednesdays and Fridays, this loaf fills the bakery with an aroma so intoxicating you might find it overwhelming in the best possible way.
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Discover MoreThe garlic flavor permeates every bite without being aggressive, making it ideal for bruschetta, dipping in olive oil, or enjoying alongside soup.
Sonrisa Whole Wheat: Made from locally grown wheat and employing that same time-intensive fermentation method, this health-conscious option delivers on both nutrition and taste. The whole wheat flavor shines through without any bitterness, and the texture remains soft enough for daily use.
Specialty Loaves: The Cranberry Pecan bread offers a delightful sweet-tart contrast that works wonderfully toasted for breakfast, while the Blue Cheese Walnut loaf provides a sophisticated option that pairs beautifully with wine or elevates any cheese board.
The Cheese and Black Pepper variety adds a savory kick that makes exceptional grilled cheese sandwiches.
Pastries and Sweet Treats
Cinnamon Rolls: These deserve their own spotlight. The texture hits that perfect sweet spot between fluffy and substantial, while the icing strikes a balance that never veers into overly sweet territory. The topping adds just enough richness without drowning the roll itself.
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Keep Exploring →Croissants and Pain au Chocolat: Flaky, buttery layers unfold with each bite of these European-style pastries. Grab one and enjoy it on the little garden chairs out front, perhaps dipped into coffee for the full Continental experience. The chocolate croissants showcase quality chocolate throughout the laminated dough.
Flourless Brownies: Dense, fudgy, and deeply chocolatey, these gluten-free treats satisfy without any compromise on flavor. The texture feels luxurious rather than crumbly, and the chocolate intensity rivals any traditional brownie.
Scones: Incredibly moist with a texture closer to a tender biscuit than a dry scone, these come in both savory and sweet varieties. The mustard scone offers unexpected complexity, while sweeter versions provide an excellent breakfast option.
Seasonal Specials: The bakery loves experimenting with creative pastries like the CB&J—a buttery croissant filled with house-made cashew butter mousse and blueberry jam from local berries. These limited-time offerings showcase the playful side of the baking team.
Beyond Bread
Pizza Kits: At just ten dollars, you get pizza sauce, cheese, and a ball of fresh sourdough pizza dough—an incredible value that lets you create restaurant-quality pizza at home. The dough bakes up beautifully with excellent texture and flavor.
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Discover MoreFresh Pasta: Available seasonally, the fresh pasta options change based on what ingredients are available locally. Quality ingredients and proper technique result in pasta that cooks up tender with genuine flavor.
Pies and Tarts: Flavors rotate based on seasonality, with offerings available in both mini and whole sizes. The French silk pie earns particular praise for its smooth, rich filling and perfect crust.
Quiches: Made with Sequatchie Cove Farm pasture eggs and ethically raised meats from Main Street Meats, these substantial quiches make an excellent lunch option. Ingredients change seasonally based on local availability.
Fresh Soups: Available at surprisingly reasonable prices, the soups provide a comforting addition to any bread purchase. Perfect for those chilly Tennessee days.
The Shop Experience
Layout and Atmosphere: The space maintains a quaint, no-frills vibe that puts all the focus on the baked goods themselves.
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Keep Exploring →The smell of fresh bread hits you the moment you walk through the door—that intoxicating aroma of yeast, butter, and perfectly caramelized crust that makes your mouth water instantly.
Outdoor Seating: A few garden chairs sit out front, creating the perfect spot to enjoy your pastries fresh. There’s something special about eating a warm croissant in the morning air with coffee in hand.
Display Case: The baked goods case showcases the daily offerings, and it’s easy to let your eyes get bigger than your stomach when faced with so many tempting options.
Local Products: Beyond their own baked goods, the bakery carries carefully curated local products including Sequatchie Cove Creamery cheese, Walden Ridge raw honey, Velo coffee, and pasture-raised eggs from Sequatchie Cove Farm.
This commitment to supporting local producers extends the farm-to-table philosophy throughout the entire shop.
What to Know Before You Visit
Pricing: Expect to pay premium prices that reflect the quality ingredients and labor-intensive techniques. Loaves typically range from around nine to twelve dollars, while pastries run five to seven dollars.
This sits at the higher end compared to grocery store bakeries, but the quality justifies the cost for those who appreciate genuine artisan bread. Day-old breads sell at a two-dollar discount if you’re looking to save a bit.
Timing Matters: Baguettes emerge from the oven at 10 a.m., while other varieties start appearing around 8 a.m. Challah arrives after 1 p.m. on Fridays. The bread schedule can shift unexpectedly, so calling ahead prevents disappointment if you’re after something specific.
Parking: Free parking is available in the lot, making visits convenient even during busy times. No need to stress about finding street parking or feeding meters.
Family-Friendly: The bakery welcomes all ages, and kids particularly enjoy picking out treats from the display case. They even offer doggy treats, so your four-legged family members get something special too.
Rewards Program: Regular visitors can benefit from the loyalty program, earning rewards as you work through your way through the menu.
Take-Home Options: The bakery offers in-store slicing for many loaves, which is particularly handy for softer breads like the Cranberry Pecan. They also provide curbside pickup and in-store pickup options for convenience.
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., giving you plenty of opportunities to stop by throughout the week.
Bread and Butter
📍 3955 Dayton Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37415
