Baker's Square isn't usually the first place on my list when I think of local sit-down places to eat. I'm not sure why, but even having lived in this area my whole life I never really think of going here. Bakers Square and White Castle were one of the only places open on Christmas 2012, so my dad, brother and I ended up here. We had a great time sitting around, dishing how dysfunctional our family is meanwhile enjoying some sandwiches and peppermint pie.
Overall, the food is decent for a chain, but I wouldn't call it great by any means. Their soups are usually tasty. I pretty much always order the pie shop special. Soup, 1/2 sandwich and a 1/2 piece of pie. Prices are okay, but I always figure for what it costs after tax and tip, I can go to a better place.
The best thing that Baker's Square has going for it are the wait staff--always friendly and quick--and the pies. Other than that, everything else isn't buzzworthy or memorable.
Pro tip: free pie Wednesday! You can get a free slice on Wednesdays.
I travel for work, so whenever I land in a new spot, I hit up the apps which tell me where's good to eat. Â Whenever possible I try to avoid chains (with exception of a few... I'm talking to you, Chipotle!) and I try to hit up unique stuff that I can't get back home in New England.
Today I'm visiting Baker's Square, which advertises a restaurant and "Famous Pies". Â A quick Googling lead me to find that this is a chain, with 46 or so locations that is held by the same company which manages the Max & Erma's franchise. Â Whatever, it's new to me, and I like Max and Erma's well enough.
I didn't find many glowing reviews about this place, but I figured I'd give it a shot and decide for myself.
Walking in, I saw just about what I expected. Â It's like a bigger Bob Evans or Denny's. Â Like Bobs, there's a glass display case full of confections, and a hostess stand. Â I was greeted by the girl behind the counter who asked if I'd like to pickup a pie, or eat in. Â I told her I was looking to get breakfast, and she led me to a booth and left me with a menu.
Within moments, a waitress came over, greeted me and returned with some coffee. Â The breakfast menu offered up the likes of omelettes, French toast, waffles and pancakes; but there was also a "four square" menu which allowed you to choose from an extensive menu of options to build your own breakfast. Â You can choose four for around $7 bucks, add additional items for $1.29 each. Â On top of that there's a list of additional premium items for a little bit extra.
So, what'd I get? Â Well, I'm not a big fan of eggs, so I got a few other things that I thought wouldn't leave me feeling overstuffed:
Potato pancakes, Cornbread, low fat vanilla yogurt and granola (to put on the yogurt!)
So how was it?
Potato pancakes: Impressive! Much bigger than the menu picture, well seasoned, and flecked with chopped green onion. Â It came with apple sauce and sour cream. Â I happily noshing through one of them before coming across an overwhelming bite that had one big cluster of onion. Easy enough to do, but a little careless-- the whole bulb-end of one of the onions made it in... Root and all. Â Granted, green onions are small, but yikes! Time out! Â Let's move on.
Cornbread: well, I have to admit I was curious. Â Being a Yankee from the Northeast, I can certainly tell you that cornbread varies as you cross state lines! Â Above the Mason-Dixon, cornbread is more savory, and "gritty", tasting more like cornmeal. Â (This is my personal preference.) In the south it's cakey and sweet. (I have to be in the mood for it.) So what happens when you go west? Â Apparently it just dries out. Â I had high hopes ordering cornbread from a bakery, and well... This just fell flat.
So about the Yogurt and Granola combo: acceptable. Â Nothing to write home about.
Now, I happened to notice on the way in that Wednesday (which today was) is free pie day. I don't know what that means. Â It wasn't offered, and well, I didn't ask. Â I was pretty full, and didn't need to push myself... But in retrospect, I sorta wish someone offered... Just for the experience points.
Upon cashing out-- which just like Evans' you do at the front counter-- I was asked if I had considered taking a pie to go. Â A quick glance in the case didn't reveal anything that I couldn't pick up at the grocery store... Â The pies might be famous, but only because I've seen 'em already in oh-so-many places. Â Meh.
So this visit- I give Baker's Square a middle-of-the-road rating; Â good enough to eat.
WHY has this place been pushed under the radar by the locals? Yes, it did go through a rough patch but now it's the bomb! lol
The artisan sandwiches are delicious, their pies are always yummy. I do love the celebration pie the best though. (can you blame me!?) & their soups are really good. I always come here to eat and it doesn't cost much to get a good filling meal. Service is really quick and friendly. Their menu is quite different from a few years ago. It's definitely one of my favorite gems in town.
If you don't believe me then good, more pie & soup for me :)
TIP: Free Pie Wednesday is a perfect excuse to come here.