The Simple Secret: 7 Reasons Why Tall Grass Bakery Is Seattle's Most Authentic Artisan Bread Haven

For over two decades, Tall Grass Bakery has been a foundational pillar of Seattle's artisan food scene, especially in the vibrant Ballard neighborhood. As of today, December 15, 2025, the bakery continues its tradition of hand-crafting wholesome, naturally leavened breads and pastries, a practice that has earned it a fiercely loyal following across the greater Puget Sound area. This is not just another neighborhood bakery; it is a testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients and a direct partnership between the baker and the farmer, a "secret" that elevates their offerings far beyond the ordinary.

The bakery, located at 5907 24th Avenue NW, is renowned for its dedication to "healthy bread," a philosophy championed by owner Amanda Irving. While many businesses chase trends, Tall Grass Bakery remains committed to time-honored techniques, focusing on organic, locally-sourced components and a slow fermentation process that maximizes flavor and nutrition. From their famous, gooey cinnamon rolls to their crusty, complex sourdough loaves, Tall Grass Bakery is a must-visit destination for any serious bread enthusiast.

The Farmer-Baker Philosophy: Meet Amanda Irving and René Featherstone

The soul of Tall Grass Bakery lies in its commitment to a transparent, ingredient-first approach, a vision driven by its dedicated team. The bakery operates on a model that prioritizes the health of the customer and the environment, a concept that is increasingly rare in modern baking.

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• Name: Amanda Irving
• Role: Owner and Head Baker
• Background: Irving began her journey at Tall Grass Bakery in 2001, working under the original owner. For over 15 years, she has been the driving force, ensuring the bakery maintains its foundational commitment to hand-formed, organic varieties.
• Philosophy: She is a firm believer in bringing back "healthy and nutritious breads" that do not require excessive additives.
• Key Partner: René Featherstone
• Role: Farmer/Grain Partner
• Partnership Significance: Irving and Featherstone represent an "unlikely partnership" that is crucial to the bakery’s success. It is this direct relationship—the farmer and the baker—that allows Tall Grass to transform ancient grain, such as spelt, into their signature loaves, ensuring quality from the field to the oven.

Amanda Irving and her team of twelve are dedicated to creating naturally leavened breads, using a "living culture of flour, water and natural yeast." This slow, natural process is what gives their bread its exceptional flavor, texture, and digestibility. The bakery's guiding principle from the beginning has been simple: to make "good bread" that is also "healthy bread."

7 Reasons Tall Grass Bakery is Seattle's Best-Kept Secret

While the bakery’s location in Ballard, Seattle, makes it a local favorite, its reputation extends far beyond the neighborhood. The following features are what cement its status as a top-tier artisan establishment:

1. The Unbeatable, Gooey Cinnamon Rolls and Sticky Buns

For many patrons, the first reason to visit is not the bread, but the pastries. Tall Grass Bakery’s cinnamon rolls are frequently cited by Seattle residents as the absolute "gooey-est" in the city. They, along with the sticky buns, are so popular that they often sell out, especially on weekends, making an early visit or a call-ahead reservation a smart move. This focus on high-quality, handcrafted pastries provides a perfect balance to their rustic bread selection.

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2. Commitment to Ancient Grains and Natural Leavening

The core of the bread-making process at Tall Grass is the use of a natural yeast "living culture" and a focus on ancient grains. The partnership with René Featherstone is instrumental in sourcing grains like spelt, which are then milled and baked with minimal intervention. This commitment to traditional, naturally leavened bread, often referred to as Pain au Levain or sourdough, results in loaves with a deeper, more complex flavor profile and superior crumb structure.

3. A Diverse Menu of Artisan Loaves

The bakery offers an impressive variety of hand-formed loaves, catering to every bread preference. The menu is a masterclass in classic European and American baking. Key bread entities available include:

• Classic Baguette: The benchmark of any great bakery, perfect for sandwiches or dipping.
• Pullman: A classic French bread baked in a pan, known for its square slices and even crumb, ideal for toast.
• Baker St. Sourdough: A popular, tangy sourdough variety.
• Compagnon: A hearty, rustic loaf.
• Sourdough Rye: A dense, flavorful rye option.
• Multi Grain & Oat and Honey Bread: Wholesome, nutritious choices for everyday consumption.

4. The Ballard Neighborhood Anchor Since 2000

Tall Grass Bakery has been "Kneaded in Ballard since 2000," making it a long-standing institution in one of Seattle’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Its longevity speaks to the consistent quality of its products and its vital role within the local community. The bakery serves as a cozy haven for bread enthusiasts, providing a grab-and-go experience that is both quick and deeply satisfying.

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5. Wholesale Distribution Across Puget Sound

If you can't make it to the Ballard location, you can still enjoy their products. Tall Grass Bakery operates both a retail space and a robust wholesale business, supplying their artisan breads to various restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores throughout the greater Puget Sound area. This widespread distribution is a testament to the high demand for their organic, handcrafted products.

6. The Promise of Modern Convenience: Online Ordering

In a nod to the digital age, Tall Grass Bakery is actively working to enhance its customer experience. The bakery’s official website currently features a notice that a new website with "Online Ordering is Coming Soon!" This update, expected in the near future (as of late 2025), will allow customers to reserve their favorite loaves and pastries, ensuring they don't miss out on the popular items like the Oat and Honey Bread or the famous sticky buns.

7. A Team Dedicated to the Craft

The bakery maintains a small, dedicated team of bakers and staff, led by Amanda Irving. Their commitment to the craft is evident in the quality of every product. Even as they grow, the bakery actively seeks out new talent, such as bakers and baker's assistants, to join their mission of producing exceptional bread, ensuring the traditional methods and high standards continue for years to come.

Visiting Tall Grass Bakery: Hours and Location

For those looking to experience the simple secret to good bread firsthand, a trip to the Ballard location is essential. The bakery offers a welcoming atmosphere where the smell of freshly baked bread permeates the air, providing a true sensory experience.

The bakery’s retail hours are designed to accommodate both early risers and afternoon shoppers, ensuring that their daily-baked goods are available fresh.

• Address: 5907 24th Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98107
• Retail Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Closed: Monday and Tuesday

Whether you are seeking a Classic Baguette for dinner, a Compagnon loaf for a picnic, or simply the best cinnamon roll in Seattle, Tall Grass Bakery’s commitment to organic ingredients, natural leavening, and the vital farmer-baker partnership makes it a truly unique and essential part of the Pacific Northwest’s culinary landscape. It is a place where tradition is not just preserved, but perfected.