A two-time James Beard Awards semifinalist for Outstanding Baker is turning out croissants in a small Missouri shop with a front-window counter. Those nods came in 2019 and 2020.
That alone made me stop scrolling.
The display cases hold layered mousse cakes, tarts, and macarons in flavors like bananas foster. Then there are the croissants, with the almond and chocolate almond versions getting the loudest applause.
A four-cheese quiche sits right alongside them.
I like how the whole operation stays modest. It’s a counter-serve bakery, not a fancy dining room.
You order, grab a bag, and maybe claim a window seat with a coffee.
I believe the best food finds often hide in plain sight like this. So how does a world-class pastry case end up on a busy suburban road?
A French Pastry Case Sitting Right Off Manchester Road
Kirkwood has plenty of charm, but few people expect Paris-style pastry on a commercial stretch of road. Nathaniel Reid Bakery delivers exactly that, from a storefront you could easily drive past.
The shop describes itself as a French bakery for sweets and sandwiches. Think artistic desserts, cakes, macarons, and light lunch fare served at a counter.
The space is small, bright, and cozy. Diners also point out how spotless the place stays, which is always a welcome sign at a bakery.
It sits in the St. Louis suburbs, an easy hop for anyone in the metro. For folks elsewhere in Missouri, it makes a sweet excuse for a day trip.
The appeal here is simple and refreshing. You get serious craftsmanship without white tablecloths or a stuffy dress code.
Nathaniel Reid Bakery holds a 4.8-star rating across roughly 860 Google reviews. Numbers like that don’t happen by accident in a crowded food town.
So the modest building is part of the fun. Inside, the cases look more like a jewelry counter than a typical neighborhood bakeshop.
Plan on pointing at things a lot. Choosing just one item takes real willpower, and most folks give up on that plan fast.
The James Beard Nods Behind All Those Butter Layers
Two James Beard Awards semifinalist spots for Outstanding Baker, back to back, in 2019 and 2020. That’s national recognition for a counter-serve shop in suburban St. Louis.
The James Beard Awards are among the most respected honors in American food. Landing on that list twice puts the chef, Nathaniel Reid, in rare company.
The bakery carries his name, and the training shows. Diners often describe him as French trained, and the menu leans firmly into classic French pastry.
Still, awards only matter if the food backs them up. Here, the pastry case does most of the talking.
I like that the accolades haven’t turned the place into a velvet-rope experience. You still line up, order at the counter, and carry out your box.
That mix feels very Missouri to me. World-class skill, served without fuss, at a spot where neighbors grab a quiche on a Tuesday.
Even critics of individual items tend to praise the overall talent behind the counter. That’s a pretty strong endorsement in itself.
So when someone in the family asks why you drove across town for a croissant, you’ve got a ready answer. Two of them, actually, stamped by the James Beard folks.
Croissants That Get Everybody Talking
Croissants come up more than anything else when people discuss this bakery. Nearly 150 Google mentions point to them, which tells you where to start.
The almond croissant earns special devotion. One traveler even saved theirs for days and still called it among the best they’d ever eaten.
Then there’s the chocolate almond croissant, a staff favorite to recommend. Fans describe it as buttery and flaky, with a crust baked just right.
A plain chocolate croissant is on the list too. So is the kouign amann, a caramelized, layered French pastry that has its own loyal following.
Savory fans aren’t left out. A smoked ham and Gruyere croissant and a ham and gouda version have both drawn praise for their flaky layers.
To be fair, not everyone agrees. At least one Paris-loving diner found the croissants less French than expected, while praising the cakes and macarons.
That kind of debate just makes me more curious. Isn’t the only real way to settle it ordering one of each?
Coming early is smart if croissants are your mission. Popular items can sell out, and fresh-from-the-morning pastry is worth setting an alarm for.
Little Cakes That Look Too Pretty To Cut
Guyana sounds like a vacation spot, but here it’s a chocolate lover’s daydream. Dark chocolate mousse, hazelnut croquant with caramelized puffed rice, chocolate crème brûlée, and chocolate cake all share one plate.
Jarmo is another crowd favorite. It brings fresh raspberries, moist cake, and a pistachio crumble crust together in one tidy package.
The menu also features names like Margo, with rich strawberry flavor. Raspberry Ruby and an orange almond cake have earned fans as well.
A vanilla bean panna cotta with strawberry raspberry confit offers something lighter. A raspberry lemon financier makes a great next-morning treat with coffee.
Many diners compare the display cases to works of art. The presentation makes these desserts a natural pick for birthdays and special occasions.
One fan noted you can taste each layer separately. That’s the mark of careful pastry work, where every component earns its spot.
Sweetness levels get mixed opinions. Some find the treats a touch sweet, while others say they aren’t overly sweet at all.
Either way, these cakes make a fine surprise for Grandma. Just try getting the box home without peeking inside.
Bananas Foster In Macaron Form Is A Real Thing
Bananas foster usually means a skillet and a dramatic flame. At this Kirkwood bakery, it shrinks down into a single macaron.
One fan called that flavor the best macaron they’d ever had. High praise for a cookie that’s only a couple of bites.
Macarons get around 40 Google mentions, so they’re clearly a regular part of the order. A poppy flavor has drawn notice as well.
These delicate almond cookies are tricky to make well. They need smooth tops, chewy centers, and the right filling, which makes them a fair test of any pastry kitchen.
Not every diner falls in love with them. That’s fine, because tastes differ, and the variety gives you room to experiment.
Macarons also travel nicely in a box. They make an easy gift for the neighbor who watered your plants or a fun treat for the grandkids.
I can’t imagine a better way to try several flavors at once. Grab a handful, split them up, and let everyone vote on a favorite.
Flavors at Nathaniel Reid Bakery may change, so check the case when you arrive. Half the fun is spotting something you’ve never seen before.
Quiche, Sandwiches, And A Cookie Worth Sharing
Gruyere, yellow cheddar, Havarti, and Parmesan walk into a buttery crust. That’s the four-cheese quiche, and it shows up in about 40 Google mentions.
Lunch is more than an afterthought here. The bakery offers light lunch fare that makes a midday stop just as rewarding as breakfast.
The roast beef sandwich has drawn praise. It comes with white cheddar, red onion, lettuce, and horseradish aioli on poppy seed challah bread.
A prosciutto sandwich gets mentioned too. Turkey has also earned high marks from past diners, though menus can shift over time.
One small tip from recent diners involves utensils. Plastic forks can struggle with a firm quiche slice, so be patient with that first bite.
Sweet tooth still calling after lunch? The chocolate chip pecan cookie is a popular grab, and one fan wished they’d bought a dozen.
Bread pudding appears on the radar as well. It’s the kind of old-fashioned comfort that feels right at home in Missouri.
Honestly, a quiche and a cookie make a tidy little lunch. Grab coffee with it, and the afternoon suddenly looks brighter.
A Cozy Counter With Friendly Faces Behind It
Staff members tend to greet people the moment the door opens. That warm hello comes up again and again in descriptions of the shop.
Employees wear uniforms, which adds a polished, professional feel. Many diners also praise how helpful they are with recommendations.
The shop is small, and seating is limited. A counter in the front window offers a few spots to sit with a cappuccino and a pastry.
Lines can stretch out the door at busy times. The good news is that the team keeps things moving quickly.
Coffee comes from Kaldi’s, a St. Louis roaster. I like that one local business is backing another.
Shelves also carry products for home baking. It’s a fun bonus for anyone who wants to try their hand at something fancy.
This setup suits quick visits more than long lingering. Families might grab a box to go and enjoy it at home or a nearby park.
Older folks who appreciate good manners will feel right at home. Courtesy seems to be baked in here, right along with the butter.
What To Know Before You Point The Car Toward Kirkwood
Sundays and Mondays are off the table, so plan around them. Nathaniel Reid Bakery opens Tuesday through Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM.
That schedule rewards early birds. Showing up in the morning gives you the best shot at a full case before popular items disappear.
You’ll find the shop at 11243 Manchester Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122. It’s an easy drive from much of the St. Louis area.
Parking is on the small side. Fortunately, most customers come and go quickly, so spots tend to open up.
Prices are generally described as fair for the quality. Exact costs vary by item, so bring a little flexibility for impulse buys.
Hours can change, especially around holidays. A quick check before leaving home saves a disappointing drive.
Out-of-town Missouri families can easily pair a stop with other errands or outings in the area. A morning pastry run makes a cheerful start to a St. Louis day.
Bring a sturdy box or bag if you’re buying several cakes. Delicate pastries deserve a careful ride home, not a tumble on the back seat.
Why This Little Bakery Deserves A Spot On Your Missouri Map
Some folks happily drive 30 or 40 minutes just for these pastries. After reading the menu, that sounds less silly and more sensible.
Nathaniel Reid Bakery proves that big talent doesn’t need a big building. A James Beard-recognized baker works behind a modest storefront, and the results speak loudly.
The croissants spark debate, but most diners leave smiling. The cakes, macarons, and quiche round things out beautifully.
Friendly service and a spotless shop make it easy to recommend. It feels welcoming whether you’re nine or ninety.
I believe Missouri deserves to brag a little about places like this. Fine French pastry, right here at home, without a passport.
It’s a great spot for celebrating, too. Birthdays, anniversaries, or just a Tuesday that needs rescuing all qualify.
So gather the family, pick a weekday or Saturday morning, and head toward Kirkwood. Just don’t promise anyone you’ll share the almond croissant.
Tag the sweet-toothed relative who would love this trip. Somebody in your family needs a reason to say yes to a road trip for pastry.
