We have taken out the Vegetarian Pizza, ready to bake in our oven. This is our favorite pizza from Berkshire Mountain Bakery. The ability to bake at home guarantees that you get hot, delicious pizza on your plate!
Turn away order half hour before the close. Makes sense
I was really looking forward to receiving the breads and cookies I ordered from this bakery, as recommended on the series ‘Cooked’.I live on the West Coast. I am sure these foods may taste good the same day they are made, but I was reassured by the staff member that they last 5-6 days without preservatives, so I ordered for them to be shipped. All the breads (sliced loaves: Spelt, Sour dough, Whole Wheat) arrived very, very dry after a two day air shipment. At best I can use them for croutons or stuffing mix.I received the chocolate mini ciabattas as well, and they were tough and dry although the chocolate that was used was very tasty. The cookies (oatmeal) were not fresh as well, and did not taste good. I am not sure if it was the recipe, or if they were old.Unfortunately, I feel this purchase was a disappointment and waste of money.
After 3 years of alternating from traveling to Pittsfield, mail ordering this amazing sourdough bread, and embracing the Farmer's Market at Forest Park booth as the best of all 3 options, we are completed attached to this bakery. Make sure you watch Michael Palin's Netflix documentary Cooked, third episode to see why. Alas, Daniel, at the farmer's market is taking the winter off. So instead of mail order, we decided a day trip was in order. We found some changes: the cafe has no dine in available--COVID has attacked again. But we were able to get most of the breads we love. Some were out of stock on this busy, busy December 30. No time for chatting or even a welcome smile. We love semolina, sesame, seeded rye (out), raisin spelt, San Francisco sourdough, and Jalapeno cheddar ciabatas. We had never tried the apple turnovers. Since they had no almond croissants, we opted for this treat to have on the holiday weekend. I think we may have to move to Pittsfield to have these--weekly, if not more often. Wow doesn't quite describe these flakey, apple-filled delights. But wow anyway. We will probably mail order next time. But we can't get croissants that way, and probably not apple turnovers. :( And, since we can't eat at the cafe, even though all of their menu items are awesome, we may try the main bakery next time in Housatonic.
Our favorite bakery. This time we ordered on line and picked up in the store, we were able to order anything we wanted from a long list not just what was available. The order were waiting for us in a shed near the main store. I show the shed in my photo.
We get pizza or baked goods here regularly -- sometimes multiple times in a week. There are things we really love about this place, which is why we keep going back. The menu is creative and selections of pizza and pastries are all interesting and yummy. So no complaints there!There are also a few things we think could be improved. Here is our wish list:1) An upgraded kitchen. We watch how hard, efficient, and competent the kitchen staff is at making our food -- the kitchen is all visible from the front counter. And what we have noticed over time is that both the oven and the grill do not appear to produce consistent levels of cooking temp. This results in the same pizza (I've locked onto the Richard's pizza as my own favorite) coming out wonderfully toasty and golden one day, and woefully undercooked and mushy another day. In the many times we've had that same pizzas, they never seem come out the same...even though we can see they are baked in the oven for the same amount of time. This is also true of pastries heated on the grill: sometimes they are crispy and warm, and other times they are still cold and only lightly singed...again after being on the grill for seemingly the same amount of time.2) A better handle on keeping breads and pastries in stock, and in the same condition. Often certain pastries and breads run out in the first hour or two after opening (we have often snagged the last ones!). We've been to the Housatonic location as well, and they have similar challenges keeping items in stock, so maybe this is a fundamental production or supplies issue...but it would be nice to know we could get the same bread loaves and muffins on an even semi-regular basis. On a similar note, on different occasions the same pastry from the case is either fridge-cold or room temp, and either really fresh or a bit stale, which definitely messes with our expectations and enjoyment.3) More consistent coffee. Sometimes the coffee is really strong, tangy, and delicious...but sometimes it's a lot more watery, bland, and ho-hum. It would be nice to be able to count on the same cup of jo every time we visit!That said, we're still planning to patronize Berkshire Mountain Bakery as frequently as we do now. And if we want more consistent results, we can always get the ready-to-bake pizzas to bring home and prepare...and heat the pastries up ourselves at home as well.
Delicious homemade pizza and breads and pasteries. Especially good is the Kouign-amann, a sweet crispy and flaky pastry. The pizza with sweet peppers was especially good as was the one with figs and arugula.
This pains me greatly to write. I have looked forward to eating here for a longtime. Netflix series turned me on to Berkshire Mountain, but (here it comes), I drove 2 hours to eat lunch her and - no restroom even for paying customers..... I'm 67 and 2 hours after drinking my share of coffee - need a restroom. Fairness I understand Covid fears but a place that named "CAFE" should provide soap, running water (I know hand sanitizer was) for their dining customers. So I can't give a review on the Berkshire Mountain Bakery Pizza Cafe food.
Awesome Pizza. My go to when I am here around the berkshires. A little pricey though.
Cute spot in a non-descript area for baked goods. As of mid August 2021 indoor dining is still closed and outdoor seating is minimal. Try the breads!