Arizmendi Bakery & Pizzeria is a beloved cooperative bakery in the San Francisco Bay Area, known for its fresh, delicious baked goods and unique, community-oriented business model. With a history rooted in cooperative principles and a dedication to quality, this bakery has become a staple for many locals. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a delectable dessert, Arizmendi offers a wide variety of options to suit any palate.
A Brief History
Founded in Oakland in 1997, Arizmendi Bakery was inspired by the worker-owned Cheeseboard Collective in Berkeley. Named after the Basque priest José María Arizmendiarrieta, who was a pioneer in the cooperative movement, the bakery has grown to include several locations across the Bay Area. Each location operates under the same cooperative principles, ensuring that workers have a say in the business and that profits are shared among them.
Menu Highlights
Bakery Items
Arizmendi Bakery offers a wide selection of freshly baked goods, including:
- Breads: Sourdough baguettes, cheese rolls, and whole wheat loaves are just a few of the options available. Prices typically range from $0.75 to $4.50.
- Pastries: Enjoy items like coconut almond macaroons, dark chocolate cups, and vegan apple cups. Pastries are priced between $1.00 and $3.00.
- Specialty Items: The bakery also features unique items such as pistachio cardamom swirls, herb gorgonzola scones, and berry coffee cake, with prices ranging from $2.25 to $3.00.
Pizzeria Offerings
Arizmendi’s pizzeria menu is just as enticing, featuring:
- Gourmet Pizzas: Available by the slice ($2.50) or as whole pies (half for $10.00, whole for $20.00). Flavors change daily, with options like marinated artichoke hearts with manchego cheese and lemon thyme oil.
- Daily Specials: Each day of the week features different bread and pizza specials, such as fig fennel sourdough on Thursdays and chocolate cherry sourdough on Saturdays.
Desserts and Sweets
For those with a sweet tooth, Arizmendi has plenty to offer:
- Cookies: From classic chocolate chip to pumpkin spice, cookies are available for around $2.00 each.
- Cakes and Muffins: Indulge in chocolate fudge cake ($4.25 per slice, $28.00 for a whole cake), muffins ($2.00 each), and scones ($2.50 each).
Prices
Arizmendi Bakery is known for its affordable prices, making it accessible to a wide range of customers. Here’s a snapshot of some of the prices you can expect:
- Bread: $0.75 – $4.50
- Pastries: $1.00 – $3.00
- Pizza Slices: $2.50 each
- Whole Pizzas: $10.00 – $20.00
- Cookies: $2.00 each
- Cakes: $4.25 per slice, $28.00 for a whole cake
Hours
Arizmendi Bakery operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and is closed on Mondays. It’s advisable to check their website or contact the bakery directly for any changes in hours, especially on holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer any gluten-free options?
Yes, Arizmendi Bakery offers several gluten-free (labeled as “wheat-free”) options, including pumpkin muffins and almond Ricciarelli. However, please note that the bakery is not entirely gluten-free, so there might be traces of gluten.
Are there vegan options available?
Absolutely! All non-cheesy sourdough breads at Arizmendi are vegan. The bakery also offers a daily vegan pizza, vegan focaccia, and several vegan sweets, including the popular Thundermint chocolate mint cookie.
How long will your pizza dough last?
Pizza dough from Arizmendi Bakery can last 1-3 days in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to two weeks.
How do I bake a lite-baked pizza?
To bake a lite-baked pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the pizza from its packaging.
- Place it directly on the oven rack.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese starts to brown.
Do you sell pizza by the slice?
Arizmendi sells pizza in quarter slices (two slices per quarter). They offer the daily special and cheese pizzas in this format. Vegan and take-and-bake pizzas are only available as half or whole pies.
What are your hours of operation?
Arizmendi Bakery operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. They are closed on Mondays.
Do you have any specialty breads?
Yes, Arizmendi Bakery offers various specialty breads. For example, “City” bread is white sourdough, “Suburban” is a whole wheat blend, and “Zero Labor” (Daily Sourdough) features varied fillings like Kalamata Olive or Walnut Gorgonzola.
Can I find Arizmendi Bakery products at other locations?
Yes, Arizmendi Bakery is part of a cooperative network with other locations, including Oakland, Emeryville, and San Rafael. Each location operates independently and may have different hours, products, and prices.
Are all products made in-house?
Yes, all products at Arizmendi Bakery are baked fresh each morning in-house, ensuring high quality and freshness.
Conclusion
Arizmendi Bakery & Pizzeria offers a delightful combination of fresh, high-quality baked goods and gourmet pizzas, all at reasonable prices. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, the bakery’s diverse menu and cooperative spirit ensure a satisfying experience for everyone.
For the most up-to-date information on Arizmendi Bakery & Pizzeria menu, prices, and hours, be sure to visit their official website or contact them directly. Enjoy your visit to one of the Bay Area’s most cherished bakeries!
