There's Nothing Little About It



Little Bead Co.
Fayetteville, AR



When it comes to baked goods in NW Arkansas most people thinks of Rick’s Bakery, but if you’ve never visited the Little Bread Company you are in for a taste tantalizing treat! Little Bread Company is located in Fayetteville, AR just off the square. Its location puts you right in the heart of the Fayetteville social scene, which makes the outdoor patio a must when dining on site. The restaurant has a nouveau hippie vibe, stemming from the mosaic exterior to its walls that are painted in warm earth tones that familiarly enough echoes the warm welcome you receive as you walk through the door. You order at a walk up counter which doubles as the display case for baskets of their baked goods. The one thing that sets this bakery apart from most others is it is an Artisan Bakery. This means you are receiving a high quality, labor intensive good. And when it comes to Artisan baked goods they have a rustic crust with a flavorful soft center, which allows for sweet and savory in every bite. The other display case is refrigerated and houses their various array of quiche, which is a meal in its self whether you are doing breakfast or lunch. They will serve your quiche warmed up, and usually they ask and recommend you do so.

The best item at Little Bread Company is hands down their bear claw. For close to $2 you can get a pastry the size of what I’ve always imagined a real bear’s claw to be. The pastry has a rustic crust that is flaky and buttery. They use an egg wash and sprinkle it with cinnamon and sugar prior to baking giving it a sweet crisp crust. After biting through the layers of flaky dough you get to the center or “palm” of the claw and this is like Christmas morning! It’s a hearty mixture of cinnamon, sugar, brown sugar, pecans, and raisins. This super sweet center is the perfect accompaniment to the not so sweet pastry dough. Their bear claws leave you full, but strangely wanting another one, and a another one... To go along with their pastries they also have a self serve coffee bar which usually has three or four different brews depending on the day.

 Grab a bear claw or hearty slice of quiche and then take a seat outside on the patio. Their friendly atmosphere allows for you to easily join a conversation or start one up yourself. If you are wanting a quiet, laid back breakfast that’s an option as well just pull up a seat outside and watch as people enjoy the farmer’s market on the square or the shops nearby. One tip you should know that isn’t told but understood by locals, you put up your flatware and dishes yourself.  There is a bin located inside either by or on the trash can…this tip will make all newcomers look like they have been visiting LBC for years.

Next time you're in NWA and looking for a bakery with a great atmosphere and even better food make your way down to the square and visit Little Bread Company…you'll be glad!

http://www.littlebread.com/