This Georgia Bakery Sells the Best Bread I’ve Ever Had

If there's an anti-Atkins diet, I'm definitely on it. I love bread. Whether it's sweet (I'm looking at you, donuts) or savory (grilled cheese sandwiches? yes, please!), I'm all about it. It's one of the most versatile foods around, and there's certainly no shortage of ways to enjoy it, but one of the very best has to be fresh, hot bread cooked up at a bakery. Independent bakeries that specialize in bread often feel like they're going the way of the dodo bird. It's still easy to find local places serving up pastries and donuts, but if your tastes lie more towards the savory, it's tough to find something that's not a chain grocery store selling up loaves wrapped in plastic, straight from the factory. Those of us near Athens, Georgia certainly don't have that problem, because the Classic City is home to one of the very best small bakeries around: Independent Baking Co.

A few blocks away from the hustle and bustle of the University of Georgia's North Campus is where you'll find the charming Five Points neighborhood. The area is full of sprawling sorority houses and jogging college students, but it's almost easy to forget about UGA's existence in this townie-filled neighborhood.

I fell in love with this little shop from my very first visit. It's quite small, but the quality is absolutely incredible. All of the flour here is stone-ground and milled right here in the bakery, resulting in an intricate panel of flavors that you just won't find with plain old grocery store bread.

The menu rotates throughout the week, but I typically find that there's a good variety of sweet and hearty breads available on any given day. I absolutely love focaccia, and that served up by Independent Baking Co. is some of the best I've ever had.

On my last visit, I was absolutely delighted by this focaccia topped with red onion and potatoes. I haven't had anything on the menu that wasn't absolutely incredible, and each visit is always a wonderful opportunity to see what the talented bread masters here come up with next!

For more information about Independent Baking Co. in Athens, Georgia, including a daily menu and hours of operation, check out the Independent Baking Co. website or Independent Baking Co. Facebook page.

Looking for the perfect place to stay in Athens? Hotel Abacus (formerly known as The Graduate Athens) offers tons of charm in a perfect location. It's easy to walk to many of the University of Georgia's top destinations from here - plus, there's a swimming pool for those hot summer days!