Shank's Bakery

On October 16th I sprung out of bed like it was Christmas morning. It was the day of my 20th birthday which just happens to also fall on JMU Homecoming (which, if you think about it, equates to Christmas). As I made preparations for a day and night full of fun, I got a call from an unknown number. When I answered it was the joyful voice of a baker from Shank's Bakery telling me that I had a birthday package waiting for me, from my parents.

Located in the heart of Harrisonburg's Historic Downtown area, Shank's is a small bakery hidden near the Water street parking deck. I remembered seeing Shank's stand at the Harrisonburg Farmer's market and had been wondering what it was like for quite some time.

As we waiting for the baker's to put the finishing touches on my "birthday surprise" my roommate and I enjoyed an outstanding iced coffee. Shank's combines regular iced coffee with a small amount of an espresso like coffee base to put a sweet, creative spin on this favorite.

During the four minute ride home (which felt more like 30 minutes) I couldn't contain my excitement. I could smell a mixture of spice and sweetness and knew there was something pumpkin flavored waiting for me. When we got the three huge white boxes home, I uncovered a carrot cake, a huge pumpkin roll and 20 cupcakes (all for under 30 dollars my parents divulged later). Basically I could have fed an army, and given them all cavities. The carrot cake was average, (I seem to have every high standards for this dessert because it is my favorite) but the pumpkin roll stole the show. The Shanks specialty has soft pumpkin cake on the outside and decadent cream cheese filling with walnuts on the inside, rolled up into a perfect package. The special pastry is exactly how you would expect autumn to taste. One roll can be split into 12 heaping servings (perfect to bring to an event or dinner party).
When you look at these birthday dessert options, it seems that cupcakes can unfortunately fall to the waste side, but don't overlook them. These cupcakes are superior to most with their moist cake and delicious and are not to be missed (be sure to get the ones with strawberry icing!)

If you just need a quick fix for your sweet tooth I recommend succumbing the power of the "Monster cookie". Filled with chocolate chips, coconut, peanut butter (and pretty much anything else you can fit into a cookie) this is one nonsensical (and surprisingly) fabulous dessert.

Shank's interior is small but trendy. When you walk in through the front door you will most likely be pulled into a dessert hypnosis, and find yourself drooling over the large glass case, guarding the delicious treats. After you come out of your dessert heaven trance, look to your right for a table. To the left there is a wall of bread, making Shank's the homemade, superior counterpart to Panera.
If you walk forward a few steps, the thin room with tables for two, opens up into a slightly bigger room that is lively enough to chat with a friend yet quiet enough to read or study.

One great aspect of Shank's is that every visit is different. The menu is never exactly the same as the bakers are constantly experimenting with new pastries, muffins and deserts so you always have the opportunity to try something new.

Basic Info:

Address: 49-A West Water Street, Harrisonburg Va 22801
Hours: Closed Sunday. Monday-Friday: 7am-7pm Saturday: 7am-3pm. (Monday is mostly reserved for baking so they only have a limited menu for most of the day, your visit is better spend on Tuesday-Saturday)
Cuisine: Comfort food/ Bakery: breads, muffins, pastries, cakes and cafe.

Price: $ (Although depending on what you get, Shank's charges bake sale prices; small pastries are around one dollar!)
Must Have: Monster cookie and a slice of pumpkin roll (if you don't want to buy the entire roll, they are sold by the slice)

Classification: Parents, Saturday morning/afternoon post brunch coffee fix, quick bite, birthday cakes.

How to get there if you don't have a car: The downtown area is about a 10 minute walk from the quad. If you don't want to walk you can take the route 3 bus.

Directions: Drive straight down Main street (the heart of downtown) and turn left onto water street and park in the parking deck. Shanks is to the right next to Downtown Books.

3 Stars