If you're craving a taste of Germany right in the heart of Portland, Fressen Artisan Bakery & Cafe has you covered, especially when it comes to their incredible soft pretzels. These aren't just any pretzels, they're the real deal, crafted by hand with the kind of care and tradition that founder Edgar Loesch picked up from his German roots.

The Flavors Of Home - From Germany To Portland

Raised on a farm in Romania by a German family, Edgar Loesch grew up surrounded by traditional methods of preparing and preserving food. After spending a year in the States and realizing how much he missed the flavors of home, Edgar got to work. Armed with training from the German baking guild and a few of his mom's recipes, he started making the breads and pastries he longed so much for. Fast forward a few years, and what began at farmers' markets in Portland has blossomed into the beloved Fressen Artisan Bakery And Cafe.

These days, Edgar is a master baker, turning out everything from rustic loaves to flaky pastries, all made with as little technology as possible and a whole lot of heart. This is really something special once you realize that the traditional methods of making these pastries has fallen by the wayside in other places. Today it's a dying art, kept alive in little bakeries like this one. When you take a bite of his bread or one of his pastries, it’s like taking a step back in time, where simplicity meets flavor in the best possible way.

Pretzels, Pretzels, Pretzels

There are a lot of tasty options to try at Fressen, but the star of the show are the big soft pretzels. These pretzels are something special.

Soft, chewy, and with just the right amount of salt, they’re the perfect mix of bread-like and satisfyingly dense.

Bite into one, and you might just think you’ve been transported to a cozy bakery in Germany. Fressen’s pretzels are not only great on their own, but they also make for an unbeatable sandwich base.

Whether it’s a breakfast sandwich with a fried egg, bacon, and gruyere, or a Nuernberger sausage sandwich topped with curry ketchup, these pretzel buns make each bite something special.

Of course, the bakery offers more than just pretzels. Fressen’s menu is packed with a rotating selection of pastries, from cream-filled Berliner donuts that are worth waking up early for, to Bavarian croissant sandwiches that are perfect for a leisurely brunch.

And if bread is more your thing, you’re in luck, Fressen bakes a variety of traditional loaves, each bursting with flavor and made on specific days of the week. Just be sure to check the menu so you don’t miss out on your favorites.

Fressen isn’t just a place to grab a quick bite; it’s a hidden gem that offers a genuine taste of Germany in Portland. With a cozy atmosphere and mouthwatering offerings, it’s the perfect spot to brighten up even the rainiest of days. Just remember to get there early because those soft pretzels and pastries tend to disappear fast, especially on weekends!

Fressen Artisan Bakery Portland, Oregon Information

• Location: 7075 NE Glisan Street in Portland, Oregon.
• Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 8 AM - 3 PM
• Get more information and up to date hours at the Fressen Bakery website.