North by NW and Many Other Directions

north bakery, which began two years ago on Providence’s West Side, has opened a branch next to Kennedy Plaza, from which bus passengers depart in all directions. But if those travelers turn “north,” the sweets and savories they find there will take their taste buds for a completely new ride. Owner James Mark called his first bakery “non-traditional American,” and he has replicated that menu for the downtown take-out site (window service only). Mark estimates that up to 80% of his customers on the West Side are from that neighborhood. He’s been eager to branch out, because, as he points out, daytime food options in owneroperated businesses are scarce in downtown Providence, and he’s excited to be reaching people who work or live in (or travel through) Downcity. So ... what does north offer? Hot drinks, muffins, bagels, sandwiches, salads, cookies! And such delightful variations: a coffee muffin with almond streusel; a bagel with kimchi butter; changing specials, such as a jerk chicken sandwich or kale salad with a chili-buttermilk dressing. Also the well-loved hand pies, usually two with meat, one veggie and one vegan, in a crispy turnover dough. And the sweets! The lemon bar has a rosemary crust; the brown butter miso cookie has bits of puffed rice and white chocolate.

Open daily. 2 Kennedy Plaza, in Biltmore Park (next to the picnic tables). northBakery.com