Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Austin, TX

North America

United States

# Old Bakery and Emporium – Unique gift shop and art gallery in Austin, TX

Old Bakery and Emporium, located at 1006 Congress Ave, Austin, TX, is a distinctive blend of a gift shop and art gallery that offers a glimpse into the local culture and history. Originally a bakery, this historic venue now serves as a community hub, showcasing handmade crafts and artwork primarily created by senior citizens. Visitors often highlight the warm atmosphere and the helpful staff, who provide insights into local attractions and events. With its proximity to the Texas Capitol, the Old Bakery and Emporium has become a popular stop for both tourists and locals seeking unique gifts and a taste of Austin's artistic spirit.

## History
### The story of Old Bakery and Emporium
The Old Bakery and Emporium has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s when it functioned as a bakery. Its founding vision was to create a space that not only provided baked goods but also fostered community engagement. Over the years, the building has transformed, evolving from a bakery into a vibrant emporium that highlights local artisans and their crafts. This transition reflects a broader shift in community needs, focusing on supporting local artists and providing a platform for their work.

### Milestones and growth
- Established in the late 1800s as a bakery
- Transitioned to a gift shop and art gallery in the 2000s
- Became a community hub for local artisans and events
- Regularly hosts exhibitions featuring artists over 50
- Gained recognition as a unique cultural landmark in Austin

### Cultural and local influence
The Old Bakery and Emporium has significantly influenced the local culture by providing a space for senior artisans to showcase their work. This focus on craftsmanship and community involvement has allowed the emporium to become a gathering place for locals and tourists alike. The building's historical significance, combined with its current offerings, contributes to Austin's reputation as a city that values both its past and its artistic future.

### Continuing the tradition
Today, the Old Bakery and Emporium continues to honor its legacy by supporting local artists and providing a venue for cultural expression. The emporium's commitment to showcasing handmade crafts and art created by seniors not only preserves the building's history but also enriches the community by fostering connections between generations. This ongoing tradition ensures that the Old Bakery remains a cherished part of Austin's cultural landscape.

## Community
### Community involvement
The Old Bakery and Emporium actively engages with the local community by hosting events and exhibitions that highlight the work of senior artists. This involvement fosters a sense of belonging and encourages collaboration among local artisans. The emporium also serves as a resource for visitors seeking information about Austin's cultural offerings, making it a valuable asset to the community.

### Community notion about the place
Locals view the Old Bakery and Emporium as a quaint and charming destination that reflects the spirit of Austin. Many appreciate its unique offerings and the opportunity to support local artisans. However, some visitors express disappointment that the establishment no longer functions as a bakery, which can lead to misunderstandings about its current role in the community. Overall, the emporium is seen as a positive space that contributes to the local arts scene.

### Events and gatherings
The Old Bakery and Emporium frequently hosts events, including art exhibitions and community gatherings, which help to strengthen ties within the community. These events provide a platform for local artists to showcase their work and engage with the public. Additionally, the emporium often collaborates with other local organizations to promote cultural events, further enhancing its role as a community hub.

## Offerings
### What Old Bakery and Emporium offers
The Old Bakery and Emporium offers a diverse range of products, including handmade crafts, artwork, and unique gifts. Visitors can explore two floors filled with items created by local artisans, primarily seniors. The emporium also features a small café, providing a cozy spot for visitors to relax and enjoy light refreshments. This combination of offerings makes the emporium a distinctive destination in Austin.

### Dining and food experience
While the Old Bakery and Emporium is no longer a traditional bakery, it does provide a small café experience. The menu includes simple, nostalgic items such as pimento cheese sandwiches and homemade cakes. Although the food offerings may not be extensive, they contribute to the overall charm of the emporium, allowing visitors to enjoy a light meal while browsing the unique crafts and artwork.

### Events and packages
The emporium regularly hosts art exhibitions and community events, showcasing the talents of local artists. These events often include openings for new exhibitions, where visitors can meet the artists and learn about their work. Additionally, the Old Bakery and Emporium may offer packages for special occasions, such as private events or group tours, providing a unique experience for visitors.

### Facilities and features
- Two floors of handmade crafts and artwork
- Small café serving light refreshments
- Free parking lot adjacent to the building
- Accessible location near the Texas Capitol
- Community event space for gatherings and exhibitions

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of the Old Bakery and Emporium reveal a mix of experiences. Many visitors appreciate the unique offerings and the opportunity to support local artisans, while others express disappointment regarding the absence of baked goods. The emporium's historical significance and community involvement are often highlighted as positive aspects.

### Compliments and strengths
Visitors frequently commend the friendly and knowledgeable staff, who provide insights into local attractions and events. The atmosphere of the emporium is often described as warm and welcoming, making it a pleasant place to explore. Additionally, the focus on handmade crafts and artwork created by seniors is seen as a strength, contributing to the emporium's unique identity.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
Some reviews note the discrepancy between expectations and reality, particularly regarding the lack of baked goods. While many visitors enjoy the artistic offerings, others feel that the merchandise may not appeal to everyone, describing it as reminiscent of items found at garage sales. This contrast highlights the importance of managing visitor expectations and clearly communicating the emporium's current focus.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, the Old Bakery and Emporium is a charming destination that offers a unique blend of art, crafts, and community engagement. While it may not cater to everyone's tastes, its commitment to supporting local artisans and fostering community connections makes it a valuable addition to Austin's cultural landscape.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
The Old Bakery and Emporium is situated in the heart of Austin, TX, at 1006 Congress Ave, just steps away from the Texas Capitol. This prime location makes it an ideal stop for visitors exploring the downtown area. The emporium's proximity to other attractions, such as the State Capitol and local parks, enhances its appeal as a cultural destination. Visitors often appreciate the opportunity to explore the surrounding neighborhood, which is rich in history and offers a variety of dining and shopping options.

## FAQs
**Is the Old Bakery and Emporium a bakery** It is not a bakery; it is a gift shop and art gallery.

**What type of items can I find there** You can find handmade crafts, artwork, and unique gifts.

**Are there any events hosted at the emporium** Yes, the emporium regularly hosts art exhibitions and community events.

**Is there parking available** Yes, there is a free parking lot adjacent to the building.

**What are the café offerings** The café serves light refreshments, including sandwiches and homemade cakes.

## Visit Old Bakery and Emporium Today
The Old Bakery and Emporium invites you to explore its unique offerings, rich history, and community-friendly atmosphere. Located in downtown Austin, this charming emporium showcases handmade crafts and artwork primarily created by local seniors. Visitors often highlight the warm and welcoming staff, who provide valuable insights into the local culture and attractions. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or simply want to enjoy a light meal in a historic setting, the Old Bakery and Emporium is a must-visit destination.

2d9b702b-48bf-42e9-aa09-606df3ca7fea

Cool piece of real estate right next to the Capitol building! Neat collection of gifts inside, ranging from antique furniture to homemade ornaments to quality leather goods (books, journals, etc.). The staff here were super cool when we came in to warm ourselves up from the chilly weather during the annual tree lighting. They also had the UT game going on while we were there, Hook 'Em! Great people that work here!

4ad4cf5a-4344-40d0-9917-33f2eef6942f

I regretted not going into the Old Bakery and Emporium earlier during my recent trip to Austin. I would have gotten nicer postcards to send friends, found out about cooler things to do from local Austinites, and seen an interesting, little museum/gallery for free. There's a gallery on the second floor by artists over 50 (that's what the lady there told me). The gallery space was pretty cool. It was just one room, but pieces were presented really well and were interesting. Upstairs, there's also a little history museum/presentation area about the building. I bought a couple of postcards with nice designs (not the cheesy stuff sold on 6th street) and stationary. When I paid for my stuff, the guy who rang me out was really cool and pointed out some interesting places in South Austin and near South Lamar, as well as let me know of some free music events taking place. If you are visiting Austin for the first time, I recommend stopping in here quickly. The artwork and other items sold there may not be your style, but they have nice postcards, a bathroom, and informative, friendly people who work there.

8c7f8664-47f9-48f6-b7e7-45ce9dc0632a

Always enjoy visiting this historic building. The name is a bit deceiving. It no longer functions as a bakery, but it is a treasure trove of information on where to visit in the downtown area. The Art gallery is always interesting and the crafts for sale are excellent. There is free parking lot along side the building.

58361de8-aa3b-4701-95f8-c619e33aefb7

One, this place has NO baked goods. It's just a gift shop and art gallery rolled into one small, tight building. Second, It's. Not. A. Bakery. AND ya done gotta pay to park. Like seriously, who does all that? We get trolled on the internet, and we now get trolled offline. #EXPOSED #Find a REAL bakery

fff3d108-2def-4633-8fc7-ee52036a9e61

Well first off, it's not a bakery, so don't get your hopes up like I did. They should at least sell some baked items and coffee, because maybe more people would drop in. It's sort of an emporium, I guess, because there's a substantial two-level gift shop downstairs with a lot of handmade items. But it's definitely an art gallery, which is why I visited, to see an art professor's show and hear her talk about her paintings. Admission was free and the building is beautiful and historical, so if you're wandering downtown and are in the mood, you can check it out. Most everything is for sale and reasonably priced. Better than SoCo prices. Free parking is limited to a tiny lot next to the building, but there is metered street parking nearby.

e9eeea8b-24e8-4ed0-a855-b90ad979a9b7

It was really hot in here. Poor Austin was experiecing 45 degree weather in December and everyone thought the ice age was coming. They had the heat so high in here it was uncomfortable. Now the building is old and that is what brought me in here. I think it use to be a Bakery in the late 1800's. The lady at the counter really didn't give me any info. She was more concerned with me signing the book so they knew where I came from. She also told me that all of the art there was made by people over 50. Now I thought it was cool that everything in there was made by people over 50 but it reminded me of being a kid when our school would have an art fair and the seniors would buy a table and sell us kids stuff for our parents. The stuff was okay. I almost bought my little girl a cute lady bug but then realized the metal legs were a little sharp and might hurt her. While I was walking around another lady walked in after me and she got the royal treatment from the lady behind the counter. She was telling her history and places to go around Austin. I guess you can say I was a little bitter that I got no love like that. There is a little museum upstairs but it is not great. I think I added a few pictures of the creepy baby in the crib from the 1800's. I walked in here hoping to learn more history but walked away knowing less then when I walked in!

280779e4-9a01-4a9f-84e9-4b327faf58bc

This isn't a bakery, but an old former bakery. Now isn't an emporium where you can find handmade arts and crafts that range from jewelry to paintings. Everything handcrafted by senior citizens. It's located within eye sight of the Texas Capitol. I walked in on my stroll to visit the Capitol. Immediately I was welcomed by an older, sweet lady. She was the one who explained that everything was hand crafted by senior citizens... I'm sure it's true, she was way too nice to lie. Everything seemed reasonably priced, but I didn't buy anything, not that I didn't plan on it, there just wasn't anything that struck my fantsy.

66fca57f-f36b-4ab4-bad6-d5a0405c03de

Ahmm,there is nothing much here other than cute old ladies.This place used to be a bakery long time ago,i think it was 1876.And now there is no bakery but just two floors of stuff made my senior citizens. I do appreciate their work,but there is nothing i could buy.They had beaded chains,woolen clothing for kids and Christmas decorations in June??? I had to walk out in a few minutes. But i did hear that some couples get married in the balcony of that historic building ,such that they get the Capitol building as the background. There you go!! Something you guys might want to do in this place? or just go across the street and take the picture in the real capitol?? :D -Smriti

24332178-fb0f-4c0f-ae50-b1862de6c4db

I want to like this place - really, I do. This restaurant and gift shop run out of a historic building right near the Capitol just oozes "old timey Austin." But it is So Not Me. Pretty much everything on the two large floors of merchandise looks like something that somebody's grandmother made at her retirement home arts & crafts session. I'm sorry that is so un-PC of me, but that's really the only way to explain it. Lots of cutesy crocheted stuff, very simple stained glass figurines, an assortment of paintings of windmills and bluebonnets, even sweatshirts with plaid hearts and stuff sewn on them. It gave me flashbacks to those garage sales where you pull up to the curb and instantly know there's no need to get out of the car. You know the ones. There's even a large room of Christmas stuff with a bent up, laser-printed paper sign out front that says, "Visit our year-round Christmas room!" There is also a little cafe in the back of the store. As I was walking back there, I made a little bet with myself that they sold pimento cheese sandwiches. Sure enough, there they were, right on the menu. It is pretty cheap - $3.70 for a sandwich and either a soup or a bag of chips - but I wasn't really brave enough to try it. They also had a homemade looking cake under a glass dome and some cookies on paper plates. Just like at grandma's. I think some people might like it for the nostalgia factor - perhaps it would remind them of spending time with their own grandma. But my grandma ran a Chinese laundry in Detroit and her idea of comfort food usually involved rice, not pimento cheese, so the nostalgia is kind of lost on me. I guess this place must be subsidized somehow by the City of Austin, because there is no way that they could sell enough here to pay the rent on this prime piece of real estate. I don't begrudge this little piece of old Austin their space, but I wouldn't really shop here, either.

2bf6cf4a-fba8-410a-bff2-364f038244f9

A former bakery and store just steps from the capitol building in Austin I was fortunate to happedn upon Old Bakery and Emporium during the first days of a new juried exhibit, the prices too good to pass up resulting in another eclectic original piece for my collection. Largely featuring kitschy craft downstairs with the fine arts displayed on the second floor the prices at Old Bakery rival some of the spots in Asheville for original art and with a selective eye there are some great deals to be found.

Discover the historic Old Bakery and Emporium in Austin, TX. Savor unique flavors in a charming setting. Visit now for a memorable dining experience.

Old Bakery & Emporium in Austin, TX - Historic Restaurant

Austin

Old Bakery and Emporium

Texas

Discover Old Bakery and Emporium on Congress Ave, Austin. Enjoy historic ambiance, delicious baked goods, and vibrant local culture. Book your visit now!

Old Bakery and Emporium in Austin, TX | Unique Dining & Historic Charm

Learn about Old Bakery and Emporium in Austin, TX. A historic bakery offering delicious treats and a cozy atmosphere. Explore Austin’s culinary heritage today!

About Old Bakery and Emporium, Austin | Historic Bakery & Local Favorite

Opening hours for Old Bakery and Emporium, Austin. Find opening hours for Old Bakery and Emporium, 1006 Congress Ave, Austin, TX on our website.

Old Bakery and Emporium Menu Overview

Platos Significativos

Bebidas y Maridajes

Opciones Dietéticas

Recomendaciones del Chef

Experimenta el Menú en Old Bakery and Emporium

Que Divino Cocina

Volume Night Club

Corner