
Sidewalk Citizen Bakery
A rustic-industrial bakery famed for artisan sourdough, pastries, and a delightful riverside patio.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Sidewalk Citizen Bakery

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rustic-industrial bakery famed for artisan sourdough, pastries, and a delightful riverside patio.
Arrive Early
Visit early to get your choice of freshly baked goods before they sell out.
Explore Unique Offerings
Try Sidewalk Citizen Quiche slices or salmon toast for a delicious variety.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Bakery, Mediterranean, Fusion
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+1 403-457-2245
Address
618 Confluence Way SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0G1, Canada
Website
sidewalkcitizenbakery.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Artisan Sourdough & Pastries
Renowned for exceptional sourdough bread and flaky, flavorful pastries. A must-try for carb lovers seeking artisanal quality.

Riverside Ambiance
Enjoy delicious baked goods and coffee on a lovely patio by the river, perfect for a relaxing outing.

Creative Sandwiches
Standout sandwiches featuring fresh ingredients and artisanal bread, like the popular salmon sandwich.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early
Visit early to get your choice of freshly baked goods before they sell out.
Explore Unique Offerings
Try Sidewalk Citizen Quiche slices or salmon toast for a delicious variety.
Evening Dining
Visit the southwest location for dinner and bar service, which stays open late.
Pair with Local Attractions
Combine your visit with nearby sights like Studio Bell or the Glenbow Museum.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early
Visit early to get your choice of freshly baked goods before they sell out.
Explore Unique Offerings
Try Sidewalk Citizen Quiche slices or salmon toast for a delicious variety.
Evening Dining
Visit the southwest location for dinner and bar service, which stays open late.
Pair with Local Attractions
Combine your visit with nearby sights like Studio Bell or the Glenbow Museum.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sidewalk Citizen Bakery is celebrated for its exceptional sourdough and pastries, with many highlighting the fresh, flavorful ingredients and the inviting atmosphere. Diners particularly love the artisanal bread, creative sandwiches, and the charming riverside patio. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few have mentioned minor issues with drink quality.
"The atmosphere inside the café is warm and inviting, and there’s also a lovely patio outside right by the river, which adds to the relaxing vibe.
After placing our order, we were given a buzzer while waiting for the food. You'll need to pick up your drinks at a different station.
I ordered the sourdough croissant and almond croissant. Since I usually enjoy croissants warm, I had the sourdough heat up. However, I found the sourdough croissant a bit too greasy when warmed. On the other hand, my friend had the salmon sandwich, and the salmon was well-cured and nicely balanced by the refreshing crunch of cucumber.
We also tried the matcha latte, which we both found a bit too watery and lacking in flavor.
I saved half of each pastry to take home, and surprisingly, I enjoyed them even more later. The sourdough croissant, after being chilled, had a more pronounced flavor that I appreciated. The almond croissant, lightly reheated, was delightfully crisp on the outside with a rich, satisfying filling.
Overall, a pleasant experience with some standout elements!"
Cami Liu
"Had breakfast and few croissants to serve and few for home. And an organic sourdough wholewheat bread. All pastries absolutely incredibly fresh, not greasy, very flavourful and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside-just perfect balance. The sourdough bread is probably the best in Calgary-perfect crust, perfect gooeyness and the perfect amount of holes as well-taste-perfect for my liking’s. The sandwiches: just perfect balance within the amount of ingredients and bread. Nicely cured salmon-decent amount, good quality avocado and great dark orange eggs/yolks. Never been disappointed at sidewalk citizen bakery. Great stuff as well, very interesting characters all around. Nice atmosphere-positive vibe all around."
L.A.
"Best croissant and pain au chocolate I’ve had in Canada other than in Quebec! The pictures don’t do them enough justice. So yummy!"
Rachael ML
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Highly recommended items include the sourdough croissant, almond croissant, and their artisanal sourdough bread. Many also rave about the creative sandwiches and pastries.
Yes, they have a lovely patio right by the river, which is a great spot to enjoy your food and coffee.
The bakery is open until mid-afternoon, but a southwest location offers dinner and bar service and is open late.
Information on parking is not directly provided, but the bakery is located in the East Village neighborhood, which may have street parking or nearby lots.
Yes, you can pre-order food online for pick-up, which is convenient for picnics or busy days.
Yes, the menu caters to vegetarians, and they offer items like quiche and salads.
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Located riverside in Calgary’s East Village, this artisanal bakery has a well-earned reputation for slinging top-notch bread, pastries and other carb-alicious grub. But hungover patrons, beware: you’ve got to get there early – or at least before mid-afternoon when it closes. If you’re looking to supplement your brekkie with some protein, try the Sidewalk Citizen Quiche slices or the salmon toast.
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Make a stop at Sidewalk Citizen, a spot locally famous for exceptionally good sandwich bread made from “Freddie” (the sourdough starter the bakery/restaurant has been using since 2009). Swing by any of its three locations in the city, but for an evening treat go to its southwest location, which is open late and serves dinner with bar service.
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More than just a bakery, this dine-in eatery offers a wide menu that caters to vegetarians. The founder of this bakery, Aviv Fried, has the words “sour dough” tattooed on his fingers, displaying his passion for bread making to the world. Do you really need another reason to visit?
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Get your Calgary day off to a delicious start in the East Village neighborhood, with delectable pastries at Sidewalk Citizen Bakery and top-notch coffee at Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters. Tour Studio Bell, which houses Canada’s new National Music Centre, then head downtown to take in the city views from the landmark Calgary Tower. Around the corner, check out the excellent Glenbow Museum, which traces Calgary’s history and culture, and journey back in time at the Heritage Park Historical Village. For dinner, try one of the cool restaurants on 17th Avenue.
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Located in the newly-renovated Simmons Building in the East Village, Sidewalk Citizen is more than just one of the best bakeries in town; they offer some of the best sandwiches, pizzas, soups, salads and stews in the city, with daily specials. With counter service and a casual seating area overlooking the river, it’s perfect for stopping in with the kids when you need something to nibble right away. Sidewalk Citizen is located in the Simmons Building, 618 Confluence Way SE; phone: 403-457-2245; website: sidewalkcitizenbakery.com; Twitter: @sidewalksunny.
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Although, Sidewalk Citizen may not be a hidden, (The bakery has been written about in the Daily Hive, CBC and the Calgary Herald, to name a few) it’s definitely a gem. With incredible dishes and baked goods inspired by Israeli and middle-eastern cuisine and a casual, comfortable vibe, it’s no surprise that Sidewalk Citizen is popular amongst Calgarians and visitors alike. While the menu is diverse, we like to keep it simple with their classic sourdough—try it in a sandwich or with their daily soup.
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No trip to Calgary is complete without a stop at the Simmons Building, a hub in the East Village that is home to Phil & Sebastian, Charbar, and Sidewalk Citizen Bakery. Founded by Aviv Fried, an artisanal sourdough baker who started his business by delivering loaves of bread via bicycle. Sidewalk Citizen still sells those glorious loaves, but you can now also pop into the Simmons location for a full lunch, with flavours inspired by Fried’s native Israel.
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Sidewalk Citizen Bakery might be famed for their wholesome, organic, hand-cut and shaped, long fermentation sourdough bread but the bakehouse also prepares a range of enticing cookies, pastries, and sandwiches, that are sure to satisfy your belly. Those who visit the Simmons Building location will also find salads, soups, and stews on the menu too. Address: Simmons Building, 618 Confluence Way SEPhone: 403-457-2245
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In the more than 12 years since its conception, Sidewalk Citizen, helmed by Aviv Fried and his partner, Michal Lavi, has become the place for artisan sourdough. After finishing a master’s in biomedical engineering at the University of Calgary, Fried left the field to pursue his passion for baking. “I was in university for a long time, and, when I finished, I wanted to do something more tangible,” Fried says.
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This is a great place for kids for the simple reason that you can order at the counter, sit down and enjoy your food, and leave when the red flags of a fussy kiddo start to emerge. There is plenty of upstairs seating with room for strollers, which is always a plus. If the weather’s nice and you’re feeling like a picnic, you can even pre-order your food online and pick it up to go.
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Sidewalk Citizen Bakery in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is known for its artisanal approach to baking. Emphasizing local, organic ingredients, it offers a delightful selection of handmade breads, pastries, and savory items, each crafted with meticulous care. A hub for community and culinary excellence, it's a must-visit for anyone craving genuine, flavor-packed baked goods.
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Sidewalk Citizen Bakery is a beloved spot in Calgary, known for its rustic-industrial vibe and dedication to organic baking. This bakery has carved out a niche with its artisan sourdough bread, delectable pastries, and mouthwatering desserts, all made with high-quality and organic ingredients. The sourdough bread at Sidewalk Citizen Bakery is a star attraction.
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Offering a homespun atmosphere with a wide array of delightful treats, Sidewalk Citizen Bakery remains a trusty spot for pastries and baked goods. In search of something more filling?. Order their breakfast sandwich – an exciting addition to their menu made with fried egg, garlic mayo, arugula, and tomato jam nestled in a comforting embrace of sourdough bread.
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Enjoy a delicious breakfast or grab takeout at this Calgarian success story restaurant. In addition to making sourdough bread and other baked goods, Sidewalk Citizen is a fun entrepreneurial success story of a self-taught baker who moved from selling bread from the back of his bike to running an operation employing 40 people. And yes, the sourdough is delish!
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One of the best sandwich shops around, Sidewalk Citizen Bakery bakes their bread fresh every day and craft delicious sandwiches with each lovingly made loaf. Though it makes our list as one of the best restaurants in Calgary, there are actually three locations in town. The local chain focuses on fresh ingredients and adjust their menu seasonally.
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Sidewalk Citizen Bakery started in November, 2008 when Aviv Fried decided to bake 10 loaves a week to sell to friends. You can hardly talk about bread in Calgary without mentioning baker Aviv Fried. He started out with bread, and then distracted us with scones and pastries, but his crusty loaves are still some of the best in the city.
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Sidewalk Citizen Bakery, founded as a one-person bicycle bread delivery service, has grown substantially since 2010. With over 40 employees, they create delicious pastries and bread from scratch using local ingredients. Although once found inside Sunnyside Natural Market from 2010 to 2022, you can still enjoy their baked goods there.
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Since the day it opened in 2009, Sidewalk Citizen has been blending time-honoured baking traditions with creativity, innovation, and passion. Now with two locations in the city, Sidewalk Citizen has become a certified staple for Calgarians in search of organic baked goods, sourdough bread, pastries, desserts, and more.
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Head to any of the three Sidewalk Citizen locations in Calgary to find an array of sweet desserts, fresh baked buns (like hot crossed!), and other pastries. They don’t have an exclusive Easter menu, but you are likely to find product filled with mini eggs, chocolate bunnies, or other Easter treats this time of year.
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Calgary’s Sidewalk Citizen sourdough “mother” got its start in 2009. And, it’s been nurtured and developed with daily feedings to keep it fresh with a relatively sweet flavour. If you haven’t had a Sidewalk Citizen sourdough croissant you are missing out on one of life’s greatest pleasures.
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Once upon a time, this 106-year old building housed a mattress factory; now, it’s the home of Sidewalk Citizen. Specializing in fresh bread, like organic sourdough, as well as flaky pastries, this bakery-café is a great spot to grab a sandwich or pizza for a quality, quick and tasty lunch.
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Sidewalk Citizen Bakery is a cozy, rustic bakery by the Riverwalk in Calgary’s East Village. It offers a variety of organic baked goods, including sourdough bread, pastries, and desserts. Whether you want something sweet or savory, there’s plenty to choose from.
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A day spent outside in East Village and nearby St. Patrick’s Island Park is fun no matter the season. Stop by Sidewalk Citizen in the historic Simmons Building to fuel your activities or take a breather with a sit-down meal. Sidewalk Citizen opens at 8 a.m.
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What is a list of delicious Calgarian bakeries without Sidewalk Citizen?. All I can say is, their tasty chocolate croissants will bless you in more ways than one. Sidewalk Citizen Must-Try: Chocolate Croissants
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However, the sandwich was just alright and quite pricey ($17 seems like overkill). The pastry was good but nothing too special as well. Also not the best service.
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