Every proper neighborhood should have a bakery. If I had my way, it would be a rule. The Heights neighborhood claims a significant one at that. Among the rest, I truly believe that On the Rise stands alone.
Envision this: an early morning loaf baking from inside the Fairmount Boulevard kitchen. The bread ovens-- so warm-- steaming the windows and shrouding the mystery of within from passersby. And then there's the sweet smells of freshly baked bread wafting in the Cleveland Heights air. It's enough to both awaken your senses and melt your heart with desire and envy. Fresh, airy, buttery goodness. To Celiac's living nearby, this would be considered torturous.
The bakery itself is no frills. The front of the house consists of a couple cafe tables, but for the most part, it's a take-out business. Behind the counter, you can see where all the magic happens as bakers covered in flour work to replenish the stock . Come in for a traditional French baguette, a buttery croissant or infamous sticky bun and take with or sit on one of the benches outside and devour. The daily offerings also include a variety of artisanal breads and loaves along with several pastries to chose from. They also make a homemade granola that's out of this world. As for coffee, they have that covered too.
A quick tip: A line usually forms on the weekend that stretches outside. This is obviously a sign that this place is locally approved. To be able to live so close is a blessing. I can see a visit to On the Rise becoming a morning tradition.