This welcoming cafe and bakery basically wrote the book on how to turn an old garage into a welcoming community hub: Let the sunshine in, add a bunch of wooden tables, encourage conversation by prohibiting laptops and tablets, and—most importantly—fill the space with wafting scents of baking bread. Seven days a week, August First turns out an impressive array of treats in its sprawling bakery—and Burlingtonians are here for it.

This is your go-to for bread to go; stop by the entrance and grab a hearty loaf in one of several flavor variations. (We love the jalapeño cheddar and the olive.) Stay to sample some of the soups, salads, bowls, and sandwiches that helped August First win the local Seven Days newspaper title of “Best Lunch” in 2017 and 2018. Linger with a coffee and a croissant, cookie, or scone (try the ham, cheddar, and chive version). The seasonal treats are also always worth sampling; if it’s autumn, don’t miss the chocolate chip pumpkin bread.