In my global quest for the perfect pastry, I’ve savored croissants in Parisian patisseries, indulged in pistachio cannoli in Florence, and delighted in chocolate cakes from Lucern’s finest resturants. Yet, Mustang Bakery in Libby, Montana, under the masterful hands of third-generation baker Ben Kaufman, stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s greatest. This unassuming storefront at the corner of U.S. 2 and Main Avenue is a pilgrimage-worthy destination for anyone who reveres the art of baking.
From the moment you arrive at the Mustang Bakery—or pull up to its convenient drive-through—you’re enveloped by the intoxicating aroma of butter, caramelized sugar, and freshly baked dough. Each pastry is a testament to Kaufman’s craft, blending time-honored scratch techniques with an intuitive sense of balance. The specialty orange glazed croissants, with their golden, shatteringly crisp layers and tender buttery interiors, rival those of France’s most celebrated boulangeries. The caramel rolls, kissed with just the right amount of sticky-sweet glaze, melt on the tongue with a depth of flavor that speaks to premium ingredients and meticulous care. Bear claws burst with vibrant fruit fillings, while the cinnamon rolls strike a perfect harmony of spice and sweetness, fresh fruits and cream cheese frosting their decadent crown.
What sets Mustang Bakery apart isn’t just the quality of its ingredients—though the rich, creamy butter and bright, fresh fruits are undeniably top-tier. It’s Kaufman’s uncanny ability to calibrate every element: the precise thickness of a pastry’s crust, the delicate crispness that yields to a soft, airy crumb, the measured sweetness that never overwhelms. These are the hallmarks of a great baker, and Kaufman is, without question, among the elite. His creations evoke the reputation of Vienna’s Demel, the soulful comfort of New York’s Sullivan Street Bakery, and the rustic charm of a five-star Tuscan Agriturismo—all while rooted in the heart of Northwest Montana.
The bakery’s daily specials showcase Kaufman’s versatility, while Megan Bortz’s warm, welcoming presence ensures every visit feels like coming home. Open Wednesday through Saturday until sold out, Mustang Bakery is a fleeting treasure—arrive early, as perfection like this doesn’t linger.
In a world of mass-produced mediocrity, Mustang Bakery is a beacon of artistry. Ben Kaufman doesn’t just bake; he creates edible poetry. For those who believe a pastry can be a revelation, this is a must-visit. I’ve tasted the world’s best, and Mustang Bakery is firmly among them…I can’t wait to visit them again.
I’m serious, folks! I’m not an influencer or any such thing. We just got back from a three month, last hurrah, vacation in some of the most glamorous places; Sint Maarten, Paris, Nice and the French Riviera, Monaco, Florence, Rome, Prague, Leipzig, Lucerne, Zurich, Paris again, LeHarvre, and took the Queen Mary 2 to New York to celebrate our anniversary. We tried pastries everywhere we went, and this surprising little place in Montana, the Mustang Bakery, topped them all.
Bob Graham
Bob Graham's Blog 