Tucked away in the charming Bok Building, Machine Shop is an authentic French boulangerie and patisserie celebrated for its exceptional quality and commitment to sustainable practices. Since opening its doors in 2017, this bakery has served as a heartfelt tribute to traditional French pastry craftsmanship, offering an irresistible experience for pastry lovers and connoisseurs alike.
The owner, pastry chef Emily Riddell, brings Michelin-level skill to every bake. Named one of Food & Wine’s ‘Best New Chefs’ in 2022, Riddell’s creations have earned Machine Shop national acclaim – including recognition from “The New York Times,” which named it one of the 22 Best Bakeries in the United States.
With its modern industrial design, the space manages to feel both cozy and open. It is the kind of place where the gentle hum of conversation mingles with the delicate crackle of golden pastries fresh from the oven. But be warned, thanks to its devoted regulars seating fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
The loyal following is no surprise once you taste what the bakers at Machine Shop create. They masterfully blend classic French techniques with creative flair, offering everything from crisp, fluffy breads to fragrant cakes and tarts, alongside a tempting lineup of viennoiseries that feel like they have come straight from a Parisian cafe. Among their standouts is the orange cardamom morning bun—a marvel of sticky, caramelized layers infused with freshly zested orange and crowned with a perfectly crunchy, flaky crust.
Bread lovers will also find plenty to adore. Whole loaves are baked fresh daily, featuring playful and seasonal flavors like seeded rye pullman and sweet potato focaccia—each one warm, fragrant, and impossible to resist. Machine Shop is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., but plan ahead: breads sell out quickly, and everything is made in limited quantities.
Machine Shop’s winter holiday menu is now open for pre-orders as well, with pickups available on Dec. 24th. The lineup includes festive specialties featuring cozy flavor pairings such as dried currant with almond, citrus with chamomile, and grapefruit with poppy.
Getting there from Drexel’s campus is an adventure worth taking. Hop on the Market-Frankford Line to 15th Street, transfer to the Broad Street Line, and get off at Tasker-Morris. From there, enjoy a scenic 15-minute stroll through South Philly until you reach the historic Bok Building. The entrance is a bit tucked away on the side, but do not let that deter you—the reward is immediate. Step inside, and you will be welcomed by the intoxicating aroma of seasoned focaccia and caramelized sugar. One bite of a tangy lemon tart or buttery vanilla sable will convince you that the journey was more than worth it.