Continuing my ongoing love affair with Agricola St, I would be remiss in not rhapsodizing about Smith's Bakery and Cafe- Halifax's oldest independent bakery- operating since 1932. Housed in a quaint building, the bakery produces a variety of breads, tea biscuits, squares, muffins, and cookies-all made on site, and all absolutely delicious.

Outside the cafe, there are miniature picnic tables to sit at on fair weather days, or you can choose to sit inside the cafe at tables. The best spot to roost is on stool overlooking the street- a prime perch for people watching and taking in the eclectic hustle and bustle of Agricola. Smith's does offer a great cafe menu, including sandwiches, soups, and the All Day Breakfast option (I love all day breakfast!). But my favorite thing to do is to select a square from the display case, grab a mug of coffee from the sideboard, and hunker down. The squares are home made, old fashioned, and so yummy. Its difficult to choose just one, so its best to take a friend along and get a few to sample. (or better yet, ditch the friend and get a few to sample...) Date, lemon, nanaimo, blueberry.....decisions, decisions!

Friendly service, fantastic baked goods, and an environment that oozes tradition and authenticity, Smith's Bakery is an institution. At under $4 for a coffee and a treat, visits here are a must!