Corner Bakery wants to put you at ease and uses cutesy catchphrases to back up the sentiment. The bakery "on the corner of fresh and tasty" is devoted to "catering to your every knead." In truth, the State Street Corner Bakery oftentimes feels more like an overrun fast food joint than a cupful-of-comfort spot. Yes, the place is relatively comfortable, with decor that reminds you that you've escaped the cubicle for a few minutes: black and white checkered floors, pale green walls and shelves of perfect-looking flour-dusted loaves.

However, the tables are arranged cafeteria-style and if you want service you've got to take a number. The staff seems bored; disappointingly, the fleshy-faced baker in a white apron (the bakery's cartoon mascot) never appears. Then again, perhaps the adorable muffin man is hidden in back, toiling away in the kitchen. For all it lacks in ambiance, the Corner Bakery does serve up some superior baked goods.

The paninis are always popular; customer favorites include the chicken pomodori with fresh basil and tomato. Daily selections of soup range from roasted tomato basil to spring asparagus. The array of salads includes chopped, Ceasar and Santa Fe ranch. For dessert, choose between brownies, lemon bars, dream bars or cinnamon creme cake (but that's about it, making this more a breakfast/lunch spot than a break-my-diet haven). As befitting a bakery, one of the best parts is its bread: thirty-plus varieties ranging from country sourdough to kalamata olive.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Jennifer Berg