By Cliff Lewis

At 47 North Queen, the Super Bread Colombian Bakery sits right under the nose of Penn Square, but nevertheless, many art-walking, market-going, city-loving folks may never have realized that it’s there. This shop might fall out of notice for its marginal position, located on the eastern side of this first block of N Queen—the side that dimly boasts a Rite Aid and Rent-a-Center against the coffee shops and niche boutiques of its western counterpart. But Super Bread chalks one up for the east, providing fresh, unique baked items and representing Lancaster’s vital Latino/Hispanic culture on the Downtown scene.

During morning hours, the shop is warm with the aroma of baking breads. Along the wall are dozens of clear boxes, showcasing the creations of the day. There is a certain heartiness that distinguishes many of these Colombian-style baked goods. Items like the Almojabana (baked cheese ball) and the Pandebono (cheese and egg bread) have a floury crunch on the outer crust and a savory breading within. The robust Pan de Queso (cheese bread) holds a glossy, chewy crust and a baked sprinkling of cheese.

Sweeter items at Super Bread are light and subtle. The Sweet Whole Wheat Bread comes in dark, round rolls, and is lightly sweetened with a mild, licorice-like hint. The donut-shaped rings of Guava Bread are, again, mildly sugared and filled with a guava jam.

The service is fast, friendly, and marked by a family-owned spirit of hospitality. And the space is surprising open, despite what, from the outside, appears to be a rather small storefront shop. Along one wall there stretches a long table with bar stools for patrons to sit and enjoy their breads, empanadas, drinks, and lunch items.

All things considered, Super Bread Colombian Bakery on North Queen Street is just another great reason to take a closer look at Downtown Lancaster’s many unassuming little shops.