Best Farmers Market stall: Upper Crust Bakery

Upper Crust Bakery takes the cake again

By NEVAEH KARRAKER — nakarraker@ucdavis.edu

The Davis Farmers Market, located at Central Park in Downtown Davis, is celebrating its 50th anniversary after half a century of consistently showing up for the community every Saturday and Wednesday. “Davis’ soul,” as the market proclaims, features locally sourced, fresh produce year-round, with craft stands and farm good displays serving as the hub of family and community interaction. 

Among the many vendors, Upper Crust Bakery has earned the title as the “Best Farmers Market Stall” for 2026, a worthy achievement as the establishment celebrates its 40th anniversary. The bakery, located at 634 G Street, has previously won The California Aggie’s “Best Bakery” and “Best Pastries” awards.

From warm baguettes and sourdough loaves to sweet pastries like scones and cookies, Upper Crust provides a wide selection of farm-to-fork, quality goodies for everyone.

Upper Crust was established in 1986 by Mo and Trudy Kalisky, who, after moving from Paris, refined their artisanal menu with French baking traditions and whole ingredients. Lorin Kalisky, the owners’ son, inherited the bakery in 2016, effectively making Upper Crust the only second-generation owned business in Davis, according to their website. 

The emphasis on family and connection is folded into the workplace, both in the commercial kitchen and at the farmers market. Gabby Leugero, an Upper Crust staff member who grew up in Davis, was captivated by the kind management and comforting atmosphere.

“It’s different [from other bakeries] since it’s not commercialized, or stiff — it makes you want to come back,” Leugero said. “One of my favorite things is working on pizza nights on Wednesdays, since it’s so lively and being in an environment where everyone is happy is motivating and inspiring.”

Rachel Harris, a fourth-year evolution, ecology and biodiversity major, also shared her appreciation for the friendly staff, reliable ingredients and the plethora of snacks. 

“I was drawn in because of the wide variety,” Harris said. “It’s good quality and [gives] large desserts. The chocolate croissant is enlightening.” 

The chocolate croissants and pretzels are fan favorites; Joaquin Lemieux, a second-year environmental science major, professed Wednesdays as his “pretzel day,” and touched on the welcoming environment of the Davis Farmers Market. 

“It brings the community together,” Lemieux said. “It feels like a Hallmark movie in the best way possible, especially in the winter. It’s nice to support small businesses and get a treat.”

Whether you’re a student, visitor or a member of the Davis community, the Davis Farmers Market is a cherished attraction that’s an integral part of the agriculture-based town and university. 

The Upper Crust Bakery stand is open on Saturdays at the Davis Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. — if you visit, you just may bump into the Kalisky family as they enjoy the company of the community they’ve fostered.

Written by: Nevaeh Karraker—nakarraker@ucdavis.edu