Baguette Magic Downtown Baguette Magic Downtown is a charming little bakery located in the heart of downtown. Known for its delicious baguettes and warm, welcoming atmosphere, it has become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The bakery's tagline, "Where bread becomes magic," perfectly encapsulates the experience of stepping into this delightful establishment. As soon as you walk through the door, you are greeted by the intoxicating smell of freshly baked bread. The bakery's open kitchen allows customers to see the skilled bakers meticulously shaping and baking the baguettes. It's impossible not to be captivated by the sight of golden loaves emerging from the ovens.
When the Kramer sisters purchased Baguette Magic, though, they weren’t expecting to be hit by a global pandemic.
Despite the setback, they persevered and re-evaluated, setting up Bag-ette deliveries, providing weekly delivery services of kitchen essentials and groceries for Lowcountry residents from local farmers and purveyors like Legare Farms and Rio Bertollini s. This new endeavor has been on the sisters minds since they took over the original location, but to get a second location going, they needed the first one to generate capital, Paula said, adding that the cities of James Island and downtown Charleston also have different bureaucratic hoops to clear.
It's impossible not to be captivated by the sight of golden loaves emerging from the ovens. The menu at Baguette Magic Downtown is simple but satisfying. Alongside their signature baguettes, they offer a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and beverages.
Baguette Magic ready to cast its spell on the peninsula
In November 2019, sisters Paula and Sam Kramer purchased Baguette Magic at 792 Folly Road. Since then, the duo has revitalized the bistro, creating a James Island staple voted Best Bakery two years in a row in City Paper’s Best Of awards.
When the Kramer sisters purchased Baguette Magic, though, they weren’t expecting to be hit by a global pandemic.
“We redid our dining room and went to Myrtle Beach,” Sam said. “And on the way back from Myrtle Beach, we got the message that all the dining rooms are getting closed.”
Despite the setback, they persevered and re-evaluated, setting up “Bag-ette” deliveries, providing weekly delivery services of kitchen essentials and groceries for Lowcountry residents from local farmers and purveyors like Legare Farms and Rio Bertollini’s.
And in the coming weeks, the Kramer sisters have their next project ahead of them — a downtown Baguette Magic location. The new location is slated to open at 73 Spring St. in the former WildFlour Pastry shop, which closed after 10 years in 2019.
This new endeavor has been on the sisters’ minds since they took over the original location, but to get a second location going, they needed the first one to generate capital, Paula said, adding that the cities of James Island and downtown Charleston also have different bureaucratic hoops to clear.
“We don’t have investors,” she said. “We’re just doing everything out of our profits, and so it is kind of like, we have to get the first thing open and then we can expand after generating some money. It’s been a lesson of learning, especially with bureaucracy. Overall, it’s been great though, and we have the best, most incredible contractors and architects. They have helped us along the way with floor plans and navigating some of these things because we’re just doing it all ourselves.”
Coincidentally, Baguette Magic beat out WildFlour Pastry as Best Bakery two years ago, but the coincidences don’t stop there. “Sam and I used to go to WildFlour for cinnamon rolls on Sundays and it was like a big thing when we both moved back to Charleston,” said Paula. “We were big fans. Our real estate agent — who’s also my best friend and convinced us to buy Baguette Magic — she put WildFlour in that building. So she was their agent for that when they signed the lease there. I called her and I was like, ‘They’re not doing anything with that space, it’s closed all the time. Can you reach out?’ And she said, ‘Oh yeah, I know the owner.’ And then she told me the story.”
Swing on by the downtown location on Spring Street in the coming weeks | Photo by Rūta SmithSince securing the new site, the two have spent hours repainting and redecorating the former WildFlour space, building shelving and redoing the floor in the back.
The new Baguette Magic will be “significantly smaller” than its sister location on James Island and won’t carry the full Baguette Magic menu. The sisters say it’s going to be retail, coffee and pastries with grab-and-go options. “It’s been a huge transformation,” said Paula. “We’re so excited about it.”
Find Baguette Magic on James Island until their new location opens at 73 Spring St. baguettemagicchs.com.
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In November 2019, sisters Paula and Sam Kramer purchased Baguette Magic at 792 Folly Road. Since then, the duo has revitalized the bistro, creating a James Island staple voted Best Bakery two years in a row in City Paper’s Best Of awards.
Each item on the menu is made with the same care and attention to detail as their beloved baguettes. It's a true haven for bread lovers, as every bite is a taste of pure perfection. What sets Baguette Magic Downtown apart from other bakeries is the magical touch they infuse into their products. Legend has it that the bakers at Baguette Magic Downtown possess a secret recipe that brings good luck to anyone who consumes their bread. Locals swear by this enchantment, claiming that their fortunes have turned around after a visit to the bakery. Beyond the bread itself, Baguette Magic Downtown is also known for its warm and inviting atmosphere. The space is adorned with charming rustic decor, creating a cozy and intimate setting. The friendly staff are always ready to assist customers and offer recommendations, adding to the overall experience. Baguette Magic Downtown is not just a bakery; it's an experience. It's a place where bread transcends its humble origins and becomes something truly magical. Whether you're in need of a quick bite, a relaxing cup of coffee, or simply want to bask in the ambiance, this bakery is sure to cast its spell on you..
Reviews for "The Magic Continues: Baguettes in Downtown"
- Jane - 1 star - I was really disappointed with Baguette magic downtown. The service was slow and the staff seemed rude and uninterested. The baguette I ordered was stale and lacked flavor. I was expecting a magical experience based on the name, but unfortunately, it was far from it. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone looking for a good, fresh baguette.
- Mike - 2 stars - The Baguette magic downtown didn't live up to the hype for me. The ambiance was quite underwhelming, and the prices were quite high for what they offered. The baguette I ordered was dry and lacked the crustiness and freshness I was expecting. Overall, it was a forgettable experience and I don't think I'll be coming back.
- Sarah - 1 star - I was really excited to try Baguette magic downtown, but it was a huge disappointment. The baguette I ordered was incredibly greasy and left an unpleasant aftertaste. The service was mediocre at best, and the staff seemed disorganized and unprofessional. I won't be returning to this place.