Lutherville (Map, News) - While the name bears every mark of being just another window-front store competing for the affections of the community, Stone Mill Bakery answers the call with a gourmet menu to satisfy even the most persnickety food connoisseur.

Nestled in the heart of Greenspring Station, in a bustling business center amid rows of professional buildings, the bakery says it specialize in soups, sandwiches and salads, with bread to rival the best in Baltimore.

Ordering over a large display counter is a perfect amalgam of seeing and believing. Patrons are enticed by demonstration plates showing off Caesar salads, a corned beef reuben on rye, or a honey ham and French brie. For the more discriminating, the menu serves trendy options such as hildas marinated cucumber with goat cheese served on a baguette. Want to eat like a champ and not leave hungry? The Stone Mill club sandwich is generously stacked with house-roasted turkey breast, provolone, roasted red peppers, sprouts and garlic aioli. Surely, Stone Mill Bakery lost sight of “play it safe” standard fare and what a bakery is supposed to be a long time ago, making itself a viable breakfast and lunch option.

In keeping with this spirit, I too threw caution to the wind, opting for the portabella mushroom sandwich, with roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella bits and balsamic vinaigrette, served with a side of potatoes. Nothing disappointing here. Neither was the sandwich short on taste. My wife was less daring in choosing the “almost famous” tuna salad sandwich. And with breads baked fresh daily, customers can order anything from pan de mie to calamata olive bread.

Although a crammed dining room packs in about 20, the food is worthy enough to help reconcile the need for elbow room. Subsequently, Stone Mill Bakery broke the land speed record. No sooner had we found our seats when our food arrived. A wait staff that has mastered the need to get the lunch crowds in and out without the added pressure of imposition is a rare find.

IF YOU GO

Stone Mill Bakery

Greenspring Station

10751 Falls Road, Lutherville

410-821-1358