A cup of Counter Culture Coffee and a flaky croissant oozing cheese and ham is one of the best ways to start your morning, and you'll find both at Proof Bakeshop in Atlanta. An offshoot of Cakes and Ale in Decatur, where fresh bread and pastries have always been part of the equation, Proof Bakeshop boasts a staff that considers baking an art form. To that end, they proof each loaf of bread (that is, let it fully rise) before sticking it in the oven to bake, hence the name.

So you can expect baked goods that far exceed your expectations at Proof Bakeshop. The kouign amann is a customer favorite, a sweet, flaky cake akin to puff pastry, made almost entirely of sugar and butter. You can also sink your teeth into a light croissant filled with chocolate or almond filling, or opt for something savory like the ham-and-cheese combo. Muffins, scones, cookies, and, of course, bread round out the menu at Proof Bakeshop.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Neil Conway