Crusty Devil Bakehouse

If you're after a bakery in Carina, Queensland, Crusty Devil Bakehouse is one locals tend to land on for donuts first and pies a close second. Their own line is that they bake donuts, croissants, lamingtons, sourdough, pies and pastries on site each day, and the founders, master bakers Steve and Sarah Thoms with Tom Potter, have set the place up with viewing areas so you can watch the baking happen.

The donuts are what people talk about most. We hear they're light, fresh and not too sweet, with plenty of flavours to work through, and one local even reports that they freeze and reheat well. The savoury side gets a good run too. The pies and sausage rolls have their fans, and some people make it a daily grab-and-go breakfast stop. Others mention sandwiches, a custard tart and the cream buns, and a Caesar focaccia had one visitor impressed.

Beyond the cabinet, they do sourdough bread and take custom cake orders, and the shop offers takeaway, delivery and in-store pick-up. You can sit down with a coffee or a hot chocolate. Access is easy, with a free car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, and they take cards and tap-and-go payments. The hours run long, from early morning through to evening most days, though it's worth checking before you head in.

The staff come up again and again as friendly and efficient, and one local singled out a young bloke named Eli for catching an overcharge and sorting a refund before they'd left the shop.

A few people have mentioned that prices aren't displayed in store and that you need to ask, and one regular felt the bread and sandwiches weren't as fresh as they'd like since the shop's move and upgrade. The donuts and pies remain the main draw, and the reputation here is a decent one. Come with donuts and a pie in mind and you'll be on safe ground.