McCue's Bakery

If you're passing through Murray Bridge and want a proper country bakery, McCue's Bakery is the one locals point you to. It's the kind of place that's busy through the lunch rush, with a queue that sometimes reaches the door, and people tend to say that's the best advert it could have.

Pies are what it's known for. We hear the chunky steak and vegetable is loaded with real pieces of meat and a dark, flavourful gravy, and there's a long list of other flavours, lamb and rosemary among them. Pasties, sausage rolls and the savoury slice have their own followings too. Fresh from the oven is the usual story, and people who stop in on the road trip between Adelaide and elsewhere often make a point of coming back next time through.

The sweet side leans old-fashioned in the best way. Think scrolls, buns, a custard Berliner with sticky icing that one local said was just like childhood, and a rack of biscuits by the door. There's also good coffee, a big fridge of cold drinks, fresh-cut salad rolls, and a breakfast crowd. If you're after something for a celebration, they take custom cake orders for birthdays and other occasions, and they do catering as well. Mobile lunch vans also visit local workplaces on weekdays.

You can take away, have it delivered, or sit down. There are indoor and outdoor tables, and the shop has historic photos on the walls. The staff are widely described as friendly, and some seem to know half the town by name. Pricing is generally seen as good value, though we've heard the odd grumble about a pie or pastie that didn't hit the mark, and about waiting when it's flat out.

Parking close by can be tight at busy times, though there's a free car park and street parking, plus an accessible car park. They take cards and mobile payments. Hours differ between weekdays and weekends, so check before you head in, especially if you're aiming for a late weekend lunch.