SRJC Café Rose and Alex Ling Bakery
SRJC Café Rose and Alex Ling Bakery — photo 2
SRJC Café Rose and Alex Ling Bakery — photo 3
SRJC Café Rose and Alex Ling Bakery — photo 4
SRJC Café Rose and Alex Ling Bakery — photo 5

SRJC Café Rose and Alex Ling Bakery

1670 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA

★★★★★4.8(39 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

This hidden gem run by Santa Rosa Junior College's culinary students serves as both a genuine café and a training ground where you'll taste the passion of future chefs in every cheddar bacon scone and freshly baked sourdough. The rotating menu and frequent sellouts mean each visit feels like a discovery, though timing is key—arrive after 11 AM when the day's most ambitious breads emerge from the kitchen, and you'll understand why regulars keep coming back despite the limited hours. Beyond the genuinely excellent coffee and pastries, you're supporting students building real careers while enjoying the warm, unpretentious atmosphere that only comes from a space where learning and hospitality actually matter.

What to expect

Traditional drinksPastriesLight foodMeetingsFamily friendlySlow sit

Google Reviews

Findlay Gray
★★★★7 months ago

Its a cute little bakery, I think the opportunity to try student prepared food is awesome and a great experience for both customer and students. Today I got a cheddar bacon scones and the apple cider donut cupcake. I think this was the fluffiest scones I've ever had, usually scones are hard crumbly and a mess to eat. This was extremely pleasant. Though, while eating it, each bite was a bit different; a couple bites were fine then towards the end it became a bite of either pure salt flavor or pure pepper flavor. While I dont mind either sensation together, individually as mouthfuls was a bit much for breakfast. I dont usually do donuts, but I liked the idea of a fusion bite. Very moist and bouncy with each bite. I like how much apple I could taste and it wasnt the super sugar fake apple flavor. The sugar coating is a tad messy but was fine, personally I think eating a plain one would have been more up my alley but if you like sugar donuts you'll love this. I feel this item gave all the fun of the donut without the grease feeling and I appreciate that. Took a Pic of the schedule and cant wait to try more goods! Thank you!

Abigail Ingraham
★★★★a year ago

This cafe has very nice pastries and good coffee and the staff is very pleasant and amicable. Be aware though that they're not open everyday and that they often sell out of their most popular items quite early. Also, they could have more tables and chairs available outside but overall it's a really nice experience and you're supporting culinary students and the program, so despite their limited hours and seating it's a nice place to stop if you're in the area.

Emilia Maria D'Anzica
★★★★★a year ago

my recommendation is go after 11 because fresh sourdough ancient grain and other delicious breads are available. The students are constantly bringing out incredible food and I found it hard to stop buying. Also, the restaurant is something I can’t wait to try at lunch. Highly recommend booking a reservation for the lunch and supporting future chefs! also, the organic coffee was excellent!

Nancy Hayssen
★★★★★5 years ago

Unique dining experience. My brother and Mom (many years ago) went through this program and loved it. My brother was placed in a great job as a chef at a well-known winery where he has worked for years. Love the hands on learning, and support for college students getting jobs after graduating. My Mom, brother and I came here to eat recently and we loved all the food. There’s an array of cuisines from Mexican to Asian to Italian - we ate much of the items on the menu. Our server was super sweet. The bakery bread is so fresh - our fav was a cranberry/walnut one. Seniors over 60 get 15% off and reservations are needed in advance as hours/days are limited. Great place to see student chefs in action, eat good food and support this great local program.

Jesse Kosten
★★★★★6 years ago

Excellent service and food experience, plus it supports students learning skills and preparing for careers.

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