California Bakery
719 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA
Crema's Take
“Tucked into San Francisco, California Bakery is a warm neighborhood gem run by a lovely older couple who treat every customer like family. Their showstopper is an impressive lineup of French donuts and hand pies that come out constantly throughout the day, alongside excellent banh mi sandwiches and savory pastries that keep locals coming back. It's the kind of place where a quick coffee grab transforms into a lingering sit, especially when you're biting into something freshly made and genuinely delicious.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
I adore this delicious, fast, and affordable bakery. It has the sweetest staff, and they treat their customers like family. My favorite items there are their mouthwatering savory pies and pasties.
My goodness. This place was absolutely amazing and I will come back. I dont typically write a long review but this one deserves it. Trust me come here and try what they have, you won't regret it. This is a bakery situated along Taraval street, conveniently located near 19th avenue with lots of parking nearby, and this serves an amazing addition to the sunset's bakery offerings. This is without a doubt a hole in the wall sort of place. I was inspired to come here after watch Adonis' instagram video highlighting their meat packed Vietnamese pies. I could see prior to that video, this is the type of place you'd like to gatekeep after tasting what they have to offer. The storefront is maned by a cute elderly Vietnamese pair. The inside is nothing to write home about, but you don't care about that; what you care about is their food. Upon entering the bakery, you see what you come to expect from an asian donut style store - you see a line up full of delicious donuts, and pastries. Don't order just donuts, that's a trap. You must try their pate and meat stuffed pies. Absolutely some of the best I tried. They also offer a selection of vietnamese drinks such as vietnamese coffee though I haven't tried it. Now why did i write this review. I am writing it because after eating their banh mi, I can without say it was one of the best I ever tried. I ordered the combination meat banh mi - the original and OG - and unlike other banh mi's stores, this was packed to the brim and the flavor was amazing. It was PACKED full of pate, my favorite. I can't believe I haven't heard of this spot and Im so glad I tried it and you should too. I love eating banh mi and often there are ones that are mid or needing to drive all the way to the tenderloin and I am not down to navigate parking or venturing the tenderloin itself. This connects the sunset to absolutely some of the best authentic experience you can encounter. Come by, you won't regret this and support small businesses like this one. I was not sponsored but after eating that Banh Mi I had to leave this review. Although I'd love to gatekeep this spot, they deserve the patronage and business and it is highly convenient if you are around the area. Thank you so much and much love!
Fav bahn mi place! Generous filling with great veg-super balanced! Lovely couple and hot hand pies all the time! And yummy donuts to boot. I love the older couple that runs the place. Only down is parking (L line on travel). Walk a whole block to it- well worth it. A few seats if needed
Best French donuts in the City??? Nobody seems to make French donuts anymore. So when I saw these delicious goods at California Bakery, I had to mention them. Support your small businesses and grab a donut and coffee. ***Update They have Empanadas!!! So delicious. No need to go to Spain.
Update July 2023: Still the nicest shopkeepers in the neighborhood. Also, excellent old fashioned donuts 🙌 I like calling in advance to order the sandwich. Sept 2022: Got the tofu banh mi and it's excellent. Asked them to toast bread extra. Watch the jalapenos! They are spicier than I expected 😆 Excellent and friendly service. Original review July 2021: Got a vegetarian empanada (potato, carrots, peas, cheese) ... a fruit tart ... a maple old fashioned donut. All were fresh and delicious! Nice staff too.
Crema Reviews
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