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Cinderella Bakery & Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Cinderella Bakery & Cafe
7.7
Russian bakery-café serving piroshki, blintzes, and morning pastries with coffee. Counter moves quickly and the outdoor tables make for an easy, casual brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Piroshki, Blintzes, Vareniki
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Slavic comfort favorites baked fresh from early morning.
Who should go: Savory pastry lovers
When to visit: 7–9am for first trays out of the oven
What to order: Beef piroshki; blintzes; vareniki
Insider tip: Warm piroshki travel well—grab extras for later.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Balboa and nearby residential blocks; generally easy on weekdays but tighter around weekend brunch hours.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are, from gym clothes to neighborhood stroll attire.
Noise level: Low to moderate—steady background chatter but easy for conversation even outdoors.
Weekend wait: N/A—closes by evening, primarily a breakfast and lunch spot.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; counter moves quickly even during peak bakery rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several piroshki, blintz, and salad options are meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—some breads and simple pastries may qualify, but fillings often contain dairy or eggs.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu or prep area; most items rely on wheat doughs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual morning meetups than romantic dates—think coffee and conversation rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed; seating is first come, first served with plenty of sidewalk tables available early.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families frequent the spot, and the outdoor tables work well for strollers or small children.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive Russian comfort food and pastries that beat chain cafés for authenticity and value.
Skip if: You’re seeking a drawn-out brunch with table service, cocktails, or dietary accommodations.
Cinderella Bakery & Cafe
7.7
Russian bakery-café serving piroshki, blintzes, and morning pastries with coffee. Counter moves quickly and there’s ample outdoor seating for casual breakfasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef piroshki, Blintzes with jam, Potato vareniki
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Slavic comfort favorites baked fresh from early morning.
Who should go: Savory pastry lovers
When to visit: 7–9am for hot bakes from the first trays
What to order: Beef piroshki, blintzes, vareniki
Insider tip: Warm piroshki travel well—add extras for later.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Balboa and surrounding residential blocks; usually available before 9am, tighter after 10am.
Dress code: Casual—walk-up bakery attire; outdoor tables fit jeans, hoodies, and sneakers just fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly takeaway traffic and soft chatter from patio tables.
Weekend wait: N/A - closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, though bakery cases can queue briefly around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—potato, cheese, and fruit-filled pastries offer multiple meat-free choices.
Vegan options: Limited—some fruit piroshki and plain breads qualify, but fillings often include dairy.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated options—most items are wheat-based and cross-contact is unavoidable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More of a casual coffee-and-pastry meetup than a romantic setting—great for a low-pressure morning date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is first-come, first-served and tables turn quickly, especially in the morning.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—ample outdoor seating, quick counter service, and sweet pastries keep kids happy.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Eastern European baked goods and early-morning freshness beat most nearby cafés.
Skip if: You want a full plated brunch or espresso drinks—this is a bakery first, café second.