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Clark Street Bakery
Master Critic Review
Clark Street Bakery
8.0
Founded in 2014, this organic sourdough bakery started at farmer's markets before opening the Echo Park cafe in 2019. Swedish cardamom buns, kouign-amann, and Gruyère-thyme croissants showcase technical pastry mastery, while the breakfast burrito delivers hearty savory options on a covered patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Swedish Cardamom Bun, Breakfast Burrito, Kouign-Amann
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Organic sourdough expertise from decade of farmer's market roots
Who should go: Pastry connoisseurs and bread enthusiasts valuing artisanal technique
When to visit: Early morning 7:30am-8:30am for warmest pastries and full selection
What to order: Swedish cardamom bun, breakfast burrito, seeded sourdough
Insider tip: Covered patio provides pleasant outdoor seating year-round
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - relatively easy mornings/weekdays, tighter weekends. Sunset Boulevard nearby has metered spots.
Dress code: Ultra casual - gym clothes and pajamas common. This is a grab-and-go bakery.
Noise level: Moderate - cafe chatter and espresso machine noise, fine for casual conversation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - most pastries plus breakfast burrito can be modified
Vegan options: Limited - a few pastries use only plant-based ingredients, ask staff for current options
Gluten-free options: No - sourdough bakery specializes in wheat-based bread and pastries
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd-3rd dates or casual morning meetups. Covered patio works for low-pressure coffee dates, but counter-service format and cafe seating lack romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without ordering ahead? No reservations needed - it's counter service. Patio seating is first-come during busy weekend mornings; weekdays usually have open tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - casual atmosphere, sweet pastries kids love, outdoor patio space. No high chairs but plenty of families visit. Expect 5-10 min wait tolerance for ordering.
Can I work on my laptop here? Yes but limited - a few small tables inside with outlets, but primarily designed for quick visits. Better for 1-hour coffee sessions than all-day posting up.
Do they have WiFi? Yes - free WiFi available, password usually posted at counter
Best For
Better for: Superior pastry technique and organic sourdough quality over chain bakeries. Choose Clark Street when you want artisanal baking craftsmanship, farmer's market-quality ingredients, and that perfect cardamom bun. Better than Proof for sourdough bread; more approachable than République's formal setting.
Skip if: You want a full sit-down breakfast service with table ordering, need extensive gluten-free options, or prefer sweeter American-style pastries over European techniques. Also skip if you're seeking a quiet work-all-day cafe - this is a busy neighborhood bakery.