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ZipPicks Awards
Best Bakery in Downtown LA
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Phoenix Bakery
8.1
Vibes:
Sweet Treats Escapes
Birthday & Celebration Central
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
A Chinatown bakery that has held its lane since 1938, built on layered whipped cream cakes and old-school Chinese pastry technique that still pulls a line on weekends. The draw is the strawberry cake—light sponge, real cream, fresh fruit—ordered whole for birthdays or by the slice when you catch it. Expect a no-frills counter operation with bakery-case pricing that keeps the bill low.
Must-Try Dishes:
Strawberry Whipped Cream Cake, Almond Cookies, Tres Leches Cake
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Family-owned Chinatown bakery operating since 1938, famous for its layered strawberry whipped cream cake that draws lines out the door.
Who should go: Birthday planners and anyone with a serious sweet tooth
When to visit: Arrive early on weekends; cakes sell out by afternoon
What to order: Grab a whole strawberry whipped cream cake for the table, a bag of almond cookies to take home, and a mochi ice cream to eat on the spot.
Insider tip: Call ahead to reserve a cake for weekend pickup — walk-in stock sells out fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot in front with only a handful of spots—street metered parking on Broadway is the backup but gets tight in Chinatown; free street parking on Sundays
Weekend wait: Expect lines out the door on weekends and holidays—popular cakes sell out early; if ordering one made fresh, waits can exceed 2 hours
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not as a standalone date spot — this is a small, counter-service bakery with no sit-down tables or romantic ambiance. However, it's a charming stop as part of a Chinatown walking date. Grab their legendary strawberry whipped cream cake or almond cookies and stroll through the nearby plaza together. The 85+ year history and old-school character make for great conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations and no tables — this is a walk-in, counter-service bakery. Expect a line, especially on weekends and mornings. Popular items sell out, so go early. For whole cakes, you must call at least 24 hours ahead to place an order.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — kids love picking out cookies, pastries, and cake slices from the colorful display cases. No kids' menu or high chairs (it's a bakery, not a restaurant), but the casual, family-run atmosphere is welcoming to all ages. This is a third-generation family business that's been serving birthday cakes for over 85 years.
Is it good for groups? Not for dining — the space is small and designed for quick counter service and takeout. There are no large tables or private rooms. Groups can visit to buy items, but plan to eat elsewhere. For celebrations, order a whole cake at least 24 hours in advance and take it to your gathering spot.
Is there outdoor seating? No dedicated outdoor seating at the bakery itself. However, it's located in Chinatown's Central Plaza, which has a public courtyard area with benches where you can sit and enjoy your pastries. Grab your treats and find a spot in the plaza.
Best For
Better for: Grabbing a celebration cake, boxes of almond cookies or butterfly pastries for a road trip, picnic, or gift—order-at-the-counter and go
Hours
Monday10am - 4pm
Tuesday10am - 4pm
Wednesday10am - 4pm
Thursday10am - 4pm
Friday10am - 5pm
Saturday10am - 6pm
Sunday10am - 6pm