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85°C Bakery Cafe
Master Critic Review
85°C Bakery Cafe
8.2
Taiwan's beloved bakery chain brings Asian-fusion pastries, signature sea salt coffee, and delicate cakes to Northridge. This spacious location offers self-service pastry selection with freshly baked goods throughout the day.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sea Salt Coffee, Brioche, Mango Creme Brulee Cake
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Authentic Taiwanese bakery concept with Asian-fusion flavors and signature drinks
Who should go: Asian pastry fans, bubble tea lovers, late-night snackers
When to visit: Before 10am for best pastry selection, especially egg tarts
What to order: Sea salt coffee, brioche, strawberry or mango cake slices
Insider tip: Download the app for BOGO deals and use self-service kiosks to speed ordering
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot parking at Walnut Grove Shopping Center - can be tricky in busy strip mall, try parking away from storefront
Dress code: Ultra-casual - athleisure, shorts, whatever you're wearing
Noise level: Moderate buzz - spacious interior with seating, conversation-friendly
Weekend wait: 5-10 min for pastry checkout; drinks may take longer if ordering specialty boba
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - self-service kiosk speeds ordering significantly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including pastries, cakes, and most menu items
Vegan options: Very limited - tea drinks without milk are safe; breads contain eggs/dairy in base mix; soy milk available for lattes (+$0.50)
Gluten-free options: No - all bread items contain wheat; no dedicated GF options currently offered
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for a low-stakes dessert date or casual coffee meet-up. The spacious Northridge location (larger than most 85C stores) has seating for lingering. Grab trays together and browse pastries - the self-selection format naturally sparks conversation. Not romantic, but fun and affordable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, no reservations taken. This is self-service - grab a tray, use tongs to select pastries, order drinks at the kiosk or counter, then find a seat. Tables are first-come but usually available at this location despite the store being busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Excellent for kids. The pastry selection process is engaging (kids love picking with tongs), there are sweet colorful options like the Sweet Choco Bear and fruit-topped cakes, and prices are reasonable enough to let them choose. Open until 9pm for post-dinner treats.
How does ordering work? Self-service bakery style: grab a tray and tongs at entrance, browse displays, use tongs to select pastries. At checkout, cashier bags each item individually. Order drinks at kiosk (faster) or counter. Pro tip: use kiosk to order drinks BEFORE selecting pastries - your drink will be ready when you finish browsing.
Best For
Better for: Asian-fusion flavors (taro, red bean, matcha), signature sea salt coffee, late-night availability (open til 9pm), budget-friendly treats under $4, boba tea alongside pastries, the only Taiwanese bakery in the Valley
Skip if: You need gluten-free or vegan options, want custom cakes (go to Sweet Delicious or Porto's), prefer European/Jewish baking traditions, or want sit-down cafe service with table delivery