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Cadinho Bakery & Café
Master Critic Review
Cadinho Bakery & Café
8.0
A McKinley Park Portuguese bakery-café where the egg-custard tarts (pastéis de nata) are the clear headline—flaky, buttery, and best eaten warm with coffee. The case stays interesting with rotating tarts and savory bakes, but the smartest order starts with natas and builds from there.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastel de nata, Passionfruit tart, Savory hand pie (rotating)
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Portuguese tarts done with real custard-and-flake precision.
Who should go: Coffee-and-pastry people chasing natas
When to visit: Late morning for fresh bakes and easy seating
What to order: Pastel de nata, passionfruit tart, a savory hand pie
Insider tip: Start with two natas—one plain, one special—then decide if you need more.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking is generally available on surrounding residential blocks; usually manageable even on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are completely fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy conversation, calm café energy.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—counter-service bakery with occasional short lines, typically under 10 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most sweet pastries and several savory items are vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—occasionally a vegan pastry or bread, but not a reliable selection.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—no dedicated gluten-free pastry program; cross-contamination likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for a low-pressure coffee date—quiet, intimate, and focused on quality pastries rather than a long sit-down commitment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations, and seating typically turns over quickly outside of peak late-morning hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids—sweet pastries are a hit, though seating is limited and there are no dedicated kid amenities.
Best For
Better for: Pastéis de nata quality, quick solo stops, and focused Portuguese pastry execution without crowds.
Skip if: You want a full-service brunch, large group seating, or extensive dietary-accommodation menus.