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California Bakery
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
California Bakery
7.8
Low-key Vietnamese bakery turning out flaky pâté chaud, stuffed buns, and solid bánh mì at friendly prices. It’s a true locals’ stop for quick snacks, sweet treats, and grab-and-go lunch on the Taraval corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pâté Chaud (Vietnamese Meat Pie), Đặc Biệt Bánh Mì, BBQ Pork Bun
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Flaky, buttery pâté chaud and wallet-friendly bánh mì.
Who should go: Bánh mì and pastry seekers on the go
When to visit: Late morning for freshest bakes and breads
What to order: Pâté chaud; đặc biệt bánh mì; BBQ pork bun
Insider tip: Grab extra meat pies— they sell out on busy weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taraval is usually available, though it can get tight during school drop-off and lunch rush hours.
Dress code: Completely casual—locals stop in for takeout wearing hoodies and flip-flops.
Noise level: Low—most orders are to-go, and the space stays quiet enough for short chats.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—closes by early evening, typically no dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though sandwich prep can take 5–10 minutes during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—options like egg or tofu bánh mì and coconut pastries are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some breads and vegetable-filled buns qualify, but fillings often contain butter or mayo.
Gluten-free options: No—most items use wheat-based dough and there’s no gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s a quick-stop bakery without seating or ambiance for lingering. Better suited for grabbing pastries to share elsewhere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s no table service—just counter ordering and a couple of benches outside if you want to eat immediately.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids love the sweet buns and meat pies, though there’s limited space for strollers or longer stays.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive bánh mì and hot pastries—fresher and cheaper than most cafés nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for café seating, espresso drinks, or a dine-in lunch experience—try nearby spots like Marnee Thai or Andytown for that.
California Bakery
7.8
Vietnamese bakery offering flaky savory pastries alongside made-to-order banh mi and iced coffee. Locals swing by for quick, inexpensive lunches and curry beef pies to go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Curry beef pastry, Char siu pastry, Classic ham pâté bánh mì
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Flaky, savory pastries and banh mi at true neighborhood prices.
Who should go: Grab-and-go lunch seekers
When to visit: Late morning for warm pastries and fresh rolls
What to order: Curry beef pastry, char siu pastry, ham pâté bánh mì
Insider tip: Order pastries first—popular flavors sell out by afternoon.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taraval and side streets; usually available except during weekday lunch rush.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; most customers stop in for takeout or a quick bite.
Noise level: Low to moderate; primarily takeout traffic with light background chatter.
Weekend wait: No dinner service—closes by early evening.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; may queue briefly at peak noon hours for fresh banh mi.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian banh mi and several sweet pastries available.
Vegan options: Limited—some fruit pastries and coffee drinks qualify, but savory vegan options are rare.
Gluten-free options: No—most menu items contain wheat-based doughs and breads.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s a counter-service bakery better suited for a quick coffee or casual stop rather than a sit-down meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t accepted. A few small tables are available for walk-ins but most guests grab and go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly with grab-and-go pastries kids tend to enjoy; no high chairs or kids’ menu though.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable Vietnamese pastries and banh mi made fresh without the crowds of larger bakeries.
Skip if: You’re seeking a café-style hangout or gluten-free pastry options—this is more of a practical local stop.