0 Followers
Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe
7.9
This farmers' market-inspired bakery serves everything bagels with seasonal toppings and house-made cream cheeses alongside their famous pastries. The bustling counter-service spot channels rustic California charm with organic ingredients sourced from Santa Monica Farmers' Market.
Must-Try Dishes:
Everything Bagel with Chive Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon Bagel, Maple Bacon Scone
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Farm-to-table bagels with artisan cream cheeses
Who should go: Families and farmers' market fans
When to visit: Mid-morning after the rush subsides
What to order: Everything bagel, green eggs, pastries
Insider tip: Grab a number at the counter immediately
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Montana Ave, 2-hour limit. Small lot behind building fills by 9am weekends
Dress code: Completely casual - athleisure and flip-flops welcome
Noise level: Very loud - bustling bakery atmosphere, hard to have intimate conversations
Weekend wait: N/A - closes at 5pm
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min line typical, moves quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple bagel options, salads, and vegetarian sandwiches
Vegan options: Limited - plain bagels and some salads, ask about vegan cream cheese availability
Gluten-free options: Very limited - mainly salads, no GF bagels available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second or third dates - it's counter service with communal seating and gets very crowded. Not ideal for intimate conversation but perfect for a relaxed morning meetup
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's first-come, first-served counter ordering. Grab a number immediately upon entering, then scout for tables while waiting. Weekday mornings before 9am are your best bet for seating
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly with high chairs available and a relaxed atmosphere where noise is expected. Kids love the pastry case display and there's a good selection of simple items like plain bagels with cream cheese
Best For
Better for: Superior pastry selection and farmers' market ingredients compared to chain bagel shops. Their house-made cream cheeses and seasonal toppings outclass typical bagel spots
Skip if: You want a quick grab-and-go bagel - the wait times and crowds make this impractical for rushed mornings. Head to a standard bagel shop if you're in a hurry
Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe
8.4
This farmers market-inspired bakery opened in 2009 serves some of LA's best pastries including legendary cinnamon rolls and kouign amann. The counter-service spot offers California comfort food with organic ingredients, drawing loyal crowds for both sweet and savory brunch options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Maple Bacon Biscuit, Green Eggs & Ham, Cast Iron Cinnamon Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Counter-service bakery with pastries worth the wait.
Who should go: Pastry lovers and casual brunch seekers
When to visit: Weekdays to avoid weekend lines
What to order: Fried egg sandwich, kale caesar, any pastry
Insider tip: Grab pastries to-go if dining line is long
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot fills quickly, metered street parking available on Wilshire
Dress code: Completely casual - yoga pants to business casual all welcome
Noise level: Bustling and energetic - can hear your group fine
Weekend wait: 30-45 min line typical (no reservations taken)
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min during rush, minimal before 11:30am
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including grain bowls and egg dishes
Vegan options: Limited - house granola, some salads can be modified
Gluten-free options: Very limited - mainly salads, no dedicated GF pastries
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second/third dates - counter service and busy atmosphere isn't ideal for intimate conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's first-come counter service with communal and individual seating
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs available, kids love the pastries, casual atmosphere perfect for families
Best For
Better for: Superior pastry quality and organic ingredients compared to typical brunch chains
Skip if: You want table service or a leisurely paced meal - try Gjelina or Farmshop instead
Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe
8.7
Since 2009, this farmers market-inspired bakery has drawn devoted crowds for its maple bacon biscuits, fried egg sandwiches, and legendary pastry case. The counter-service spot channels rustic California comfort with seasonal ingredients from the Wednesday Santa Monica Farmers Market, creating dishes that feel both nostalgic and refined.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Egg Sandwich, Maple Bacon Biscuit, Kouign Amann
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Direct sourcing from Santa Monica Farmers Market defines quality
Who should go: Pastry lovers and farmers market devotees
When to visit: Weekday mornings avoid weekend chaos
What to order: Fried egg sandwich, any pastry, green eggs
Insider tip: Order pastries first while waiting in line
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot fills quickly, metered street parking on Wilshire and side streets
Dress code: Completely casual - locals in workout gear to business casual
Noise level: Bustling cafe energy - fine for conversation at tables, louder near counter
Weekend wait: N/A - closes at 5pm
Weekday lunch: 15-25 min line typical, grab pastries from case while waiting
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple egg dishes, salads, veggie sandwiches
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly sides and can modify salads
Gluten-free options: Minimal - few salads, check daily specials, no dedicated GF pastries
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second/third dates - counter service and daytime-only hours make it low-key, but the pastry selection provides good conversation starters
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter service only. Tables are self-seating, weekdays before 11am or after 2pm best for snagging one
Is it kid-friendly? Very - casual atmosphere, quick service, and kids love the pastry case display. High chairs available, outdoor seating good for families
Best For
Better for: Superior pastry program and breakfast sandwiches compared to nearby Urth Caffe, more consistent quality than Gjusta
Skip if: You want full table service or dinner - try Gjelina or Republique instead for elevated evening dining
Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe
8.5
Farmers market-inspired bakery where the pastry case sparkles like jewelry and weekend lines snake around the block. Their legendary maple bacon biscuit and green eggs with prosciutto have launched a thousand food blogs since opening in 2009.
Must-Try Dishes:
Maple Bacon Biscuit, Green Eggs & Ham, Blueberry Cornmeal Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Rustic Canyon family restaurant with decade-long following
Who should go: Pastry lovers and locavore food enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekdays to avoid hour-long weekend waits
What to order: Maple bacon biscuit, green eggs, any seasonal pastry
Insider tip: Order pastries to-go while waiting for a table
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking only, fills up fast on weekends - arrive before 9am or budget 10-15 min to find a spot
Dress code: Casual California chic - anything from workout clothes to sundresses fits right in
Noise level: Bustling and energetic - expect cafe chatter and espresso machine sounds
Weekend wait: Not applicable - closes at 5pm
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, grab pastries from counter while waiting
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent selection including grain bowls, egg dishes, and veggie sandwiches
Vegan options: Limited - mainly salads and sides, ask about daily vegan pastry options
Gluten-free options: Some options - flourless chocolate cake, salads, but limited as it's primarily a bakery
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second or third dates - the daytime-only hours and communal seating create a low-pressure vibe, but weekend crowds can make conversation challenging
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come, first-served. Weekdays before 11am are your best bet, weekends expect 45-60 minute waits
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - high chairs available, kid-friendly menu items, and the bakery case mesmerizes little ones. Just avoid peak weekend hours with strollers
Best For
Better for: Superior pastries and baked goods compared to other brunch spots - their in-house bakery elevates everything from sandwiches to French toast
Skip if: You want a leisurely boozy brunch - no alcohol served and they close at 5pm daily