Bakers Bench

Bakers Bench has been on my “must try” list for about a year, and I finally made it in today. It was worth the wait! The pastries were so delicious. I missed out on the banana sesame (next time), but I was lucky enough to snag the last egg roll croissant. The pastry was incredible, it really tasted like an egg roll, and the flaky croissant crunch took it to another level. Such a fun and creative combo! My mom got the danish and said it was excellent, too! I also loved the outside and the overall vibe of the area. Sitting in the courtyard was the perfect way to spend the morning. I’ll definitely be back for that banana sesame pastry!

This spot is inside a little restaurant community butted up against Chinatown. The ladies in there were super friendly and the pastries all looked incredible. The (2) we had tasted as good as they looked. I particularly recommend the egg roll croissant. Great concept executed really well. Will definitely be back. *Update I had the tomato sandwich. Top 20 sandwiches I've had in my life. Super tart, acidic, cooked down tomatoes mixed with what tasted like Fresno chiles or something similar. Sandwiched by their house made croissant. I could talk about this thang for hours. One of the sandwich pillars of LA for me as of now.

My first time having a black sesame cookie and it definitely didn’t disappoint!! The bakery is located inside a quiet gated neighborhood alcove that features a coffee shop, lots of seating, and some other shops that hadn’t opened by the time I got there around ~8am. A somewhat random location but a hidden gem worth stopping by if you’re in the area. The black sesame cookie was the perfect chewy texture that had a good amount of black sesame flavor without being overwhelming or too rich. The cashier was also super friendly and gave me a good rundown of their most popular baked goods. Their pastries seem to have a little bit of Japanese influence (furikake croissant, black sesame cookies, yuzu poppy seed scone). Waiting until the next time I can come back and try more!

The chocolate croissant was really delicious — just the way I like it. Soft and not crumbly. The place is beautiful and quiet. A perfect spot to sit, work, and just relax and daydream. ☕🥐

Worth the drive for exceptional vegan pastries in a charming neighborhood spot. We visited Bakers Bench on Saturday, March 28, between 11am and 12pm, and found the perfect weekend-morning energy — a good level of busyness with just 4-6 people in line. Free street parking right outside made arrival easy. We ordered the Cinnamon Knot, Furikake Croissant (the black sesame had me hooked), chocolate croissant, and Yuzu Poppy scone. Every single one was delicious. Nothing overly sweet, beautiful presentation, and the black sesame and citrus notes really stood out. The space nails that historic old-neighborhood feel with exposed brick and mortar. Big windows flood the place with natural light, and the main seating is in a spacious, dog-friendly courtyard that creates a relaxed community atmosphere. It’s exactly the kind of spot that makes a weekend drive from Riverside feel worthwhile. Staff was outstanding — smiling, engaging, attentive, and clearly proud of their pastries. They brought real warmth to the visit. I’ll absolutely return to try their seasonal offerings. Bakers Bench delivers on high expectations with top-tier pastries, a welcoming vibe, and that small-business community charm marked by the blue sign. A++++ Highly recommended.