Life-Changing Coffee & Cuban Bakery Near LA

Spent a weekend in Glendale (north of LA) with the only goal: eat, shop, and relax—and stumbled on two spots that made the trip chef’s kiss: a coffee shop with “life-changing” brews and a Cuban bakery that’s basically LA’s version of a beloved affordable pastry spot. Let’s dive in! ☕🍰 ☕ Regent Coffee (The “Life-Changing” One!) This spot has a 4.8-star rating for a reason—I tried two drinks over two days, and one of them genuinely made my brain go, “Wait, coffee can taste like THIS?!” 🤯 What I Tried: Barrel-Aged Cold BrewThe second it hit my tongue, I was stunned—first, a bold bourbon oak barrel aroma that practically shot to the top of my head, then coffee notes kicked in, followed by bright citrus and a hint of floral sweetness. My brain and taste buds were basically “ (reconciling)” for a second: Is this really coffee?! It’s smooth, complex, and totally unlike any cold brew I’ve had. AmericanoThis one’s for people who love more intense coffee. First sip: strong coffee flavor with higher acidity and bitterness (my partner—who hates coffee—joked, “Tastes like banlangen [Chinese herbal medicine]” 😂). But here’s the magic: after swallowing, that oak barrel wine aroma lingers on your throat and the roof of your mouth—even when you breathe, you can still smell it. So cool! Fun Fact: Their website says they store unroasted green coffee beans in old wine barrels—whoever came up with that idea is a genius! Also, the shop is dog-friendly—saw a few pups chilling with their owners, which added extra cozy points 🐶. 🍞 Porto’s Bakery (LA’s “Bao Shifu”!) Right next to Regent Coffee is this Cuban bakery with over 10,000 reviews on Google—and for good reason. It’s famous for generous portions, quality ingredients, and insane prices (someone on Xiaohongshu called it “LA’s Bao Shifu” [a beloved affordable Chinese pastry chain]—and that’s 100% accurate!). My Haul (Total Shock at the Price!): I bought a box with 8 different pastries… and it was only $12. I literally did a double-take—so cheap for how much you get! 🤑 Potato Ball (Savory Fried Dough Ball): A must-try! It’s a crispy fried shell filled with mashed potatoes and meat—salty, savory, and so satisfying. Guava-Filled Pastry: My favorite sweet one! The guava filling is sweet but not cloying, and the pastry crust is flaky. Perfect with a coffee. Croissant: Better than Costco’s (flakier, buttery-er) but not “mind-blowing”—still tasty if you’re craving a classic. Pro Tip: Locals love their savory breakfasts (like burritos)—huge portions, cheap prices. I saw people leaving with massive breakfast orders, so I’ll definitely try that next time! Also, avoid weekends after 9 AM—lines get long (worth the wait, but plan ahead!). If you’re in Glendale for a weekend, make sure to hit both spots: grab a barrel-aged cold brew at Regent, then stock up on pastries at Porto’s. It’s the perfect way to soak up that laid-back Glendale vibe! #LosAngelesCoffee #GlendaleEats #CubanBakery #PortosBakery #RegentCoffee #LAWeekend #AffordableEats #DogFriendlySpots