Porto's Bakery and Cafe — Restaurant in Glendale

Cubano sandwich / slow-roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, Cuban dressing (mustard, mayonnaise, and house seasonings) on a Cuban roll - 5🌟! Classic potato ball, cheese + spicy peppers potato ball, seasonal turkey potato ball, chicken croquette - 5🌟! Carrot cake slice - 5🌟! Cheese + guava strudels - 5🌟!

Porto's Bakery and Cafe is an iconic local bakery and cafe known for its amazing selection, long (but fast moving) lines, and still affordable prices for the quality and value. They have many locations around LA and are expanding into new areas so if you don't have a nearby Porto's yet, don't lose faith!

I have been going to Porto's for years and by now, I know well in advance that I have pretty much no self control over my selections when I make it up to the front of the counter. This review is actually on the smaller side compared to what I normally get.

I make sure to go when I am ready for a meal and not just a snack because I always have to get a sandwich, 99% of the time it is either a Cubano or a Medianoche. In the pantheon of sandwiches, the humble Cubano stands tall in flavor and Porto's makes an excellent version.

But lunch or dinner is not complete without an assortment of their savory potato balls and croquettes. They are a delicious treat to go with a sandwich. Here is where my self control starts to break down. This visit I ordered 4 of these tasty savory bites.

Every visit to Porto's needs to include some bakery items. These I save for later but it is quite rare that whatever I buy from the bakery makes it to the next day. I like to mix up my bakery items and this time I had an excellent carrot cake slice and some of their strudels.

If you really can't fathom waiting in line, which is a shame, because the Porto's line moves fast, I would recommend the Glendale location. In my experience, they tend to not have too many people in line when I am there but maybe I haven't been during peak times.

I'm not sure if there is parking for the Glendale location, I usually just find a street parking spot close by.

If you have never heard of Porto's before, I highly recommend them and you are in for a treat! They are beloved by LA for a very...

This is another SoCal pastry special that we don’t have in the Bay Area — so everytime I’m in LA, you know the last stop that I have to go to, is Porto's Bakery in Glendale. They are known for their warm and welcoming atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home. Every time I walk in, the smell of fresh pastries fills the air, creating a cozy and inviting environment. The bustling bakery is always filled with happy customers enjoying their delicious treats, adding to the lively and cheerful vibe of the place. Whether you're stopping by for a quick snack or sitting down for a leisurely meal, Porto's Bakery provides a delightful setting that enhances your dining experience.

Service: 5/5 
One of the standout features of Porto's Bakery is its exceptional service that goes above and beyond to make customers feel valued and appreciated. The staff members are friendly, attentive, and always willing to assist with any questions or special requests. Whether it's helping you choose from the wide selection of pastries or making sure your order is prepared just the way you like it, the team at Porto's Bakery ensures that every customer receives top-notch service. Their dedication to providing outstanding hospitality adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit, making it a memorable and pleasant experience.

Food 5/5 
One of the main attractions at Porto's Bakery is their mouthwatering pastries that are simply irresistible. I ended up gettin a From flaky croissants to creamy cakes, each treat is made with high-quality ingredients and expert craftsmanship. Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer something savory, there is something for everyone at Porto's Bakery. Every bite is bursting with flavor and made with love, leaving you craving more. They have such an extensive menu featuring both traditional favorites and innovative creations, Porto's Bakery never fails to impress with their delectable pastries that keep customers coming...

Controversial take... Porto's is not the best thing since sliced bread. The food is good but not out-of-this-world. Service can be a hit or miss. But the one thing you can't argue with is the amazing value.

Porto's has a cult following and for a good reason. The history is amazing and inspiring. Their offerings are solid and their prices are on point. The one place where you are constantly surprised at how low the bill is which is a huge plus in this economy. Your money goes a long way here and the portions are generous.

That being said, I find myself not loving most of the offerings, considering them overly sweet and even sugary. Also, while most can't get enough of the potato balls, I much prefer the ham croquettes. Similarly, everyone praises the Cubano sandwich but I've found myself liking some of their other sandwiches more. Their Mango smoothie would be amazing if it wasn't as sweet; same with the guava strudel. Their fresh fruit tarts are solid but that's hard to mess up.

The lines can get crazy and parking can be a challenge at times. It seems like the staff expects you to know exactly what you want and just move everything along quickly without much fanfare and explanation. Service level has ranged from outstanding to pretty poor over the years so don't expect consistency.

Over the years, it seems like some of the magic has worn off and the place seems just a tad bit overrated nowadays which I probably wouldn't have said a few years ago.

Overall, Porto's bakery has built a cult following for their multitude of generous options at amazing values and everyone should try it...