Porto's Bakery and Cafe

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 good reason.