Clark Street Bakery — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Atmosphere: Cool space and the baking is done on site here at this location.

Purchased: Pastries, rolls, and sourdough loaf

Service: Service was not good. Saw about 3-4 people before someone finally acknowledged us waiting for service. Even the guy handling the to-go or online orders that was not stuck behind the counter, wouldn’t acknowledge us as he walked by a couple of times. Just unfriendly. Made us feel as if we were bothersome and in his way. Basically, the staff’s attitude was not friendly and charm-free. Those are the folks that should probably be back of the house. Not great representation for the front.

Bread: Ate the raisin pastry on the drive home and it was fresh, soft, not too sweet. It was good but didn’t blow my socks off or left me yearning to go back to get it again. I literally just ate the same version from Sugar Bloom 2 days ago and I’m already planning my trip back for one of theirs.

As for the Sourdough Country loaf, it lacked flavor…any sort of flavor…even lacked a sourdough flavor. We were both very surprised and disappointed with its reputation and all. We’ll be going back to TARTINE and our usual Levain Loaves at the Mar Vista Sunday Farmer’s Market called BAKERS KNEADED. I’ve included pics of it if you’re interested in trying.

The BAGELS: again, in line with the country loaf…bland and flavorless. It was also dense and dry. Bought half a dozen and couldn’t finish one bagel let alone eat the rest of them.

I would try the other pastries and food if I happen to be close by, but won’t go out of my way again to Clark Street.

I really wanted to...

Holding a Clark Street croissant in my hand, I was impressed by its pretty layers, they are fine and golden. The first bite, however, betrays the appearance because only the edge of these layers are actually crispy. As a result, I didn't get a lot of flakes like I expected. The taste is also on the sweet side–not to my liking. The same dough texture goes for the gruyere thyme snail, although I enjoyed this one a little better because it has an earthy, savory flavor.

Despite not being a fan of their croissants, I keep going back to Clark Street because every time I am at their Echo Park bakery, I find more appealing items in their long pastry counter than I can handle in one visit. I enjoyed the Swedish cardamom bun, it is soft with a strong, inviting cardamom flavor. I also loved the monkey bread, the crispy crust contrasts nicely with the chewy pull-apart texture. The cinnamon scent is aromatic but not overwhelming. On the other hand, their twice-baked saffron pistachio croissant failed to impress me, especially at its $7 price tag.

I've got their bread a couple of times too, once the seeded sourdough loaf, the other time raisin and walnut bread. Both...

Clark Street Echo Park is one of the best bakeries/cafes around! Discovering this place by chance, close to my abode was a Godsend! All their breads are baked fresh and their sandwiches are delicious. Specifically, The Club sandwich which is a generous portion of Fresh sliced Turkey, Crispy Bacon, Ripe Avocados, Lettuce and Tomato wrapped by a light fresh baked bread complimented by a house sauce which is tasty but not overwhelming.

In addition, the setting very spacious with a cool outdoor patio (indoor dining closed due to Covid) for a relaxing dining experience. The staff here are very friendly and not pretentious like many new cafes these days. They are attentive and greet you with a smile offering patience for any questions you might have.

A wonderful place to eat or just have a cup of Joe. Do yourself a service and try one of their many freshly...