Pavel's Backerei — Restaurant in Pacific Grove

A great bakery with great products, and uniquely great for me because they use Canadian flour, so it's the first US bakery that I have been able to buy things from in years! The reason is that I am sensitive to US wheat, while I have no problem with products containing wheat from elsewhere in the world. It took me a couple of years to figure this out, and I don't know for sure what the cause is, nor does the scientific community at this time. I have spoken to various doctors and this is increasingly well-known, but research is ongoing as to what the cause is - clearly it is not gluten-related. The leading theory is the use of round-up, particularly right before harvesting, to ensure all wheat dies at the same time and hence is dry when harvested, to reduce the chance of mold growth. Elsewhere, this is accomplished by harvest timing and storage conditions, without the need for extensive pesticide usage. Round-up, or particularly the glyphosate in it, has been shown to cause digestive issues with similar symptoms to celiac in a number of studies. Anyway, I am very glad Pavel's is using imported flour, and have recommended it to 2 friends who have...

Based upon the recommendation of friends, my wife and I arrived at Pavel's at 7:15 a.m. only to find a considerable line already formed outside. After 35 minutes we got to the front and placed our order only to learn they only accept cash. Happily, they set our order aside and told us we could return later with cash and pick it up. We did and my wife raved about her chocolate croissant, saying it was the best she had ever eaten. It's been a couple weeks now, so I don't remember what I chose, but it was also wonderful. We also purchased other items including a loaf of sourdough cheddar cheese bread which makes the best grilled sandwiches. Their selection isn't huge, but what they have is to die for. If you're in Pacific Grove on a Tuesday or Saturday, don't miss it, but remember to bring enough cash! The line starts forming around 6:45. Oh, I should explain there was a fun, "weird Barbie" display set up outside to help pass the time...

If I could give this quaint little dream of a bakery 10 stars out of 5 stars, I would! They don't get any better than Pavel's Backerei -- with out-of-this-world baked goods, quick & friendly service, easy location, and comfortable prices. My husband and I have tried almost everything in their display shelf and everything is delicious! My favorite is the bearclaw, but we also love the giant glazed donut (the size of my husband's considerable head). Because Pavel's is so popular with the locals, I tell everyone that they need to get there early in the morning. Pavel's closes its doors when they run out of food, and it happens (more often than I would like). I would recommend grabbing a variety of scrumptious baked goods with the drink of your choice and then heading a few blocks down the street to Lover's Point to watch the sea otters play in the surf and to feel the cool ocean breeze while you devour the deliciousness...