Apple Alley Bakery — Restaurant in San Diego Country Estates

Visited here on a Saturday in the middle of a Pandemic and found this little gem of a restaurant that is, really, an alley. The area, Julian was very much a destination for a Saturday out, lots of people enjoying themselves. The nice thing about Apple Alley, was the very well spaced outside tables, usually well shaded, and private as one can be outside. I didn't feel the anxiety of much of dining in the age of COVID with the separation and the openness of the facilities.

Normally they would have a small inside dining area, which now is just the order counter. It is a limited lunch menu, sandwiches, salads and soups. Lots of pies, which is Julians claim to fame. The prices are on the moderately high side, but you are in a mountain town, on the tourist path so no big surprise there. The staff was friendly and reasonably attentive.

We had a sandwich which was good, served with chips and a pickle. We split the sandwich and they served it with two packs of chips and two pickles which was a nice touch. The service was slow, but not terribly so. The bread was very good. All in all it was good, not great, but good. Also had the apple pie, which is the Julian claim to fame. The crust was very good, the apples a little over done and a little too sweet for my taste, but again it was good.

They had no restrooms available, which is a big minus, they would get another star for that alone. I think it is a shame that so many places are using the pandemic as an excuse not to offer restrooms (HEAR THAT STARBUCKS?). Unfortunately they tell you about the public restrooms just behind the Town Hall. Thanks Julian for offering public restrooms, but you really need to clean them if that's all that is offered.

Julian is cute, worth the trip (as long one from La Quinta out by the Sultan Sea and over the mountains toward San Diego). Lots of antiques and other general tourist stuff. A wild west mining town...

This used to be our favorite place to stop in for lunch and pie when visiting Julian (we live in the Poway/RB area)...until yesterday. In the past when we've visited, we've either entered from the street door and waited in line to order. Or some years they direct you to the ordering window or the door on the alley. Counter staff was always brisk but kind and efficient. Until...yesterday, my husband and I entered the alley door as directed by the sign on the locked street entrance. We missed the sign stating that only one group at a time would be served inside. When we stepped inside, the woman behind the counter (dark hair, sour expression) loudly and rudely yelled at us that if we weren't with the current group being served, we needed to wait outside (under the dripping eaves in 30-ish temperatures). So we waited and when it appeared that she was finished with the group at the counter, we attempted to enter again...and got yelled at even more rudely by the same woman that she wasn't finished with the previous party yet and that we had to get out until it was our turn. And yes, she said "get out." So we did, and took our $35 worth of business down the hill to Fat Anthony's Deli (near the public restrooms) where the reception was 100% opposite...a smiling face framed by two cute pigtails at the front counter welcoming us and asking us to let her know if we had any questions before we ordered. They make amazing sandwiches with Boars Head products and you can eat them in the park across the street or your car, or hotel room or wherever you'd like. Win, win and it was nice to experience a friendly face after the humiliating rudeness of the customer-hating counter person at Apple Alley. If they want to scare business away, they're doing...

Apple Alley Bakery, located on Julian's main street, is a small yet charming shop that offers more than just baked goods—it’s an inviting spot for lunch or dessert that feels like a hidden gem. Despite the 40-minute wait during a busy Sunday afternoon in the fall season (October/November), the experience was worth it. The friendly and attentive staff made the wait pleasant, even suggesting adding milk to my coffee and highly recommending their standout pecan caramel apple pie, balancing sweetness and texture perfectly, which did not disappoint.

We also tried the sugar-free apple pie, which was delightful, especially when paired with vanilla ice cream. The cozy, tree-shaded dining area adds to the experience, providing an idyllic setting for spending a relaxing afternoon enjoying delicious tea and sweet treats.

Parking is available along the street but might be tight during peak hours. This bakery is a must-visit for visitors in Julian looking for comfort food in a warm and...