Bakesale Betty's
Categories: Bakeries, Sandwiches [Edit]
Neighborhoods: North Oakland, Temescal5098 Telegraph Ave
(between 49th St & 51st St)
Oakland, CA 94609 (510) 985-1213
- Hours:
Mon 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Tue-Sun 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch
- Alcohol: None
158 reviews
Neighborhood: South Berkeley
"I've only tried their Boston Creme Pies...Its the only place i know that has great Boston Creme Pies. I came across this place when I got a…" read more »
611 Reviews for Bakesale Betty's
I got there when they were closing up but they people working were nice enough to let me in and sell me what was left of their lemon bars. The lip puckering lemon bars were delicious. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Lemon bars....
While I was waiting I was handed a lemon frosty drink. So, good. I love getting free stuff.
I was bummed that they were out of their their fried chicken sandwiches. But did I mention they had lemon bars? Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Lemon bars....
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It's another eating expedition with Arnold and Christel. We spent the afternoon laughing our guts out to the new Harold and Kumar and then headed over to Bakesale Betty's.
The folks there are the nicest. I swear we spent ages trying to make up our minds. I alone spent at least 10 minutes trying to decide whether to get a strawberry shortcake or not. It's mega-large, and Arnold and Christel, shockingly were saying that they might not want to fill up too much before the pizza portion of our dinner. Finally, I decided that indecisiveness just was not good, and made a presumptuous decision that they would probably eat it if I got it. And they did (one can always rely on one's friends, right?).
The strawberry shortcake: layers of cream, shocking amounts of fresh macerated strawberries. There's cake somewhere in there. But it's really about having just gobs of strawberries with fresh whipped cream...and a little bit of cake.
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What they have chicken pot pies!?! I was lucky enough to stumble upon this charming bakery while a friend and I were helping my uncle move into the neighborhood. It was late afternoon, so there was short line (I hear that during lunch the line is outta control), and we were offered 2 cookies to sample while waiting. The ginger snaps were wonderful, and I usually don't care for them, which compelled me to buy a brownie, yum! Though I was recommended the egg salad sandwich, I went for the bawk bawk bacawk sandwich, which was filling and reasonably priced, though seemed like it was missing something. It was loaded with coleslaw which I usually don't care for, but theirs seemed to have little or no mayo. For what it is - a small bakery with a couple sandwich options, this place is great! I can't wait to try their strawberry short cake which looked divine.
I was eager to try the fried chicken sandwich, and ended up getting one to go today (as well as a slice of apple pie, more on that later). As I ordered, I was saddened to learn that the sandwich has cole slaw *gag* instead of lettuce and tomato. Further, that the cole slaw had onion in it. I loathe onion. I ordered it without the slaw. Who eats cole slaw anyway? Ugh, disgusting. Just the word "slaw" makes me queasy.
Parking in this neighborhood is a nightmare, by the way. Be sure to watch for the street sweeping signs.
I get back to the office and take a bite of my sandwich. The chicken is a little dry, and kinda bland. The sandwich didn't have any sauce on it, it was essentially a piece or 2 of fried chicken between 2 slices of bread. I went to the kitchen and got some ketchup packets and salt, doctored the sandwich up, and then it was more edible.
Now, the apple pie is just awesome. I really like that it's not too sweet, I hate it when pies are over-sugared, it takes away from the delicious taste of fruit and spices.
I'll be back to try both of these items again.
WOW. I actually just took a bite of the pot pie, and got up to write a review. The chicken pot pie is amazing. The ginger cookies are spectacular. The fried chicken sandwich is pretty tasty, though not as amazing. I've gone here now twice in two days, and I'll probably be back soon. Get a variety of things, there's so much good stuff, and if you go around closing they'll give you some extra things for free :)
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We had about 45 minutes to kill before our reservation at Pizzaiolo, and Bakesale Betty's was still open, so we decided to have dessert before dinner. Nothing wrong with that, right?
We split a really big strawberry shortcake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. It was nice and light, and we didn't want to fill up before dinner. I had to get me a chocolate cupcake and it was pretty good. The cake was a little dry, but the chocolate buttercream was great, extremely light and perfect (buttercream is usually a big turnoff for me). I washed it down with a lemon ice that was nice and tart, just the way I like them.
We also got some pastries for breakfast the next day (pear ginger scone for my wife, lemon raisin scone for me), and two handheld chicken pot pies. The scones were excellent, but I want to talk about the chicken pot pies. You just pop them in the oven for 45 minutes and you're rewarded an amazing handheld meal. I never knew a chicken pot pie could be this good...it was one of the best things I've eaten in weeks.
Yeah, we saw the fried chicken sandwiches and they looked incredible, but didn't want to completely ruin our appetites for Pizzaiolo, but next time we go to Betty's, we're going to saddle up next to one of their cute ironing board tables with our fried chicken sandwiches, some cookies and a lemon ice.
Sounds like a perfect summer lunch.
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Bakesale Betty's needs another good review like I need a second asshole. But seriously people, this place is crack for fattys.
I was hanging around Temescal waiting for my wife to show up around 6 pm Friday. We had planned to go over to the Wine Mine for one of their nice free wine tastings and also to pick up some vino cause we were running low. You've got to check out the WIne Mine by the way. Very nice knowledgeable owner, awesome selection, and better wine prices than Costco! WIne Mine Review: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Wait, where was I? Oh yeah, so I'm wandering around Temescal and getting a little hungry. I walked in to Betty's and while I am looking in the display case and up at the handscrawled "menu", the woman behind the counter starts handing out free shortbread.
That's one thing you have to know about Betty's. It is IMPOSSIBLE to go in there and not come out with something you didn't pay for. I'd never been before, but Bakesale Betty's is kind of a big hit in my family. In particular, my son rides his bike down there constantly for their fried chicken sandwich. He is always coming home with shortbread, banana bread, strawberry shortcake, whatever they feel like handing out.
I really just wanted to take the edge off and I didn't want something sweet, so I ended up with the amazing fried chicken sandwich. I took two delicious bites and wrapped it back up. I put it in the fridge when I got home around 9, expecting to have it for lunch on Saturday. By Saturday morning, it was gone.
It turns out there was no one culprit. Various residents of my household were slicing off pieces of the sandwich like it was cake, until sometime around 2 AM, it ceased to exist.
Next time, I'm eating the whole damn thing on the spot.
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OK, the chicken sandwich is good. I wish I had one right now. Go get one, you'll be happy you did. It's deserving of the great ratings. Cookies here are yummy too. No complaints about the food....pick up your food from here. Not a place that you can comfortably eat at cause it's so crowded.
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Best Chocolate Chip with Walnut cookies in the East Bay! Hands-Down, with a latte made with Blue Bottle Coffee and a carton of milk ...died and gone to heaven. Right now (May) Betty's is making strawberry shortcake -or you can buy your strawberries at the Farmers Market and then by the shortcake from Betty's , the best!
The best compliment of my recent adulthood involves being compared to the Bakesale Betty's pear and ginger scone.
It went like this:
Setting: Temescal Farmer's Market
Me: "Try this scone!"
Him: [long pause]. Sudden inspiration: "This scone is like you!"
Most amazing taste experience I've ever had with a breakfast pastry. Words do not describe. The key is a beautiful mingling of contrasting flavor and texture.
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I'm just kicken a dead dog by telling you how good it is.
MMM bake sale.
My favorite part is employees, they love giving away cookies as much as I love eating them.
Maybe it was the 576 other reviews that gave me the clues I needed to execute the perfect fried chicken sandwich grab. Yes I went against all my personal rules and had lunch before Noon, GASP! Of course it was for a good cause on many fronts.
I couldn't have picked a better day to meet up with a friend. The sun was high and warm, birds chirping, a lady having a psycho cell phone conversation in her car, yeah this was all stuff to make your heart warm and fuzzy! Once I got all my ducks in a row, R and I headed into the unmarked corner building to order up. Fried Chicken Sandwich ($7.75) was thankfully on the menu and being that it's soooo huge we decided to split it. Quite surprisingly we were also offered a Strawberry Shortcake to share as well for free!
I can't say enough words about this Fried Chicken Sandwich but one thing is for sure, it wasn't dry as some have reported. The chicken was moist and flavorful and I actually liked the slaw it sits on top of with it's pickled jalapenos and onions. I normally don't like pickled things. The bread that they used I believe is also fresh baked, can't go wrong there.
The Strawberry Shortcake was my saving grace though to tame the flavors of my sandwich. A scone-like biscuit, glazed (but fresh) sliced strawberries, and a mountain of fresh whipped cream made up this delightful dessert. Every bite got better and better down to the last soupy bite (combination of strawberry juices, whipped cream, and biscuit crumbs).
We ended our perfect lunch with a quick chat with the lady in blue (wig). She's very nice and humble, you could tell she has pride in what she has done here in the Temescal. She also has a great army of employees on her hands too who were passing out "samples" of Ginger Cookies to people waiting in line and dining Al Fresco on the ironing board tables.
One less bookmark to worry about :)
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Have you seen the Pied Piper? No, no not the one with the flute. The one with the blue wig and chicken sandwiches. Yeah that one. The line of the lured goes out the door and to keep them even more mesmerized the Pied Piper gives out cookies while you wait. I too have succumbed to her spell. I could not resist the huge chicken sandwiches with enticing jalapeno coleslaw. I was ensnared in the strawberry shortcake with glazed strawberries, whip cream and the most delicious part the bait the scone like biscuit. I was given free cookies, ginger and a shortbread with walnuts. Oh what delicious traps you lay.
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This place is trs yelp. The hand-written, barely legible signs, the ironing-board tables, the messy-industrial interior, the line of hipsters out the door. Don't get me wrong; I very much enjoyed the atmosphere which was made all the more pleasant by the friendly staff and free baked goods.
I can't say the same for the food. The fried chicken sandwich should have been amazing. The chicken was tender, the bread fresh, the slaw was even made with sliced peppers. The final product, unfortunately, was quite bland. Perhaps my taste buds cannot appreciate the deeper nuances of fried chicken, but I thought it could use some hotter jalapenos, or even a peppered batter. I also bought a chocolate cupcake, which was over-baked.
Which is not to say I would not return; I probably will. I did very much enjoy the experience, and according to the other reviews the scones are something special. If I get a chicken sandwich, though, I'm taking it home and adding some flavor.
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okay so, i hate to say it but the chicken sandwich is wayyy overrated. kind of dry and boring...just an okay sandwich. this place is always super busy. it's hard to find seating, etc. BUT i have to give it to the employees for being absolutely WONDERFUL!! they always throw in a goodie or two.
my first time there, i let them know that i was a newbie and asked for a recommendation for a good pastry...a lovely lady kindly assembled a package or assorted goodies and just winked at me and told me it was on the house! it was wayy more than i could handle all by myself, so i took them home and shared with my roommates. and all the pastries were pretty tasty! anyway, food is decent...workers are AWESOME. it's somewhere you'll want to support. there you have it...
I've tried their fried chicken sandwich with great anticipation. Unfortunately the sandwich didn't great me with a hug and kiss, but rather a weak handshake. The fried chicken has a bit of pepper on it, giving it a nice does of heat. The bread is too thick for my liking. The fried chicken itself is clunky, a tad dry, and the breading could be crispier. There is also some lettuce thrown in which is fair. This sandwich would be good with a beer while watching a sports event. Beside that I'd have to pass.
After reading so many reviews and a dream of ordering a famous chicken sandwich I never had in my life, I finally made it to Bakesale Betty's. I called first to make sure I get there in time before they ran out. My sisters jumped out Redboy while I parked. By the time I got there they were already in the front of the line. So we each ordered a sandwich and a strawberry shortcake to share. The server gave us an extra shortcake for free.
I am giving it 4.5 stars only because there was no ketchup or cheese. My sister walked across to Walgreens to get us some ketchup cause it is a must for us. So as she went across the street baby sis and I attacked the strawberry shortcake... MMMMMMmm mmmmm Good. No complaints at all that shortbread scone was off the the chain. As we were sitting on our stools and iron board table a man came out with a tray of gingerbread cookies that were DELICIOUS. OMG! Yeah I got up to get one.
I can see why she is so loved by Yelp. The sandwich was good and worth the $7.75, because you can eat half now and half later which we all did. Of course we added the cheese on the chicken and smothered it in ketchup.
My only regret is that I didn't buy anything to take home. especially them dang cookies....
I'm just curious how the heck things go when it is the middle of a rainy winter.
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Fried chicken sandwich!!! Fried chicken, on fresh, soft bread with home-made, spicy, non-mayonaisey cole slaw. Divine. Love the simple menu, no-frills vibe, friendly staff, and ironing boards set out on the sidewalk as tables on a sunny day. We also shared the strawberry shortcake which was outstanding. Tons and tons of fresh berries, and home-made whip cream. No skimping here on the quality and quantity of ingredients. Totally reasonable prices.
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Dear Lord, what a heavenly and unhealthy lunch I had today!!
While standing in line, a very nice guy handed out yummy gingerbread (?) cookies, always a good appetizer to, well, anything ... The line moved very quickly, probably because the menu is pretty limited. But fabulous!!
I asked the guy helping me how it all worked and he kindly walked me through my initial visit to Betty's. I said it was my understanding that I was to order the fried chicken sandwich and strawberry shortcake, which he confirmed. He then gave me a free lemonade and rang me up. Several minutes later, I received a brown paper bag of delightfulness.
The sandwiches are enormous, the portion of strawberry shortcake is enormous and, if you eat here on a regular basis (a strong temptation), you, too, will be enormous. But you will be very, very content.
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My BFF loves this place, so she brought a couple of treats home for me. Not my favorite bakery (I'm a total cupcake whore, so my tastes are elsewhere), but pretty damn good! Worth treating yourself to at least once. The ginger cookie was yummy! The brownie, okay.
For me, this is the ONLY reason to go to Oakland.
My favorite is the Chicken Salad. I hate cole slaw but this one is something else. Every cookie, cake, scone, dessert I've tried is excellent.
Everyone at Bake Sale Betty is very nice. Also, if you come on a weekend, the line extends almost a block long. That's good though because every now and then, they'll bring out a tray of complimentary cookies for everyone.
If I ever have to cross that bridge, I make sure that I have time to stop by.
I can't say enough good things about the place. It's the fried chicken sandwiches that we crave: everything about them is perfect, right down to the cole slaw. I don't even like cole slaw! But don't arrive too late... on more than one occasion I've gone in to get one and they are already out.
They also have the best scones I've ever tasted... another item I'm not usually fond of. And the mini chicken pot pies are incredible as well. Great lattes too!
Recently they've begun to offer cupcakes a la the shi shi, hip kid bakeries of New York. Do more!
And let me not forget to mention the amazing friendly staff... they are as genuine as they are generous. On more occasions than I can count, I have left with complimentary items. One day when they were already out of chicken sandwiches, the guy helping me took one look at the disappointment on my face and said "Here!" and gave me a whole pan of brownies!
As to a couple of things that others have brought up-- there is a big line usually. It moves pretty briskly, but might not be the best option if you are in a hurry, once you figure in parking and stuff. Also, there is no signage on the shop. But we already know the line goes around the corner, so is this really an issue? Just look for the big line at the corner of 51st and Telegraph, duh!
This place is amazing. I called in 4 fried chicken sandwiches for lunch today. They asked me how long and I said 15 minutes. I drove over, found a spot out front, and got in line. The line was about 12 people deep, but moved really fast. When I got inside some one gave me a sample of an almond cookie that was awesome. The next thing I knew, my sandwiches were waiting for me and I had to get a strawberry shortcake.
When I got back to work, I attacked my sandwich and ate the entire thing way too fast. I added a little hot sauce for flavor and washed it down with a clementine Izze soda. Wow! I wasn't hungry for the rest of the day. Best sandwich ever!
I've been going to Bakesale Betty for over a year... their scones are orgasmic... the cupcakes devine and they truly have the friendliest staff EVER! Expect a free morsel or two when you go in... and although you'll almost always have to wait in a line... the service is fast and with a smile! And it's worth every penny!
For what there is, there's nothing better. I obsess on her fried chicken sandwich, then compulsively act out on my obsession. Regularly.
The spirit of the owners and employees shines through. These folks seem happy and proud. The baked goods are exceptional too. Scones. Brownies. Cupcakes. Shortcake. And $25 pies. Whoa! Kinda high but way good.
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Count me among the converted.
Simply delicious and even more delicious for the simplicity.
Betty knows how to treat her customers. The line, while often long and occasionally winding is also fast moving and rewarding in it's own right. Rewarding like with treats! Scrumptious, delectable treats.
I've seen how long the line gets when driving by... it's actually the line that made me wonder what the place was. When we went, at a very off time, there were only 5 or 6 folks in front of us, not much of a line at all and we still got free cookies! I'm in love.
All in all I came away having spent more then I would have expected but feeling like I got at least my money's worth. And I didn't even read all the wonderful, true reviews before going. To quote the governator "I'll be back."
I finally got the fried chicken sandwich. You have to go early. It is worth it.
the more I yelp!, the more I realize I have a key criterion for a successful business: an owner who is hands-on and all about the customer. When the place has the 'apostrophe-s' it's a good sign. When the 'apostrophe-s' belongs to a fictitious blue-haired character that the owner plays all day long, well that's just too much.
Always friendly, always more than I asked for.
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YUM. friggin' crowded though.
Ahhh Betty...I really really wanted to give you 5 stars. Really I did. First off I can't believe that this part of Oakland used to be my hood for over 3 years and I had never gone there! I know...you're shaking your head in disappointment, and with that I'll tell you that I've never been to Zachary's either, so shoot me.
So this is how it went after having the most awesome sandwich and Genova across the street. First of all, the bf and I look at each other confused. I don't know if its just me being a pain in the ass, but why do certain places NOT have a sign? To me it can mean a number of things, but here I read it this way:
Bakesale Betty's-- you are so god-damn amazing that you are an institution in the neighborhood. Everyone licks their fingers in pure delight over anything you produce and therefor you have earned the right to not display a sign. You have also earned the right to put up beautifully scribbled menu items for the daily specials that will confuse the average person, as they are placed chaotically throughout the store. And when you do get up to the front, there are maybe a choice of 3-4 bakery items to choose from. Unless as I saw, some people who gave the secret password and knocked on the counter 4 times to Purple Rain...got the chocolate cupcakes. And hence, Betty- the lines will snake across the blocks as friendly Oakland regulars will bow to your great alter of pastry goodness. Yes Betty I'm sure that you are all these things and more.
BUT... on this day I'm not sure if we were really all that "wowed". We had the strawberry shortcake (which is pre-packaged...recently I'm sure), an oatmeal cookie and two lattes. All for a grand total of $11. The shortcake, whipped cream and strawberries were "good" yes...outstanding? no. But that cookie was pure crispy heaven I tell you. The most disappointing part of the experience however, was our poor lattes which were scorched...and rendered un-drinkable. But I felt too bad to be a big' ol pain in the patoot. But Betty, do not fret- we will be back again to pay homage. OK--can someone spill the beans on the secret password or what?
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Well, we read ALL the reviews, and this place still managed to exceed our expectations - by a long shot! The chicken sandwiches were truly a guilty indulgence - worth every calorie! Its true, the combination of juicy fried chicken and spicy tangy jalapeno slaw is out of this world. The baked goods are equally yummy, the strawberry shortcake was fantastic and fresh, and the fact that they kindly gave them to us for free while we ate made them all the more magically delicious! The molasses ginger cookies were also amazing -- we had to laugh when we read the review of the person who didn't even like molasses but was in love with this cookie. Now that we've tried it, we know exactly what he meant!
Service here is friendly, efficient and generous. The team anticipates your needs, and during the course of our lunch, we saw the angelic staff handing out free samples to everyone that came through - until there were no more goodies to give! What a place, we couldn't ask for more. Keep up the greeeeeat work and keep the prices LOW!
You know you have a really good friend when they happen to stop by at a bakery on the other side of the bay and wait for 24 hours to share the items with you. I heart JEN S.! hehe
Well, long story short, we shared 4 cupcakes (2 types) cupcakes (chocolate, and carrot cake), strawberry shortcake, and a chocolate/coconut thing that reminded me of a hostess chocodile with coconut.
Okay, the cupcakes were good, but not orgasmic. They tasted like they had legit ingredients, but the cake was too dense for my taste, on the lightly sweet side. The frosting was almost ganache like on the chocolate, but lacked that chocolatey sweet flavor I wanted. Shortcake was a day too late to eat, so I won't comment on it. The carrot cake was my favorite, and the frosting was smooth and light for a cream cheese frosting.
Why 5 stars? Well, my friend said that the person at the counter was extra helpful, and threw in at least 2 or 3 free items. Now THAT is what I call some Sweet Lovin! Also, I think that the cupcakes would have been tastier if we were able to eat them closer to the time of purchase, and that other people would probably really love their cupcakes, despite my preferences.
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I love Bakesale Betty's. I love everything they make there. Its magical. We've had one each of their scones, their cookies, strawberry shortcake, apple pie, blueberry pie, and their fried chicken sandwiches.
I love the ironing board and stools. I think its such an innovative idea. I love how Bakesale Betty's with her little chubby baby and all her staff are so super attentive, friendly, and helpful.
Its a good thing I don't live too close, or I would be waddling around from all the yumminess.
Best fried chicken sandwich EVER! But you better come hungry because they seriously put an entire fried chicken in each sandwich. You will be full.
So I've actually never been to Chick-fil-A, but from what I've heard the sandwiches are amazing, and I'm pretty certain that Bakesale Betties is like a premium Chick-fil-A. The sandwiches are huge (like I said, entire chicken) and de-licious. The chicken slaw combo is perfect, the chicken is crisp and warm and the tart slaw is crunchy and refreshing. The real winning factor though was that sandwiches even stayed warm AND didn't get soggy during our 25 minute drive back home.
I also tried Bettie's Sticky Buns, Brownies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Apricot Almond scones, all of were scrumptious. Next time I want to try the Strawberry Shortcake and the refreshing looking Lemon Slush drink I saw so many people sipping on.
The sandwiches are a bit pricey at $7.50, but they are so big and filling that it's really worth it, also I love expensive sandwiches. Note: If you are an EMT you will get a discount here, I think something along the lines of 50% off!!!...it almost makes me want to switch jobs...
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If I could eat Bettys fried chicken sandwich and a dozen of her cookies, maybe a lemon bar, and strawberry shortcake, all washed down with her lemon ice, every day ...I would die a fat and happy happy man....
and then i would dye my bald head blue... so it matches Bettys.
I heart Betty
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Fried Chicken Sandwich!
Sounds fantastic, but doesn't quite live up to expectations. The first few bites are great, no question. The chicken itself is crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and very tasty. Comes in a toasted bun and topped with Jalapeno Cole Slaw (not soggy or too wet, but not particularly spicy either), and it's plenty of food.
What's wrong with it? The Cole Slaw doesn't stay in the sandwich. Wouldn't be an issue except that with no other condiments or ingredients in the sandwich, you have to constantly open it up to shovel the slaw back in. Both me and my sister felt the lack of other ingredients made for a dry sandwich. Add some mayo and whole grain mustard please.
We also had Strawberry Shortcake! MMMmmmMM. It's the traditional shortbread biscuit variety, not spongecake. I like it better this way. Sweetened juicy strawberries and fresh whipped cream served over a dense crumbly biscuit.
During the lunch rush, there's a line out the door and part-way down the block. But they give you a free cookie to tide you over. And the line moves briskly. You'll be inside in no time. Amid the chaos inside, somebody will take your order, and minutes later your meal is ready.
There's no seating inside. Instead they have rows of old ironing boards and stools set up outside. Perfect picnicky meal on a beautifully sunny Oakland day.
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I love Bakesale Betty's!
I just had the chicken sandwich for the first time and it was wonderful and so big for the price. I have to say that I prefer the take and bake chicken pot pie though, it is hands down the best pot pie I've ever had, and HUGE!
Oh and don't forget their amazing strawberry shortcake! So good, also the best I've ever had. The cake is nice and firm more similar to a scone so it holds up to eat later, fantastic!
Not only is the food amazing they are so nice and make you feel special. Every time I've been in they give you something, once a couple cookies, another time a free shortcake, and this last time a delicious lemon icee.
Betty's is a MUST try!
Honestly, the friendliest servers I have EVER found at a restaurant. If you haven't been here before, you might get the wrong image if someone mentions "Fried Chicken Sandwich". So throw away your preconceptions and just try it already. :)
Last time I got a free cookie and a cup of lemonade while I waited in line so i'm going to give them less stars for that (are you KIDDING?!)
Don't be intimidated by the line (it's almost always out the door during lunchtime) Hopefully it's a good day and the line will breeze by fast.
By the way, it's $7.95 for a chicken sandwich and $6.00 for a bake-at-home chicken pot pie. I didn't know you could get the pot pie at a small size (the large is $25), until I saw someone order it last time. I'm going to try that next time. :P
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Betty..... will you marry me?
I know my current fiance might object, but then again maybe not, she's had the fried chicken sandwich and molasses cookies.
Damn..... I don't even like molasses cookies, yet the one that was handed to me one lunch time afternoon was so moist and delicious that I craved another.... and another.... and another.
The fried chicken sandwich, while the back of my mind was screaming out..... tons of bread and friend chicken, what are you thinking, I paid it no attention. The fried chicken sandwich is an institution, the slaw that is lightly spicy forces, yep thats right forces, you to eat the whole thing, then mourn the fact that you don't have anymore.
If someone ever wants to introduce someone to the finer points of Oakland, this place is right at the top.
So, Betty..... what do ya say?
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bb chick: hey, what can i get for you guys today?
us: um, two chicken sandwiches, a coke, and uh, what do you recommend for desserts?
bb chick: you guys should try the strawberry shortcake!
us: hmmmm...tempting, but let's go with the chocolate chip cookies.
5 minutes later.
baby: what the hell is this?
me: it's an ironing board.
baby: interesting...
me: it's cute.
sit down. open the bag. shuffle through it.
me: what is this?
baby: uh, i'm guessing it's sandwiches (ha, she thinks she's SO funny :P)
me: is it what i think it is? it's a strawberry shortcake! the cutie gave us a strawberry shortcake!
i think it is in my chinese genetic code that whenever i receive anything for free, it makes me extremely happy. so, here's to you bb and the generous cutie who filled our tummies with that yummy, sweet goodness!
We love Bakesale Betty and her very special blue wig!! We love her chocolate cupcakes and her lemon bars. The strawberry shortcake is pure decadence and the lemon ice from the slushy machine cannot be beat on an unusually warm day. But the real reason we head over to chat up Betty (aka Allison) is that we are addicted to her Fried Chicken (crack) sandwiches! One of these babies and you're good for the day but ruined for a lifetime in terms of ever accepting another chicken sandwich....chicken fried to perfection with a coating that is slightly spicy with the right amount of crispy outside/juicy inner goodness. This is piled high on a torpedo roll which has been generously slathered with house made jalapeno coleslaw. No mayo, just good quality olive oil, cilantro, jalapenos, and sliced cabbage and maybe a smidgen of vinegar...so good!!
You can take these treats to go, or you can find yourself an ironing board with some stools and sit down on the sidewalk to eat your lunch. While this corner of Telegraph is not known for its scenic beauty, this little slice of heaven livens things up. Come early or be prepared to wait. There's LOTS of Chicken Sandwich(Crack )addicts around and they want their sandwiches and they want them NOW!!! It's that good. BTW, one of these sandwiches can easily be shared by 2 people, but my experience tells me that only my impressionable youngest son is willing to forgo the entire mountain of food (today we split 1 sandwich, tomorrow, I'm sure he will demand his own)...I have even overheard people state that the sandwich is "mine all mine!!!"
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