- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
49 reviews for Beckmann's Old World Bakery
Review Highlights
"Got it at the Tracy farmer's market and can't get enough."
(in 14 reviews)
"very high quality breads and other baked goods."
(in 3 reviews)
"LOVE their seeded sourdough bread."
(in 4 reviews)
Loading...
49 reviews in English
-
Review from Scott F.
Mountain View, CA
11/27/2011 2 photos
I tried a mini classic pumpkin pie:
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
It's excellent, in terms of both the filling and the crust.
And also a mini Rum-Laced pecan pie:
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
It's phenomenal. The flavor is super-addictive, and the textures of the three layers (crust, filling, topping) works perfectly. Grab this one while you can: it appears to be seasonal.
I grabbed these at the San Jose Japantown farmer's market. -
Review from KENT W.
Hidden Valley Lake, CA
11/2/2011
Located in Santa Cruz, "Beckmann's Old World Bakery" is one of the "Big Three" of German bakers in Northern California. The other two are the "Bavarian Bread Co." of San Leandro and "Wedemeyer's Bakery" of South San Francisco. The difference with "Beckmann's" is that they have expanded their product line from just bread and rolls into things like sweet breads, pies, cookies and even granola.
This German owned bakery was founded in 1985 by a German immigrant baker from Heidelberg named Peter Beckmann. Together with his long time business partner Sharon May and CEO Beth Holland they have built a bakery that today bakes (and delivers) over 15,000 loaves of bread per day. Their products are carried in some 300 grocery stores throughout Northern California and are sold at almost 50 different farmers' markets every week throughout the S.F. Bay Area and Central California.
A short history from their web site says: "Beckmann's Old World Bakery, Ltd. was founded by Peter Beckmann in November 1985. Son of a craftsman family, he apprenticed in bread-making at Mantei Bakery in Heidelberg, Germany. After moving to the United States in 1982, Peter had a longing for the traditional breads of his home country, Germany. He baked the first commercial loaves in his kitchen oven and hand-delivered those first samples on his bicycle to four local Santa Cruz grocery stores. This was the start of a bakery that to this day has been honoring the German commitment to traditional artisan bread making".
These are all natural breads and the company has been committed from the very start to producing only the best in quality artisan breads. Their breads have a distinctive flavor, which is created by a long, traditional fermentation process using all natural ingredients. They do not not use anything that is genetically modified ( "GMO's"). Nor do they use chemical additives to enhance flavor, add shelf life, or speed up the production process. Basically "Beckmann's" bakes breads the same old fashioned way that they are still baked to this day in Germany and Austria.
"Beckmann's" is also more than just a "German style" bakery, they also bake sourdough, whole wheat and white breads and rolls in addition to their original rye bread known as "German Farm Bread". The "Farm Bread" is still my favorite and is really outstanding! I love it and pick it up as often as I can find it.
"Beckmann's" has also expanded its product line and does American style cookies and pies as well as sweet breads like banana and pumpkin. Their pumpkin pie recently won first place at the "National Pie Championships" in the independent commercial division.
"Beckmann's" is bread the way I like it and it is baked by a local bakery that not only takes an interest in the local community but also takes real pride in its products.
You also might run into founder Peter Beckmann playing his Hohner accordion at special events in and around Santa Cruz. You can take the baker out of Heidelberg but you can't take the Heidelberg out of the baker! -
Review from Tony G.
Tracy, CA
10/31/2011
Best bread in the bay area.
Got it at the Tracy farmer's market and can't get enough. Wish it was sold in more places around the bay but its hard to find in grocery stores in the Central Valley. -
Review from Lauretta L.
Boston, MA
1/30/2012
I used to religiously buy their California Black Bread. Now that I'm 3000+ miles away most of the time, I'm obviously having withdrawals.
-
Review from Brad S.
Santa Cruz, CA
1/25/2012
I'm rating this only 3 stars because I did not get to try it. I'm posting this so others know that the location on this map is a business only and has no store! I spent 20 minutes trying to find this place in the industrial park! :-p
-
Review from Michelle C.
Belmont, CA
11/8/2011
I love getting Beckmann's bread at local farmers markets. This bread is seriously the best. It is super soft, tasty and fresh. The prices are a little on the high side, but I feel like their product is worth it. It is hard to get me to fork money over. I really want to get one of their pies, I've had a sample and OMG so good!
-
Review from Sarah D.
TX
10/9/2011
Am eating some of their pecan pie right now. I don't think I've ever tasted anything this sinful. Just a tiny hint of rum. It's effing amazing.
-
Review from M G.
Santa Cruz, CA
7/21/2011
Beckmann's make the best bread! and you have to try the olallieberry pie!
The personnel at the bakery is amazing and they are super generous when it comes to donations to support local schools or non profits. They are the absolute best bakery in Santa Cruz! -
Review from Rae W.
Goleta, CA
5/17/2011
Their granola is AMAZING.
Mini sourdough baguettes equally delicious.
Yumyumyum!Listed in: Santa Cruz
-
Review from B M.
San Francisco, CA
3/10/2011
Beckmann's has the most amazing cookies! If you're a big fan of almond paste/marzipan, you must get their Almond Orange Sunrise cookies. Their black and white cookies have that almond paste flavor to them as well!
Haven't tried their bread yet, but I wasn't a fan of their chocolate croissants (not flaky enough croissant with too-sweet chocolate on the inside and chocolate icing) or bear claws. -
Review from Indy P.
Mountain View, CA
2/28/2011
LOVE their olallieberry pie! It has the perfect balance of tartness to sweetness. The apple pie has the same great crust, but I wasn't wowed by the filling. Sadly, I didn't get to try their award-winning pumpkin pie as it is seasonal. The guy at the Belmont farmers' market was really friendly and gave me two samples to try: the olallieberry turnover and bear claw. Both tasted really fresh, delicious and not overly sweet. Their products have a very homemade, wholesome taste to them.
Olallieberry pie - 5 stars
Apple pie - 3 stars
Bear claw - 4 stars, based on small sample only -- I could've eaten more for sure! :)
I was on a mission to buy pies that morning, so I didn't have much time to linger over all the other delectable baked goods. I will certainly be back to try their bread and other delights. I wish they sold out of my local Palo Alto or Mountain View markets, but they are worth the drive! -
Review from J R.
Pacific Grove, CA
7/18/2011
Their chocolate-dipped peanut butter cookies, available in bags of seven (for $6--or 2 bags for $10) at the Scotts Valley Farmers Market are among the best I've ever had. Toothsome without being dry & crumbly. The chocolate & the peanut butter are well-balanced (something that's not all that easy to achieve). My mouth waters just thinking about the two that are left!
-
Review from Luis C.
10/14/2010 2 photos
Love this bakery which has food stands at many of the bay area's farmers markets. Doesn't get 5 stars because prices aren't that cheap. Tip: Come during the last hour at any FM, and try to negotiate the price down to save a few bucks. Easier when buying several items. (Hopefully they won't read this)
Last weekend I bought one of their popular Olallieberry pies http://media1.px.yelpc... and a delicious banana bread. http://media1.px.yelpc...
Cash only.Listed in: Bakeries
-
Review from B S.
Menlo Park, CA
6/19/2011 2 photos
If you want to know how good this pastry is, you gotta turn on your oven--the regular oven--not a microwave (AAAAAA!). Just 10 - 15 minutes at 300 - 325F will bring out the flaky, buttery goodness this bakery has gone to the effort to put into their puff pastry. A little vanilla ice cream on top of that warm pastry wouldn't hurt, either. $3 for a good sized olallieberry turnover at the Belmont Farmers' Market.
Listed in: Sweet Thangs (besides ice…
-
Review from Jana S.
10/1/2010
3.3?
I so was going to make a tarte tatin... bought the apples, the puff pastry sheets. Made sure I had unsalted organic butter on hand, etc...
then my BB Bold dinged me to remind yours truly, the numnutz, that it was Farmers market day locally... off I go, in search of strawberries. Lo and behold, one apple pie left...
dude offered me a super steep discount to take that fresh wonder off his hands. I'm sharing this love with all my neighbors....
The crust could be more buttery and flaky, like Christine's. I very much appreciate that the filling is not overly sweet.... natural juices sweetening those freshly sliced apples. Sorry, but also feel could have a bit more nutmeg and cinnamon as well. Overall, a great pie... only, I have had better! -
Review from Victor G.
Oakland, CA
10/22/2010
Beckman's Old World Bakery appears at all the major farmer's markets. though they arrived at the farmers with a lot of bread, pies and other baked goods to sell. they invariably almost sell everything. i rarely seen them give samples. only once pumplin pie was given. okay for pumpkin but i'm not a pie fan.
eventually, i asked the vendor what was their best seller. 3 grain sourdough (4.75) and nine grain sourdough bread was the answer.
sampling: 3 grain sourdough was definitlely a winner. eaten alone, it has a nice chewy texture, toasted with spreads, it induced saliva flowing juiciness. it was heavenly
imagine them selling pies for 12., at the end of the farmers market, i've seen pie discounting going on.
foodnotes:
-can bargain at the end but all the goodies may be gone.
-waiting for a pie sample (besides pumpkin).Listed in: Food stands/vendors @farmers…
-
Review from Jennette B.
Pittsburg, CA
7/16/2011
Best Pies at Pittsburg, California's Farmers Market!
-
Review from robert k.
7/6/2010
Great bread, cookies, and shortcakes. We love the pizza-like focacias and the garlic bread sticks. They both go great on the grill with some chicken or some steak and they are phenomenally flakey and fresh-tasting, even after a few days of just sitting in our bread drawer.
We also nom'ed on some shortcakes, which are spectacular. Way better than the standard one you buy at Safeway. Much more dense, a hint of citrus (nice touch!) and so sweet and delish.
And last but not least, I too will defend the girl at the Campbell booth. She is super sweet and friendly and she definitely offers huge samples to everyone who passes by. Beckman's is one of the busier vendors and it's only her, so if you have to wait a few minutes don't be offended. When we were standing there for 2 minutes like 30 people must have swamped the booth. She tries her hardest and does a great job - That's why we keep coming back! -
Review from B B.
San Francisco, CA
6/15/2010
Gotta love Beckmann's!
I make my usual weekly trip to the local farmer's market and am always sure to stop by Beckmann's stand to pick something up.
I've picked up their breads, pies, shortcakes, and cookies, all of which were well-crafted and delicious. Many of their products freeze well, which is a major plus when you realize you can't possibly eat everything you bought before it goes bad! I noticed freezing/baking instructions on the last pie I bought -- the crust was great and flaky. I'm anxious to try that for the double-baked crust.
Side note: I have to disagree with Toonces-- the young woman at the Campbell's stand is extremely sweet and gives out huge portions of their product samples! I'm sure she was just very busy. I've never seen her be rude to a customer, and I see her often. In fact, she's always there with a big smile!
Can't wait for Sunday so I can try more! -
Review from Amy R.
San Francisco, CA
10/7/2008 ROTD 3/23/2009
Every week I head to the Irvington Farmer's Market in Fremont whether or not I need produce. One reason is the dude who sells fresh fish, and the other is this bakery.
I buy my bread from them every week now (poor Trader Joe's). I've never purchased anything from them that wasn't good. Their shortcakes never fail to please company and this week I bought a small strawberry rhubarb pie which is wonderful. My husband didn't like it, but he probably just doesn't like rhubarb...only weird people do.
They're more expensive than Wonder Bread...but the cost/value is spot on.Listed in: My ROTD's
-
Review from Michael P.
Los Altos, CA
6/27/2011
In my opinion... The best Sourdough in the Bay Area..
--- and they make it in Santa Cruz!!
Tangy, tasty & the one to buy, say NO to Colombo & try Beckmann's!! -
Review from Jennifer L.
Belmont, CA
4/4/2009
When I go to the farmers' market, there is often a huge line for a French bakery (I don't remember the name), and I don't get it. Beckmann's is way better, and there's no huge line for their stuff.
In no particular order, here are some of the things we like from from Beckmann's:
* Sliced bread (many varieties, some organic - woo-hoo!)
* Home bake rolls and breads (you bake at home, awesome)
* Choco-choco cookies (chocolate cookies with chocolate chips and nuts)
* Pumpkin bread
* Lemon currant scones
* Fruit pies
* Vegan applesauce muffins
The quality of Beckmann's baked goods is excellent. You buy at Beckmann's and you don't get the attitude you get at that French bakery either. It's win-win. -
Review from Karen W.
8/27/2008
Why does the price range read "$$$" right now? Lies.
Beckmann's is not ridiculously priced. Once in a while, I get their bread stuff at the local Farmer's Market, and it is fresh and oh-so-delicious! My favorites so far are the Cheese Twists (Chewyy and soft!) and the different round focaccia breads, which I cut into fourths and pop in the toaster when I'm in the mood for a warm and toasty snack. If you arrive later at the Farmer's Market, they'll often give discounts because the bread is freshly baked and has got to go! -
Review from Shiho F.
Carmel by the Sea, CA
11/22/2008
I'm pretty sure I Beckmann's hit up the Old Monterey Farmer's Market on Alvarado Street every Tuesday. They are on "Baker's Alley" in the alley located between Rabo Bank and Luna Blu (aka Blue Moon vintage clothing shop). Tabouli's (awesome garlic chicken wraps) and a few other bakeries/delis showcase their goods there. There is even a stand near the end selling churros.
Awesome sliced bread and Foccacias!!! -
Review from Toonces C.
Los Angeles, CA
3/23/2009
I like the bread, too bad the beotch who works for Beckmans at the Campbells Farmers market is such a rude unprofessional piece of "work" .
She offered EVERYONE passing buy a sample of banana bread and I was buying their francese buns (delicious).Too bad I paid first, she snatched the money from my hands with no eye contact or "thank you, come again". She turned away offering people samples. She kept ignoring me when I said I would like to try the bread.
I very loudly and clearly stated 3 times I wanted to try the sample. I finally shouted "HELLO I WOULD LIKE TO TRY IT" That was the FOURTH time!! She practically THREW the bread at me with a snarl.
I didn't even want to eat it after that, but I did, it certainly was not worth the hassle or aggrivation to try it, in fact it was quite dry.
I will never get their buns or bread again. They can stick em where the sun don't shine with that c*nt working there! -
Review from Kenny L.
Updated - 9/28/2008
Me: What is an olallieberry?
Pi (they had written the symbol from math instead of pie) girl: Oh, it's a cross between a loganberry and a youngberry. It's almost out of season and you have to try it at least once in your life!
So I got suckered into buy another focaccia (tomato this time) and a 6'' diameter olallieberry pie ($9). Not exactly cheap but the quality is really good. The pie had a nice fluffy crust and an inner with a balance between tartness and sweetness kind of like a raspberry.
I think I have a healthy crush on the pi girl now...1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
9/20/2008
Got some excellent pesto focaccia ($3.50) from the Danville farmer's market today.
YUM!
Thanks to… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jen H.
Los Angeles, CA
4/4/2011
Get their apple turn over, apple strudel, bear claw and buns from the el cerritto farmers market!!! I wish their bakery was closer to Berkley or had one in LA!!!
-
Review from Jade W.
7/18/2010
So my senior year at UCSC we were all so broke, I am not kidding or exaggerating when I state that we lived off of Beckman's.
You see, like most young frugal students we went to Beckman's after hours in black and dressed-up like bread ninja's and raided the back lot of Beckman's. We would create a marine like chain gang and throw bread into the car. We, of course, then shared said bread and our freezer would be packed. I have come to the conclusion this is why I was pre-diabetic for a while because I was like the Bubba of bread. I toasted it, layered, french toasted it, sandwiched it, crusted it and croûtoned it. Sometimes I crave the black bread and they yummy cinnamon swirl (that would be the score of the day) but I know deep down inside I have eaten enough bread for 2 lifetimes and can only eat low-carb high fiber diabetic bread save that I go into a carb-coma. -
Review from Erica S.
3/1/2011
Stopped by their stand as they were offering samples of their olallieberry pie at the Santa Clara Farmer's Market. It was okay, but a little much too much berry seeds for me. Instead, I had a taste of their Farmer's Market Granola and bought a bag for $7.50. Kinda pricey. I bought it for my yogurt, but it's really good with it's hint of sweetness that you can pretty much eat it by itself.
-
Review from Anna S.
4/28/2008
I dig this bread. I've never been to the bakery in Santa Cruz, but I get it at farmer's markets. I used to work at the Los Gatos one, and I miss the free bread from beckman's and seeing the guy who worked there and hearing his crazy stories about being a marine and eventually turning into a hippy.
the best bread is the marbled rye and the apple cinnamon swirl. both are very sweet. the apple cinnamon slices are just like a cinnamon roll, its best when you toast it. its so good, i used to mail it to my sister in new york.Listed in: Highly regarded, Bakeries
-
Review from Kristen S.
San Jose, CA
5/22/2009
MMM. I'm eating some of their Pesto Focaccia bread as we speak! Beckmann's comes to the farmer's market in downtown San Jose every Friday, and I always get a round of their Pesto Focaccia (also good in the marinara kind) for $3.50.
Lots of working downtowners flood to this place on their lunch break for bread, muffins, cookies, and other baked goods. Next time I'll try the cookies or the banana bread- they looked scrumptious! -
Review from Cheralyn H.
San Jose, CA
6/6/2008
I just purchased shortcakes from the Farmer's Market in San Jose.....I just about choked when the nice girl working the stand told me they were $5.50 for 3 cakes....little single serving cakes.....But I had a feeling they'd be worth it.
Well, I can't lie, the shortcakes are damn tasty. They have a hint of orange flavor and are so fluffy and moist. I cut them in half and made a strawberry shortcake stack and WOW what a gut bomb....it was too much. In the future I'll cut them in half and turn the 3 cakes into 6 and no one will be the wiser.
Next week I'd like to try some of their other products but I'm a little scared of how expensive they'll be! The cheese stick things looked tasty......
The taste & quality of the cakes deserves 4 stars but the price brings it down to 3. -
Review from Derek N.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2010
This review is for their packaged bread I buy very frequently from a local market in the Rockridge District of Oakland.
My favorite is their nine-grain sourbread. Amazing sour flavor. They have great "yeast" down in Santa Cruz lol!
I use it for my sandwiches. They toast up well and are the perfect size for paninis as well. Enjoy! -
Review from anneliese r.
Tracy, CA
8/25/2011
Bought their granola.. tasted burnted.. didn't like it.. was a bit too expensive.. It went straight in the trash.
-
Review from Amanda D.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2011
LOVE their seeded sourdough bread!!! It is the most amazing bread ever. I buy it at either the farmer's market in my neighborhood (on Divisadero) or at whole foods. Love it! Their herb and butter stuffing mix is also fantastic, as is the pumpkin pie. Good job guys!!!
-
Review from nikki p.
Santa Cruz, CA
11/22/2008
I love this place. The best part is, you dont have to go to the bakery itself to get their items; farmers market, grocery stores, and other local coffee shops, etc. sell their pastries.
I am a huge fan of the applesauce oatmeal muffin and the mocha chai that they make.
The staff is always helpful and nice. If i'm going for a run, I make it a point to go to the westside of town so I can stop here afterwards. The only thing I would complain about is the small, tight parking lot they share with the other buisnesses. -
Review from Aimee M.
Santa Cruz, CA
12/2/2010
Beckmann's Bakery is the best! We love their breads, like the California Black Bread, and the Apple Cinnamon bread. Their staff is great and helpful. My children love the Black Bread. Keep up the great work!
-
Review from Tracy B.
Morgan Hill, CA
8/17/2010
Beckmann's Tropical Snickerdoodles are my favorite cookie in the UNIVERSE!
OMG - these things are addicting! I've been getting them at the Farmer's Market in Morgan Hill on Saturday mornings and am so BUMMED if I get delayed and they're sold out! I'm not a super sweet tooth person, but these things are TO DIE FOR!
Then there's the shortbread...! Not too sweet, with just a hint of a lemon flavor, they are the crazy best made like strawberry shortcake, but with white peaches from the market...AMAZING!
Oh Beckmann's, how I love you! -
Review from Angie M.
Clayton, CA
7/17/2011
Their shortcake is to die for!! Sliced, toasted or grilled with some grilled peaches is nothing short of amazing! And today I tried the Asiago Sourdough Bread, a new favorite. These guys know how to bake, period.
-
Review from Aaisha B.
Fremont, CA
7/3/2011
Shortcakes are awesome! Worth getting. A bit pricey but ingredients seem to be of a nice quality. I didn't like the garlic and rosemary(I think) twists. Tasted like nothing. The peanut butter cookies dipped in chocolate weren't that great either but the sourdough bread is awesome. I try to go there every Sunday at the Irvington Farmer's Market.
