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Corner Bakery Cafe
Categories: Food Bakeries Restaurants Bakeries, Restaurants [Edit]
17575 Harvard AveSte A
Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 399-0999
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 6:30 am - 8 pm
Sun 7 am - 8 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
69 reviews for Corner Bakery Cafe
Review Highlights
"I personally recommend the Chicken Pomodori on Sourdough."
(in 10 reviews)
"I absolutely love their Tomato Basil Soup."
(in 7 reviews)
"Also had the cream cheese brownie."
(in 3 reviews)
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69 reviews in English
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Review from Binh D.
Sacramento, CA
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is one of my favorite spots in Irvine to grab a quick bite to eat. They have a tasty selection from paninis, sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastas. Can't decide? Then get a combo! Portions are always generously served. Of course, they also have a wide assortment of bake goods.
Some other perks - they serve breakfast, take phone orders, and cater. How can you go wrong? -
Review from Julie L.
Irvine, CA
2/2/2012 1 photo
This review is in regards to their new power panini. I made the reservation about last week to reserve a free power panini. They had three to choose from, smoked bacon, chicken apple sausage, or avocado and spinach, and I wanted to try something that's low in sodium--the avocado and spinach.
The sandwich idea itself is a great idea: whole-grain bread, eggs, avocado, and spinach. Healthy! It tastes pretty decent and it's awesome that they give you a cup of salsa to put on the sandwich! The flavor of the salsa really complemented the flavors of the panini and it has a good kick to it. Overall, pretty decent panini.
But, to be honest, it was a little disappointing. Compared to the picture, and this is like all fast food restaurant commercials vs. when you actually order it, it did not look as appetizing. The sandwich is quite limp, as in it bends as you're holding it because they probably only toasted the bread, rather than using a real panini maker to make those marks on the bread. Basically, don't get your hopes up. I'm not sure how much it is regularly, but I wouldn't pay for this at full price. -
Review from Tanda M.
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Very easy and clean! Just how I like it. Oh and very prompt with taking my order too.
Had to make a run to the bank and stopped in here to grab lunch. It was great.
Ordered a chicken tortilla soup.
It came with a roll. (I had no idea)
And I also ordered a slice of the yummy creme crumb cake...
Nice filling lunch!
Great menu! I took one to go and am perusing it now.
Only complaint was it was pretty damn loud in that place. Otherwise, nothing I couldnt handle.
Would certainly order from here again! -
Review from Yuki M.
Updated - 12/4/2011
Man. What happened here?!
This just gets worse and worse. Some of the most blatantly disrespectful customer service I've ever witnessed happens here in this location. The Costa Mesa locations either in the mall or across the street in the village never have this problem.
I wanted to continue liking this place since it's so conveniently located but dammit if the service here is consistently incompetent and amazingly apathetic if not at times appalling.
Most of the food is disappointing aside from the pastas, chicken pomodori panini, and some of the salads. The breakfast are all God awful. The dining area has also become effectively ignored and every time I come, there's trash and food all over the tables, chairs, and floor.
I'm sorry but I think I've given up on this location. I'll head over to Le Diplomate near UCI instead. The food is better, the prices are cheaper, and the service is ALWAYS friendly AND accurate.
Sorry, Corner Bakery on Harvard. I held on for hope but you let me down.
Note to Management: Have a more selective hiring process, yeah? The people you have working here are really quite terrible and very rude to your patrons.
Example 1: Customer asks to have one of the coffee canisters replaced. Employee looks at the customer and turns around without a reply. Customer is standing by the counter waiting and girl comes back out with a canister and shoves it in front of the customer without any eye contact or even an "excuse me." While ignoring the customer, the girl has a loud chat with her co-working who is sitting on the bench for the to-go orders. The girl finishes changing out the canisters and walks away, not once acknowledging the customer.
Example 2: Girl at the cash register had no idea what these terms meant: "Made to order," "Eggs lightly scrambled," "Bacon medium," and "Substitute spinach."
Example 3: Another girl at the other cash register is too busy chatting with her friend at the coffee station to help woman who is standing right in front of the register, staring at the girl, waiting to place an order. This is not to mention the complete disregard for the line of five people all watching this happening. The girl carries on her conversation with the coffee maker for about half a minute before turning to the customer to take her order without offering an apology for the wait.
Unbelievable.
What are your hiring criteria? A pulse...barely?Listed in: Franchises and Chains, South County, Find Me Here
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/20/2010
As far as Corner Bakeries go, this location is better than most. It's relatively large and is kept… Read more »
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Review from Cori M.
Anaheim, CA
Updated - 12/26/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Okay, I'm beginning to despise how much I love Corner Bakery's food. Their bathroom was disgusting, with something dirty and sticky all over the floor. I should have left after that, but oh how I wanted an Asian Wonton salad...
The only way to describe the employees here is apathetic. So many employees and only one can ring during lunch? I ordered a salad combo, Asian Wonton salad dressing on the side, with Roasted Tomato Basil soup. I got my order with no dressing at all, when I went back to ask for the dressing I ordered, he came back with two containers of house Italian. You brought my order, you looked at it when I asked you for the dressing. So why did you bring house for my Asian Wonton. I went back for Asian dressing and finally got it from a manager.
I don't typically get annoyed enough with one bad experience to not try a place again, but I keep coming back and this location only gets worse in cleanliness, accuracy, and customer service.
The spiky haired manager is really nice though. Talk to him if you have questions.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/7/2011
I love me some Corner Bakery., but some people at this corner bakery really need to take some… Read more »
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Review from Seeso G.
Anaheim, CA
11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
My favs: chicken pomodoro panini, chicken salad, chicken carbonara pasta, banana bundt cake, lentil soup, oatmeal, and edamame salad. Can you tell I love this place?
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Review from Jennifer S.
Dallas, TX
10/30/2011
Enjoyed a yummy ham, egg and cheese panini for breakfast the other morning. The restaurant is clean, the staff is friendly and the food is good!
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Review from Erin T.
Irvine, CA
8/22/2011
I've been here a couple times and I don't remember it being terrible...
However the last time I came here was just revolting.
The place itself was dirty and the area where I sat just smelled kind of funky. I also wanted to study but there was only one outlet and their was supposed to be wifi which there wasn't.
I had the mom's combo which is a basic sandwich and a salad. I asked for light dressing, which i did not get. I also got the smoked turkey sandwich and it was really bland.
I've been to a couple corner bakeries and this one, this branch alone, was pretty bad. The one at south coast plaza is definitely better.
I'm still debating if I want to give this place another chance.. the other reviews said this place is clean and the food is good but i beg to differ. -
Review from Johanna H.
Irvine, CA
6/30/2011
I admit it, I'm a food snob, so when we moved from Los Angeles to Irvine, I wasn't really looking forward to being limited to chain restaurants. (Don't get me wrong, I'm loving life here so far!)
When we walked into Corner Bakery Cafe, which I had never heard of although apparently it's well-known. At first glance I thought it was like a Starbucks or CB&TL, but then I noticed the food menu was much more interesting. I ordered the tomato mozzarella sandwich, and was very pleasantly surprised. The tomato and basil were deliciously fresh, and the mozzarella as well. I love these sandwiches but they're often soggy with wilted greens. Not so here!
I've had only three things from their menu: that sandwich, the grilled ham and cheese, and the pasta salad. All have been delicious, with what taste like farmer's market ingredients; lower calorie fare is also available.
The space is pleasantly large and airy, and the service is friendly. Plus they make a mean Arnold Palmer with some kind of fruit iced tea. This is the kind of place where I couldn't care less if it's a chain. -
Review from Sidney S.
3/28/2011
I miss Maria H, who is my only friend to write a review here but now safely ensconced in Paris, so in her honor; I give them three stars (Sorry Maria but your 4 stars is highly over-rating this place).
Yes, it is a chain, and yes the lunches are fairly tasteless; but I do enjoy the breakfasts here. The muffins are uniformly good and the bacon and cheddar sourdough sandwich is worth the just under $4.00 they charge. -
Review from Jeena E.
I usually come here just to pick up fresh bread for dinner on my lunch hour when I eat at the nearby Flamebroiler, although I have eaten here a few times.
They keep it very clean, even during lunchtime when this place gets buck wild. They do a good job turning over tables so you are not stuck standing up while eating and the lines move pretty fast.
The food is marginal, the bread is really the star of any sandwich. Otherwise you are basically getting 2nd rate lunch meat and limited amounts of vegetables. They are now touting low calorie lunch combinations that will most likely get me in there again soon, bland food or not (you can't eat flamebroiler EVERY day. Well, maybe you can...).
The fresh baked goods are very good and without them this would be a total 2 star review. -
Review from Roxanne F.
Irvine, CA
Updated - 11/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have eaten here several times since my first review. I came for breakfast and had the oatmeal with all the fruits and toppings. It was good and very big. The coffee is delicious; nice and hot.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/30/2011
The menu has a ton of different items and all of them sound very interesting. I had the half spring… Read more »
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Review from Jean L.
4/23/2011
an average corner bakery.
I have never had trouble with finding seating (although I really don't like the setup of the seating).
The food is just average (I wouldn't ever crave it, but I wouldn't be opposed to eating it once in a while).
The service is a little slower than the other three corner's I have been to, but the employees are nice. -
Review from Steveland H.
Los Angeles, CA
10/13/2011
I order the Santa Fe Ranch Chicken Salad-- awesome! For a dessert treat, a cheesecake brownie. It's pretty crowded during lunch hour, but I got to skip past half the line because so many folks were perplexed at the expansive menu and what to spend their precious lunch devouring. I will definitely return.
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Review from Cemone K.
Irvine, CA
5/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
What can I say? I've been going to Corner Bakery for years, particularly this one because my roommate from college worked here for a while and at the end of the day, the baked goods that didnt get sold would come home to us! Haha dunno if I was supposed to say that, but nonetheless we were happy fatties.
Baked goods and desserts are delicious here, as well and the sandwiches (Turkey Avocado, Paninis) the pastas are delicious too but beware they're 1000+ calories so share! Recently Ive been a fan of their breakfast items, you can also sub the bacon for turkey sausage (its an apple turkey sausage so its a bit sweet, just a heads up). Omelets hit the spot for me, especially the farmers omelet full of veggies .
No complaints about the service at this location. I always thought CB was a little pricier in general but the ingredients are better so its expected. -
Review from Chris M.
Irvine, CA
5/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is somewhere in between "A-OK" and "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" I wouldn't go too far and say I am a fan so I guess my rating is more of a 3.5 stars.
The reason for such a mediocre rating is because Corner Bakery is just mediocre. No special taste or memory stands out. This place is quite a nice place if you want a place to meet up a friend and catch up.
I actually haven't tried any of their baked goods. But... I wouldn't want to considering the fact that they leave most of them out in the open with no cover. There are quite the number of microbes in the air...Ask my friend Pasteur. -
Review from Esther K.
3/3/2011 1 photo
I came here for a late lunch with a friend the other day. Parking is ample and the restaurant was pretty empty so we were able to order right away.
I ordered my usual, the panini combo: Chicken Pomodori panini with the Roasted Tomato Basil soup. SO GOOOOD. I absolutely love this combo!!! Although I am thinking of trying their pasta combo, I heard that was really good too.
Since I don't live in the area this was my first time to this particular establishment, but it looked really nice. It was large and clean and there is ample parking since it's located in a large plaza. My friend comes here often and loves it. But I mean, c'mon, who doesn't love Corner Bakery? -
Review from Jing P.
Riverside, CA
9/24/2011
This place is a really cute chain. And I love the fact that it's actually at a corner. It's very spacious and conducive for studying, and the food is both decently priced and tasty. I got a half-and-half of the pesto chicken signature sandwich and the mixed leafy greens. Good and wholesome food with a great atmosphere and vibe!
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Review from Jon N.
Garden Grove, CA
10/5/2010 4 photos
I went up to the cashier with my huge camera and set it on the counter with a huge thud. He notices it and asks me who I take pictures for, I respond in a cool voice, "I'm a photographer, I take pictures and post it on my blog and yelp". He stands attention, asks me what I'd like and I order a sandwich... water for a beverage. What else am I going to order as an Asian. The guy gives me a cup and says "it's on the house". Ok.... I've never really been given a free drink before but alright.
I sit down at a table where my friends are waiting. It's hot outside so this place is crowded by acting as a refuge from the heat. The cashier who just took my order swings by with a a cookie looking desert item. I didn't order this. He said it was free and continues to ask me about my camera and profession.
It became evident that he thought I was some kind of professional reviewer and gave me free stuff. Is this how pretty girls are treated all the time? Guys giving you stuff and acting nice to get on your good side? I have to admit it felt suspicious but at the same time I felt empowered. Now I realize why some pretty girls think they are at the center of the universe. If free gifts are falling out of the sky then why would you? I should have been born a pretty girl.
Corner Bakery Cafe's Score - 85 Points -
Review from Tracy H.
Laguna Hills, CA
10/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
Not a bad spot. Here's my report card:
Food: B-
Their sandwiches are nicely stacked; the meat-to-bread ratio is respectfully thick and I appreciate that they don't mess around with their avocados: nice, big chunks that clearly have a voice in the matter. Breakfast is pretty decent here too; normally, I grab the ham and cheese panini and potatoes. Not bad for about $6.
Salads are hit or miss. I've noticed that the romaine lettuce can be wilted and/or brown at the ends. Not cool. Some of my friends have ordered the apple, walnut and blue cheese salad and it looks scrumptious and fresh. So, as I said: hit or miss.
Service: A
Pretty efficient and friendly. This place is buzzing around midweek lunch time so I appreciate what they do during such a hectic rush. Plus, the manager made a point of saying hello when I walked in the door. Kudos.
Ambiance: B
I like what they've got going on here, but it does feel like a fancy cafeteria for businessmen and women alike. It could be because the space is a large rectangle, but it's a bit unnerving when you have your order and you're looking at all the crowded tables. Prowess and finesse is needed to nimbly maneuver your way through the hungry masses.
Prices: C+
Average. It's about $6.95-$8.00 for lunch. Add a tea and you're at about $10. For the portions, it's just average. Again, their sandwiches are thick, so you do get your money's worth.
Btw, I did notice that their M&M chocolate cookies are bundles in a tempting package. They're so delicious, but buyer beware: it's about $4.95 per package. Eh. I'm a bit cheap, so I could just wander down aisle 3 in Ralphs and grab a bag of Milanos for $1.99 and nip that sweet tooth in the bud for a lot less.
Apart from that though, it's not a bad spot. If anything, compare it to Panera Bread and tell me what you think. -
Review from Claire S.
7/31/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Good place for a quick, inexpensive bite to eat. Service isn't the greatest, but it's not that big of a deal. The granola is pretty hard to down, though, and the fruit isn't terribly fresh. Nice atmosphere, would come again.
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Review from Z C.
San Diego, CA
9/2/2011
My group of 5 arrived at the cafe and quickly placed our order, as there was no visible line of people. However, we had to wait for a very long time before our food came out. For context, we waited long enough for at least 3 sequential trips to the bathroom. In addition, it wasn't clear where people waiting for To Go food were supposed to wait.
I had the Poblano Fresco sandwich with chicken. The sandwich wasn't extraordinary, despite the price. -
Review from Fortunato D.
Huntington Beach, CA
6/14/2010
It never occured to me that I'd miss something from a chain like you. I used to always get the Pomodori sandwich.
Now that it's been a while, I must say that "I missed you"
With that being said, three stars instead of two.
Let's not BS, it all looks the same... Same format, same taste. With such a fail-proof formula, it'll be pretty hard to mess it up.
Lunch here is annoying. It's like being caught in highschool cafeteria traffic. Minus the children plus the suits... And the bullies are still sometimes here, except the nerds run this mutha... -
Review from Jeff L.
9/9/2010 83 Check-ins Here
"Our" Corner Bakery.
I have spent many hours in this CB with my MBA study group back in the day. Decided to bring the kids last Sunday morning for breakfast while their mom was out for a long run. We enjoyed the breakfast scramble and a side egg with bagel. The food is pretty darn good and the coffee isn't bad neither.
Big plus... Free Wifi so I can Check IN on Yelp! -
Review from Kathleen C.
Irvine, CA
7/7/2011
Anyone ever had chilled oatmeal? Well this place sells some pretty bomb chilled oatmeal! It has tons and tons of slivered almonds, strawberries, blueberries, granny smith apples, and bananas all mixed in with their chilled oatmeal! It is sooooo delicious! I wouldn't mind if I had this for breakfast lunch AND dinner! The oats are very chunky, which I LOVE. And the sweetness from the fruits and the crunchiness from the almonds just make the whole thing come together! I will definitely be coming back to get more CHILLED oatmeal! :) I am a fannnn
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Review from Cheryl K.
6/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I actually ate breakfast here before with the husband and remembered that it was great. I recently had breakfast here with my in-laws. Unfortunately I was completely hung over from the night before and I actually had to focus on not spewing when seeing the other plates of my family's Commuter Croissant, Breakfast Combo, and an Anaheim Scrambler. I opted for a Cinnamon Roll served warm and a coffee. Mmm! It was so amazingly tasty and actually alleviated some of the hang over. The service is really quick and we got a seat even though it was quite busy.
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Review from Amy K.
4/4/2009 2 Check-ins Here
I've been here dozens of times, but I guess I never wrote a review. Usually I'm here for breakfast after a run. It's a great place to go with my running friends because everyone can order and pay separately, and they have outdoor seating, good for those days when we're particularly stinky.
My current favorite breakfast is the fresh fruit and yogurt parfait. It comes in a bowl layered with yogurt, fresh berries (strawberries when I've ordered it, but maybe they have other berries sometimes), and granola. I like that they are generous with the berries. I also like their fresh-brewed iced tea.Listed in: Time for Breakfast
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Review from Phoenix A.
Los Angeles, CA
8/18/2008
Ooh, not a good day to be pms-ing and trying new things at Corner Bakery.
I usually walk in and make a big orgasmic spectacle of myself over the raisin crisps and their lemon bars of joy. Then my usual order is the 1/2 soup and 1/2 salad combo of cheese broccoli and caesar salad.
But this time, I decided to humor the wild hair up my butt and try the 1/2 Turkey Frisco on Asiago Cheese sandwich. Ugh, yuck! The asiago completely overpowers any turkey flavor so you wouldn't even know the damn bird was there. And there are too many other flavors that detract your palate from having a seamless sandwich experience. This thing was an unpalatable disaster.
Today, my food came to me quick though, although I've been here on other occasions where the service was either slow or I've been completely forgotten.
Lastly, it would be nice if there were some tables located in the shade, otherwise you are left to burn in the sun and melt away mid crappy sandwich.
These stars are mostly for my past pleasant experiences minus the failure of a meal today. -
Review from Linda Y.
10/30/2009
I'm only giving this place 4 stars because I when I walked in wearing my Super Mario costume, I got a lot of compliments and laughs. Just kidding, I actually really like this place because of the bagel and coffee combo! I didn't even know about the combo because I didn't see it on the menu. I got a blueberry bagel with cream cheese and a large coffee for $3.25. Sah-WEEET! The thing that sucks my Italian balls is that they don't have iced coffee :( If they have an espresso machine, which they should since they serve lattes and mochas and what not, shouldn't iced coffee be easy? When I asked the cashier if they had iced coffee she told me no but she can give me a cup with ice and I can put the self-serve coffee in it. Yes... of course I'll do that... so the coffee can just water down... excellent idea. Shouldn't a cafe like Corner Bakery have iced coffee? Whateva.
The bagels are not as good as other places like Panera Bread (chocolate chip bagel with cream cheese... ORGASMIC). I rarely eat here because I think the food is kind of a rip off in terms of the price you pay for the amount of food you get, but every now and again I'll come here for the tomato basil soup which everyone writing reviews here seems to love as well. Great yelpers think alike. I'd still opt for Panera's bread bowl soup. Their bread bowl is way better.Listed in: Breakfast is the bestest!
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Review from Maria H.
2/1/2010 68 Check-ins Here
i walk there when I am home and have nothing to eat! I love Cheddar Broccoli soup, chicken pesto, Caesar salad, and their kettle cooked chips :-)
Couple of years ago, they had really bad customer service, not nice staffs and too many mistakes and messing up orders, but surprisingly, they got much better over time and now have very helpful staff. Guess the manager is changed.
I like their little hidden patio which is really cozy and quite--well, not if you go there during lunch time that is packed by dudes with their name tags and suits :-)
one less star because I think it is a little too pricey for the food you get.
PS. How come I never get any coupons from them? I am a loyal customer and I think I deserve something, lol. -
Review from Eileen T.
Aliso Viejo, CA
Updated - 1/1/2010 5 photos
Last time I blogged about Corner Bakery Cafe, I mentioned that they forgot to give me the lemon bar that I ordered for to-go. Somebody from Corner Bakery Cafe contacted me and offered me some coupons for the incident. At first I was really surprised that they found my blog. I thought it really shows how much they care about their customers.
So with the coupon, Dr. P and I made a visit to Corner Bakery Cafe for lunch. The line was long when we arrived, but it was moving pretty quickly.
Dr. P ordered a Sandwich Combo with 1/2 sandwich and a cup of soup. The soup was cheddar broccoli, and Dr. P loved it. It was creamy and tasty. He picked a turkey sandwich. He said it was terrific, but again, he thought the bread crust was too hard with the little grains in it. But other than that, the ingredient was really fresh.
I ordered Harvest Salad with Roasted Chicken. It had chicken, apples, walnuts, blue cheese, and currants. Just love the mix! The dressing was tangy and delicious. Chicken was really tender. I enjoyed the salad a lot!
We like Corner Bakery Cafe a lot. We saw somebody eating a big bowl of pasta, and it looked so good. We plan to go back next time to try their pasta!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/22/2009
After grocery shopping, I saw Corner Bakery Cafe in the same plaza and remembered I had a coupon for… Read more »
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Review from Crystal N.
Irvine, CA
3/16/2010
If it wasn't for my final exam in half an hour, I'd be at Corner Bakery ordering the bacon and cheddar panini (comes with fresh fruit if that sounds too heavy!) that I have yet to try.
I live right across the street from this Corner Bakery's location. Okay, maybe that's not a clever thing to share but I want to point out that I don't just come here because it's convenient. I come here because I'm this addict to whatever drug they have put into their pesto cavatappi.
The Pesto-Cavatappi-Pasta, I believe, is one of the most ordered dishes here. The flavor they put into combining the bites of oven roasted chicken with the rich creamy pesto sauce is like Disneyland fireworks exploding in your mouth. The explosion doesn't stop there. Take a bite of the perfectly seasoned and buttered garlic bread that comes with this dish and your taste buds would literally soar across California. This dish is quite filling and with tax, I think it was about $8? A deal compared to the current $69 that you'd have to pay Walt Disney for a fantasmic experience!
I'm also a really INdecisive person because I always want to order the whole menu but I know that's a bit impossible (again, if only my waistline permits.) but when I can't chose between either a hearty pasta or a panini, I'd usually go with getting the combo. The combo consists of 1/2 salad/soup and 1/2 sandwich/panini. The chicken salad on steakhouse rye is pretty good and refreshing because of the tiny bites of apples they throw in it (at first i was like.. eh? apples with my chicken? and in my sammich? but it was a win!). I personally recommend the Chicken Pomodori on Sourdough. I usually substitute the sourdough with whole-grain harvest (tastes even better I think). Y'know, for the sake of also feeling healthy so I have an excuse to venture for a great dessert-spot afterwards without feeling as guilty!
As for the salad, I'd definitely go with Caesar just because I like my bites flavorful but if not, I'm sure the mixed greens would be just as great (they usually use their house dressing (balsamic?).
I would recommend the combo only if you dont want to get super stuffed because I don't know about others but every time i order the combo, i leave with having extra room for dessert or get tempted to order my favorite pesto-cavatappi to go!
Bring a friend because it only makes your tastebud's Disneyland experience all the more, deliciously amazing. =) -
Review from Brad F.
Los Angeles, CA
7/5/2006
Corner Bakery Cafe off Harvard is a great breakfast and/or lunch spot. Many different sandwiches, soups, and salads are offered and the lay out is large. There are plenty of seats to choose from and there is even an outdoor patio.
Lunch here is crazy crowded on the weekdays because of its nearness to the OC corporate fishbowl. I would only come here on the weekend if I was in the Irvine Inc; it is a great place to relax and it is right off the freeway.
If you do not wish to enjoy the cafe vibe, you can order the soups and breads (and lemon bars!) to go. The only thing I would change would be the newspapers they receive. Instead of the OC register and the USA today (What is this? The Raddison?) stick to a "times." Any times.
Tomato Soup is tough to beat as is their lemon bars.
Lemon Bars. -
Review from Martin B.
Long Beach, CA
7/9/2011
I wound up here today because the bike club I ride with used this as a mid-ride break. I didn't eat anything at that time thinking I'd come back when I finished riding.
I had their chili chicken pannini, billed as new. Thought it was good tho it's hard to separate these various meats from other competitors because usually they're processed (not saying that's the case here). But after all, chicken is chicken.
The sandwich, actually the half along with their lemonade (whose lemonade?) and a rugalah and I was finished. Took the other half sandwich home. Not great, nor too bad at room temp.
The rugalah was good, not great also. Better than some I recently had from another bakery.
Rest room was clean, had enough soap so I could wash hands and face twice. The paper towel dispenser worked so I was able to dry off.
I scoped their calories presentation and at 740 (760 C?) that sandwich was not a bad lunch for someone who just rode off 2,000+ C.
Next time I'll try their corned beef sandwich. -
Review from Doreen B.
6/5/2009
It seems weird to review a place that is a chain, but they provide some great service.
But first let me say, any day that I just need a pick me up and dont want to stand in a crazy line to get soup and salad across the street at the plantation, I call here. Soup and Salad combo
I LOVE their Tomato Basil!!!!!
So the reason why this place deserves a rating, is because they are giving us the hookup on 300 cookies we need for an event. Not even blinking an eye and so helpful about it!
Thanks Danny1 -
Review from Julie L.
8/2/2009
THIS place is worth 5 hours in the gym. The panini is heavenly; if heaven came toasted with gooey melted cheese and bacon. I'd like to think it does. :) Their bundt cakes are great too but its the banana bundt that wins by a landslide!!!
So good, I shamelessly whore this place out on any unsuspecting friend who can't decide where to go. So far I haven't seen any major differences in the different chains...maybe on the wait time but not on the quality. Hooray for uniformity! -
Review from Raymond S.
Irvine, CA
6/7/2007
Corner Bakery is great for sandwiches, soups, and sandwiches. It's a nice alternative to fast food when you want a nice place to sit down and grab some food before going back to work again.
Step in and you'll smell either the aroma of coffee or the sweet smell of baked goods which they're well known for. mmm... but what i come here for is the soup and sandwiches. But no matter what you choose, the prices are good and the food is great.
I absolutely love their Tomato Basil Soup. It's good especially with the crotons they throw in. I don't eat tomatoes but this soup is like crack to me. Plus it keeps my mom content on the tomato intake. Great spices and a rich flavor all for $2.99 for a cup/ $3.99 a bowl.
Another favorite is the corned beef panini. It's a little bit on the greasy side but it's pretty good. And considering I can get a soup & 1/2 sandwich combo for under $7, that's a pretty fair deal.
Next time I'm trying the caesar salad with chicken... -
Review from Allie M.
Irvine, CA
11/30/2010
I am so fed up with this Corner bakery that I am not going to it ever again. I know there are a lot of good reviews on here, so I guess I just have bad luck with this place.
That being said, I will say that I do like their food. When you get the 1/2 combo, the salad portion is generous. Even though their sandwiches are a little on the weak side, they usually taste good.
So, now onto this Irvine location. I have been here quite a few times, and I would say that my order has been wrong a good 50% of the time. That is not ok with me. Maybe I have high food standards, but if you work at a restaurant, you should be capable enough not to mess up orders all the time.
Forexample:
-There was one time I was sitting outside on the patio (it was lunch time so a little busy), and the server gives us our food. It turned out it was nothing close to our order. So she picked it up, looked at the ticket, and literally said (did anyone out here order .... ). Not acceptable. Then, not to mention, when my food finally came, it was the wrong type of meat.
-The last time I was there, I ordered one sandwich to go and the place was not busy at all... Maybe like 5 tables filled. I noticed that it was taking a little longer than usual, and not to mention the person who ordered after me got their food. I go up to the counter and ask and sure enough it was just sitting on the counter. They had forgotten about it. Again... not acceptable. I just got my money back because I couldn't handle that place anymore.
They seriously need to revamp their whole staff or something because these people can not do it right. Good luck to everyone else who goes there. -
Review from Alain T.
Orange County, CA
5/18/2011
This place is worth going. The menu has good selections. I usually order Al's chili and the pesto chicken sandwich. The price is fair and the service is quick.
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Review from Tara K.
Lake Forest, CA
4/15/2010
I'd never eaten at Corner Bakery until I started working 2 minutes from this location. It's great for a lot of things - whether you're looking for a full-on meal, just a bite, or some dessert/pastries.
I only come here for lunch and since it's in a business/office area, it can get super busy. The good thing is that turn around time is pretty quick as you order/pay first and then get your food, and also no one really hangs out for too long once they're done eating. There's a lot of variety, even for a veggie like me, and I've made slight adjustments to some things never with any problems.
My favorites:
Tomato basil soup - chunky, hearty, and chock full of flavor
Poblano Fresco sandwich - awesome poblano cheese bread and white cheddar cheese(!)
Tomato Mozzarella sandwich - I get it without basil (too much for me) and normally save half for later, which I reheat ever so slightly to melt the cheese a little
Santa Fe Ranch salad - I order it without the chicken and voila! Vegetarian delight. Is it possible to get the corn and tomato salsa just on its own?? I can't get enough.
California Grille panini - packed with yummy veggies and toasted to perfection
Chocolate chip cookie - need I say anything?
It can get a little pricey for lunch ($18-20 for two) but it's not bad for the occasional grub. Be sure to sign-up for their eCafe online 'cause they'll send out coupons for free desserts, coffee, etc.
