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137 reviews for Heirloom Bakery
Review Highlights
"LOVE the red velvet cupcakes."
(in 7 reviews)
"I especially like their French Chicken Sandwich."
(in 6 reviews)
"The baked goods are awesome."
(in 14 reviews)
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137 reviews in English
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Review from Jessie Y.
Alhambra, CA
1/13/2012
I'm not a sandwich and salad girl. But, i will make an exception for Heirloom. That's how good their food is.
I get their super meaty sandwich (the name escapes me, but it's a sandwich with layers of meat and jalapeno.) It's delicious. I also get their cobb salad, which I swear is the best salad I have ever had. It helps that the people who work here are all super sweet and super nice. This definitely has the small-town ambience, which I absolutely adore. You can sit here and chat with your friends for hours - their isn't a long rush of people, and instead, the time spent there feels like a fun, lazy afternoon.
Come to Heirloom and forget all you troubles.
Really, it's how good this place is. -
Review from jane c.
Pasadena, CA
1/10/2012
I so wanted to love this place because the cafe is along the way to the Mission Station. I've been there 3 times so far. Like other reviewers, I found the coffee very strong. I've tried both the iced and the hot. I've also tried the breakfast scone which has a combination of bacon, some sort of yummy cheese and chives I believe. Good, but it was a bit salty for my taste buds. I've also tried their white chocolate coconut cookie and found it tasty. Their banana cake was really pretty, with a kumquat and leaf decorating the top. Taste was ok.
My biggest qualm is that everything is $1 to 1.50 more expensive than it should be. Also, this is a cafe for people with lots of time to chill and relax. Since everything is made from scratch, they take their time preparing each item, even pouring coffee. Perhaps I should have told them I need to get on the train, but I felt a bit out of place as everyone in there seemed to be at a relaxed place, not in the rush of a morning commute. For a cafe next to a train stop, I would consider thinking about gold liners as a potential customer base. -
Review from James W.
Los Angeles, CA
11/26/2011
This place is simply good. The tastiness of their dishes shows that there is whole lot of attention to freshness.
Their salads are a must try even for carnivores. (which I am very much) The sandwiches are delectable with a touch of artisan panache. Desserts are not over the top and a must to top of any meal here.
You will not be disappointed. "A must try." -
Review from Gail T.
Claremont, CA
1/15/2012
Without a doubt, the food here is delicious. That's why it pains me to take away two stars simply because we had to wait much too long, with a generous-sized steaming hot cup of java, before someone bussed our table. In fact, I counted four dirty tables at the time we arrived for breakfast. I have encountered this quirk of this establishment too long to remain complacent! The management ought to hire a floor manager, or a traffic manager, or whatever you call someone whose job it is to eyeball tables, ASAP! Again, love the food. Dislike the dirty tables.
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Review from Lagr .
Pasadena, CA
11/1/2011
Super cute place on Mission and Meridian below the lofts.
Breakdown:
-5 stars for the KEY LIME PIE. I'm a Florida native, and it rivals anything I've had in Key West. Top 5 key lime pie slices ever.
-4.5 stars for the chicken sandwich. French country bread was delicious, and chicken was tasty, though obviously sitting in a fridge prior to assembly (It was really cold). The aioli was yummy, too.
I will definitely be back! -
Review from Janel Y.
9/22/2011 3 photos
Friends brought us here and I'm so glad they did! Just seeing the fresh pastries and entrees come out, I knew this was going to be a good place.
Here's what we ordered:
-old-fashioned Cobb salad (~$10): standard Cobb with 2 pieces of bread and slices of chicken. The size is big enough for 2-3 people!
-Cuban sandwich: didn't try
-pasta salad side: didn't try
The portions were big and the food was fresh. The bakery items looked delicious and I wanted to try all of the ones displayed behind the glass. Will definitely have to come back.
Plenty of tables and chairs inside and out. Service was average and the place was pretty clean. -
Review from Cindy C.
Heirloom is a wholesome little café that's pretty popular during weekend brunch hours. A lot of ppl come here with kids or dogs, so it can be hard to find a table especially at the outdoor area.
I do like the food here, it's decent. Don't expect a mind-blowing meal, and you'll be fine. It's a nice option to have if you live around the area. I've had the breakfast sandwich (4 stars), omelet plate (2.5 stars), and eggs w/ bacon breakfast plate (2.5 stars). I wish they have more bread options. They serve this good quality artisan bread with the breakfast sandwich and with most brunch entrees, but somehow they're always over-toasted. It's hard to eat and not as enjoyable when the bread is so crusty.
This is more of a hipster joint, not the traditional mom-n-pop diner. They have a lot of healthy choices. And I enjoy a nice stroll around this quaint area afterwards. -
Review from Jeremy S.
South Pasadena, CA
11/30/2011 1 photo
Great tuna sandwich on a really good baguette that has crunch. The sandwich was slightly soggy due to the tuna salad being a bit wet. On the pricier side but worth it.
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Review from Ken C.
Los Angeles, CA
1/18/2012
There are all sorts of cafes, bakeries, coffee houses in the South Pasadena area. Most are ok to pretty good. Heirloom is clearly the best of the bunch. Their salads, sandwiches and deserts could be served at the Ritz Carlton. The coffee is rich without being strong, a taste the coffee chains have not yet found. There is no finer country white bread, anywhere. Don't plan on siting there with your laptop for two hours at lunch, they are much too busy.
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Review from Yuping X.
Pasadena, CA
8/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Love the rare roast beef sandwich.
Don't love the crazy lunch crowd and limited seating. -
Review from Michaela O.
South Pasadena, CA
8/10/2011 3 Check-ins Here
My husband and I discovered this place when we were jet-lagged and roaming around our town at 6:30 a.m. And mmmm....what a sweet surprise we found when we learned that Heirloom opens at 6:00a.m! Love their eye candy pastries. It would take me months to ever get through half of them, but gosh they are pretty to look at! I'll skip the breakfast burrito next time, but the oatmeal and all the items in the case that we've had so far are great!
Lunch can get busy, but if you've got a bit of patience, you're sure to walk out with a satisfied belly.
And I just found out they are open for dinner? Mmmmmm....can't wait to try! -
Review from Jason L.
Pasadena, CA
8/30/2011
Pretty decent sandwich for a guy who's not that into sandwiches. The french chicken sandwich was pretty good. It was a big sandwich, so come hungry.
I love that Mission Station is finally starting to get some foot traffic. -
Review from Paul K.
Los Angeles, CA
10/24/2011
Had a good lunch at Heirloom this afternoon. The white bean soup was excellent and I didn't need the butter for my bread, because I kept dunking the bread in my soup. Also enjoyed a turkey, avocado, cheese on wheat. Saw lots of good salads on tables around me that I will be sure to try next time. Bakery goods looked tempting too, but I didn't have room. This is certainly a place I will return to again with friends.
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Review from Maureen W.
South Pasadena, CA
Updated - 7/19/2011
New loves/obsessions:
1. Turkey and avocado on the best bread I've ever tasted. This bread is so soft and flavorful on the outside with the perfect crispy crust. Reminds me of the bread you get in a lovely seaside B&B in Dingle Ireland.
2. Cobb salad. Delicious dressing, fresh ingredients. The perfect summer lunch.Listed in: My Neighborhood
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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6/9/2009
Went in today and had a fabulous egg sandwich. Damn, their bread is good! And that homemade… Read more »
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Review from Cassandra K.
South Pasadena, CA
8/18/2011
I've been here twice for lunch (once to eat-in, once to takeaway) and was not disappointed. The sandwiches are delish, and the carrot cake was superb. There are interesting salads, pastries and cooked dishes in the case, which I have not yet tried, but look forward to doing so.
It can get busy at lunch, so be prepared to wait so if you're in a rush, it's probably not the best option. -
Review from Caron F.
Pasadena, CA
5/2/2011
Ham and cheese croissants are to die for. They are usually warm and fresh from the oven that morning. I had one of these delicious things the first time I went here along with a cup of medium roast coffee. It's the best meal in town for $5 and change. Get them early in the day or they will run out!
The baked goods are kind of a big deal. If it looks good to you, you will probably moan while you eat it so go ahead and treat yourself. You will not regret it. I like to get a few things and share. The portions are large and around $5 per giant cupcake or slice of pie. I've tried carrot cake, hostess, and key lime. Great stuff.
Whatever kind of quiche they've got, it's great. The crust is especially perfect... aaahhhhh.
Also, if you have been to Florida and had a Cuban sandwich, you will like the Cuban here. It's not traditional Cuban bread but hey, you can't get that anywhere but South Florida. The bread is very good and they use sliced, whole roasted pork loin that is juicy and freshly sliced.
Yes, the service seems to take forever... and ever... but if you are dining-in they do give you your drinks and desserts when you order so it's not that bad. You can eat the sweets first and enjoy the hot food they bring you for dessert. That works for me.
I docked a star for service because it had to be done. -
Review from Linda T.
Monterey Park, CA
10/23/2011
nice neighborhood. nice area to sit around and stare at the streets or catch up with friends.
bakery section looked yums...scones, coffee cakes, cupcakes!
i got a pumpkin cranberry scone w a cup of coffee which i really liked. scone was yummy and coffee was strong.
friend got an omelete served with potatoes and toast, which i only thought was okay. nothing spectacular. -
Review from Maria R.
Pasadena, CA
6/18/2011
6/18/2011 around 1pm
First let's get the 'bad' out of the way...parking is horrible. 2 hour street parking and there's very little of it. South Pas: get with it, you're losing business to cities with parking, like Pasadena (I don't mind paying, I just want an un-timed, relatively easy-to-find space.)
Um-kay. Had lunch with a friend - I had the Spanish tortilla, with side salad and she had the calzone/salad. The tortilla was delicious; some places get this item totally wrong, it's greasy, etc. Not at Heirloom - really good! My friend enjoyed her calzone.
Restful spot at a family-sized table on the patio. Great service from bearded musician (sorry, don't know name); bad service from long-haired brunette (when we went to the patio for a table, several tables were empty and un-bussed; she saw us waiting and said - in her most annoyed tone - "Someone's coming," and then disappeared. So you're not...someone? We just took part of the giant table, which we would have left for a large party, if other space had been open. Read the other reviews - service is hit/miss and my visit proved that.
My food was good and fresh - if I lived within walking distance, I'd put this place in the rotation. As it is, it's not worth the parking hassle anytime soon. -
Review from Mark Edward H.
South Pasadena, CA
5/13/2011
Sometimes you eat at a place once or twice and you realize "wow. This cook/chef/owner has TALENT." There is a reason the chief baker and owner, Sally Cook, has been a dessert chef for many famous restaurants during her career. It is because whatever she touches in the kitchen turns to gold. I generally do not eat baked goods, but I take all my foodie friends here to marvel at the skill and panache of the output at Heirloom. The signature is a chocolate coffee cake, which is utterly transcendent. Soft and crisp and somehow not filling, despite it's obvious richness. For me, being a savory type, the croissant are just perfect. I actually take french people here to try them. Try as they might, I've had no less than two frenchmen - one, a chef - admit "yes, this is as close as one could hope." I like the ham croissant, but I've seen lesser men fight for the last spinach.
As we move away from the bakery, the quality drops only slightly, from a true 5 to maybe a 4.3, but the breakfasts are always well prepared (try the breakfast salad - clever and satisfying) and the lunches hearty. Good luck trying to get some of the soups. So popular, they're usually gone by 2pm.
If I had a complaint, I suppose it would be with the service. The staff is fantastic, but the system they have in place - lining up and ordering from a counter - can slow things down.
Warning - this place can get full to overflowing on weekend mornings. -
Review from Scott C.
San Francisco, CA
6/20/2011
three star sandwich and 5 star pie = 4 stars. I ordered a bunch of sandwiches for a group lunch. The were made to order and the flavors were pretty good, but they were all swimming goo. Mayo, melted cheese...whatever it is, they put lots. It makes an otherwise really good sandwich kinda soggy. If you go, ask them for condiments on the side and put it on yourself.
That said, the apple pie was spectacular. Probably one of the best pies I have ever had. It is worth a trip just for the pie. -
Review from Nan Z.
Los Angeles, CA
4/23/2011
4.5 - the breakfast menu is a 5.0, you cannot go wrong with their oatmeal and egg sandwiches. Their oatmeal is absolutely celestial, the brown sugar melts into the oatmeal, providing the base which is to be complemented with the mixed fruits (strawberries, bananas, blackberries) and raisins, which awaits, with abated breath, to be powdered on that flawless glow of palatal glory.
However, when it comes to their lunch menu, a little less can be said. Although their caprese sandwich was good, i can honestly say that it was nonetheless a bit over-toasted and less flavorful, and a bit watered down. But overall, I would come back in a heartbeat for the breakfast. -
Review from Lisa C.
South Pasadena, CA
10/9/2011
My home away from home. I love this place. It's cozy. The staff is so friendly. Oh and the food is awesome. Sometimes they do have trouble keeping up with cleaning the tables. I think they're working on that. But you can't beat this place to hang with friends and eat great food. I love that the place is dog friendly. I don't have a dog but I love seeing everyone else's. Also - They have dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. REALLY GOOD!! I had the braised short ribs and wow. Just great. My husband always tries new stuff and loves it every time. Beautiful and tasty desserts!
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Review from Jason L.
Hemet, CA
8/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love this place!! Great for a quick bite. Breakfast is amazing. All food is made fresh daily, and the coffee will put a pep in your step. Gold Line close is a Plus! The staff is really cool and relaxed no rush when eating. Great inside or patio dining. (F.Y.I) weekends are a little busy with the ten speeders and mommy crowd.
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Review from xie b.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 5/29/2011
I left a glowing review of Heirloom a long time ago, but this place has gotten stale. They have let it get a little run down, their breakfast and lunch "specials" are not specials- just variations on the same 4 specials they always have. For example, their quiches rarely differ from day to day and seem to be comprised of leftovers of whatever vegetables go into their deli salads (even if those veggies shouldn't really go together in a quiche). The cop-out quiche is the goat cheese/tomato/basil quiche which i swear they have almost everyday... so boring.
I would like to see them change out the specials more often, using more seasonal vegetables and fruits, as well as have a different variety of pastries. They could also stand to replace some of the permanent menu items with others. They need to mix it up or they'll be replaced by another place who does what they do, but better.
Basically, it has lost some of what made it special in the beginning, which is kind of sad.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/6/2009
I love this spot. I like the staff, they are all very nice. We run into a few of them around town… Read more »
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Review from paula v.
South Pasadena, CA
Updated - 9/12/2011
OK, I took a bit to post this (been busy) but after my last horrible experience which you can read in the last review, the owner actually contacted me to apologize which was really nice. I have been back and while the service lets just say they need help...the food and desserts are really fantastic. I go often and will continue to. It is just one of those places where you accept the fact that it may be "chaotic" I just tell myself they are more artist than business and the fantastic fair makes up for it. FYI there is another place in town that is the same way...Firefly, you just gotta live with it. ;)
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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3/20/2011
Let me start off by saying...I really do like this place! But the experience today was off the… Read more »
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Review from isaac l.
Los Angeles, CA
9/29/2011
Cupcakes are delish! Bought one of each and shared with my wife and son. The chocolate cupcake, the red velvet, and the carrot cake, try them all!
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Review from Joshua R.
Pasadena, CA
8/19/2011
I grabbed a slice of key lime pie, a cup of coffee and a seat outside. I watched people, cars, and trains. Mayberry was alive. I was happy. It was good. I'll go back.
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Review from Nell C.
Carlsbad, CA
9/8/2011
This is a great local place for brunch, lunch or quick snack! I recommend the breakfast salad!
I love me some poached eggs on toast! Yummy! -
Review from J L.
Los Angeles, CA
9/23/2011
We often drop by Heirloom on the weekends with our toddler son. They have plenty of high chairs, so it's kid friendly. The breakfast sandwich and meatloaf sandwich are our favorites! They also have some pretty amazing sides that change from time to time, depending on what's fresh. The only small complaint that I'd have is that sometimes the wait for your food after you order is long... the weekends get crowded with families and bicyclists, so that's expected. Better if you can get there on week days, if you're lucky enough not to have to work! The desserts and bakery goods are pretty tasty as well, but on hot days, you can see some flies swarming about (ick!).
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Review from Cindy Z.
South Pasadena, CA
12/5/2011
Good food, but expensive! Everything they make looks fresh, so it takes some time for them to make/prepare it. The quiche of the day is more than $7 here while Buster's, a coffee shop right across the street, sells their quiche of the day for $4.
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Review from Melinda S.
San Francisco, CA
9/6/2011
I can quite honestly say I am still on a search for a breakfast sandwich as good as the one at Heirloom. When I hit up South Pas, I have to have at least 2 breakfast sandwiches during my stay. This may mean having them two days in a row. I don't care. They are SPECTACULAR.
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Review from Priscilla G.
Los Angeles, CA
2/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've had their Caprese and Portobello sandwiches, as well as their chocolate cupcake and bread pudding, all sooo good!
Minus 1/2 star for their service; it is somewhat lacking and could be better. Minus another 1/2 star for having to stand their awkwardly if you are getting something to go. Note: it's only weird if it's crowded and there is no where to sit in the mean time AND it's too cold outside to wait.
Regardless, I'll be back :) -
Review from Chris B.
12/3/2010
"Grub 140" (Palatable 140 character reviews. Because your attention span sucks like mine):
Interior charming yet sterile. Crooked tables. Granola, eggs, awesome. Bakery pedestrian. Location bonus. I'd like to like you more. Empty. -
Review from Andrea W.
Updated - 6/28/2011
Addicted to the French chicken sandwich and tuna sandwich, I feel like there must be crack in them. STRONG coffee. Ham and cheese croissant is something outta this world. Breakfast salad is amazing. So basically you cant go wrong with anything they have. I don't live in the anymore but I go every time I'm in the area because it's just that good.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/4/2011
i love this place. family and dog friendly. great caffeine fixes and baked goods. i love the coffee… Read more »
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Review from Michelle T.
Torrance, CA
5/23/2010 3 photos
Presentation 4.5 stars!
overall 3.5 stars...
This place looks great, staff is cool and their beautiful desserts reeled me in to buy a pretty cupcake. With a flower on top, it definitely looked gourmet and costed $3.50. It was a pretty good size and had a strong chocolate taste. I've had better frosting, but this one was still yummy combined with the cake. I've read not so impressed reviews of this place, so i don't know if i would come back to try the food here. With so many cupcake shops in the city of Pasadena, i'd probably opt for their cakes instead if i come back.Listed in: Raspberry Bibingka
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Review from Ken C.
5/16/2010
When I saw this place, I was hopeful. It looked like it had a buzzing atmosphere and the food looks really presentable.
The price points are a little high and, because I partook in several cupcakes from "My sweet cupcake" and lots of bread from "Great Harvest", I only got a red velvet cupcake from here.
Unfortunately, the red velvet cupcake wasn't great and it costs around $3.50. It was really a chocolate cupcake and the cream cheese frosting was sweeter than most. As a chocolate cupcake, it was okay, but you can get better cupcakes down the street.
I had my eye on this cake that was laced with profiteroles (cream puffs), but a slice was $4.50 and I was already carrying too much sweets.
Although the atmosphere of the place is nice and the employees are cool, I wasn't too impressed by the price points of the items or the cupcake that I had. I probably won't be back for round two.Listed in: Where I go for my sweet tooth!
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Review from Denis K.
Pasadena, CA
Updated - 6/14/2010
Your coffee taste like jet fuel. Just the way I like it. I don't care for wimpy coffee. I like the taste of a strong cup of joe.
The food is always solid but something was missing in the basil, tomato, and goat cheese quiche. I don't know what is. A bit watery perhaps? Everyone else at the table loved their food from breakfast sandwich, egg sandwich, granola, and etc.
Heirloom is kid and dog friendly. We love enjoying a nice outdoor brunch right after a nice run at the rosebowl.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/8/2007
Heirloom is a great place to have breakfast. Another restaurant influenced with obvious culinary… Read more »
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Review from Minerva P.
Alhambra, CA
7/23/2011
It is wonderful to go somewhere that the servers are familiar to you and friendly as well. Such is the case here. Julio is a very familiar face and a great waiter. However he can't make up for the rest of the crew. We asked twice for ketchup from the same bus girl ; said okay and never came back. The coffee was cold but the food was good. Too bad they forgot the toast. They brought out everyone's breakfast except mine. Of course my friendes didn't want to start until I got mine. Waited for ten minutes. The cornmeal orange rosemary scone was wonderful and I noshed on that. When my breakfast came I just took it home.
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Review from Doug D.
Los Angeles, CA
11/19/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Autostrade. Spicy and awesome.
One of the best in South Pas! -
Review from Eliz L.
Pasadena, CA
7/19/2010
Service:
Friendly and helpful. It was our first time there, and the staff took their time to explain the different dishes and desserts to us.
Food:
The portobello pizza had a truck-load of cheese on it. We love cheese but not when the cheese becomes the star in a mushroom pizza. Also, some herbs would have been a nice touch on a rather bland pizza. In contrast, the red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting was very delicious and just moist enough.
Price:
Considering it's situated in South Pasadena, some items are still priced a dollar or two higher than they should be (i.e. portobello pizza). 1 salad + 1 sandwich + 1 pizza + 1 coffee au lait = $32, another $3.50 for cupcake.
Ambiance:
On the day we visited, there was the world's most adorable schnauzer with her owner in the patio. As if the charm of South Pas isn't enough! But there's a bit of a gnats issue inside the eatery. They hovered around the area where the water cups are and also around the delicious-looking baked goods... no bueno.
The food is mostly mediocre but I would definitely return for the red velvet cupcake and if there are adorable creatures on the patio!
