"The potato balls and meat pies are fantastic and always fresh."
(in 383 reviews)
"I LOVE their feta cheese sandwich and their guava/cheese pastries."
(in 198 reviews)
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Porto's Party Store & Cake Gallery
Rating Details »
Categories: Bakeries, Cuban, Sandwiches
Neighborhood: Glendale315 N Brand Blvd
Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 956-5996
- Hours:
Mon. 6:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tue-Sat. 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good for:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- None
906 reviews for Porto's Party Store & Cake Gallery
Review Highlights
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I got me some (potato) balls!
On Saturday, after our crochet group meeting across the street at Panera Bakery, my friend Jane & I headed over to Portos.
I've had some of those delicious fruit tortes at parties, heard the hype, but have never been in.
So, of course, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about!
Wow, that place is hopping!
4pm & it was crowded. Four Disneyland-type queues to work the crowd!
I wanted to pick up some of those potato balls I've been hearing about.
Got a packaged dozen.
The line(s) situation is a bit chaotic & confusing, we both had to switch lines & then I had to go to yet another line to pick up some sandwiches I added on. (1 star docked)
No biggie. I guess it's part of the experience.
While standing in line, I couldn't help but look at the baked goods.
Oy, I was drooling.
Jane was picking up a fruit tart & some cheese rolls for her family. She offered me some of the cheese rolls, but I've been eating out a lot lately, so with regret, "No, that's okay." Damn my diabetes.
Those balls.....just as good as hyped!
Warm, crunchy on the outside, mashed potato-y layer that leads to the meat filling in the middle. I guess the word to use is: savory. Not something I could eat normally, but so good that I'm putting these in my "Special Treat" category. Worth making the trip over there in the future.
OOOOOOOOOOOO !!!
I'd cross the ocean for Portos if I had to. Luckily, I'm blessed to be only 40miles away.
If anyone's familiar with the asian bakery 85C, which is a leading coffee, cake and bakery franchise chain that was founded in Taiwan, then Porto's bakery is the Cuban version of it.
I would have to agree that almost everything on the menu are proven crowd pleasers. My friends and I entered through the bakery side from the parking lot and first time being there, I had an awkward first impression because we had to walk through this long, somewhat-narrow hallway where the restrooms were located. I almost questioned whether or not we were in a bakery but I doubt I was lost because lost in a split-second, the heavenly smell of fresh pastries led my beast of an appetite to the world of Latin American deliciousness.
You know you are at the right restaurant if there are hoards of people in line not only during lunch time. It was almost 3pm and although there was still a line, it didn't take long until you were the next to get assisted. I honestly think the line was not long enough because i had such a hard time deciding among the varieties of mouthwatering showcase of sweet goodies and sandwiches made with perfection. If my waistline permitted, I would have ordered the whole café and taken the bakery to go.
First time I had Porto's I ordered the amazing:
1.) Cheese Rolls (cheese filled pastry)
2.) Midnight Sandwich (Croquettes, ham, roasted pork, swiss cheese served w/mayo, mustard and pickles on a toasted sweet roll)
3.) Guava Pie (flaky puff pastry with guava filling. I love guava.)
This time I had with my friends:
1.) Spinach croissant (would've been better if it was warm)
2.) Almond Danish
3.) Guava and Cheese Strudel (most popular choice I heard)
4.) Stuffed Potato Balls! (mashed potato filled with seasoned ground beef, fried)
5.) Cuban Sandwich (the Cuban bread used was the best bread I've ever had on a sandwich. Crisp, warm and just baked to perfection)
By the way, don't worry about who knows how many pounds of butter, sugar and delicious heart attack ingredients were used because duh, that's why Glendale Galleria's down the block for you to shop until you drop those consumed calories. If that's not enough, then that is the reason why they built the Americana.
BAKERY is by far the BEST..coookies, muffins, cupcakes, cakes, croissants...drooool...drrrroool...drrooool.
my favorite cakes-tiramisu, red velvet and of course Tres Leches..yummy!
This place is alwaysss packed..I work right down the street but luckily they know I"m a regular and they let me kinda cut in line if I'm only ordering one thing. I'm not a big fan of their potato balls I'm not a pork eater..the empanadas are okay..I've had better chicken empanadas elsewhere...the smoothies and coffee drinks are a lil pricey..but the Orange Juice is damn good..also a lil expensive but it is fresh squeezed and very good...My favorite is their Santa Fe CHicken Salad..the cilantro dressing is realllly good.
Can't go wrong with the bakery..very inexpensive and totally worth it!!
PROS-Bakery and the workers..very friendly
CONS-long lines buttt worth the wait.
Potato balls, potato balls, why are you so good yet so deadly? Psh, we can probably say that about any super yummy food. Great for your taste buds, not great for your expandable waistline. Just close your eyes, gorge, and think "that one didn't count".
After having worked down the street from Porto's, I've to say that I overdid it and no longer dream about these round, golden treats. However, I remember how good it used to taste when I used to eat them as often as normal patrons. Their other foods (particularly tortas) are quite delicious lunch choices. I know, you're going to forget all about your main meal when you face the 180 degree view dessert choices. But it's okay, you'll most likely be waiting in line, so take your time deciding how you want to compile your 2000 calories.
Gosh I wish it wasn't so darn crowded like a cafetaria. Luckily, they're opening one up in Downey. I hope it'll dwindle by then. (Yea, right). Anyways, it was my very first trip to Porto's. I've had their chocolate cake before at a Xmas party but never been to the place. I tried their banana chips (yum!), their potato balls (delish!) and their sandwich with a croquette inside. Too bad I can't remember the name of the sandwich. They looked like cold cuts inside but when you bite into it, it was nice and warm and gooey. The croquettes definitely added to the comfort food factor. I haven't tried their other desserts. Maybe next time. I agree with my dining buddies. Those chips are addicting! I'm craving them now.
This place is pastry heaven!
Cakes to die for.
Sandwiches are great and worth a trip for.
The best there is!
Period!
Always busy - lines can be out the door - says something right?
'nuf said!
Just about everyone in town knows and loves Portos. My office is down the street. Last week, we had a corporate meeting. Right before the meeting, I headed in to get their chorizo empanda and apple pastry with coffee for breakfast for about $3.00. It was as good as always, and better than most bakeries in LA that charge double theirs or more, like Le Quitodiean, B&;L's by Cedars Sinai, and too many others to mention. Anyway, the corporate workshops and message was- work harder and we'll survive. We've known that forever but the reinforcement was needed.
After a stressful morning, came lunch. As soon as we found out it was catered by Portos, the meeting planner got high fives, the place woke up, and the people snoring in the back were refreshed, As soon as they said get in line, everyone did. But how did those older employees that supposedly have arthritis, need a cane and handicap parking spot get into line before I did? It was like the Amazing race for food. I hear that the office people always order from there, and theyh've never been late or botched an order.
Thankfully, there was a lot of very good food to go around. We had tasty and mild tuna, breast of chicken, ham and two kinds of cheese, and chicken salad sandwicihes in various types of very fresh tasty bread. Their warm potatoes roll stuffed with chorizo were awesome and were almost gone when I got there. We also had green and potato salads and various cookies. They ordered enough for everyone there plus 10 per cent, but except for the cookies everything was gone in an hour.Yeah, some people ate two sandwiches but they're on a low carb diet so they passed on the cookies LOL.
It's funny how great food at a great price can change everyone's mood. Eat happy, and you'll be happy. After all, we are what we eat.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/24/2009
I love this place. One of our offices is two blocks away so when I'm in, I stop here for their… Read more »
Love Porto's sandwiches and baked goods like everyone else. Their sandwich prices are reasonable/cheap but the pastries/cake prices are typical. The venue is clean, relatively well organized (although I was confused about the 2 different registers at first) and super crowded. I recommend going after lunch time for faster service.
I wish they had more healthy options although I don't think this is the right place for fruits and veggies. I do buy their mixed fruit cup now and then when I feel depletion of vitamins in my body.
I've been to this location at least 3 times. and yes, it does deserve 5 stars because of their Potato Balls, Meat Pies and Cheese Rolls.
only reason why i stepped it down a bit was the long wait. Everytime i go there, I'm waiting in line.
Then again, it is a very popular cafe/pastry establishment.
i'm never disappointed with their selection of goodies though.
Recommend the Potato Balls (my fave), Cheese Rolls (2nd favorite), fruit empanadas and the Meat Pies.
you'll be in heaven once you step foot in this place.
This is a short review with just the facts since 900 people have already posted at various lengths. Also, FYI, I'm not a local so don't have the hometown pride that might lead me to an automatic five-star review of a beloved favorite.
First, the desserts deserve a four or five-star rating depending on what you're having. They're really that good and we had several since they all looked so enticing.
Second, this is not a place you rush into for a quick trip and out the door. It's packed even at 2.30pm and there will be a 15-20 minute wait for your food.
Finally--and most importantly--their sandwiches are NOT all they're cracked up to be. I'm not *quite* a sandwich snob, but this is a cuisine dear to me and I love a cuban better than the next guy, period. Porto's doesn't live up to the hype. Their cuban is nearly devoid of pickles and although their mustard-based spread is good, neither of us got enough of it to matter. The pan-de-sal Pilipino bread that's supposed to be Porto's stellar base for this sandwich was bone dry in itself, which is NOT what properly happens when you put a sandwich on a press. Bread should gain a bit of steam-based moisture from all the ingredients heating, not dry out like they've been in the sun all afternoon, which is not the case; they were fresh!
Notably, there was someone going back through the line to return their "Medianoche" sandwich for the same reason and it's on a different kind of bread, so I'm not alone in this. The base sandwich may start out decently, but is overdried in the pressing.
In short, go to Porto's for the sweets and you'll be very pleased. Go for the sandwiches only if you want to add a lot of extra condiments to yours to make it go down smoothly.
I travel great distances to eat their potato balls, chicken empenadas, steak tortas, guava cheese rolls, midnight sweet bread sandwiches...and you should too!
This is one of my favorite bakeries and spots to grab comfort food or enjoy a guilty pleasure!
Absolute chaos. It was Halloween, but I imagine with all their stations, Porto's is busy all-day-every-day. There is definitely a feeling of frenzy here as Porto's staff deliver plates of sandwiches and salads on huge carts and birthday cakes fly out the door (some multi-colored for a kid's birthday party and others more classic and restrained for a 55 year-old's birthday party). All this happens while big families try to keep everyone together.
Porto's has several entrances. Once inside, there was the main station that probably has most of what they offer (pastries, sandwiches, salads, cookies, etc.). The line was too long. There was another station that seemed to be dedicated to cakes that were pre-ordered. Finally, there was a smaller bakery/sandwich express line. I imagine the difference is that the menu is limited at this station. However, they seemed to have a lot here so I went for this one (the line was pretty short).
The sandwiches were pretty reasonably priced starting at a little above $4. The desserts looked good--creme brulee, tiramisu, fruit danishes, croissants, and chocolate mousse. I went for the cubano sandwich and then the chocolate/raspberry mousse and creme brulee to go.
The staff was friendly though it did take a long time for the food to come out. Even though the place was extremely busy, finding a place to sit was easy (Porto's has a huge dining area--both inside and outside). The cubano sandwich consisted of ham, roasted pork, melted swiss, mayonnaise, pickles, and mustard on toasted bread.
The toasted bread was a little over-toasted (slightly too crunchy/hard). The bottom though was a little bit soggy (probably because it had been sitting around too long). The ham was good as was the cheese. I liked the flavor that the pickles gave the sandwich. The roasted pork was way too dry. I would have preferred it not be on the sandwich at all. The cubano came with nice, flavorful banana chips that were light and not too greasy. I imagine there are probably a few good sandwiches on the menu--and maybe this cubano sandwich is usually better.
The creme brulee was great and a bargain at $2.50. Nice portion. Very good custard (mild vanilla taste) with a perfectly caramelized crust. It was topped with a blackberry, strawberry quarter and whipped cream.
The chocolate and raspberry mousse was overpowered by the taste of raspberry. The parfait looking dessert cup consisted of chocolate mousse, soaked sponge cake (maybe even soaked ladyfingers, like tiramisu), raspberry mousse, and raspberry syrup. I liked the chocolate mousse, but there was too much raspberry syrup. There was a thick layer on top; it was also all throughout the dessert cup including the sides and the bottom.
If I lived in Glendale, I would definitely come back to Porto's. But this is kind of a trek from where I live so I doubt I will be back anytime soon. I liked their desserts better than their lunch offerings. Their other baked goods looked quite tasty (and they appeared much more simpler than the overcomplicated chocolate raspberry mousse).
If you are in the area and on the hunt for something sweet, Porto's may be worth a try. Their wide variety of dessert selections probably means there is something for everybody (and considering the crowd of all ages, that is almost certainly true).
There is parking on the street by meter. If you can't find parking there, there is also a parking structure just around the corner (the first 90 minutes are free).
- Cheese Rolls
OMG, WHY haven't I tried this the very first time? Well, it was suggested by the worker but I told her no when I should've said HELL YES. I found my heaven. Cheese rolls, would you marry me?!?!?!
- Apple Turnover
I didn't like it one biiiiiiiiiiiit.
- Strawberry & Cheese Croissant
Ahhhh, too much for me. I only wanted to try it but didn't fall in love with it like I did with cheese rolls.
- Guava Cheese Strudel
Whoa, guava jam is not the way to go for me. I like it better as juice! I've tried this before but totally forgot that I didn't like it so FML, just kidding it's not that bad.
- Meat Pie
Okay, is this the same as chorizo pie? I get those two confused whenever I'm here, but I'm assuming it's the same thing. Mmm, for some reason it looked BIGGER & it tasted BETTER! My mom's favorite, just because she's not a sweet tooth like I am.
- Coconut Strudel
I HATE coconut but I LOVE how it's so good that I forget I HATE it, if that made any sense.
** Sorry, I've had lots & lots & LOTS of sweets to keep me pumping for some studying time tonight .. HAHA : )
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/11/2009
Everybody kept talking about this place so I got tempted into coming here! I love how it's close to… Read more »
A zone dedicated to my desires. Oh so heavenly! I HATE how it's so CROWDED! But a place is not great if it's not crowded! I LOVE checking out the juicy, yummy looking cakes and desserts! And YES, the potato balls are awesome and filling! I normally order desserts based on the way they look, so what? Looks are deceiving and although the ones I ordered didn't taste as good as they look, I'd still come back for more! Just not on the weekend afternoons.
The original Portos. I grew up going here. I cant complain about one thing. Their food and service is to amazing and prompt. Prices have always been reasonable as well. The lines here are shorter than those at the newer Burbank location.
Reccommendation: Ropa Vieja sandwich with banana chips and the Potato Balls
Stay away from: Iced coffees. Not tasty.
When it comes to Cuban potato balls, meat pies, sandwiches, pastries, and desserts..
Porto's... you the, you the best.
you the, you the best.
you're the best I ever had, best I ever had, best I ever had.
Drake would've said the same thing.
Love this place!! The only thing annoying are the long lines, but it's only cause this place has the best cakes, pastries and cuban sandwiches around.
My favorites are the potato balls, empanadas and mango mousse cake =D
YUMMY
Portos = Culinary Heaven!
Really great Cuban sandwhiches and even better pastries.
Their Medianoche aka Midnight Sandwich, $3.65 (omg, how cheap!) is a must try. I know my midnight as I've had plenty of them when I used to live in Miami. The ingredients are slow roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, butter, mayo/mustard, pickles on sweet roll.
From pastry department, my favorite is Guava. Well, I haven't tried anything else there, but from what I've observed I am certain you can't go wrong by any of the item they have.
The lines can be quite long during the rush lunch hours, but not too bad. No one leaves because everyone knows Porto's serve good Cuban sandwich/pastries.
It's just too bad there are only two locations; Burbank and Glendale. Wonder if they will consider opening up another one in Bay Area...
¡buen provecho!
I am still excited about my visit to this wonderful place. It is a toss up between here and Whole foods. As the place to go to when I die. The parking here is usually horrendous, but I am sure you will not have to park far away. Besides after over indulging on some lunch and pastries I am sure a little walk would be a perfect way to end your meal.
My cousin Michael and I were en route around 9:30 am this past Saturday. I was on a mission to enjoy some pastry. I do not care much for donuts, but a pastry and I start to drool like Homer Simpson. I would sell my soul for a pastry from Portos. Okay so I dart out of the car finding some ridiculous front row parking spot. I already knew this was going to be an excellent experience.
We stood in line, which went by unbelievably fast and ordered our lunch and some pastries. My cousin ordered half a dozen of their magnificent potato balls. I ordered a variety of pastries. I have to say that their cheese and guava, pear and cheese pastries are excellent. I ordered some other pastries and those were just as good also.
I ordered a Pan con Lechon for lunch. I wish the bread was toasted like my cousin's Medianoche sandwich. However it was still very tasty. The pork was delicious and a little salty (not too much). A little hint if you order this sandwich, eat the cheese and guava pastry after and you will have an amazing fireworks display in your mouth. They compliment each other very nicely. Oh and if I may add this is some of the best coffee served here.
Yes, finally I got the chance to review Porto's, after 866 people reviewed it...
What can I say about Porto's?
It's a great bakery with decent price cakes and desserts.
Cheese rolls, cheese rolls, cheese rolls and OJ OJ OJ... :)
That sums up everything...
Sugar rush, sugar rush, sugar rush!!!! Wohooo...
What carb diet?
If you haven't tried Porto's, you should... sign your life away... because after today you will have a high cholesterol and triglycerides... MUAHAAHAHA....
But... trust me... it's worth it... they are to die for :)
I knew there was a reason why I'd spent years avoiding this place... one bite and I would forever find myself craving the delicious goodness that is Porto's.
Today was that day people. I caved. I don't know what prompted my mad dash down Brand, but today I became that junkie. In a matter of minutes you will find a trail of flaky crust crumbs leading to a delirious woman, rabid with sweet guava cream cheesey yum.
And to my shock and horror, my addiction will be on the cheap... I walked out 4 sweets later for $2.60. I thought the dealer misspoke. But no. I don't know what type of racket these Cubans are running, but they've got me hooked.
I only wish I lived in the Glendale or Burbank area again!
There 2 locations are Phenomenal! The food is worth the wait!
I am totally stealing other people's property, is that OPP, no wait that's putang.
Tangent leaving, Porto's Cuban bakery, I could have totally sworn that i have been here in the former sober life. I must been nostalgalacting.
Tangent leaving, stealing faves cause i only steal and originalitiy doesn't exist anymore unless its fusion.
Ok bye, last tangent leaving, Cuban balls, mmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheese rolls, mmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And why the 4 stars, I love guava, but the guava rolls didn't do it for me and there are NO SEATS next to families of 20 kids!!!!!!!!!!
How the heck did I miss this place on my previous LA visits? Thanks to Cynthia and my dessert buddy who brought Porto's to my attention. If it wasn't for her love of tres leches, I would have bypassed this Glendale icon.
On my first solo visit, I was amazed of all the goodies in the display case from baked pastries, to single slice cakes to full blown cakes and tarts. My eyes got bigger and my mouth started salivating with each step closer to the front.
I explained to the employee that this was my first visit and asked for some favorites. Unfortunately, I had to use some self control or over else I wouldn't be able to see my toes over my tummy! My gazillion caloric choices were:
tres leches $1.60-creamy and rich
mango mousse $2.50-great texture with a smooth mango taste
red velvet cupcake $1.50-very reasonable and nice frosting
peach empanada $0.80-just the right size for a breakfast snack
They threw in a complimentary guava cheese roll (usually $0.65) which was the perfect marriage of fruit and dairy.
I only wish I had an excuse to buy a cake there because they all looked delicious. If you're looking to purchase only a whole cake, you can wait in the "fast pass" line. Also, on the second floor, they have a bunch of children's party supplies.
As you notice, I only tried out the pastries side of the restaurant. On the left hand side is their cafe where they serve the real food. One of these days I'll try their sandwiches because Cynthia raves about that too.
Two problems: lines and parking. Aaah, typical when you treat yourself to high quality food. It's worth every minute you have to wait in the queue.
Great employee service, clean and an ample amount of desserts to choose from. There is no excuse not to stop here when you're in neighborhood.
Best bakery and pastry shop in LA. Period. Only place that can compare is Tartine Bakery in San Francisco.
You can't go wrong with a Porto's cake for a dinner party dessert. You can serve the main course with maggots and flies as long as the dessert is from Porto's no one will care or notice.
There is always a line around this place and during lunch hour or Saturday it can go out the store and onto the street.
My personal favorites are the potato balls (I laugh every time I order them), tiramisu, egg twist bread, and refugiados.
Don't bother going to Porto's if you are a calorie counting anorexic. The tasty stuff is full of fattening butter, flour, and oil. Just the way it should be.
A true Glendale institution that takes the cake, literally.
The cheese rolls have always been an LA staple for whenever I visit.. but this trip, I discovered the JOY and WONDER and DELICIOUSNESS of the red velvet cupcake from Porto's. My, oh my. I've never been able to taste the distinct cheesy flavor in any of the other red velvet cupcakes I've tasted in the past, but this one had just a perfect hint of cheesiness on top of a soft, moist cakey cup bottom thingymajig.. and I tell ya. It was perfection. PERFECTION. They know what's up with cheese in this bakery. Every type of cheese pastry they do is awesome. Porto's = my everlasting love.
Tips for the first-timer who has no clue:
- It's not a small mom and pop. Don't expect to "stop in" real quick cuz you happen to be in the neighborhood. It's a huge cafe/bakery that can be quite overwhelming if you don't know what you're dong. (Like I was.)
- Don't assume this is "the line" you're supposed to wait in, even if one of the employees tell you it is. Make extra sure you're in the right line for what you want or you might end up waiting for nothing. (Like I did)
- Don't expect the potato balls to be miracles from heaven, and don't expect them to be "croquette"-ish. They're good, but very mushy. And I'm not sure what makes the meat pies "world famous" like the guy said, but they were okay too.
- Don't keep getting different sandwiches every time you go cuz you wanna try everything. Just stick with the cubano. The others are good, but the cubano is absolutely scrumptious.
I use to arrogantly underestimate the deliciousness of this place tsk, tsk, on me...
I intern right across the street from this Porto's and it is always busy, I never thought that the food would be worth the wait so I never ate here, but recently I needed coffee real bad and Porto's was there so I waited and got the chicken empanada because it was only a dollar.
Oh man, the empanada was so delicious that I came back three hours later for another along with a chicken croquette. The coffee was okay, but the dollar bake goods were amazing!!!
GUAVA CREAM CHEESE STRUDEL
CHEESE ROLL
POTATO BALLS
TURKEY CROISSANT
and just about everything they offer is delicioussss!
There's a reason there is ALWAYS a long line!!!!!
Glendale, California. What is this place known for? I don't know and neither did Jane (my girlfriend), but she found this supposedly amazing Cuban place out there with 800+ reviews on yelp while retaining a 4.5 star rating (very impressive).
First of all, this place is BUSY! We came around 1 and it was jam packed, definitely a lunchtime staple for the Glendale community. The line was long but moved quickly. Jane and I were joined by her best friend Megan. Between the three of us we ordered the Steak Torta and the Pan con Lechon (pork sandwich), we also ordered 3 'potato balls.
These things were sooooo good! They look deceivingly simple yet they were so flavorful and tasty. They are slightly crunchy on the outside with the consistency of mashed potatoes on the inside. The filling is a delicious beef filling that totally warms your soul.
My Pan con Lechon was delicious! The pork was wonderful and juicy and the addition of sweet, caramelized onions was just perfect.
Jane and Megan both ordered the Steak torta, which was also very good. The steak reminded me of San Diego carne asada :), it was well-flavored, juicy and yummy.
While the sandwiches were delicious, I'm pretty sure Porto's is known for their dessert offerings. I'll let the following pictures do the talking.
I felt like getting a classic butter croissant, Jane got a mango turnover - both were good, I would've preferred both to be served warm, but they were very tasty nonetheless.
I look forward to coming back to Porto's and trying other sandwiches and desserts!
I really think the potato ball taste so so ...really taste just like....the ground beef in tacos....
but i like the mango danish and guave danish and their sandwiches are pretty good.
The first time i tasted or heard of Portos was through work. People would always bring Portos for our potlucks and i must admit the pastries are delish! So when my moms birthday came around i decided to buy her cake from here, needles to say it was devoured by all. The staff in the glendale location are nice and knowledgeable will certainly come back.
Everytime I stop by, its like candyland! I go crazy and want to buy everything in here!
Parking can be a pain since this place is always crowded. You can either do street parking which you have to pay the meter and also the back parking lot.
Their pastrami is delicious. Better than The Hat.
The employees are very nice and helpful. Ordered my potato balls and cheeserolls and left.
Porto's has yummy cheese rolls and potato meat balls! Their cheesecake is very good as well but its very thick. You need to drink something afterwards. I love their cheese rolls. Its not your typical cheese roll. It's more like a baked pastry with cream cheese inside with sprinkle of sugar on top. It's so good. It's everyone's favorite. They have other great pastries too. This place is busy. There is always a long wait but they have a lot of their favorites set aside during the holidays ready for you. They have a box of a dozen of cheese roll and fruit tarts set aside. Both are great! If you haven't tried this place, please check it out. Awesome cheese roll!
According to their history, they were cuban immigrants who made cakes out of their home. As word got out how good they were, they decided to open a bakery and that's how it all started.
I've had cheese rolls in Miami where there is a huge Cuban population and it's not as good as Porto's.
Potato Balls and Refugiado - Lunch and Dessert.
If they had a place like this in the Bay area I would be there every week.
There was SOOO much selection of items, I was overwhelmed.
This was my first time there so I only bought those 2 things I purchased.
I just went on their website to look at all the other food items they have and man does everything sound so good.
The place was not over priced and each item had a burst of flavor.
The Potato Ball was a perfect size that fit in your mouth. It was filled with mashed potatoes, seasoned ground beef, breaded and fried. I've never had anything like it before. NEVER.
The Refugiado - guava and cheese pastry Puff pastry filled with guava and cream cheese was divine. Who would have thought to put these 2 ingredients together. Best EVER. I was eating it one morning and caught myself saying "this is God's greatest gift"... lolz.
If you're ever in Glendale or Burbank do yourself a favor and stop by Portos.
How have I not review this place yet? If you're ever in Glendale, forget about the Americana..this place is TO DIE FOR. Every time I go into Porto's, it gets a little overwhelming. The place is pretty much packed any time of day and my eyes and nose eat more than my tummy wishes it could. Amazingly enough, the staff are always organized. Even though the place seems chaotic, I've never had a mistake on my order..and the servers calms me down when I'm shaking at my table awaiting the food.
I always have a hard time making it past the appetizer section of the menu. I can eat the potato balls, pork tamale and meat pies for the rest of my life and be in complete bliss. I LOVE their mango smoothies...and when I feel brave, I get the cubano sandwich. Drenched in oil and butter, it is absolutely artery clogging delicious. Grab a red velvet cupcake to go....you will thank me for it later. Best part? The price..you can pretty much get everything I mentioned for $18. I'd go to Porto's right now if I could!!!!
Based on the other 835 reviews, will mine matter? No, but I'll give my 2 cents anway. Portos is probably the best bakery I've ever visited. Their lines can be pretty long, but I make sure to visit before noon, when its not so bad. Their pastries sell like crazy, so you're guaranteed fresh food.
They have 2 vegetarian sandwiches on their menu, The feta and Glendale veggie. I have purchased to feta before, but it doesn't hold a candle to the Glendale veggie sandwich. I did take one star off because in the past, i received a potato ball with a pretty long hair in it. I did get it exchanged for another one which had another hair. Oh well, i tossed it in the trash, must have been a bad day.
Tip: If the lines are excessively long, opt for ordering at the cafe line. No one ever thinks of going there, and you can pretty much get in and out in 5 mins.
As if Porto's needs another write up to add to its 800 some odd reviews...
Yes the pastries remain excellent, everything is fresh and no doubt ingredients used are definitely high quality. I have nothing bad to say about its baked goods, in fact, we decided to have lunch there yesterday all because of my long overdue graving for their Guava Cheese strudel. I needed to get my fix.
Lunch for me was the infamous Pan con Lechon (Pork Sandwich). I thought the pork was not marinated enough but flavors were fine when the bite was eaten with the onions, which were kind of lacking~ had only a few strands in my sandwich. No matter, still good enough for lunch... up until I bit into something sharp and hard. In shock, I stopped chewing and tried to maneuver that piece of something out a bite of pork from my mouth and I slowly pulled out what I thought was a piece of bone. To my surprise, it was a piece of broken toothpick! It could have stabbed my throat had I chewed harder and swallowed it. OMG, I just could not believe that happened. Shit like this ONLY happens to me! WHY?! I wanted show the sharp toothpick to them, but then I thought forget it... the people at the counter didn't seem too friendly and I didn't want to confront the manager or who ever was in charge to ruin my day even further. Oh well, just my luck. Take it as a reminder to myself to eat extra carefully when eating out since I AM prone to having foreign objects in my food. (I had broken glass in my salad once! Another story, another time). Don't know why, these things just find me. Sigh. I could have died from eating at Porto's!!
I did however get my Guava Cheese Strudel. Yummy. Bought some stuff to take home and I'll think about going to Porto's again when I get over this last visit, which indeed could have been my "last" visit. =(
Be careful eating your sandwiches, people.
Portos! Let's be friends forever.
The lines are crazy but who cares?!?! They have great panini sandwiches, even better baked goods (meat pies, potato croquettes - i die!!!) and phenomenal (i use it in it's real sense here) desserts.
Things you MUST order:
- Potato croquette/balls
- Fruit Tart (by far my dad's favorite fruit tart and porto's self-proclaimed best seller as confirmed by 3 workers)
- Tres Leches (order the boxed one.. it will be best $5 investment ever. the bf LOVES it and we had tres leches for a week straight)
Make sure you get in the right line. They have three different ones: 1) sandwiches and drinks only (but you can sneak in a few baked goods and desserts here and there) 2) baked goods or 3) cakes only.
Service is pretty fast considering the amount of people they see a day and the staff is really helpful, always walking around and asking if there's something specific they can help you with.
Tip: Seating might be hard on the weekends so send someone to grab a seat while the other waits in line. If not, you're going to walking around like vultures preying, if not pressuring people to eat quickly and get out.
