What a wonderful surprise! We took a trip up to Solvang and someone recommended this breakfast spot just outside of town. We were so pleased. Not only was the coffee great, but the pastries and breakfast were delicious as well. We couldn't have asked for a better morning--sitting out on the patio, chatting with other people who were also enjoying a beautiful weekend in California. It made the whole experience even more special. We will definitely be back, and we've already told all of our friends about it! read more

Any place that offers Mini Champagne Bottles, Bread, Coffee and a tasty meal is always a MUST in my book I was recently introduced to Bob's Well Bread on a recent trip to the Los Olivos area. They offer great sweets and savories. I had the Well Bread BLT Tartine, a cup of coffee and a mini botte of champagne. The bread was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. They served it like Avocado Toast, all ingredients on top. It had good flavor. I had a strawberry cheese Danish that I enjoyed. If ever in the area, I'd return. read more

My brother-in-law always makes a stop here when driving from SF to LA. I found myself in the area for work, and made the effort to find it. I'm so glad that I did! While I didn't dine in, there is plenty of space for that (indoors & outdoors available) & the atmosphere is inviting. I got several items to go: Plain bagels Sesame bagels Cinnamon sugar morning bun Croissant Ham & cheese croissant Baguette EVERYTHING was fantastic! I'm already planning my return trip read more

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The bread is delicious! Went for a late breakfast and shared the egg in a pot (super good but would have been excellent if the egg had not been overcooked. We were hoping for that yummy poached yolk, and it was hard. ) Also shared the ham & emmenthal cheese sandwich, which was very good also. Went also bought a few artisanal dog biscuits which our pup loved. After eating we decided we needed to bring some bread home, so we got a baguette and their whole grain sourdough and a few cookies. Nice dog friendly patio and seats inside too, with nice art and light & bright. Order was delivered to us on the patio by a friendly server. read more

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We had a friend recommend Bob's well bread bakery for lunch while staying in Solvang. We were impressed with the cute exterior patio to dine outside....but that's where the great impression ended. The manager (hipster) had zero flexibility with the bread choice for our sandwiches and the sandwiches in the glass display looked like rock hard tiny baguettes. It seems like whenever I'm traveling out of town, far away from my dentist, a hard sandwich bite is all it takes to have my front veneer tooth pop off! Not a good look for me! Anyway, I very nicely asked him if I could choose a softer bread because of this, one that was used on another sandwich. Nope, a strict rule from the owner was "NO SUBSTITUTIONS!" . We walked out... read more

Well we've stayed across the street from Bobs at the Ballard which is awesome Sunday thru Thursday because it's usually almost 2x on the weekend. Not staying there this visit but we thought we would try the famous "Bobs Well Bread". Place is oozing hipster dufus vibes. Man buns are still in style and so is wearing a mask in some cases I guess. Place is style over substance. If the service was a little less aloof and the portions were maybe 20% larger it wouldn't hurt. Had a turkey sandwich with side salad, Italian chopped salad and glass (child's size) of fresh OJ. After the minimum tip of 15% I was around $47. Just spent $120 at Mattie's Tavern yesterday so I don't mind paying more for something special but none of this was special. The salad wasn't super acidic and overly dressed and I like more dressing in general. Some of the lettuce had the aging brown spots (yummy) just below average for a $20 lunch salad. The turkey sandwich was simple and maybe the smallest single sandwich I have eaten out for lunch. It was very simple dresses with what seemed a skosh of Dijon. It was edible but nothing special. Looks like they were doing a nice business for a weekday and I'm guessing people are driving to get there (not sure why). I can only guess for the "Cool place to hang" coffee house vibe. Sit down with your laptop and get down to writing your movie script! I can now check that box thanking been here. Wish it were better. Oh and the Oj which was at mist 6 ounces tastes off and room temp. The good thing is portions were so small I didn't get full for dinner! read more

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Bob's We'll Bread Bakery is a cozy corner cafe and bakery offering a delightful and fresh english muffins, breads, croissant etc. They're located at the corner of Baseline ave and Cottonwood st deep in residential area of Ballard CA. I came on a cool, overcast Saturday morning. It was just a two minute walk from the house I stayed. It's a popular local bakery and hence a line already formed outside. They only a few customers at a time given its a small bakery store. So be prepared to wait but it moves pretty fast. After perusing their menu, I ordered a few breakfast items: Avocado toasts x pack egg, cafe latte, and an english muffin. Coffee was nice. Food was good especially the EM. It's so bloody fresh 'n warm and huge. Staff was cordial and professional. Prices were highly expensive. For instance, an extra poached egg cost $3 quid. Atmosphere was relaxing with abundant of natural light. Parking lot available. Loo was artsy, neat and odorless. Merch available for purchase. Overall, I had a fine breakfast. I recommend you visit if your on the area. read more

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Almost drove past it, it's right after the church. Across the street from the Ballard Inn. Super cute clean and contemporary feel decor. They were out of pistachio croissants but had chocolate pistachio croissants which we ordered to go so we could enjoy at Sunny Fields Park down the road. We were met with a smile and low pressure of making out selection. They had a clean bathroom. There wasn't a changing table but I used the side table in the bathroom to change a diaper. We took some pictures in front of the venue where they had beautiful flowers. read more

We were excited to try this spot. Decent bagels, coffee was bad... did not drink it..... cute place, wish the food and drink were better. read more

Personal was amazing and Food was very good and tasty and great Coffee! Love the upgrade from last time I passed by Los olivos looking forward to coming back soon! read more

We stopped here in our way to Santa Barbara for a quick bite. Let me tell you that it was a surprise to us to see so many yummy pastries in the place from outside it doesn't seem very promising but WOW. I want to order everything in here that all I can say.definitely worth a visit if you're around here. read more

Bob's Well Bread Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Ballard, California

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We were excited to try this place but it didn't quite live up to the hype. Pastries were delicious, but the sandwiches were just okay. I think the issue is that we went on a Monday, and since they're closed Tuesday-Wednesday they don't bother making fresh bread on Mondays. We tried "the world's greatest breakfast sandwich" and the prosciutto, brie and fig baguette. The breakfast sandwich was stuffed between 2 pieces of stale hard toast, and even with a fork and knife this completely fell apart. The baguette was also hard and difficult to bite/chew. I'd try this place again, but not on a Monday. I can see why tourists love this place, but I have high sandwich standards coming from LA with spots like Beverly Hills Cheese Shop and Monroe's. read more

We actually did not buy their bread directly from them, but enjoyed it at a local restaurant that is a customer of theirs, SY Restaurant. The bread was phenomenal! Of so delicious! The restaurant serves it with salted butter, olive oil, and a chili sauce to choose from and or mix and match as you like. So wonderful! read more

Bob's Well Bread Bakery - Bread service at SY Restaurant. - Bakeries Near Me - Ballard, California

Food snobs take note: if you should decide to find a decent breakfast (locals only) while on a weekend trip to Solvang, please take yourself out of town, away from the pull aparts and the donuts and the little Danish pastries and make the short but oh so necessary drive to Bob's. This place came recommended when I asked about a "real" loaf of bread nearby and man did I get one. Or two. And breakfast. And lunch. The staff is friendly, helpful and proud of their wares. The food is top notch. The setting gorgeous. Get there early, stroll Ballard and settle in for some true delights. read more

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Highly recommended spot to visit, and it did not disappoint. Long line promises this is a good spot, but thankfully it moves quickly. Fresh bread and baked goods. The smells are inviting, read more

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We stayed very close to Bobs on a weekend getaway to Solvang. We picked up coffee & a few goodies every day. Baked goods were spot-on - loved the Sausage roll, blasted me back to Borough Market. The Kouign-Amann & pain au chocolat were excellent. And we bought two loaves of bread. The interior was clean & cute. Loved all the prints & decorations on walls. read more

Bob's Well Bread Bakery - Watercolor in hall - Bakeries Near Me - Ballard, California

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What an amazing bakery! I thought I was in a great cafe in SoHo! Great pastries, breakfast food, excellent coffees. And for this NYer, their Chocolate Babka looked delicious and authentic! I was too full to try it! And the staff were all friendly, chatty, and offered excellent service! Great outdoor patio and inside seats. Don't waste your calories on mediocre baked goods in Solvang when you can have a well Bread delights! read more

The matcha tastes like Trader Joe's instant matcha, not impressed. The owner bob also made us feel quite unwelcome.

I was worried about the rude service mentioned in the reviews and didn't want to risk my peace of mind on vacation. But it was across from the Ballard Inn where we were staying so we decided to check it out. Ordered just coffee to go to test the waters and the young gentleman that rang me up was friendly. So we decided to order a chopped Italian salad and salami and cheese sandwich that were both great. I guess Bob wasn't there so maybe we got lucky? 5 stars because they have dog friendly patio seating. read more

Outstandingly delicious! Good quality fresh food. The bread and pastries are to die for! Service was excellent and friendly. You'll love the "oldtime bakery" ambience and bringing our friends here. Refreshing! Great place to stop in Los alamos for a time out from a road trip or one day trip destination stop for fun. The outdoor patio is shaded by trees which suits us and our pup perfectly! Looking forward to visiting Bob's Bakery in Ballard, CA! read more

I never give five star ratings. This place was awesome. The warm sausage roll was awesome, but the sticky buns were a lovely surprise. We spent about 100 bucks on tasty Yum Yum and had a pretty wide sampling. The food is delicious I strongly recommend. read more

Love the outside patio with spots to soak in the morning sun and umbrellas that offer shade. The bread is absolutely delicious! We had a bagel - omg yummmm! And a grilled cheese that was served in rye bread! Such a flavorful twist - ands the cheese pull!!!!! I can't believe i didn't capture it on camera! One bite stretched across the table! read more

I have passed by this bakery many times while in the area and never got a chance to try it out til yesterday. When we got there it was around 1:30 and the line was long. It went by very slow, I mean very. Over 20 mins. Once we go to the cashier she greets us with a smile and let's us know that she was helping out the kitchen staff by taking the orders slowly. They were short staffed. I ordered a cappuccino and my husband got an affogato . I also got a scone and an olive bread. All fresh and delicious. The ambiance here is nice, I loved the outdoor seating area by the white rose bushes that were in full bloom. Indoor area is small but very cute. Overall a great place to try out while in the area. read more

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Love the atmosphere! Food was excellent, perfect portions. The service was spot on. Cozy, relaxed. Felt like a local! We split the eggs Benedict. Everything made on site. read more

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The food is always delicious. Service could be a little friendlier but as long as the quality of the food doesn't drop, they could expect my revisits. read more

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The family and I stopped by for the infamous 'Bob's bread bakery'. Heard of some negative reviews regarding Bob's attitude towards his customers. So I knew I couldn't wait to check him out. ;) He was pleaseant and asked where we were visiting from and what we did on our road trip. The ambiance inside the store was stream-lined. You order, you get your goods and go away. The bread was absolutely amazing. Definitely glad I made the trip to his store. Absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking for some delicious loaves of bread. read more

Bob's Well Bread Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Ballard, California

Quick service and nice selection of pastries, breads, coffee drinks, and sandwiches. They have a few gluten free options. The granola parfait was very good as was the Everything GF cookie. We enjoyed our coffee drinks as well. They have several tables inside and a spacious outdoor dining area. The ambiance is very casual and comfortable. read more

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Popular place, also pretty much the only coffee place in the area. Got a cappuccino which was pretty standard and a kouign amann that was about average. The place is cute but I'd probably venture out for something else for my next coffee run read more

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Consistently delicious! My husband loves his pastries and I get a bagel every so often. Great breads!

Terrible service. Waited 45 minutes for our order in total. They would bring out 1 item at a time. We ordered 2 breakfast items and 2 lattes to go. We also ordered two pastries and a loaf of bread for the next morning. They forgot one of our pastries and didn't realize it because they were literally giving us our order 1 item at a time. Very disappointed. read more

I've read all the reviews about Bob being "The Bread Nazi" etc. but haven't seen him at the store when we go twice a year when we are in town. So the review is JUST for the Sesame Sourdough Loaf and the Chocolate Babka (only available on Sat./Sun). Both are excellent with the babka rivaling the one at Zabar's in NYC -- yes, it's that good. Sourdough is light and moist -- have them slice it for you. This location opens at 8am -- and I got there at 7:50 on a recent Saturday morning and was the first in line. By 8, there were already 6 people behind me -- so I got in and out fast. Oh, you can order on-line and the bread will be there waiting for you --- that's the best way to go so you don't have to deal with lines (or Bob if he's there). read more

Seared ahi salad, it's pretty good, but very small portion of protein. I doubt it was a 2oz piece of ahi. It was more olives than fish, so I'd call it an olive salad. lol. Must be the economy here, feeling hungry after this lunch. Also the mixed greens weren't very fresh, and clearly not local, which is a disappointment considering all the wonderful local organic farms. read more

Bob's Well Bread Bakery - Seared Ahi Salad, aka olive salad - Bakeries Near Me - Ballard, California

As a local and someone who supported this place from the beginning, I'm disappointed in how the service has gotten so bad. The employees, particularly Cesar, make you feel as if you are inconveniencing them by being there. Pastries and bread are good, food is just ok. read more

Food is great, but be forewarned that if you order lunch online for pickup at a particular time, it will not be ready then. In the past few weeks I've arrived at the specified time and then waited from 10 minutes to over 20. In person orders are given preference, so when your meal will be ready depends on how many people come in. read more

Food is just ok in my opinion but the service and employees are terrible. Just be prepared to deal with morons and inconsiderate employees. Bob himself is a grumpy old prick. Take your hard earned money elsewhere and spend it at an establishment that appreciates your business. read more

I'm extremely disappointed with our visit to Bob's Well Bread (across from The Ballard Inn). The older man working the cashier was incredibly rude from the moment we walked in. He was unwelcoming, rushed us through our order, never smiled and then became argumentative over a mistake he made on a very basic order. Instead of correcting it politely, he acted as though it was our fault. The entire interaction was uncomfortable and unprofessional, and we will never return. Two breakfast biscuit sandwiches and croissants at $55.00 + and that is how we are received and treated? Hospitality is everything in a place like this, and his behavior was completely unacceptable. Go to The Los Olivos deli for better food, much better pricing and nice folks all around! read more

We love to stop in for brunch. It was busy, as usual. Bob was managing the register with his typical gruff manner which is kinda endearing. The croque madam was excellent and the apple kouign amann was so tempting we ate it before the photo. read more

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We drove la voiture with le chien to eat l' oeuf with la cuille're. Le pain is the best we have had anywhere outside of le Paris. We returned domicile with a toi croissant. Bob's Well Bread c'est l'amour! #BobsWellBread #CestLAmour #ChienTraite #BallardCA read more

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Had to wait about 10 minutes in line to order at the counter. I ordered the biscuit sandwich with turkey sausage, scrambled eggs and provolone. After waiting 20 minutes for the sandwich and seeing people that came after me get their food, I complained. I finally was given my sandwich 25 minutes after placing the order (35 minutes from my arrival). I watched the cook put the receipt on top of the sandwich, which I was not happy about. It was removed by the man who rang up my order. I found that the thick part of the sausage patty was pink appearing to be slightly undercooked. I also didn't like the taste (seasoning) of the turkey sausage. I returned the sandwich for a refund and was told that the pink color is from the seasoning. However, it was not uniformly this color. The outside looked gray and the thin part too-only the thick part had pink in the center. I was worried because it was turkey meat. Very disappointed as this was my first visit. The only thing that went well was the guy the rung me up was professional and friendly. I ended up buying a plain biscuit to replace my sandwich. It was good but a bit over baked. The outside was tough. read more

Probably the Best sourdough I've had period. If proof isn't in the pudding wait in line when they open. And it's definitely worth the wait. To all those who have posted comments regarding poor service and inappropriate behavior, I'm sorry. That shouldn't happen and was certainly not my experience whenever I've been to the bakery. And I am half Puerto Rican so I too have fallen victim to racism. We all have bad days and for that reason, it's important to keep an open mind. Either way, there were plenty of tasty pastries to bring home.. just sad they are closed today and I'll be heading home without that loaf of sourdough. read more