Pop's Bun Shop opened in the winter of 2024 by John and Karen Blisard, and by Sept. 2025, the shop was on Philadelphia Magazine's Best of Philly List. Sadly, the little outpost at the corner of Ninth and Catharine is closing. Today was the first of the last 3 days it's open. You may wonder why I'm writing such a long- detailed review on a shop that's closing - it's a tribute. I wish I could have visited it often - but while its history may have been short - my review will last 'forever'. I was standing in front of Pop's this morning just before 8 - it was opening at 9 and was expected to sell out within an hour or two. I was the first in line - there were about 20 people in line by 8:30 and double that number when it opened at 9. It was my first - and unfortunately - would be my last visit to the iconic bakery. It was early, I hadn't had breakfast so I got the Egg, Cheese and Tomato Chutney Bun. It was excellent! The bun was soft, light and had a perfect texture - a very fluffy egg, with cheese and a savory tomato chutney, made the sandwich so delicious! Next up, the Raspberry Kolache. While I was waiting for the bakery to open, I looked up 'kolache' online, as I'd not heard of it. It said 'soft, egg-y, buttery brioche roll, with a fruit filling on top'. Pop's Kolache was exactly that - the roll/bun had the same 'underpinnings' as the Egg Bun I'd just had. It was lightly sprinkled with sugar and had a luscious raspberry filling in the center that I made sure was included in every bite! What a great pastry whose origins are from the Czech Republic. You could say, 'I'm on a roll'! Next up, the Cinnamon Rolls! My pet peeve with cinnamon rolls is icing. I like icing, just not a lot of it. I may be in the minority here, but I don't like heavy, two to three inch layering of icing on a roll. These cinnamon rolls had the perfect amount of icing to roll 'ratio'. The rolls had the same fluffy brioche texture with swirls of cinnamon throughout. The buttery icing just enveloped the roll and I closed my eyes to truly savor the taste! Great Cinnamon Rolls! Last, but most definitely not least, the Sticky Buns!! If you've read any of my bakery reviews, sticky buns are near and dear to my heart. Not sure why, they just are. I quickly fell in love with Pop's Sticky Buns with Pecans - the brioche like bun, as with the other pastries, set the stage. See the attached picture - it's topped with a plethora of large, deliciously crunchy pecans in a deep caramel glaze. The cinnamon glaze was swirled throughout the bun - it undoubtedly will be a very memorable pastry on my list of sticky buns. It was certainly a special day - while I will, as will many others, miss this wonderful bakery, let's hope the Blisards continue providing their amazing baked goods to Philadelphians in the not to distant future! read more

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When I heard Pop's was closing down, I had to check out what they were all about before they left the area. I pre-ordered the sausage and gravy bun along with some cinnamon rolls. The sausage and gravy bun was really good & super tasty but it felt like it was missing something. I think adding onions could take it to the next level. While it was enjoyable, it did start to feel a bit flat as we kept eating. Now, the cinnamon rolls were a different story! easily some of the best we've had. We popped them in the microwave for about 15 seconds, and they came out warm, soft, and absolutely delicious. Every bite was perfect. I really hope they're able to reopen somewhere closer to the city because I'd love to try more from them. read more

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It's all coming together as to why the line is long/the drops sell out fast. I finally got my hands on the cinnamon rolls and sausage & gravy kolache and WOW it really is worth the hype. The cinnamon rolls are almost a brioche type style, the icing is perfectly sweet, and even the inner filling is so well balanced and a bit grainy but in a really good way. The kolache also have this brioche style going on and are perfectly filled and flavorful. The woman at the counter was so friendly and offered to heat up my items. Can't wait to stop by again soon!! read more

Pop's Bun Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Came here on a Saturday morning. I got there about 15 minutes before they opened and there was already a line! Honestly it was so worth it! They were freshly made when I ordered them. The sticky bun had just come out of the oven & were piping hot! They were so good, will be coming back for me! read more

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We walked past this small take out place around noon on a Saturday. There were only 3 people ahead of us so we thought why not, although I was not sure if their most popular items would still be available. They were out of the sticky buns. Luckily, we were able to get one of the last two Cinnamon rolls left and their seasonal Pumpkin Kolache. One thing I noticed is how friendly the woman at the take out window was. Not only that, she also asked us if we wanted the pastries to be warmed up a little. Honestly, that alone shows how good their customer service is because nobody asks or does that anymore - even when they charge double of what Pop's does. Their cinnamon roll and pumpkin kolache was one of the best pastries I have had in Philly. No wonder they have a huge following and people line up to get their hands on their delicious pastries. read more

Pop's Bun Shop - Pumpkin Kolache and Cinnamon Roll - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Had to check this place out after seeing several videos of people raving about them. Got the cinnamon roll and sticky bun w/ pecans and were both so delicious! Make sure you come early because most of their other items were sold out :( But would definitely come back - tasted fresh and staff was super friendly! :) read more

Pop's Bun Shop - Sticky bun w/ pecans Cinnamon roll - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Don't think, just go. This place is adorable - it's a simple walk up to a window and you order off a small menu. I got the cinnamon rolls & raspberry kolache. I thought I'd like the cinnamon roll the most but surprisingly, the kolache was my favorite. The bread is fluffy, not too sweet, perfectly eggy, while the inside has the tangy but sweet jam, it was PERFECT. Hate to say I ate the whole thing in under a minute. The cinnamon roll was fantastic as well, I loved the cream cheese frosting, it was more tangy than sweet which is my preference. The service was great as well, they get through the line pretty quickly. If you're coming here on a weekend, I would advise coming closer to starting time because they sell out fast! read more

Pop's Bun Shop - cinnamon roll & raspberry kolache - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I didn't know this place but I have to stop and ask one of the people who were in-line. Pricey but yummy donuts!! I was glad I stopped and got some donuts. read more

Pop's Bun Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Go. That's all you need to know. It lives up to the expectation! But in all seriousness this light airy and perfectly sweet cinnamon bun was a perfect 10. read more

Pop's Bun Shop - Treats - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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The line here is crazy for a reason! Pops bun shop is so good and definitely worth a visit. I came here after trying to go to Mawn and finding they were closed (fail), but the pastries were so delicious that it didn't feel like a consolation prize. While I don't think you can go wrong with anything on their menu, the sticky bun with nuts was my favorite for sure. I would definitely return, and might even look for excuses to be in South Philly just to come back read more

Pop's Bun Shop - Shop window - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Pops knows what's up. While waiting at Mawn, I noticed a long line at this bake shop. Did a Yelp search and saw a solid 5 stars for this place. Here is what we ordered: - Sticky Bun (dangerously good) - Egg, Cheese w/Tomato Chutney Kolache - Sausage Gravy Kolache The two Czech savory buns were very unique, the outside reminds me of a Chinese bun. Both were tasty but we all favored the Sausage Gravy more. If you bring these home, make sure to heat them up before eating. But they will happily warm them up on the spot if you like. Definitely a hidden gem in this lovely quaint neighborhood. Open only 3 days a week: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays until 1pm. read more

Pop's Bun Shop - Egg, Cheese w/Tomato Chutney, Sausage Gravy Kolache & Sticky Bun - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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We were on our way to Mawn when we stumbled onto this place. There's no seating - you just order through the window counter. We got there close to 11am on a Friday and there were just a few people in line, which moved quickly. We got the rasberry kolache and the stucky bun with nuts - they'll ask you if you'd like it warmed up but we opted to warm it up ourselves later since we weren't eating it immediately. The raspberry kolache wasn't too sweet at all; it was actually on the tart side. I liked the sticky bun better, since it had a bit more flavor, but both were soft and fluffy even after a few hours of purchasing so you could definitely tell they got their dough recipe right. Overall it was a great find, and I'd love to try their cinnamon buns and savory items next time! read more

Pop's Bun Shop - sticky bun with nuts and raspberry kolache - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Heard about this place from a coworker and had to try it out. I got there about 850am on a Saturday and there was already about 10 people in line. Menu was written out on a paper baggie and you order thru the window. The nice lady at the window took my order and packed my items (I got to window about 915ish am and got my items within minutes). Once they opened at 9am the line moved fairly quick. I got everything on their menu (small menu about 7 items, price was $4 to $5.50/per item). 2 savory items and 5 sweet treats. Overall 4.5 stars out of 5... Savory items were perfect breakfast items: egg, cheese & tomato and sausage& gravy. I enjoyed the egg one more but they were both good. The sticky bun (no nuts) were good but the sticky bun with nuts (pecans) was even better. The raspberry kolache was soft and fluffy and wasn't overly sweet and was delicious. The lemon curd kolache was great as well. Frosted Cinnamon Buns are okay, definitely should be eaten when bought. However, this was my least favorite item on the entire menu but I will definitely be back for the kolaches and sticky buns with nuts. read more

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Such a great walk up spot. Great options for sweet and savory treats. Will definitely be back after their summer break! read more

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Stumbled upon this hole in the wall but it was some of the best buns I've ever had. I only shared a lemon bun with my siblings and for a cinnamon roll for my parents but I would definitely go back to get a cinnamon roll for myself LOL read more

I stumbled upon this shop as we were looking for a quick snack while waiting for our Angelo's Pizzeria order. Our kolache was warmed up for us and it was the fluffiest one I ever had. i'm sad I couldn't try more of their menu! This place is new, just opened up in late September. Their sticky buns are the most popular item (according to the kind lady who spoke to us). read more

Pop's Bun Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Something was missing. I couldn't quite put my finger on it at first but I figured out that maybe there wasn't enough salt. The rolls just tasted watery as dessert can when it's only sugar and no salt to bring the flavors together. I will say it was fresh and the staff was so nice so I am a bit disappointed that I didn't love it. I love a pillowy soft bun/roll so it did have that going. It's a small place and I got up early because I didn't want to risk them selling out. There was a well formed line around 9:30am when I showed up but it moved quickly. Hopefully the flavor improves if I get to go back. read more

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Had to check this place out and see if it's worth the hype! We came around 11/11:15am on a Saturday and we didn't have to wait too long (though I was sad they were out of the egg kolache). We loved the cinnamon bun and enjoyed the other kolaches though. The woman at the window was super nice as well! If you're going, just keep in mind hat there will likely be a bit of a wait. It's just a window so there is no seating but there are a handful of parks in the area. read more

Pop's Bun Shop - Blueberry kolache - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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It was my first time having kolache, and I was obsessed. We got the raspberry one and egg, cheese, and tomato chutney one. I liked the raspberry one more because I have a big sweet tooth. Both were warm and filling and so good. Well worth the wait in line in my opinion. read more

Pop's Bun Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

My family picked up a handful of buns from their daily menu today. There were two savory ones - one similar to biscuits and gravy, and one with a tomato chutney that was sweet like ketchup. And they grabbed a cinnamon bun with a cream cheese frosting, a danishlike bun, and a lemon curd bun as well. Overall, almost every bun was the favorite of at least one person in the family, so they were all obviously good. And my partner enjoyed the pickup, because she said the lady at the counter was very nice -- and Irish, which is a fun bonus! read more

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Got a classic cinnamon roll. Such a cute little shop. Owners are fantastic and so friendly. Pops is a smal window shop that sells small pastries and rolls. You have choice to warm up your pastry if you want. The roll had the perfect amount of cinnamon and icing. So good! The rolls are huge you could definitely share with someone or get your own. One roll was 5 dollars. Will be going back! read more

Pop's Bun Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

There was no line when I got there (Friday 10am). I ordered two buns, both savory. The egg and tomato chutney and the sausage and gravy. She heated them up for me which didn't take much time at all and they were both delicious. read more

Pop's Bun Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If you're craving for a warm and soft sticky buns, I recommend this newly opened shop. They are only open Thursday- Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM at the corner of 9th and Catharine not far from Italian market. I definitely recommend wearing a warm outfit in winter because you'll be waiting for a while. I arrived at 8:45 and I was the 10th person in line. There's only one person at the small window who takes and fulfills the orders. The line was almost a block long so I highly suggest to arrive early. The menu is written on a paper bag at the door. My is sticky buns with pecans. Eat it right away while it's warm and fluffy. read more

I feel like the luckiest girl in the world! Pop's Bun Shop was recommended to me. After a visit to Mawn, we passed by Pop's but there was a sign up that stated it was pre-order only...but a man came up to the window (presumably the owner) and offered us his last two lemon curd buns. We got so lucky and got to taste them for breakfast this morning. WOW. They are delicious. A perfect texture and perfect sweetness. 10/10 would recommend. read more

Such a nice little spot in the neighborhood! I tried the egg, cheese, tomato chutney & sausage gravy. Both delicious and flavorful. The buns are all made perfectly and super soft. The women at the window was so friendly! Definitely want to pop in and try some more one day! read more

Pop's Bun Shop - Egg, cheese, tomato chutney kolache. - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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The BEST cinnamon bun and sticky bun I've ever had! This neighborhood gem is worth all of the hype. I arrived around 9:45 on Saturday morning and waited in line for about 15 minutes, which goes to show just how good these treats are. Once you make your way to the front, the service is quick. All of their sweet and savory buns are $4-$5.50 and are large portions. Their menu rotates, but I went with their classic cinnamon buns, the raspberry kolache, and the sticky bun. The pastries were soft and fresh, especially the kolache. Overall, my favorite bite was the sticky bun. Highly recommend grabbing some treats from this spot next time you're in the Italian Market neighborhood! read more

Pop's Bun Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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My visit to Pop's Bun Shop was a very good experience. So good that I returned on the same day to order more. This shop is a small corner bakery that sells sticky buns, cinnamon rolls, and Kolache which is a Czech treat. The store front walk-up window is where the ordering and service is conducted. While at the front window you can observe the baking operation on the inside. On a Saturday afternoon, the line was moderately long, however, it was moving. The cinnamon rolls are absolutely delicious and obviously fresh. They can also warm them up for you. The customer service was very good. The woman at the window was very nice, welcoming, and respectful. She also provided reheating instructions. I recommend visiting early because when the baked goods run out, they do not make anymore. While waiting in the line they scratch out menu items in the window which gives you a real-time understanding of the baked goods that will be available as you approach the order window. In some sense it is suspense as you hope your desired menu item does not sell out prior to your ordering. Overall a very good experience and I will I visit again. read more

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We just happened upon it while going to another restaurant joint and saw people in line out of the door so we had to check it out. I have to say the magic is in their bread. I the bread itself is delicious, soft, and slightly sweet depending on what you get. But it's a well made bread with different toppings. We got the cinnamon roll - very tasty. Blueberry kolache was also tasty and not too sweet. The sausage gravy kolache was a nice savory treat. So yes def give it a try! read more

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Super delicious! There was quite a line when I got there but it moved very fast - about ten minutes in total. Everything was fresh, soft, and wonderfully balanced. Excited for next time! read more

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The line was a bit long, but these buns were definitely worth the wait. The bread was pillowy and soft and not too sweet and each bite left us wanting more. Would definitely recommend checking this place out! read more

Pop's Bun Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pop's Bun Shop is a great place for amazing kolaches. Come early since the store sells out quickly. The owner is very friendly. A lot of hard work is involved in this business. Please come by and visit this place. You will be satisfied and eventually return because of how good the kolaches are when eaten. There are numerous flavors to choose from as well. read more

Pop's Bun Shop - Kolaches - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Service great sweet Irish girl behind window out of sticky buns with nuts cinnamon buns good not as good as a Cinnabon . Definitely better than average parking a big problem. read more

All the pastries here are so soft and fluffy! They usually gather a line on the weekends so make sure to come early to get your pick of pastries because they do run out later in the day. The people who work here are also sooo sweet. Getting a pastry here totally makes my day. We've tried the blueberry kolache, cinnamon bun, sticky bun, and sausage and gravy bun-- all of which were hits and just depends on what flavor you're craving. Pop's Bun Shop is an amazing addition to the neighborhood, and I highly recommend checking them out! read more

Really great food and worth waiting in line for (on a nice, sunny day, of course.) The egg/tomato chutney kolache was the standout. Savory, soft, and tidy hand-food. The lemon curd kolache was also very good. The blueberry kolache and the pecan sticky were less impressive but quite tasty. The food was fairly priced and the service was friendly. Tip: it helps small businesses when patrons pay with cash so merchants can avoid fees/charges for processing credit card payments. But, if all you have is credit, go for it. read more

This family-owned bakery feels like a warm hug the moment you walk up to the window. The sweet and savory kolaches scratches every itch. What I love most about pops bun shop is the sense of community. You can tell this place is a labor of love, and it feels great to support a family business that pours so much heart into their work. If you're looking for a cozy spot to enjoy some amazing kolaches and feel right at home, this is it. I can't wait to go back and try more of their goodies! read more

Hot Damn, my endorphins are going wild!! These bisquit and gravy ar a bite of heaven! And the sticky buns with nuts, oh baby, what a rush of energy they are! Holy Moses, I must've died and gone back to Texas. Thanks so much for the flashbacks. read more

Best buns in the biz! Every bit is full of flavor! Even tho its mostly bread you will not find a dry bite!

Got in line around 8:55am on a Friday morning, there were maybe 8 people in front of me. The people working the window were so friendly and efficient! I got an assortment of a raspberry kolache, cinnamon bun, egg and cheese and chutney kolache, and egg and queso and salsa kolache. The buns are great. I loved it all! read more

Pop's Bun Shop - Egg and queso and salsa kolache, egg and cheese and chutney kilache - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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In pursuit of the best Cinnamon Bun in Philadelphia. This has been recommended to us & on our list for a while & did not disappoint - has to be the best cinnamon bun I've ever tried. We also tried the savory Sausage & Gravy Kolache + sweet Raspberry Kolache...incredible. You won't regret trying this place - plus the prices are extremely fair & owner-serve is excellent. read more

We tried the cinnamon bun, sticky buns (without nuts and with pecans) and the blueberry kolaches. They also had a couple savory options. Each bun was about $5 and tasted like $1M! Be prepared to wait in line outside. They only have a window for service at the moment. They accept cash and card. Yum! read more