Florence Bakery

Nestled on Florence Avenue in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles, Florence Bakery—also known locally as a hub for exceptional Guatemalan cuisine—is a true Southern California gem. This bakery and cake shop is not just a place to satisfy your sweet tooth; it is an essential cultural touchstone for residents seeking authentic Central American flavors and baking traditions. It seamlessly blends the warm, inviting atmosphere of a classic neighborhood bakery with the rich, savory depth of a full Guatemalan kitchen.

For many Los Angeles locals, Florence Bakery is the trusted source for traditional baked goods like Pan Dulce and the highly coveted Pirujo bread. However, what truly elevates its status in the California culinary landscape is the outstanding quality of its savory offerings, particularly the traditional Guatemalan dishes. Customers consistently rave about the food, with one review highlighting the incredible quality of their Guatemalan tamales ordered for a special occasion like Christmas Eve, noting the "top quality" and offering a strong recommendation.

Whether you are stopping by for a quick breakfast, planning a celebration requiring a custom cake, or stocking up on essential items for a traditional meal, Florence Bakery caters to your needs with warmth and professionalism. Patrons frequently comment on the high level of service, with one customer praising a young woman for being "patient, helpful, and funny," which speaks volumes about the friendly, community-focused approach of the staff. This commitment to both genuine quality and heartfelt service makes Florence Bakery an indispensable stop on Florence Avenue.

Florence Bakery is conveniently situated in a central area of Los Angeles, making it accessible for a quick and easy visit for locals throughout the community.

The bakery's address is:

1601 Florence Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001, USA

The location on Florence Avenue is a well-known thoroughfare, ensuring that finding the bakery is simple. The establishment is perfectly set up for a fast-paced California lifestyle, categorized specifically for a "Quick visit," offering Takeout as its main service option. This focus on efficiency means you can easily swing by to pick up your morning coffee and a pastry, grab a hearty Tamal for lunch, or collect a custom cake without any unnecessary delays. While specific details on parking are not provided, the central location suggests a convenient storefront setup ideal for grab-and-go ordering. Furthermore, the bakery offers convenient payment options, accepting Credit cards, Debit cards, and importantly, SNAP/EBT, ensuring accessibility for all members of the local community.

Florence Bakery provides a comprehensive range of traditional baked goods, specialized custom cakes, and authentic Guatemalan food and beverages. This dual identity as a bakery and a kitchen specializing in Central American cuisine is a major advantage for Los Angeles residents.

• Authentic Guatemalan Tamales: A celebrated offering is the variety of tamales, including the highly popular Tamal de puerco (Corn Tamal with tomato sauce and pork) and traditional varieties like the Tamal (Guatemalan tamale with pork or chicken and bell pepper, wrapped in plantain leaf). They also offer Chuchito de Pollo and Pache Tamale (potato tamal with chicken).

• Traditional Pan Dulce and Breads: The bakery is renowned for its freshly baked bread, specifically Pan Dulce (sweet bread) and the small, highly-rated Pirujo roll. Customers can also find a variety of sweet and savory pastries, including empanadas, puff pastries, and specific items like pineapple cemita.

• Guatemalan Breakfast Plates: Hearty breakfast options are available, typically served with a choice of corn tortillas or bread. These include plates like 2 Eggs any Style, Guatemalan Cream and Black Beans, or Sweet Plantains with Guatemalan Cream and Black Beans.

• Specialty Entrees and Appetizers: The menu includes traditional Guatemalan entrees and appetizers such as Hilachas (shredded beef in a salsa), Carne Guisada (beef stew), Chile Relleno (stuffed pasilla chile), and Pupusa de Chicharron o Queso (corn masa filled with pork or cheese).

• Custom Cakes and Cake Shop Services: As a dedicated cake shop, Florence Bakery provides custom cakes for all occasions, allowing customers to order the perfect centerpiece for birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations.

• Hot and Cold Beverages: The shop offers a selection of beverages, including standard Coffee (Espresso), as well as traditional hot drinks like Atol De Elote (corn-based beverage) and Arroz en Leche (rice pudding). Cold drinks feature popular flavors like Horchata, Hibiscus, and Tamarindo.

Florence Bakery’s highlights truly reflect its strong commitment to cultural authenticity and community value, making it a distinctive bakery in the Los Angeles area.

• Authenticity of Guatemalan Specialties: The dedication to high-quality, authentic Guatemalan recipes, especially the beloved tamales and main entrees like Hilachas and Carne Guisada, is a primary feature. This specialization provides an essential and unique culinary experience not easily found at a standard bakery.

• SNAP/EBT Acceptance: A crucial community feature is the acceptance of SNAP/EBT payments. This commitment to financial accessibility ensures that a wide demographic of Los Angeles residents can enjoy their fresh bread, pastries, and meals.

• "Pure Quality" Bread: Customer reviews explicitly praise the "pure quality" of the bread, which speaks to the bakery’s fundamental strength in traditional baking techniques and fresh ingredients, establishing it as a reliable source for daily consumption.

• Friendly and Patient Customer Service: Beyond the food, the staff’s attitude is a notable highlight. Descriptions of service as "patient, helpful, and funny" foster a warm, welcoming environment that encourages repeat visits and builds strong customer loyalty.

• Versatile Menu for All Times: The menu’s versatility—offering everything from inexpensive small pastries like the Pirujo (around $0.65) to full $12.98 breakfast plates and savory entrees—caters to every need, from a quick coffee run to a substantial family dinner.

For Angelinos looking to connect with Florence Bakery to place an order, inquire about custom cakes, or check on specific menu items, please use the following contact information:

Address: 1601 Florence Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001, USA

Phone: (323) 537-8227

For residents across the Los Angeles metropolitan area, Florence Bakery is absolutely worth choosing over a general bakery chain for several compelling reasons centered on authenticity, quality, and community support.

First, if you are looking for authentic Guatemalan food and baking, this is the place. The depth of their savory menu, which features items like the Tamal de puerco, Hilachas, and traditional breakfast plates with Guatemalan cream, offers a true taste of Central America that is hard to replicate. The ability to buy high-quality, culturally specific items, especially for holiday celebrations, is a unique and valuable service for the California community.

Second, the bakery maintains an impressive standard of "pure quality" bread and pastries at very accessible prices. The freshly made Pan Dulce and the highly popular, inexpensive Pirujo are perfect for daily enjoyment. The blend of a full-service bakery and an authentic Guatemalan kitchen means you don't have to choose between a good loaf of bread and a hearty, prepared meal.

Finally, choosing Florence Bakery means supporting a local business that actively serves its community by accepting SNAP/EBT and providing consistently friendly, patient service. This commitment to accessibility and customer care makes the overall experience feel personal and welcoming, reinforcing its role as a key culinary pillar on Florence Avenue. For your next custom cake or craving for true Guatemalan flavor, Florence Bakery is the local champion.

Florence Bakery

1601 Florence Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001, USA