Koko's Bakery

Welcome to the sweet and savory world of Koko's Bakery, a true local treasure nestled in the foothills of Pasadena, California. For residents of the Greater Los Angeles area and Southern California, Koko’s is not just a place to pick up baked goods; it is a cultural cornerstone and a hub for authentic Armenian cuisine. This family-run bakery has been a Pasadena gem since 1991, established by Krikor “Koko” Saghbazarian and his wife, Houri, continuing a deep-rooted tradition of Armenian baking. If you are seeking a truly unique culinary experience that goes far beyond typical California bakeries, Koko’s Bakery offers a flavorful journey rooted in history and tradition.

The bakery’s reputation is built on its masterful creation of handcrafted Armenian baked goods and bread, prepared daily with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Located in the heart of Northeast Pasadena’s vibrant Armenian enclave, Koko’s stands out for its specialization in savory flatbreads and pies, a true testament to its heritage. The warmth and quality emanating from the large silver oven at the back of the establishment are an invitation to taste a tradition perfected over generations. This is the place for those who appreciate old-world baking techniques combined with the fresh, local spirit of Southern California. Whether you are a long-time resident or a new visitor to the area, a quick visit to Koko’s Bakery is highly recommended for a delicious and memorable experience.

The influence of Koko’s grandfather, a baker in Armenia who later settled in Lebanon, can be tasted in every perfectly baked crust and subtly seasoned filling. This rich family history is what gives Koko's Bakery its undeniable authenticity and charm, making it a must-visit destination in the Pasadena culinary landscape. The focus here is on quality, flavor, and tradition, providing Southern Californians with a taste of the Middle East and the Mediterranean with Armenian flare.

Koko's Bakery is conveniently situated in Pasadena, CA, making it easily accessible for customers throughout the San Gabriel Valley and beyond. Finding the bakery in the vibrant northeast part of the city is straightforward, situated in a charming, timeworn building next to other intriguing local eateries like Torino Sandwiches. The location in the San Gabriel foothills places it in a community rich with Armenian, Syrian, and Lebanese culinary spots, further cementing its status as an authentic regional food destination.

For California residents planning a quick stop, the bakery is prepared for your needs. The service model is focused on efficiency and convenience, primarily operating as a takeout setup. The bakery welcomes customers looking for a quick visit, whether it's for a morning breakfast bite or to pick up fresh bread and savory pies for the day.

In terms of accessibility, Koko's Bakery is mindful of its patrons. The location offers a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that the establishment is welcoming to all members of the community.

Koko’s Bakery specializes in providing authentic Armenian baked goods and a customer experience focused on efficiency. The services available reflect their local business model, centered on fresh preparation and quick transactions.

• Takeout Service: The primary model for Koko's Bakery, allowing patrons to quickly grab their freshly baked items to enjoy at home or on the go.
• Breakfast Offerings: The menu includes items perfect for a morning meal, emphasizing the use of freshly baked dough and traditional fillings.
• Payment Convenience: The bakery accepts Debit cards and NFC mobile payments, catering to modern transaction methods.
• Quick Visit Planning: The entire operation is structured for customers who are making a quick stop for fresh bread and savory items.
• Savory Armenian Flatbreads and Pies: Specialization in making and selling various types of traditional flatbreads, often sold in pairs or larger bags to ensure freshness and value.
• Specialty Armenian Cookies: Offers a selection of unique, distinctively shaped and flavored cookies, sometimes described as "Armenian biscotti," sold by the pound.

Koko's Bakery stands out in the Southern California food scene for several key reasons, primarily its dedication to authentic Armenian recipes and exceptional quality. The following highlights showcase what makes this Pasadena bakery a must-try local spot:

• Authentic Armenian Baked Goods: Koko's is a true representation of Armenian baking in Southern California, with recipes passed down through generations, ensuring an authentic taste profile.
• Signature Zaatar Manakish: A highly praised savory pie featuring a blend of herbs, sesame seeds, and olive oil baked on fresh dough—a true staple of Middle Eastern bakeries.
• Mouthwatering Lahmajune: Known locally for its exceptionally good, oven-fresh Lahmajune, which consists of a thin crust topped with a mixture of lean ground beef (or a mushroom option) and spices. Patrons often time their visits around 12:30 PM to get them fresh from the oven.
• Perfectly Balanced Flatbread Crust: Critics note the exceptional quality of the dough, described as well-balanced—neither too puffy nor too dry—with just the right amount of desirable bite.
• Unique Savory Pies: The bakery offers unique, often locally-sourced savory pies such as the Open Cheese (mild white Armenian cheese with ground mint and Aleppo pepper) and the Soujouk pie (white cheese, red pepper flakes, and spicy Armenian beef sausage).
• Flaky Tahini Bread: A customer favorite, this pull-apart bread is judiciously sweet and rich with sesame flavor, with locals recommending warming it briefly to enhance the experience.
• A Pasadena Culinary Institution: The bakery has been operating since 1991, establishing itself as a long-standing, respected member of the local community.
• Clean and Fresh Fare: The establishment is recognized for its commitment to providing clean and fresh-tasting baked goods, using high-quality ingredients daily.

For California residents looking to visit or inquire about an order, here is the essential contact information for Koko's Bakery:

Address: 1674 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104, USA

Phone: (626) 798-2543

Mobile Phone: +1 626-798-2543

When you visit Koko’s Bakery, you are stepping into a long-standing tradition of excellence that is a must-experience for any food enthusiast in Southern California. What truly sets Koko’s apart and makes it worth choosing is its unparalleled dedication to authentic Armenian flatbreads, an offering that is difficult to find executed with this level of quality anywhere else in the region.

If you are only able to pick up a couple of items, you absolutely must prioritize the savory flatbreads. The Lahmajune—especially if you time your visit for a freshly pulled batch around 12:30 PM—is a revelation, showcasing a perfectly thin, flavorful crust. Equally essential is the Zaatar Manakish, a herbaceous and satisfying pie that is a classic for a reason. For something you might not have encountered before, try the Soujouk pie, which provides a welcome kick of spicy Armenian beef sausage and cheese.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Tahini Bread is a highly recommended flaky, rich, and sweet counterpoint to the savory pies. And don’t forget to browse the display cases for their selection of Armenian cookies, which offer distinct, not-too-sweet flavors perfect for an afternoon treat. These handcrafted specialties are excellent for gifting or for stocking up your pantry with high-quality baked goods.

While some customer feedback mentions challenges related to service attitude, it is crucial to note that the overwhelming consensus among patrons is that the quality of the food is exceptional and consistently great. For many, the unparalleled taste of the authentic baked goods is more than enough reason to visit. Koko’s Bakery remains highly regarded and is consistently mentioned as an upper-tier Middle Eastern bakery in the entire Los Angeles area. You come here for the history, the culture, and, most importantly, the incredible, fresh-baked Armenian flavor you won't forget. Choosing Koko's is choosing a truly authentic slice of Pasadena's rich culinary tapestry.

Koko's Bakery

1674 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104, USA