Poore Man Bakery

Poore Man Bakery, nestled in the coastal town of Pacifica, California, is far more than a simple bakery—it is a passion project brought to life by a unique and dedicated local legend. This is a small business that has quickly captivated the Bay Area with its commitment to high-quality, handcrafted pastries that customers describe in almost spiritual terms. The bakery stands out not just for the exceptional taste and precision of its goods, but also for the inspiring story behind its founder, Amanda Poore, a former Marine Corps Huey pilot turned classically trained pastry chef. This fusion of military precision, entrepreneurial grit, and Le Cordon Bleu artistry results in baked goods that are meticulously perfect.

The bakery’s unique name should not deceive any prospective customer; the quality of the products is anything but "Poore." The bakery specializes in a masterclass of balance, featuring intricately layered croissants, perfectly executed danishes, and delightful seasonal cakes and pies. From the delicate, often-lauded Madeleines—praised for being "fluffy AF"—to savory options like the Leek & Gruyere Danish, every item reflects a deep technical foundation in pastry science. This dedication ensures that each bite is not merely a snack but an experience that leaves customers "emotionally fulfilled." The overwhelmingly enthusiastic local response is a testament to this quality, with the bakery often selling out its limited daily supply, turning the hunt for a treat into a friendly local ritual.

Poore Man Bakery proudly identifies as a Veteran-Owned and Women-Owned small business, making every purchase a direct way for Californians to support a local entrepreneur with an incredible story and an unwavering commitment to her craft. The business operates with a high level of efficiency and a focus on seasonality, frequently changing its menu to incorporate the freshest flavors, keeping locals excited and ensuring repeat visits. For those in the Pacifica area and beyond, Poore Man Bakery offers an unforgettable taste of fine pastry, embodying the spirit of dedication and excellence that defines the best of California's small business community.

Location and Accessibility

Poore Man Bakery is located in Pacifica, a beautiful coastal city on the Peninsula, making it a convenient stop for locals and those traveling along the San Mateo County coast.

The official location is: 1625 Palmetto Ave, Pacifica, CA 94044, USA.

The bakery is situated to maximize convenience for its customers. It is designed to be highly accessible, featuring a Wheelchair accessible parking lot to assist all visitors. Parking is readily available, with options for Free parking lot parking and Free street parking, making a quick pickup hassle-free. The service model focuses on direct customer interaction, offering In-store pickup, Takeout, and Onsite services. Given the high demand and limited daily supply, many customers rely on pre-ordering the Weekend Pastry Boxes for Saturday pickup to guarantee their desired selection. The bakery also offers hot Coffee (including Drip Coffee using Craftsman Coffee) to perfectly complement the fresh pastries, adding to the complete morning experience.

Services Offered

Poore Man Bakery specializes in high-end, limited-production French and classic pastries, cakes, and pies:

• Weekly Pastry Menu: Offering a frequently rotating menu of items like Plain Croissants, Pain au Chocolat, Almond Pear Danish, Leek & Gruyere Danish, and Apple Cinnamon Morning Buns.
• Seasonal Pastry Boxes: Curating special Weekend Pastry Boxes with an assortment of their finest, freshest offerings, available primarily through pre-order for Saturday pickup.
• Signature Cakes and Slabs: Creating custom and featured cakes, including specialty recipes like Chocolate Jam Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting, Orange Honey Cake, Black Forest Cake, and seasonal items like Mini Caramel Apple Slab Cake.
• Classic American and French Baked Goods: Serving staple treats like Muffins (e.g., Chocolate Cake muffins), Palmiers, and various Scones (e.g., Mixed Berry Scone).
• Seasonal Pies and Desserts: Baking classic desserts such as Apple Pie, Strawberry Lemon Cobbler, and Mini-Raspberry Pies with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Coffee Service: Offering fresh, hot Drip Coffee to pair with the morning pastries.
• High-Demand Order Fulfillment: Utilizing an early morning schedule (reportedly Thursday-Sunday, 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM) to meet the demand for their limited, highly sought-after baked goods.

Features / Highlights

The bakery has earned its stellar reputation among California food lovers based on several key features:

• Veteran and Women-Owned Status: Founded by Amanda Poore, a former U.S. Marine Corps Huey pilot who transitioned her discipline and precision into professional baking.
• Classical European Training: The owner is a classically trained pastry chef from the renowned Le Cordon Bleu London, which is evident in the technical perfection of her pastries.
• The Legendary Madeleines: Often singled out in customer reviews for their exceptional texture and flavor, achieving a status of near-perfection.
• High Demand and Rarity: The bakery frequently sells out due to limited daily production, which speaks to the high quality and strong local following. Customers are advised to "order early, or spend the rest of your day in regret."
• Artistry in Pastry: Specializing in intricate, beautifully layered items like croissants and danishes, where the precision of baking science meets creative culinary art.
• Seasonal and Rotating Menu: The menu changes frequently to highlight seasonal ingredients, such as the Almond Pear Danish or Pumpkin Bread Slice, offering new and exciting options on a regular basis.

Contact Information

Due to the high demand and limited hours, it is best to check the bakery’s online offerings and pre-order for weekend pickup.

Address: 1625 Palmetto Ave, Pacifica, CA 94044, USA

The phone number is not consistently displayed for direct daily ordering, as the business often focuses on pre-orders and short, high-volume service windows. Please check the current menu and order instructions on their website for the most accurate contact and ordering methods.

What is Worth Choosing

A visit to Poore Man Bakery in Pacifica requires strategic selection, as everything is fresh, limited, and highly praised.

The absolute top recommendation is any item that is praised for its technical execution, starting with those "fluffy AF" Madeleines. These delicate shell-shaped sponge cakes are a perfect showcase of the chef’s skill. Similarly, any of the seasonal Danish or Croissant variations, such as the Almond Pear Danish or the Pain au Chocolat, are essential for appreciating the French pastry expertise.

If available, seize the opportunity to order a Weekend Pastry Box. These curated assortments offer the best variety of the week's rotation—from savory danishes like Leek & Gruyere to sweeter treats like the Caramel Apple Scroll or Apple Cinnamon Morning Bun—and are the most reliable way to secure a selection before the bakery sells out.

For those who prefer cake, the bakery’s layered recipes, such as the Black Forest Cake or Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, are known for their rich flavor and balanced textures. Lastly, even non-scone lovers are encouraged to try the bakery's version, which one customer would "sell a kidney for." Poore Man Bakery offers an experience that is worth the early rise or the pre-order effort, promising a taste of world-class pastry right here on the California coast.

Poore Man Bakery

1625 Palmetto Ave, Pacifica, CA 94044, USA