Seed Bakery

Introduction / Overview

For those who call California home, particularly within the greater Los Angeles area, the pursuit of truly artisanal, high-quality baked goods often leads to one celebrated destination: Seed Bakery in Pasadena. More than just a local bakery, Seed has cultivated a reputation as an essential stop for serious bread enthusiasts and pastry lovers across the region. Situated on Washington Boulevard, this establishment is built on a foundation of genuine craftsmanship, specializing in loaves made from organic whole grains that are freshly milled on-site, a practice that elevates the flavor, nutrition, and texture of their products. This commitment to traditional, slow-fermented sourdough bread, combined with a constantly evolving selection of unique and seasonal pastries, defines the Seed Bakery experience.

Seed Bakery operates primarily as a bakery and a breakfast spot, offering a focused menu that is executed with exceptional quality. While the operation is currently structured for takeout—a feature that allows for quick and efficient service—the quality of the products is anything but rushed. The dedication of the bakers, who often begin their work in the pre-dawn hours, ensures that every baguette, sourdough loaf, and delicate croissant is baked to perfection. Customers frequently highlight the unparalleled quality, with pastries described as "life changing" and bread that is "fantastic." Whether you're a local Pasadena resident stocking up for the week or a visitor making a pilgrimage for what some consider the best croissant in the country, Seed Bakery delivers an uncompromising standard of baking excellence. Their commitment to using high-quality, organic ingredients, from heirloom wheats to ethically raised meats for their sandwich offerings, resonates deeply with California's discerning food culture. The bakery has become a comforting fixture in the community, providing a sense of normalcy and neighborhood connection through their beautiful and carefully prepared food.

The current hours of operation are generally Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, with the bakery being closed on Mondays. However, it is a well-known local tip that getting there early, especially on weekends, is highly advisable, as their most popular breads and pastries often sell out before noon.

Location and Accessibility

Seed Bakery is conveniently located at 942 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104, USA. Its position in Pasadena makes it a practical destination for residents of the San Gabriel Valley and those traveling through the area. As a business that prioritizes the convenience of its local clientele, the accessibility features are well thought out. Patrons will find a Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring ease of access for all community members. For drivers, the bakery offers a Free parking lot, a significant convenience in a busy California community. This focus on easy parking and accessibility supports the shop's operational model as a Quick visit destination, perfect for grabbing a morning coffee and breakfast pastry before starting the day or picking up a fresh loaf of sourdough on the way home. Despite the highly artisanal nature of their products, the service model is streamlined for efficiency.

Services Offered

Seed Bakery offers an array of services and products centered around authentic, artisanal baking and morning meals:

• Takeout-Only Service: The primary service model is efficient takeout, focused on getting high-quality goods into customers' hands quickly, perfect for a busy California schedule. (Note: No dining area is currently available.)
• Artisan Bread Production: Baking a variety of organic whole-grain sourdoughs, including Rustic Pan, Rye, Walnut, and ancient grain loaves like Einkorn.
• Pastry and Breakfast Offerings: A broad selection of high-quality pastries (such as various croissants, Kouign Amann, and seasonal fruit bars) and savory breakfast items (including savory croissants, handpies, and sandwiches).
• Specialty Beverage: Offering freshly brewed Coffee to accompany breakfast and pastry choices.
• Full Meal Options: Providing various lunch and breakfast sandwiches, as well as seasonal soups and salads (e.g., Grilled Eggplant sandwich, Tarragon Chicken sandwich, Organic Beet Salad).
• Gluten-Free Options: Catering to dietary needs with single-serving cakes like Flourless Chocolate and Polenta cake.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepting various forms of payment, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

The reputation of Seed Bakery is built upon several unique features and commitments to quality:

• Freshly Milled Organic Whole Grains: A commitment to milling organic wheat, rye, spelt, and other whole grains in-house, which preserves flavor and nutritional value far beyond commercially available flours, making for superior bread.
• Acclaimed Croissants: The bakery is famous for its croissants, with local reviews calling them among the best, or even "the best croissant in America." Varieties include Traditional, Chocolate, Cardamon Twist, and seasonal fruit options like Raspberry or Berry Croissants.
• Seasonal and Unique Pastries: The selection rotates with the seasons, often incorporating local produce to create unique offerings such as Apple pastry, or savory choices like the Spinach Feta Croissant or seasonal fruit bars.
• Sourdough Excellence: Their breads, such as the Rustic Pan and Baguette, are distinguished by a long, slow fermentation process, resulting in a crispy crust and a tender, airy interior, as confirmed by customer reviews.
• Full Savory Menu: In addition to the sweets, Seed offers a robust menu of savory sandwiches and specials that use high-quality, ethically-sourced ingredients, providing excellent breakfast and lunch options beyond standard baked goods.
• Owner-Operated Authenticity: Customers frequently mention being served by the owner, highlighting a personal touch and dedication to quality control that is often missing in larger operations.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or for any immediate inquiries, please use the following contact details for Seed Bakery in Pasadena:

Address: 942 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104, USA

Phone: (626) 486-2115

Mobile Phone: +1 626-486-2115

Please remember that the bakery closes early, and popular items often sell out, so contacting them or arriving early is advisable to ensure you get your desired items.

What is worth choosing

For a local user in California seeking the very best of Seed Bakery, the selection should be based on maximizing the experience of their acclaimed specialties.

The absolute top recommendation is to procure one of their famed Croissants. Given the high praise from customers—some declaring them to be the best in America—a simple Traditional Croissant is an essential benchmark. Additionally, try one of their unique, seasonal flavors, such as the Strawberry Pistachio or a Raspberry/Berry Croissant. These pastries, with their flaky, buttery layers, are the product of immense dedication and are often the first items to sell out, making an early morning visit a necessity.

Second, one must acquire a loaf of their Artisan Sourdough Bread. The bakery's commitment to milling organic whole grains on-site is the foundation of their identity. The Rustic Pan or Batard, made of organic wheats and a classic multigrain sourdough, is perfect for sandwiches, while the Baguette is praised for holding its crispy exterior and tender interior for hours. For the adventurous bread lover, the Rye or Walnut loaves represent a dense, flavorful experience.

Finally, explore the heartier offerings for a complete meal. For breakfast, consider one of the savory croissants like the Spinach Feta Croissant. For lunch, a standout is one of their specialty sandwiches, such as the Tarragon Chicken on rustic country sourdough, which utilizes their signature bread, or the unique flavors of the Grilled Eggplant sandwich. And don't forget the great value found in their dense, heavy bags of house-made Granola, a popular grab-and-go item. The quality of ingredients and the meticulous execution are why Seed Bakery remains a highly-rated and cherished destination for authentic, top-tier baked goods in the California community.

Seed Bakery

942 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104, USA