YLS Bakery & Cafe | El Segundo

Introduction / Overview

For residents and commuters across the South Bay area of Southern California, finding a single neighborhood spot that truly satisfies every morning craving—from a classic New York-style bagel to a decadent, fresh-baked donut, and a hearty, customizable breakfast burrito—can be a challenge. YLS Bakery & Cafe in El Segundo rises to this challenge and then some. Situated in the charming and dynamic city of El Segundo, YLS has established itself as far more than a simple bakery; it is a full-service cafe and a true community hub.

The philosophy at YLS is rooted in the idea of inclusive and inventive food. The team believes that dietary restrictions should not translate to flavor restrictions, which is why the menu is an impressive blend of traditional bakery favorites and specialty items. You will find standard raised and cake donuts right alongside low-carb and keto-friendly options, ensuring everyone in the family or office can find a delightful treat. This dedication to variety and quality is precisely why local patrons consider it the "Best Bakery," as noted in customer reviews.

Beyond the exceptional range of baked goods, YLS is a comprehensive breakfast and lunch destination. The menu features specialty bagels and spreads, an array of made-to-order egg scramblers and breakfast sandwiches, and an impressive selection of airport-themed breakfast burritos. For the midday crowd, the cafe switches seamlessly to crafting deli-style sandwiches, wraps, and fresh salads, all served in an atmosphere designed to be a consistent, bright spot in the daily routine of busy Southern Californians. The commitment to quick, efficient, and delicious service, as praised by customers on a "time crunch," further solidifies its value to the El Segundo community.

Location and Accessibility

YLS Bakery & Cafe is perfectly positioned in the heart of El Segundo, an area of Los Angeles County known for its proximity to major corporate centers, the airport (LAX), and a distinct, small-town atmosphere within the larger metropolitan area. The address is 247 Main St, El Segundo, CA 90245, USA. This Main Street location places it right in the thick of El Segundo’s local shopping and dining district, making it a highly convenient spot for local residents, workers on a lunch break, and those traveling to or from the nearby airport.

The local positioning in El Segundo offers a more relaxed, pedestrian-friendly environment compared to some of the surrounding, denser South Bay cities. Main Street is easily accessible by car, though as with any popular local downtown area, street parking availability can vary, especially during peak morning hours. However, the cafe's early opening hours—starting as early as 4:00 AM every day according to public data—cater specifically to the early commuter and the local workforce, including those who may be heading to LAX. The business's ability to serve a delicious and quickly prepared item like the "Arrival burrito" in less than ten minutes is a key accessibility feature for time-sensitive customers. Its location in a central, highly walkable area also contributes to a pleasant cafe experience for those who prefer to enjoy their coffee and pastry on-site before starting their day.

Services Offered

YLS Bakery & Cafe offers a remarkably broad range of food and beverage services, ensuring the business is a viable option for breakfast, lunch, and catering throughout the week. The focus is on combining bakery excellence with comprehensive cafe fare.

• Full Spectrum Baked Goods: A daily-made selection of traditional items including Raised, Cake, Old Fashioned, Bar/Twist, and Specialty Donuts, as well as Malasadas, Muffins, Scones, Cinnamon Buns, Croissants, and Danish pastries.
• Specialty Bagels and Spreads: An impressive selection of bagels, including Signature options like Jalapeño Swiss, Scorned Garlic, and Spinach Provolone, served with a variety of premium cream cheeses such as Chive, Jalapeño, and Garden Veggie.
• Inclusive Dietary Options: Commitment to modern dietary needs is a key service, featuring Gluten-Friendly Cake Donuts, as well as an acclaimed line of Keto and Low-Carb Donuts and Keto Cookies, ensuring options for those managing their sugar and carb intake.
• Breakfast Specialties: A comprehensive menu of hearty morning meals, including a popular line of signature Breakfast Burritos (e.g., Layover, Departure, Burbank, LAX Burritos), Scramblers, and Breakfast Sandwiches on a choice of bread, bagel, or croissant.
• Lunch Sandwiches and Salads: Transitioning seamlessly into lunch, the cafe offers a full line of cold sandwiches (like the Terminal Turkey Club and Beacon B.L.T.A.), as well as fresh salads such as the Captain’s Cobb and Asian Chicken Salad.
• Specialty Coffee and Espresso Bar: A full range of hot and cold beverages, including Drip Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Coffee, Espresso drinks like Lattes, Cappuccinos, Macchiatos, and specialty blends such as Matcha Latte and Hazelnut Mocha.
• Catering Services: YLS provides professional catering for local businesses and events, with easy-to-order boxes and platters for Bagels, Mixed Pastries, Breakfast Burritos, and Boxed Lunches (Sando & Side Salad or Sando & Donut combos).

Features / Highlights

YLS Bakery & Cafe stands out in the competitive Southern California market due to its unique combination of culinary quality, thoughtful menu design, and strong community focus.

• Innovative 'Inventive and Inclusive' Menu: The most prominent highlight is the dual commitment to classic baked goods and health-conscious alternatives. The availability of high-quality Keto and Gluten-Friendly items alongside traditional treats like Malasadas and Artisan Raised Donuts broadens its appeal significantly beyond a typical local bakery.
• The Signature Bagel and Cream Cheese Program: Going beyond the basics, YLS offers several specialty bagel flavors and house-made premium cream cheeses, establishing a dedicated bagel offering that competes strongly with stand-alone bagel shops in the area.
• Airport-Themed Breakfast Burritos: A nod to the local environment, the signature burritos, named after local airports (LAX, Burbank, John Wayne, Ontario), offer a fun, regional twist on a classic California breakfast staple. The quality and speed of preparation of these burritos are a highly praised customer highlight.
• Extended Early Operating Hours: Opening as early as 4:00 AM on weekdays ensures the cafe captures the very early commuter traffic and those working non-traditional hours, a major benefit in the El Segundo/LAX area. This early service demonstrates a commitment to the entire community's schedule.
• Quality and Speed of Service: As noted by local reviews, the cafe is highly efficient, delivering complex orders like the "Arrival burrito" quickly, which makes it an indispensable stop for busy professionals and travelers on a time constraint.

Contact Information

For any inquiries regarding orders, menu items, hours, or catering services, local users can reach YLS Bakery & Cafe using the following contact details:

• Address: 247 Main St, El Segundo, CA 90245, USA
• Phone: (310) 648-8205

What is Worth Choosing

When visiting YLS Bakery & Cafe in El Segundo, the sheer breadth of the menu can be exciting, but certain items truly stand out as being representative of the cafe's quality and unique identity. Locals and first-timers should prioritize the items that leverage the bakery's dual focus on fresh baking and comprehensive breakfast/lunch service.

The Signature Bagels with Premium Cream Cheese are an essential choice. Unlike standard offerings, the specialty bagels—especially the savory options like the Jalapeño Swiss or Scorned Garlic—paired with one of the house-made cream cheeses (like the Chive or Garden Veggie) offer a high-quality, flavorful start to the day that showcases the bakery’s talent for mixing traditional and inventive flavors.

For a savory, protein-packed meal, the Breakfast Burritos are arguably the most highly recommended choice. Specifically, burritos like the 'Arrival' (which, based on review descriptions, likely features a comprehensive mix of eggs, hash browns, cheese, and a meat like bacon, often with a complementary mild salsa) are known for their generous portions, fresh ingredients, and incredible speed of preparation. They are a definitive California-style grab-and-go breakfast and a local favorite.

On the sweet side, two categories deserve attention. First, the Artisan Raised or Specialty Donuts are a showcase of the bakery’s craft, offering unique flavors and elevated preparation beyond the basic glazed options. Second, the Keto and Gluten-Friendly Donuts demonstrate the cafe’s inclusive approach. For customers with specific dietary requirements, finding a high-quality, flavorful, and Instagram-worthy low-carb or gluten-friendly donut is a major win and a feature that sets YLS apart in the South Bay market.

Finally, for lunch, the Yorba Linda Special Sandwich or the Terminal Turkey Club represents the cafe's capability for hearty, well-constructed deli fare, featuring fresh ingredients and generous fillings, perfect for a satisfying midday break in El Segundo.

YLS Bakery & Cafe | El Segundo

247 Main St, El Segundo, CA 90245, USA