Porto's Bakery & Cafe

Porto's Bakery and Cafe is not just a bakery -- it is a Los Angeles institution and arguably the best-value dining experience in the city. Founded by Rosa Porto, a Cuban immigrant who began baking cakes out of her home in 1960, Porto's has grown into a multi-location phenomenon that draws lines out the door daily. For families, the combination of incredible food, astonishingly low prices, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a must-visit.

The Potato Ball is the gateway item. A baseball-sized sphere of seasoned mashed potato stuffed with savory ground beef, breaded and fried to golden perfection, it costs $1. 25.

That price-to-satisfaction ratio is unmatched anywhere in Los Angeles. Kids eat 2-3 each without complaint. The Refugiado -- a flaky puff pastry filled with guava paste and cream cheese -- is the signature dessert item and costs $2.

25.

Beyond these icons, the menu spans Cuban sandwiches (pressed thin with roasted pork, ham, pickles, and mustard), savory meat pies, empanadas, and an enormous selection of cakes and pastries. The bakery case stretches the length of the counter with rows of elaborately decorated cakes, chocolate eclairs, cream puffs, fruit tarts, and guava strudels.

The ordering system can be intimidating for first-timers. You take a number, wait for it to be called (or use the app to skip this entirely), then order at the counter where staff move with remarkable speed. The dining room fills at peak times, but turnover is fast since most people eat quickly. Outdoor patio seating is available at the Glendale location.

Practical tips: download the Porto's app before visiting. Online ordering lets you skip the counter line entirely and pick up at a dedicated window. Multiple locations serve the greater LA area: Glendale (Brand Blvd), Burbank (Magnolia Blvd), Downey, Buena Park, and West Covina.