Some places, many places in LA, are flashy, trend chasing and overhyped, drawing crazy crowds — sometimes sustained, but often crash and burn. Other places are more humble, low key, reliable mainstays that you can count on for quality products. The ambience may be forgettable but the food certainly not. Bread Lounge falls squarely in the latter group. The vibes feel slightly more artisanal than a mom & pop version of Panera or Corner Bakery, but the bread is on point, the pastries well worth the calories. The modestly designed space lets the true stars shine, and who needs vibes when you have carbs?

A longtime occupant of a busy car intersection in what used to be a pretty sleepy part of Arts District, Bread Lounge has been around for as long as Bestia just a few steps away, but easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for. What started off as a wholesale operation became a brick and mortar bakery and cafe in 2012. Since then, it’s steadily grown a loyal consumer base happily going out of their way to turn into the inconspicuous driveway and pick up a sandwich, pastries and of course the bread. It’s like a celebrated bakery in disguise as your local neighborhood cafe. Whether you’re looking for a handsome loaf, or Israeli bagels, or viennoiseries, Bread Lounge has it all and it does it all so well. Do yourself a favor and don’t get a salad (or at least get yourself a side of bread with that salad).