Nestled in Pasadena’s northern outskirts, Seed Bakery adheres to Old World traditions. Freshly milled whole grains undergo a slow fermentation process before being baked into some of the most appealing whole grain country and rye breads in LA. Currently open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, and until 3 p.m. on Sundays.

While Bub and Grandma’s doesn’t have a dedicated retail store, Andy Kadin’s bread made with Grist and Toll wheat can be found just about everywhere, from the Hollywood Farmers Market to some of the best restaurants around town. During the coronavirus pandemic, Bub and Grandma’s is also available at some retail locations: Tuesdays at Proof Bakery in Atwater Village; Friday and Sunday at Belle’s Bagels in Highland Park. Check the bakery’s website for the most updated information.

Now that Roxana Jullapat has a permanent brick and mortar in East Hollywood, fans of her bread and pastries can swing by any time of day for a carbohydrate fix. Jullapat’s constantly tweaking and experimenting with different grains, so arrive with an open mind because who knows what rarities will be behind the counter. Jullapat is currently working the bakery by herself amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Salvadoran bakery Cuscatleca offers pan dulces, apple cinnamon bread, affordable light loaves, sandwiches, coffee, and light fare in Echo Park. The bakery has a sister panaderia in Pico-Union as well.

Zack Hall’s dedication to baking with European techniques, organic grains, and natural leaven has made Clark Street Bread one of the most sought-after loaves in town. In addition to a stall at Grand Central Market, Hall has opened a standalone bakery in Echo Park with pastries and breads.

Ran Zimon’s Bread Lounge serves restaurants and Downtown denizens alike with naturally-leavened bread made in the heart of the Arts District. Choose from fig and walnut, Kalamata olive, and potato rosemary. The bakery remains open for takeout with a wide variety of breads, pastries, and prepared food, all of which can be pre-ordered online for quick pickup.

Opened in 1952 and one of LA’s oldest continuously operating bakeries, La Mascota has affordable pan dulces and more available via delivery. 4 bolillos cost $1 while 5 conchas cost $3. The bakery also has tortas and tamales available for takeout or delivery.

Andrea Crawford and her husband, Robert Dedlow, opened Roan Mills in 2013 in the distant northern LA county town of Fillmore. Their shared passion for heirloom grains can be tasted in every baguette, boule, and batard with locally sourced grains. Pick up a loaf at the Santa Monica farmers market on Wednesdays and the Hollywood farmers market on Sundays.

Lodge Bread bakes an exceptional loaf. Taste the bakery’s dedication to an extended fermentation and seasonal whole grains in varieties like country, seeded country, and whole wheat. The bakery’s Culver City and Woodland Hills locations are currently offering takeout, with delivery soon available online. Lodge also distributes to Torrance’s farmers market on Saturdays and Beverly Hills on Sundays.

The crusty bread used in all of Superba’s fantastic tartines and sandwiches is thankfully available to take home. From the signature baguettes to the pain au levain and brioche pullman, every loaf is carefully crafted and simply delicious. 

One bite of Hans Rockenwagner’s expert loaves and it’s clear that he’s been perfecting his recipe for nearly three decades. Crusty on the outside and plush within, the Old World wheat levain is worth seeking out, as is the sourdough boule. Rockenwagner also sells locally at Whole Foods, Gelson’s, Lassen’s, and various farmers markets around town.

Gusto Bread, the limited bakery operating out of a private home, is a boon for the Long Beach community as evidenced by the fans who crowd through the front door waiting for one its freshly-made baguettes. The wait is worth it, as the bread is warm and just the right amount of crusty. At the moment, Gusto is only available via pickup or delivery on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Colossus is the work of Kristin Colazas Rodriguez, a former Bay Area pastry chef who has been selling her breads at Long Beach’s farmers markets. The long and narrow storefront with a small counter and pastry case offers everything from traditional croissants to seasonal fruit tarts and best of all, freshly-baked loaves.