Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! one more time. During this busy holiday season, routines are changed and many errands which were simple are now a chore. That's how this post happened. Cathy is writing today.
There was a small article in one of the newspapers a few weeks ago about O'Brien's Boulangerie…a wholesale bread supplier to various restaurants, hotels, casinos and country clubs in San Diego, Orange and Riverside Counties which was established in 1989. O'Brien's had just moved locations and opened a Cafe (there are 20 seats downstairs and more upstairs) and is getting so much wholesale business that they might have to move again. This Poway location is on Stowe Drive just off of Community Road, a signal light North of Scripps Poway Parkway in a large office park area. I'm so glad we keep notes about places in odd locations.
Once you find it, you'll think it was an easy drive. 
The bakery display case is tempting.
After you order and pay, you can gather your own coffee (although they have a great selection of barista prepared beverages), utensils, napkins, some water and find a seat. Your order will be brought to you. 
The eating area was filled when we got here so I only took a photo of these seats facing the door. Quite a comfortable seating area.
The classic tuna sandwich ($9.50) served on a fresh, soft ciabatta. This was a substantial sandwich, which was shared. Lettuce, tomato, onion and mayonnaise along with provolone topped a large portion of quality tuna salad. (It was mostly tuna, not much filler at all). Excellent sandwich. 
A bear claw ($3.50) was served warm.
It was mostly marzipan…almond paste, toasted almond slices, a wonderful buttery, flaky pastry.
If you somehow find yourself in this area, don't miss dropping in.
O'Brien's Boulangerie 13615 Stowe Drive Poway, CA 92064 Website Open Mon-Fri 7-4, Sat 7-3 Closed Sunday
The rye bread ($6.95) A 1.5 lb loaf. Excellent crust, nicely seeded, good texture. Yes. We will be going back. Soon.
Another great find Cathy! I like the looks of that bear claw (that filling!). I just may have to do some research on the contents of that display case. 😉
nice!
A great place, cc. The photos don’t do it justice (those toothpicks holding the sandwich together are the super long, 5 inch size) and the pastries and other baked goods are outstanding!
In the midst of a giant office park/warehouse area, this was indeed so nice to find, Kat; the people who work nearby are fortunate to have such a choice.
i used to love getting egg salad sandwiches on a sourdough baguette when they were still in del mar….it was messy but sooo good
Oh, I will definitely try the egg salad next time, Jack- it was the other sandwich we were contemplating (although the menu says it’s on squaw bread) (maybe a sourdough baguette will be the next bread purchase here). Messy happens to me more often than not.
That’s good to know about the bear claw. I need a local source till I visit Solvang again.