Back at the end of last year, I noticed a new business near the corner of Linda Vista and Ulric.
Yes, this was once the location of BaLe, then Farm Market and Sandwiches, then Pho Tommy. You know, one of those locations that seems to turn over every couple of years (or less). Initially, I thought it was simply a Mexican Bakery and just kinda left it at that. But, as the months passed I noticed taco trucks in the parking lot and the ever expanding signage.
So, just before we left for our last international trip in October, I decided to just head on over and check the place out. Walking to the shop, I noticed the opening hours. The place opens at 530am Tuesdays thru Fridays and 6am during the weekend!
The rather cavernous space is pretty large, especially for just a bakery.
Well, like that classic informercial saying goes; "but wait, there's more!"
Yes, to one side is a case of bakery items and a case of various cakes for sale.
And there is a coffee stand, but I've never seen it open…..
But what really got my attention was the "menu".
And there were items less than $5!
I decided to get one of the Breakfast Bolillos; the Mexicana which was $4.99. What was quite interesting and refreshing to note that when I paid by credit card I did not get a "tip" prompt! So, of course I left a tip…in cash. Also of note, I looked at my receipt and it said "La Princesita Bakery". I asked the nice woman working who told me that the place had the same owners as the La Princesita trailer, Which by the way, I noticed as I left. It is in the parking lot and now painted pink!
It did seem like my sandwich was sticking "its tongue out at me"……perhaps mocking me? To use a single word to describe this would be "light". From the slightly crusty, yeasty-airy bolillo to the filling. Other than a good amount of heat from the jalapenos this was quite light. In my mind, it could have used a bit more salt (when was the last time I wrote that?), tomatoes, and onions. Still, it was a decent breakfast and the price was right.
On my way out, I decided to get something for the Missus.
And I decided to get Her a slice of the tres leches cake.
She thought this was not bad, if a bit on the sweeter side.
A couple of weeks ago, I was in the area fairly early in the morning, so I decided to drop by. This time I got the Preparados Mixto which was also priced at $4.99.
This came on a by-the-book, yeasty telera roll. The chorizo was nice and smoky, with a hint of spice. The jamon was a rather thin slice and was made irrelevant by the chorizo. The gooey cheese was the glue (no pun intended) that added a slight milky flavor to things. There was a bit of jalapeno for some zip, but I could have used more beans on this. I think I'll have the papas con chorizo version of this next time.
And with those two visits I was going to do my post. But then I wondered how the most expensive sandwich, the $10.49 Torta Milanesa was. So, I decided to head on over and did a takeout order. This was an interesting visit as my sandwich took 20 minutes. Perhaps they weren't ready to make this at 930 in the morning.
This was a fairly hefty sandwich. I didn't care for the milanesa as it was very tough. I enjoyed the amount of onions and jalapenos, though I would have appreciated more beans.
Of course, I couldn't help but compare what I've had here with Barrio Donas. Personally, I think the actual sandwich in terms of composition and proportion is better at BD. Though on my last two visits to Barrio Donas it seemed that the telera had changed and based on that I prefer the bread here. So, I guess this means I need to get back to BD.
As for San Diego Bakery, I'm glad I finally visited and will keep on stopping by when I want a five dollar breakfast sandwich.
San Diego Bakery & Café
6959 Linda Vista Rd.
San Diego, CA 92111
Current Hours – The Bakery only. The taco trucks and such are open during the evening.
Tues – Fri 530am – 5pm
Sat – Sun 6am – 5pm