Helena Avenue Bakery

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🥐 Café & Bakery

Santa Barbara

fast-casual

4.5
Chic yet rustic bakery offering sandwiches, soups, and house-baked breads and pastries in Santa Barbara's Lower State neighborhood.

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$$

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fast-casual

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Helena Avenue Bakery

Santa Barbara

$

House-baked breads, pastries, and sandwiches with great coffee in a chic rustic setting in Santa Barbara. Perfect for breakfast and lunch.

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About
4.5
(
729
)

Helena Avenue Bakery serves exquisite breakfast and lunch, emphasizing freshly baked breads, pastries, and quality coffee in a casual, cozy atmosphere with both indoor and lush outdoor seating.

The bakery features gluten-free options, quick counter service, a bar with coffee and wine, and is well-regarded for accommodating dietary needs with friendly service. Walk-ins are welcome, but expect busy weekend crowds.

What to Expect:

    🥐 House-made pastries and breads
    🥪 Sandwiches with gluten-free choices
    ☕ Great coffee and espresso drinks
    🌿 Outdoor patio seating

Important Information:

    Service Style: Order at counter with self-bussing
    Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible including restrooms and parking
    Payments: Credit, debit, and NFC mobile payments accepted
    Pets: Dogs allowed outside
    Reservations: Not accepted; walk-ins only

The bakery is famed for items like their blueberry scones, cinnamon rolls, and the popular Elvis banana bread.

Haley's Pick 🍽️

You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.

Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.

The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.

Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.

It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.

– Haley @milehighandhungry
🔊
🔊
🔊

📍 Local Insights

🌅 Get There Early for Cinnamon Rolls: The cinnamon rolls sell out quickly, so arriving early ensures you won't miss this popular treat.

🍴 Counter-Service Clear-Up: This is an order-at-the-counter spot with self-bussing; be prepared to collect your own cutlery and clear your table.

🌿 Outdoor Seating is a Gem: The garden patio surrounded by flowers fills fast, especially on nice days; snag a spot early to enjoy the vibe.

🥐 Gluten-Free Options Are Available: Many items cater to gluten-sensitive diets, though cross-contact warnings apply; staff are knowledgeable and accommodating.

⏰ Hours

Monday: 7:00 AM–2:30 PM

Tuesday: 7:00 AM–2:30 PM

Wednesday: 7:00 AM–2:30 PM

Thursday: 7:00 AM–2:30 PM

Friday: 7:00 AM–2:30 PM

Saturday: 7:00 AM–2:30 PM

Sunday: 7:00 AM–2:30 PM

👉 Best For

Breakfast, Lunch, Casual Gathering, Gluten-Free Options, Outdoor Seating

Helena Avenue Bakery

131 Anacapa St c
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93101

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Helena Avenue Bakery is celebrated for its outstanding baked goods, including scones and cinnamon rolls, with many praising the friendly service and cozy ambiance. The outdoor patio is a favorite spot. Some customers noted occasional order errors and busy weekend crowds, while gluten-sensitive patrons appreciate the accommodations. A rare few mentioned service hiccups and one serious allergy-related incident.

Last updated on

January 9th, 2026

From The preserve

Standout Dishes

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The Selection

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Angler’s Offerings

What You'll Find

Avocado Toast, Breakfast Tacos, Cinnamon Roll, Croissant, Banana Bread, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Passion Fruit Poppyseed Muffin, Gluten-Free Seed Bread, Sandwiches, Soups, Coffee, Beer, Wine

📆 Best Times to Visit

Visit weekday mornings between 7 AM and 10 AM to avoid weekend lines; early arrival secures cinnamon rolls before they sell out.
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