Welcome to Grand Central Bakery - Burien cafe
Grand Central Bakery - Burien cafe embodies a cherished community gathering spot, where delicious baked goods meet the comfort of casual dining. Located in Burien, Washington, this bakery is renowned for its artisanal pastries, hearty sandwiches, and fresh salads. Diners especially love the satisfying balance of flavors in dishes like the Grilled Cheese and Basil Egg Salad, celebrating quality without breaking the bank. With a welcoming ambiance and a commitment to local ingredients, it attracts a diverse crowd, making it perfect for everything from a quick coffee run to a leisurely brunch. Grand Central Bakery is not just a meal; it’s an experience.
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626 SW 152nd St, Burien, WA 98166 Hotline: (206) 436-1065
Welcome to Grand Central Bakery - Burien Cafe, a beloved gem nestled in the heart of Burien, Washington, at 626 SW 152nd St. This vibrant bakery is not just a breakfast and brunch spot; it’s a vibrant community hub for sandwich lovers and pastry enthusiasts alike. With its inviting atmosphere and a decor that balances warmth and functionality, it caters to both casual diners and those looking to settle in with a laptop over a cup of coffee.
At Grand Central Bakery, the focus is on quality and simplicity. Their classic sandwiches are a highlight, showcasing house-roasted meats and fresh ingredients. Consider trying the Turkey Deluxe with its succulent turkey breast, crispy bacon, Swiss cheese, and the perfect touch of dijon mustard, all nestled between slices of wholesome whole wheat bread (available for just $12.75). Craving something more comfort-driven? The Grilled Cheese, featuring gooey Havarti perched on thick, toasted bread, is a must-try at just $5.75. For those looking for a unique twist, the Basil Egg Salad, slathered with sun-dried tomato mayonnaise, is a delightful combination of flavors for $7.75.
If you prefer something lighter, the salads are equally impressive. The Kale Caesar brings a vegetarian-friendly update to a classic, while the Side Salad offers a fresh accompaniment to any meal, priced at just $3.50 and $3.85 respectively. Customers rave about the affordability and quality of these dishes, emphasizing the bakery's commitment to bringing sensible and delicious food to the community.
However, it's worth noting that while the food at Grand Central Bakery is consistently praised, some patrons mention that the service can be a bit slower than expected. Despite this, many return for the comforting ambiance and the opportunity to make new friends over lunch. The busy atmosphere can feel vibrant rather than chaotic, with tables frequently turning as locals and travelers alike pop in for a quick bite.
Reviews highlight the pastries at Grand Central Bakery as among the best in Burien. With options like croissants and pecan sticky buns winning hearts, it's evident that the baking expertise is up to par. One customer even suggested an innovative pairing of hot sauce with their croissants for an exciting burst of flavor!
Whether you are a devoted fan over the past ten years or a first-time visitor, Grand Central Bakery - Burien Cafe stands as a testament to the quality of local artisan baking. Their perfect loaf of sourdough, available for just $5 or less, is more than just a meal; it's an experience that truly celebrates the craft of baking.
Don’t miss out on this Burien treasure. The next time you’re in the area, swing by for a delicious sandwich, indulge in a pastry, or perhaps simply grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the lively environment. Your tastebuds will thank you!
Contact Information: (206) 436-1065
Over all, the food is great, as is the ambiance. What I'd like to see is more speed of service however. In my general experience, it's been on the slower side. Perhaps they need to hire more experienced folks.
Great place for lunch. Never hesitate to take friend for sandwiches or a fresh salad.
We stopped by here on the way from the airport. We stumbled upon it driving down the main street in Burien. It is your typical bakery with a decent amount of indoor seating. The line was out the door, but it moved quick and we were able to order some pastries, coffee, and sandwiches. It was crowded, but we were able to find a table easily as the turnover is steady. The coffee was just average, but my favorite item was the grilled cheese. It was complete with thick bread and multiple cheeses, I think. Super gooey and the price was very reasonable. You buss the tables yourself and there are convenient bins located near the restrooms, which were individual rooms, and clean. There was a homeless person who came in and they gave him food. Lots of people studying and doing work as well.
Our favorite Burien Bakery which I will attest is far superior than Bakery Nouveau (no shade!) What I look for in a bakery is balance and consistency. I don't want food so drenched in sugar and butter that I think I'll go into a coma; I want a sensible balance of sweet and savory - and that's what Grand Central delivers with all of its pastries, breads and sandwiches. I really appreciate how affordable they keep all their loaves, because I know how much blood, sweat, and tears goes into baking such perfect bread every time - it takes a masterful amount of focus. But you can get an AMAZING sourdough loaf here for $5 or less and that's the way it should be! All it needs is some butter or olive oil and that's the perfect snack/meal! I wish they re-structured the front of the store so the line was more organized and didn't have to block the door - but we have been coming here 10+ years and don't plan on stopping any time soon. Also, I know it sounds crazy but if you mix the Bonache Piri hot sauce with the jam and put it on one of their croissants it will BLOW YOUR MIND! TIP YOUR WAITSTAFF and invest in your local bakers!
My spouse would give five stars as this is his favorite spot. I still feel it is a bit too on the impersonal side - always crowded and loud and no idle chit chat with the servers; just an assembly line through the register and get your stuff. That said, every pastry is delicious, my fave is the pecan sticky bun. Husband loves the croissants but has been trying more and more items - which is quite rare for him; today, he enjoyed the iced cinammon bun. And to give you an idea of how much he loves it, he told me today that if we moved away and came back this is the ONLY place he would want to make sure to stop in for a treat.
Just a quick stop for a small breakfast for the day. It is pretty spacious inside and would be a good place to come in to do work, if need be. The staff were really friendly and helpful! Bonus: Free parking!