Porto’s Bakery and Cafe in Burbank

When I was in Burbank, I was looking for a spot to eat at and jumped on Yelp. Immediately this Cuban bakery came up, and it had over 4,000 reviews with four stars. I didn’t even have to research it anymore; I set my GPS to check it out. As you know, that many people agreeing on a food spot has a slim chance of being bad, and I can report after eating there that it was terrific. Everything I had I loved and the worst part about it was that it was not closer to my house so I could eat here more often. That being said, since the initial review, I have visited many of the other locations and go any chance I get, it’s a great spot to eat.

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Details

  • Hours: Mon-Sat 6:30 am – 8:00 pm, Sunday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • Gets crazy busy during lunch hour
  • Cost: Can eat for less than $5 but if you want a sandwich it is $5-$7
  • Location: 3614 West Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91505
  • Information from my visit in 2015, but I go to many of the Portos locations often still.

After arriving, I was surprised by how big this place was. It easily took up a whole corner of the street and had a large parking lot in the back. When I walked in, there were two completely separate lines for food, each with over 25 people in them. I knew I must have stumbled on something good when I saw that many people were waiting.

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I was given a menu when I walked in and was surprised by how reasonable the prices were. You could eat many of the Cuban side dishes for a dollar each. I took one for the team and ordered six items, a dessert, and a drink, and my total was $11. Here is what I had and the reviews, but pretty much everything was fantastic, so just go and check it out for yourself.

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The meat pie was first up, and it was flavorful and soft, like a pot pie but way better, with meat and veggies inside.

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Next was the ham croquette, which had ground ham, seasoned and fried, with potatoes. The ham was fantastic and full of a rich, savory flavor, breaded perfectly and not fried like you would anticipate.

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Potato ball is a mashed potato, breaded and fried. Again it is fried in the best way possible, not greasy and gross. It has a smooth texture and a ton of flavor I could eat five easily and would say this was one of my favorite things.

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Next was the chorizo pie, which featured a perfectly flakey puff pastry crust with a strong chorizo flavor that was not overpowering but worked well with the pastry. It was good, but it was the only thing I didn’t finish.

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Next up was the Rellenito, which was a sweet mashed plantain filled with black beans and wrapped in sugar. Yea, I thought it would be weird too, and it was certainly unusual. Every time I bit into it, I couldn’t decide if it was sweet or savory. That being said, I liked it, and it went well with all the fried other dishes. I would assume it is an acquired taste though.

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For my last savory item, I had the pork tamale, which was melted in your mouth. I love tamales, and this is one of the best I have had. The meat in the middle worked well with the rich corn outer shell. It was fantastic and was probably the best thing I ordered. It says it is a Cuban tamale, and it does taste different then it’s Mexican counterpart. I would say it is softer in the way the corn is prepared, if that makes sense. 

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For dessert, I went with the Napoleon pastry, and it was flakey and rich. Honestly, get whatever pastry looks best to you though, as there are so many to try. 

Update 2020

I have been to Portos many times since my initial visit, and I love going back every chance I get. My favorite location now is the one in Burbank and Amie, and I usually get the sandwiches when we go.

Amie loves the vegetarian sandwich, and I have had it a few times as a non-vegetarian, it is fantastic. The Cuban (above) is still my favorite though.

Before you ask, no, I was not paid to write this review, I stumbled on this place on Yelp, and it was that good. I can’t wait to go again, and I highly suggest you give it a try if you are in the area. Be sure to let me know what you think if you have been in the comments.

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