Danish bakery and café on State Street stacking glass cases with marzipan cakes, apple strudel, and cinnamon pastries. Antique tables fill the sunlit dining room while sidewalk seating catches the morning breeze.
Bakeries
I love Santa Barbara because there is both energy and peace. I can move at my own pace each day, whether being productive, taking the time to appreciate my environment, or socializing with friends.
Look for the stretch of sidewalk tables along State Street – Andersens Bakery usually has plates of pastries and cups of coffee out front, with people coming and going throughout the day. Inside, the space runs deep, set up with antique-style chairs and small tables under old chandeliers. The main room is dressed like a European café, with glass bakery cases lining one wall and a steady shuffle between the counter and the tables. Ordering happens up front at the counter. The bakery case is packed with rows of apple strudel, cinnamon palmiers, almond cakes, and slices of strawberry-cream cake, all made in-house. There’s a regular rotation of Danish and European classics, plus a handful of savory items for breakfast and lunch. Danish Benedict comes on puff pastry instead of an English muffin, and there’s a crab cake version that stands out. Bratwurst with eggs, quiche, and French toast round out the morning options. Coffee, tea, and fresh lemonade are always ready, with iced lattes showing up in the warmer months. Baked dog treats sit in a jar by the register, and house-made jam is stacked for anyone looking to take something home. Pastries are sold by the piece or in larger strips if you’re picking up for a group. The layout works for both small groups and bigger gatherings, especially with the outdoor seating. Indoors, the old-world furniture and quiet corners suit a slow meal or a long chat. Out front, the sidewalk tables catch the sun and give a clear view of State Street – close enough to the Saturday farmers market that you’ll see people coming and going with bags of produce. The bakery has been family-run for generations, with a focus on Scandinavian and European baking traditions. Occasionally, samples from the case make their way around – usually whatever’s just come out of the oven. The place moves at a steady pace, with most people settling in for a while before heading back out onto State Street. Andersens shares the block with a mix of local shops and sits right in the rhythm of downtown Santa Barbara. The setup feels lived-in and established, with a layout that hasn’t changed much over the years. Most regulars know the routine: check the pastry case, order at the counter, and settle in for as long as needed.
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