PROOF BAKERY
SERVING EAST SIDE DECADENT DELIGHTS

For over a year now, eastsiders have been privy to some of the city’s most delectable treats courtesy of Proof Bakery in Atwater Village.  With the goal of upholding traditional, old-world baking methods to produce exceptional French-style breads and pastries, they make sure to take raw ingredients and make everything by hand. 

While all you may be looking for is a sugar fix or chocolate coma, know that no pastry is prepared with any mix. These bakers adamantly stand oppose to adding sweeteners or anything artificial to enhance the flavor of their products. In fact, each and every one of their baked goods is individually handcrafted, made in small batches while using only the freshest available ingredients.

A true neighborhood gem offering free wi-fi, this unassuming bakeshop, with, for now anyway, no signage to call attention to itself, is quietly serving gourmet coffee, savory sandwiches and wonderful pastries to those in the know. And unlike the hilarious Funny or Die sketch that was filmed at Proof Bakery, you can rest assured you won’t have to deal with any snobby baristas.

Their delicious croissants are meticulously created, layer-by-layer, everyday. If you’re looking for large orders of a dozen or more, or something tasty to treat the office, it would be wise to order at least 48 hours in advance to make sure everything you need will be ready on time.  All of Proof’s breads and pastries are made with organic flour, organic butter, and Valrhona chocolates. They also offer vegan- and vegetarian-friendly options, which is a welcome relief for many.

Recently, for Valentine’s Day, the shop debuted its Blood-Orange-Paved Chocolate Cake. A dark and bitter cake, topped with sticky, Grand Marnier-glazed rounds of sanguine citrus, this is a wonderfully unique and extremely decadent treat. And thanks to all the blood oranges that have started to show up at local farmers' markets, this tasty treat should be around for some time.

If you’re looking for a pick-me-up in the morning, you can’t go wrong with the fresh Valrhona Chocolate Croissant ($3.50). The Chocolate Chip Cookie ($1.75) is also fantastic, as is the Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie when it’s available. The Vegan Tea Cake ($2.50) is also a wonderful alternative. And if you need something a little more filling in the morning, you can’t go wrong with the Farmer’s Market Quiche ($5 a slice or $38 for a whole pie). It’s phenomenal. Sandwiches are served in the afternoon and are $7 a piece.

Click here to see the Proof Bakery menu.

When it comes to coffee, Proof Bakery uses San Francisco’s Four Barrel Coffee beans to brew a variety of espresso drinks. They also use local Handsome Coffee for their drip coffee. The Proof Bakery building has served as a local bakery for the last 60 years, serving as the center of the neighborhood. A welcoming and intimate place where people can eat, drink and gather, it’s perfect for those on laptops or for anyone just looking for a shot of caffeine or much needed sugar high.

Proof Bakery is located at 3156 Glendale Blvd. in Atwater Village. Open Tues-Sun 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Monday. Call 323-664-8633.