Balls to the wall
I go to Porto's quite often, every couple of weeks in fact. I need my potato ball fix. The restaurant/bakery is so popular I can't think of one time when there isn't a massive line of people waiting for their delicious pastries.The Burbank location is large, but has horrible parking. The Glendale location is manageable but has horrible parking. See a trend here? But all that's changed now that the NEW location in Downey has opened.
There's a double level parking garage and not only that...valet parking. Out of towners may scoff, but here in L.A. we love our cars and valet parking is a necessity, I've even seen it at the supermarket. I for one will stand before you and proclaim: I LOVE MY CAR.Once inside the layout is similar to the other two Porto's with two sides to order with a coffee bar in the middle. There is the typical bar height tables that line the walls - I am NOT a fan. Perhaps it's because I'm so short those tables always make me feel Lilliputian.
In the back are the regular tables, but hold on - unlike the other locations where you need to scavenge for a seat, here you must wait to be seated by an actual seater! Ah, civility at last.The look is more modern with lovely wall treatments and light fixtures. Quite pleasing to sit by as you munch on your Medianoche sandwich. And where else can you get Manzana flavored Fanta at the ready? (Ignore the jank-tastic 'out of order sign' it's still good stuff, I swear it.)
So how's the food? Exactly the same. Fabulous. It's no wonder that when Downey opened a line formed down the street, now East L.A. and Orange County have easier potato ballz access. Don't know what a potato ball is? You don't know what you are missing. (info here.)The relaxed parking and seating makes me want to sit and stay awhile. The prices are still extraordinarily low considering, I can get two Potato Balls for less than $2 and drown them in free Tapatio. Must have Tapatio. That should be my bumper sticker. I think this is my favorite of all the Porto's, at least my car is happy.
Labels: portos
9 Comments:
Oh - it's finally open? Yeeeees!
I'm hoping they open a Porto's in San Diego County because I will be there. But for now Downey will do.
BTW: When I went to the Burbank location, you had to wait for someone to seat you at a table as well. Kind of surprising to see that.
You know a bakery is good when it becomes a "must stop" on any trip to or through th L.A. area. San Diego County needs one, but no closer than 30 miles to where I live (else I become a potato ball hoarder).
I was wondering what made the Downey one so much better. Oh well, I can walk to the one in Burbank, yet rarely do. You, Darlene & Paul go to Porto's much more frequently, I think! I'll have to do something about that. Haven't been in months! : (
I am not allowed to come to your blog hungry. DANGEROUS.
it's SO clean too! took my kids there when it was raining, 1 kid was getting over a cold, waited in line for 30 min with both of them, and it was ALL worth it!
I went to Porto's the first time in July. My sister-in-law took me to the one in Glendale. Being a North Carolina girl, I was at first upset about the long line. It was longer than some of the rides at Disneyland! But all the goodies I bought were so worth it! And the cuban coffee was divine!I'm heading there next time I am in the area...
Finally!!! Mmmm, we know where we're lunching tomorrow!
I actually tried something different at porto's called the chicken croquette, and in my opinion, it's even better than the potato balls! You should give it a try :)
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