Porto’s Bakery

Fantastic and inexpensive place for Cuban Sandwiches and Bakery.

I don’t think there’s a finer Lunch place in all of Los Angeles, than Porto’s. Problem is, the whole of Los Angeles also thinks there’s no finer place for Lunch. We know this because that every time you go there all of Los Angeles seems to be ahead of you in line waiting to get their Cuban sandwich on.

Now, part of the allure is how inexpensive it is. Odds are you are walking out of Porto’s for around ten bucks, drink included. But let’s face it, people are showing up because the sandwiches are damn good, the fact that they’re a real value is just icing on the cake.

WHAT SHOULD I GET: You should get any sandwich on the menu, so long as you get it with a Potato Ball. One should be enough.  Two and you risk stuffing yourself.  Trust me. As far as the sandwiches, I recommend the Cubano, the Pan Con Bistec, and of course, the Ropa Veja.

Also, Porto’s is a Bakery, and a first class one at that. You’re going to be sorely tempted by what’s on display there. I’d consider waiting on dessert until after you’ve downed your sandwich. Odds are you’re not going to be hungry enough to snag another one.

IMPORTANT SAFETY TIP, PEOPLE: It’s going to be crowded, and its going to be hard to find a table. If you’ve got another person with you, do the smart thing. One of the people take the order, the other goes and snatches a table.

But even that’s going to be hard. Be prepared to hover with your tray and jump on the first place you can set down. That sandwich is getting cold.

PARKING: Both Porto’s locations in Burbank and Glendale alledgedly have free Parking Lots. I say alledgedly because there is a parking lot behind both locations, I’m waiting for photographic evidence that any spots have ever opened up…ever. You might be able to find a spot at the Glendale lot, but its been a bit rougher since the Americana Center opened. I’d recommend going to Orange Parking Structure. If you get in and out in 90 minutes (which despite the lines you can do), you won’t have to pay.

The Burbank lot? Fuhgetaboutit. It’s basically street parking or bust, and even that involves parking a block or two away.

In either case, consult the Burbank Parking Map, or the Glendale Parking Map.

MAP DIRECTIONS:
BURBANK
3614 West Magnolia Boulevard
Burbank, CA
(818) 846-9100

Porto’s Bakery & Cafe on Urbanspoon

GLENDALE
315 North Brand Boulevard
Glendale, California 91203
(818) 956-5996

Porto’s Bakery & Cafe on Urbanspoon

DOWNEY
8233 Firestone Boulevard
Downey, CA 90241-4842
(562) 862-8888