Helena Avenue Bakery is a homestyle artisan bakery and kitchen that brings together wholesome, homemade specialities using the highest quality ingredients found along the Central Coast. We offer rustic, organic breads, handmade seasonal pastries made from scratch and a wide variety of gourmet breakfast and lunch items made to order.
Our menu is ideal for dining in or taking away to enjoy at home, at wine tasting rooms throughout the Funk Zone or the Santa Ynez Valley, to the nearby beaches or at numerous other picnic locations around town. Helena Avenue Bakery shares a space with the Santa Barbara Wine Collective so you can grab a bottle of your favorite local wine for the perfect pairing.
Our menu is ideal for dining in or taking away to enjoy at home, at wine tasting rooms throughout the Funk Zone or the Santa Ynez Valley, to the nearby beaches or at numerous other picnic locations around town. Helena Avenue Bakery shares a space with the Santa Barbara Wine Collective so you can grab a bottle of your favorite local wine for the perfect pairing.
Services
There are very good reasons that crowds head to Helena Avenue Bakery for breakfast every weekend. The artisan breads and pastries are great to start the day before hitting the wine tasting rooms, but don't miss one of the breakfast sandwiches on brioche-the custardy baked farm eggs are worth it.
The genius behind Sherry Villanueva's Acme Hospitality group (Les Marchands, The Lark) is anticipating, then overdelivering on, the needs of the Santa Barbara foodscape.And what was desperately needed in the Funk Zone - an urban wine trail only two blocks from East Beach - was a deserving kickoff to a day of tasting.
The genius behind Sherry Villanueva's Acme Hospitality group (Les Marchands, The Lark) is anticipating, then overdelivering on, the needs of the Santa Barbara foodscape.And what was desperately needed in the Funk Zone - an urban wine trail only two blocks from East Beach - was a deserving kickoff to a day of tasting.
You will receive a call or email, if order is placed during business hours, to confirm your order and collect payment. Please note all special order form submissions are only a request until order is confirmed and purchased. All pre-orders require advance notice between 24 to 72 hours, as listed above.
Reviews (19)
Coach T.
Jan 28, 2022
Report
We tried "The Elvis" and it was Amazing! It was the perfect lite breakfast after a nice run. I would go back just to eat it again. Everything looked really good. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. The jams were a bit too tart for us but the biscuit had a very good taste. Overall a great cozy place with unique menu items
Caroline K.
Jan 22, 2022
Report
AMAZING.
Fried chicken sandwich: 11/10 holy cow the brioche bun and juicy chicken with bacon is chef's kiss. I think this is the best fried chicken sandwich I've had!!! Husband and I contemplated ordering another one after our first bite but we decided to come back tomorrow morning. It's that good.
Challah French toast (weekends only): has some amazing custard on thiccccc toast with apples. Was solid!
Iced americano: good
Super cute space inside and out!
Fried chicken sandwich: 11/10 holy cow the brioche bun and juicy chicken with bacon is chef's kiss. I think this is the best fried chicken sandwich I've had!!! Husband and I contemplated ordering another one after our first bite but we decided to come back tomorrow morning. It's that good.
Challah French toast (weekends only): has some amazing custard on thiccccc toast with apples. Was solid!
Iced americano: good
Super cute space inside and out!
Humberto B.
Jan 21, 2022
Report
Haleh H.
Jan 16, 2022
Report
Loved the area & ambience, super cute. We only got to try one item but will be back for sure.
The Smoked Pastrami Reuben on Seeded Rye was delicious. It was a good portion & tasted really good. We split it. The mustard was a bit too much for me & burnt my nose. My husband loves meat and he said he wishes it had more meat it in. The side salad was very nice & refreshing, with great dressing.
The Smoked Pastrami Reuben on Seeded Rye was delicious. It was a good portion & tasted really good. We split it. The mustard was a bit too much for me & burnt my nose. My husband loves meat and he said he wishes it had more meat it in. The side salad was very nice & refreshing, with great dressing.
Chris S.
Jan 06, 2022
Report
Ok disclaimer that this review may be unpopular but it is my opinion only. We were staying in the area and had heard about this bakery which was known for some great breakfast sandwich items so we stopped by. We ordered the breakfast sandwich and the crispy chicken sandwich.
Breakfast sandwich: 3/5
Reading the reviews I was excited to try it. As the reviews mention the egg is perfectly soft. What I found lacking was any flavor. The brioche bread was not as buttery or sweet as others I have had and I was just expecting more.
Chicken sandwich: 4/5
After taking my first bite I was underwhelmed but
Breakfast sandwich: 3/5
Reading the reviews I was excited to try it. As the reviews mention the egg is perfectly soft. What I found lacking was any flavor. The brioche bread was not as buttery or sweet as others I have had and I was just expecting more.
Chicken sandwich: 4/5
After taking my first bite I was underwhelmed but
Tim G.
Jan 02, 2022
Report
Located right in the heart of the funk zone, Helena Avenue Bakery is deservedly a busy place on the weekends.
The reason? They have some of the best breakfast sandwiches in town! Pictured is a fried chicken sandwich, which is a terrific choice every time I order it. The regular breakfast sandwich is also a winner! I'm not a coffee guy but my sources (other Yelp reviewers) also seem to say these folks can make a mean cup of joe!
Last time my dining partner and I we were we were stuck in a line that was looking interminable. Pro-tip: you can just order online and you'll get your food
The reason? They have some of the best breakfast sandwiches in town! Pictured is a fried chicken sandwich, which is a terrific choice every time I order it. The regular breakfast sandwich is also a winner! I'm not a coffee guy but my sources (other Yelp reviewers) also seem to say these folks can make a mean cup of joe!
Last time my dining partner and I we were we were stuck in a line that was looking interminable. Pro-tip: you can just order online and you'll get your food
Tammy H.
Dec 30, 2021
Report
Stumbled on Helena Avenue Bakery after searching for a quick lunch to take on the road.
Southern Fried Chicken on brioche (sandwich): this fried chicken sandwich was one of the most unique ones I have ever eaten, if only it was executed properly..
The good: brioche (golden and good crumb, grilled so it was toasty); jalapeño jam (sweet with a nice kick); black pepper bacon (peppery as advertised and extremely crispy)
The "bad": the chicken was incredibly crunchy and chicken well seasoned, but unfortunately a bit dry and burnt on some ends.
I'd still recommend the chicken sandwich
Southern Fried Chicken on brioche (sandwich): this fried chicken sandwich was one of the most unique ones I have ever eaten, if only it was executed properly..
The good: brioche (golden and good crumb, grilled so it was toasty); jalapeño jam (sweet with a nice kick); black pepper bacon (peppery as advertised and extremely crispy)
The "bad": the chicken was incredibly crunchy and chicken well seasoned, but unfortunately a bit dry and burnt on some ends.
I'd still recommend the chicken sandwich
Jean A.
Dec 25, 2021
Report
This place is a gem! They have a beautiful outside patio and spacious seating inside as well. Love the industrial look that they worked with.
It seems to be a popular spot, when we arrived, there was a line to order. The wait time after, however, was pretty fast.
We ordered the warm brown butter cinnamon roll and the breakfast sandwich on brioche. Each one was plentiful for us to share.
The cinnamon roll was so good! It was soft and well balanced in its sweetness. We wished it would've been warmer, when we got it it wasn't as hot as we would've liked.
The breakfast sandwich
It seems to be a popular spot, when we arrived, there was a line to order. The wait time after, however, was pretty fast.
We ordered the warm brown butter cinnamon roll and the breakfast sandwich on brioche. Each one was plentiful for us to share.
The cinnamon roll was so good! It was soft and well balanced in its sweetness. We wished it would've been warmer, when we got it it wasn't as hot as we would've liked.
The breakfast sandwich
Melissa Y.
Dec 21, 2021
Report
I was super excited to try this place. The were sold out of a lot of items and understaffed. The bathroom was so gross. The food was good. The Elvis was tasty even tho the banana bread was overcooked. The fingerling potatoes were fantastic. The biscuit with jam was great but would have been delicious hot or warm. The blueberry jam was delicious. Unlikely to return.
Rebecca G.
Dec 20, 2021
Report
Stylish bakery just blocks away from the beach! Stopped by on a busy Sunday morning and service was still quick and friendly. I ordered the breakfast sandwich on brioche (baked egg, smoked cheddar, bacon, and butter), a matcha latte, and a pumpkin loaf to-go. The sandwich was delicious -- the egg is really the star of the show here! The matcha latte wasn't blended thoroughly and it was grainy making it hard to drink, I opted for a cup of water after a few sips. The pumpkin loaf was the perfect amount of sweet and a nice complement to my morning coffee the next day. Aside from the food,
Ariana T.
Dec 19, 2021
Report
Came to visit my friend always looking for a new spots to try Helena caught my attention and we came to try... I got the spicy fried chicken very delicious and the chicken was soo crispy on point and the bread so soft and fluffy . The smashed potatoes with the spicy ketchup was good too. This place did not disappoint. Cute spot
Aristo W.
Nov 07, 2021
Report
Joey D.
Oct 21, 2021
Report
Madison O.
Oct 04, 2021
Report
Ordered an iced chai latte for myself, an iced matcha latte with almond milk for my mom and then a blueberry scone for us to share. It took a while to order since it was busy and then even longer to get our drinks and the scone, but once we did we enjoyed it all. The scone had lots of juicy blueberries in it and was covered in a light and sweet frosting.
As I was waiting I noticed most people were ordering brunch and eating in the bakery's outdoor dining area, but there were also plenty of people stopping in to just buy a loaf of bread.
As I was waiting I noticed most people were ordering brunch and eating in the bakery's outdoor dining area, but there were also plenty of people stopping in to just buy a loaf of bread.
Doreen T.
Sep 26, 2021
Report
We needed a quick bite before meeting up with friends, and Helena was walking distance from our Waterman Hotel. My Americano was a great pick me up, hot and smooth. I got the biscuit with lavender jam and butter. The butter and jam taste a bit sour and unfortunately the biscuit was cold and dry. I did not know this til we were eating it down at the beach.
But - the life saver was definitely the breakfast sandwich in a soft brioche bun. It has the thickest and fluffiest baked egg in the middle with
a big slice of bacon. It was simply delicious! They also had a other pastries and sandwiches
But - the life saver was definitely the breakfast sandwich in a soft brioche bun. It has the thickest and fluffiest baked egg in the middle with
a big slice of bacon. It was simply delicious! They also had a other pastries and sandwiches
Shelley P.
Aug 21, 2021
Report
Although the appearance of Helena Avenue Bakery is certainly consistent with the typical rustic/wooden/modern farmhouse cafe vibe, please don't come here expecting a dainty meal!
I ordered the breakfast sandwich on a biscuit and it was no piddly little McDonald's sausage biscuit. Each "half" is basically a giant one on its own, sandwiching a THICK square baked egg, cheddar cheese, and THICK crispy bacon. I realized that in order to physically take a bite, I had to remove the top biscuit (very buttery and flaky by the way) and eat it open-faced. This sandwich made me feel extremely
I ordered the breakfast sandwich on a biscuit and it was no piddly little McDonald's sausage biscuit. Each "half" is basically a giant one on its own, sandwiching a THICK square baked egg, cheddar cheese, and THICK crispy bacon. I realized that in order to physically take a bite, I had to remove the top biscuit (very buttery and flaky by the way) and eat it open-faced. This sandwich made me feel extremely
Grace L.
Aug 07, 2021
Report
A local gem! I've only come here for breakfast items, and I wish I had found out about this bakery sooner! You order at the counter (usually after waiting in a line out the door), and their servers bring the food out to your table. Even though the sandwiches look small, they're pretty filling, and the baked egg block is fluffy. The green eggs and ham on brioche is my go-to; it doesn't taste like any old breakfast sandwich because of that delicious green harissa! I didn't like the farmer's market sandwich on brioche because it was really soggy, perhaps from the Swiss chard
Nuran S.
Jul 05, 2021
Report
Worth the wait don't hesitate!
We waited in line for about 15-20 minutes but I'm so glad we stuck it out. Helena bakery offers a great variety of local produce that's both healthy and tasty.
We ordered four variety of dishes. All of which were savory. Avocado toast, farmers market bowl, tomato sandwich and the Turkey sandwich. They all came lightly seasoned but we asked for a side of the chipotle Dijon sauce and it was amazing.
I'm not much of a sweet breakfast kind of gal but they seemed to have amazing pastries and they were running out fast.
The outdoor seating was
We waited in line for about 15-20 minutes but I'm so glad we stuck it out. Helena bakery offers a great variety of local produce that's both healthy and tasty.
We ordered four variety of dishes. All of which were savory. Avocado toast, farmers market bowl, tomato sandwich and the Turkey sandwich. They all came lightly seasoned but we asked for a side of the chipotle Dijon sauce and it was amazing.
I'm not much of a sweet breakfast kind of gal but they seemed to have amazing pastries and they were running out fast.
The outdoor seating was
Hanna S.
May 03, 2021
Report
Shout out to Sierra who has been with Helena for some time. She always has a smile (or smiling eyes)
Plants based bowl option is good with mushrooms, sautéed Swiss chard and fresh raw spinach. It needs a touch of something maybe small halved tomatoes or slivers of marinated red bell peppers. Please know if you are vegan you can sub eggs for avocado but watch how they ring you up. The Lovely gal timing me up added $3 for avocado but she fixed it when I pointed it out as a sub.
Why not five stars: $1 extra for non dairy milk option. To many places have up charges for lactose intolerant
Plants based bowl option is good with mushrooms, sautéed Swiss chard and fresh raw spinach. It needs a touch of something maybe small halved tomatoes or slivers of marinated red bell peppers. Please know if you are vegan you can sub eggs for avocado but watch how they ring you up. The Lovely gal timing me up added $3 for avocado but she fixed it when I pointed it out as a sub.
Why not five stars: $1 extra for non dairy milk option. To many places have up charges for lactose intolerant
