Not sure if I deserve a slice of Olallieberry pie after a short easy breezy hike. If I can even consider it a hike at all.
Two slices of Olallieberry pie with one scoop of ice cream, hot green tea and a glass of milk is quite divine. Monster got a whole Olallieberry pie to-go which I know I will be getting another slice.
Poor Monster for paying so much just for some pies. Don't know how two slices of pie, whole pie, tea and milk came out to be $45. At least I can say I have been here before.
This is an awesome restaurant right off of highway one in Davenport, just north of Santa Cruz.  We came there for a late lunch and it was hopping!  The bakery items  looked outstanding!  The lunch was delicious!  My husband had the classic burger, though the fish and chips is probably their specialty.  I had a greek salad, which was huge!  The food was very good, though the character and charisma of the place is probably what sets it apart!  It is right across from the beach and most of what is there is homemade!  It is kind of mom/pop type of place with the waitresses giving you special attention.  We did have to wait for our food and the bill, but the hostess came over and apoligized and went out of her way to give us a free dessert and apologies.  Apparently there was a mix up or some confusion due to the timing of our arrival, but the service was outstanding and the food well worth a second visit!  The homemade croissants looks mouth watering as did the variety of pies and the customers having it a la mode as we took a tour of the fresh, homemade items.  I would definitely come back and even though there was some mix up, I still give them top marks because it is a GREAT place!  It was written up in Sunset Magazine and I can see why as it is like a slice of Heaven right next to the beach!
Review Source:You know you're in a small town when the bar AND the bakery are in the same building!
For being so off the beaten path (even though they are right on Highway 1), I thought this place was great! We stopped here for dinner while driving down the coast and we were pleasantly surprised.
If you're expecting gourmet food, keep traveling. If you want excellent bar food with a great vibe, this is your place! The service is traditional, the menu is fitting for bar food, and the patio is a great option!
We came back the next day for breakfast at the bakery and had an equally satisfying experience.
I wrote a review on this a couple of years ago before the new owners somehow wiped out all the old reviews and started fresh however not before they contacted me privately letting me know the issues I stated before would be gone now that they were back at the helm...let me tell you - THEY ARE NOT BETTER!
1. Upon entering...wait to be seated and seat yourself after you wait. wow classy.
2. Here's your coffee cup now get up and down and serve yourself. even denny's serves you coffee.
3. Don't bother with placemats...our scratched up tables are just fine for you - think again!
4. Take down those 2 wall mirrors...they are creepy and ugly.
5. General appearance of the store is dirty.
6. Servers don't deserve tips...they don't do anything in an organized fashion, don't return with water and coffee is serve yourself. May as well be a taqueria.
7. For $11 you get a mini-omlett. Two eggs max, no fluff to the eggs and the pre-cut cheese slice still had a perfect shape to it and was thicker than my eggs. 10 pieces of red potato (which are good) and under-toasted, over buttered bread.
8. For $4.95 you get two decent pancakes. Stick to cheap and easy if you need to stop there.
I saw the eggs benedict and boy if I would have had that I would have been PISSED. For $12 you get to get your own coffee AND the big white plate it is served on is more white plate than food.
So everyone this place has no service, marginal food at supreme prices. May want to just think snack if you have to drop in to Davenport.
Amazing coffee, desserts, and food. This is the real deal. Long time locals who serve with a passion. This place is like the Cheers of Davenport. Everything I've tried has been wonderful and the perfect spot to stop for coffee, breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Especially love the tacos nights with music. If you're looking for service with a smile and good food this is your place. I always recommend this as a stopping place when traveling to San Cruz from the peninsula & the most gorgeous drive-which isn't complete without a stop at the Swanton Berry Farm just before Whale City:) Old-fashioned customer service at it's finest! Also, have been to several events where Whale City catered recently & it's always a notch-above in flavor.
Review Source:Great Mocha and an excellent breakfast. Bakery had something for my whole family. The beach is right across the street. Enjoy the outdoor seating for your next visit.
The best artichoke bread I have ever found. I highly recommend stopping by on your next trip up/down the pacific coast highway.
Popped in here the other day, during an intimate mountain ride with good friends.
I suggested this joynt, since I've always had good experiences here in the past.
That was then.
We sat outside, ordered lunch and enjoyed the good weather.
Our order of fried calamari with fries was extremely skimpy and sad looking, as it dripped with oil. Â There were hardly any calamari on the plate, the fries were old and soggy, while the condiment ramekins that accompanied, were only half full. Â The owner made a killing on THAT sale.
The clam chowder was nothing more than a flour filled, barely heated concoction of dull gray white potato and clam paste. Â Partner in crime was craving pie for dessert and alas, that was nothing to write home about.
Either way, it was a great day, tearing up the winding roads back to Alice's for some end of ride sunshine and suds.
Good times in the coastal mountains.
Whale City Bakery is where I go for breakfast about 4 days a week. Â It's under new management (the original owner Kristen has taken over again), and he's an awesome guy; really cares about your Whale City Bakery experience, the quality of your food, and his community. Â A real gem.
Hubbie and I are very sensitive to sugar so we take our own sugar-free bacon to Kris and his awesome cook, German. Â They keep it there for us, and use it when making our breakfasts. Â Where else can you get that kind of service? Â NO WHERE!
I would recommend the Cruz omelet! Â It's my favorite with a big ol' bottomless mug of their Davenport blend coffee. Â Their fruit bowl is also out of this world. Â I hear the pastries are great too! Â And they have all kinds of community events; dart tournaments, Thankful Thursday's $5 plate of food, live music, etc. Â Check them out!
We stopped after going to Al Smith Day at Swanton Ranch RR. Â Location on a nice day is amazing, across from the ocean. Â Capuccino was OK, but it tasted like they added a bit of sugar and I hate sugar in my coffee drinks. Â I don't buy milk products at home, so maybe it's some new style of cow's milk. Â Kids liked the baked goods.
Review Source:My my! Tasty croissants and good coffee and a bike ride are just things that go together. All these things come together at the Whale City Bakery. We were on a bike ride up the coast and thought it would be nice to check out this bakery. Good thing about bike riding, we don't have to worry about how many calories are in these tasty treats. There is a nice selection of pastries of bear claws, danishes (snails as they are call out west) and croissants. Service was pleasant and quick. This restaurant also has burgers and fries, but not a good idea in the morning in the middle of a bike ride. Nice place to stop along the coast if you are in the area.
Review Source:I've been in Santa Cruz for 22 years so trust me, this is one of the best service and food experiences you'll have in the region.
Please note that they management reverted to the original owners in mid September 2012 after a few bad years so don't mind the reviews before then.
As a windsurfer at Davenport Landing I have frequented the Whale City for decades. This is one of the best Santa Cruz cultural experiences you can have, sitting on the deck with a few locals, a beer and some fries watching the whales steam by close offshore. The sustainable pacific cod fish and chips are 5 stars too!
This place is amazing the view is a great beach (davenport beach) I had the maverick burger it's an 8 oz. Angus beef patty with bleu cheese and two strips of bacon; it was probably the best burger I have ever had the fries are hand cut and just the rite amount of salt and crunch. Â We also ordered the calamari and fries, and a Swiss grilled cheese sandwich with salad I tried them both and was very impressed. Â The calamari was light and crisp and very flavorful; the grilled cheese was on local sourdough bread. I will definitely be coming back. Â It is worth drive for the food alone however there is a great beach directly across the street you can have a bonfire and grab something to eat here and hike it over to the beach.
Review Source:My family moved to the Davenport area last summer. We love the bakery! Our kids can't get enough of the chocolate muffins and cinnamon twists. The coffee is always hot and delicious. The food is equally great. The service is always prompt and kind. When you walk into this business, you can feel the love. You can tell that the owners really care about the community and the quality of the food and services they provide. If you're in the area, Whale City Bakery is an awesome place to get a bite to eat and take in the view of the Pacific Ocean.
Review Source:On our way home and continuing our day trip date last weekend, my boyfriend came here a while back when he went mountain bike riding with his friends. We only stopped by to grab a round of beer. And we totally lucked out when a mis-order of french fries became a gift order to us. The service and the great views of this place are a definite recommendation for anyone who is out enjoying the Pacific and also want to have good food and/or even a pastry.
Review Source:We've passed Whale City Bakery and Bar many times on our trips up and down the 1 to and from our favorite beach spot as well as Ollallieberry picking trips. I meant to ask, but forgot to find out how long they've been in business. I hate to think it's been years and realize we've been missing out for so long.
On our recent Lazy Sunday "hey it's noon, let's go somewhere" trip on Feb 17th, we made a pit stop here after a brisk afternoon at the beach.
Our daughter and her bff were peckish and to be honest hubby and I needed a cuppa to warm up. We stopped in and had an oatmeal raisin cookie, brownies, hot cocoa, coffee and latte respectively.
The food was delish and I have to say I'm fairly picky about my lattes and this one was perfecto - no sugar adjustment needed. The baked goods were yummy and if we were ready for dinner, the burgers and other meals looked and smelled divine.
What got me was the service. This is a locally run place by some really great down to earth people. It felt homey and comforting. It's the kind of place I'd likely visit a few times a week. My hubby and I sat at the bar and I had a fun conversation with one of the owners. She was the kind of person I'd love to just come in and chat with while gnoshing on a goody. A local fella and his daughter came in and sat down at the bar next to me. I could tell they were regulars by the banter exchanged. Basically it was an even more awesome Cheers. Our daughter and her bff were sitting at a table near the window. I thought it was extra awesome that the manager (or owner) stopped by to ask her if she wanted a glass of water. I feel you can tell a lot about people or a business by the way they treat kids and I knew all I needed to after this visit. You treat my kid (and her friend/s) like people, you are a-ok!
I look forward to visiting again soon and trying something more substantial off the menu. I will save room for a cookie or a slice of that ginormous AWESOME looking apple pie, pumpkin cheesecake or a pumpkin muffin..... :)
Whale City Bakery & Bar is definitely on our radar now and bookmarked for our next visit.
I have only ever been here for a quick coffee drink to go while on the road, or for lunch, and have never been disappointed. Super cheerful, mellow counter help and  responsive waitstaff.
I recommend the scones and breads if you are hitting the bakery counter, and if you are sitting for a real meal, I urge you to try the crab cakes, the lightly battered and truly excellent fish and chips or the homemade clam chowder with chunks of red potato.
A bit short-staffed, it seemed (like many places nowadays), but the apple turnover and macchiato were excellent--maybe the best turnover I've ever had. The broccoli & cheese croissant was good, but not great (big pieces of broccoli--almost too big--and the texture was heavier than what one might expect from a croissant--plus, it would have been much better heated up).
Review Source:I have the good fortune to stop at Whale City once a month as I drive down Hwy 1 to Santa Cruz. Not only is the coffee amazing, but they have the most delicious pastries in their display shelves. I found out the make all the pastries they sell. WHAT????In the middle of no where? Amazing...better than Boulangerie and without all the "posturing" and snobbery. (Cue the French Music......kill the accordianist).
When in Davenport, stop and sample the goods. Absolutely perfect!
I am not nor have I ever been  related to or an employee of Whale City nor am I being compensated for this endorsement. I am the son of a baker and to wit know when a master baker puts pride and taste into their craft. AND, pricing is reasonable.
The Best Place to have Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner. Â The Desserts and Breakfast goodies are baked in house and are wonderful! Â The best staff and sweet owners
Thankful Thursday night with music and great food are the best! Love this place. Super Clean, Great Views of the ocean, Best staff, Wonderful food!
I was recently visiting a friend in Santa Cruz and we stopped by this restaurant for breakfast. It was absolutely amazing, the food is delicious (I highly recommend the french toast and the croissant breakfast sandwich) and everyone is very friendly. Before I headed home I stopped for a few of their muffins to go, and I wish I had gotten more.
Review Source:The food, complimentary coffee, and the view adds up to an amazing experience at the Whale City Bakery Bar & Grill.
I ordered the fish and chip. It came with a unique tartar and tomato-based sauce. The fish was perfectly battered. Â I am excited to come back to try out their other goodies.
Last, their prices are very reasonable.
After several hours of driving down the 1 on the way to Santa Cruz.
This place was like an oasis in the desert.
It's in the middle of nowhere and has an amazing view of the ocean!
It was packed full of motorcyclist and had a local hang out feel to it.
My honey, as usual, went a little overboard.
Two loaves of bread and five cookies later, we were on our way.
The cookies were amazing. Fluffy, rich, and BIG.
Haven't tried the bread yet. It looks great though!
The woman behind the counter was friendly and helpful in her recommendations.
I've not set foot into Whale City Bakery. I've never been to Davenport. And up until last month, I had never tasted the best muffin ever.
It all started with my BFF driving up from Santa Cruz to visit me. She calls me en route and goes into a 30 second monolog about this amazing muffin she is stopping off for. So naturally I bring up what any carb loving friend would and say- "Sooooo....you want to pick me up one of these magical muffins too??"
It's turned into a tradition- every time she visits, she brings me this plump, fruity, moist, muffin of love. I've had the blueberry and raspberry and holy shit it's one of those experiences that taints you, because you will never find another muffin that could compare. Ever.
OMG. Pumpkin muffin. Period.
My aunt was raving about how good the muffins were here, so we had to stop. She was not wrong. The pumpkin muffin made carbs worth it for me. The herbal tea accompanying it, made it even better. Nothing could beat this snack during a stormy day on the road.
On a random drive down the 1, we came across this pitstop. It was the only place that served what looked like would be decent coffee along that stretch of road for a while and so we stopped in. Once I saw the display case of baked goods, I knew I wasn't going to walk away with just coffee.
The display case has all kinds of tantalizing treats but my rule of thumb whenever I go into a pastry shop I've never been in before is to get at least two things: something so simple any pastry chef worth a lick of salt couldn't mess up and something I've never seen before. For the former, I got a cream puff. It wasn't anything particularly special, but for the latter, I chose the stollen, and let me tell you, it stollen'ed my heart! I'd never heard of a stollen until this point but boy am I glad I've had the chance to savor this tasty carb-filled German Christmas delicacy. If you thought the Germans were only good for beer, brats, and kraut, it's time you added stollen to the list. There are different variations on the recipe but the stollen at Whale City was moist and chock full of raisins and nuts with powdered sugar sprinkled all over the top.
In fact, the following year, we happened to make the drive down to Whale City just for the stollen but it was a little after Christmas, and the baker had stopped making them. However, one of the ladies was nice enough to console us and told us to give the baker a call a few days in advance (next year) so that he/she could have the stollen ready for us the next time we made the drive. She also dangled in front of us the possibility of being able to give us the recipe since my boyfriend (the true enthusiast among us) lives in Los Angeles and would not normally get to partake in delicious stollen. That didn't happen despite our repeated promises to be good and not post the recipe or give it out.
Now that it's Christmastime again, I'm getting the word out, and rest assured, I'm driving down to get some of that stollen whenever I can!
When you go to a place for a bite to eat and see the following, what would you do:
1. Lots of flies buzzing around the inside area of the bar/grill and the bakery area, landing upon the loaves of bread and other baked items on display. Â The flies were literally crawling all over the bread and baked items on the shelf area.
2. Staff that is indifferent to anyone who walks in with no greeting or acknowledgement that you would like service to be either seated, get food to go or even get ice cream. Â Perhaps the staff forgot that customers are the reason why the staff gets paid for being there....
3. The cleanliness factor of this spot leaves little to be desired...dark, dingy and just plain filthy. Â
For the aforementioned reasons, our group turned around and left. Â The person in our group who recommended this spot said the few times she has been here, the service was always indifferent. Â My comment to her was "wished you warned us!"
If I could give zero stars, this place would get that!
I don't even know where to start or where to end!
This place is the BOMB!!
Customer Service A++
Food Selection A++
Food Taste A++
Food presentation A+
Dessert selection A++
Dessert Taste A+++++++++++
When in Davenport, either visiting the Beach or our favorite place LUNDBERG STUDIO'S the Whale City Bakery is a must stop for us! Â
RECOMMEND ABSOLUTELY!!
Baby seal walks into the bar
Bartender says, what'll you have
Anything but a Canadian Club, sayest the seal.
Been coming for years whilst working on the beach project. Had a little breakfast Saturday to bring back the memories.
Maybe many moons ago I had a little of the lunch and from what I recollect it was good. Their breakfasts never disappoint. Their baked goods are ridiculous (try some of that Olallieberry pie. omg. so tasty).
And the setting is pretty incomparable. The beaches in this part of SC County are empty. If you're looking for a little private place to build your sandcastle, this would be it.
Take the one-stars with a grain of sand. Come have a coffee and a slice of pie. Then go gets your sunnin on.
A convenient rest stop on the coastal highway. Â
We dropped in for relief, and found a very nice sunny patio with a view of the ocean. Â We looked eagerly for whales, and instead saw dozens of pelicans. Â Sparkling sunshine in the water nearby accented the fog bank forming offshore. Â
Two ice teas and a carrot muffin cost $7.83, and gave us a reason to relax and watch the ocean. Â The restrooms were clean and the lines were short.
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