Proof Bakery - Los Angeles

This popular worker-owned cooperative in Atwater Village knows how to make pastries. Their croissants get pretty good marks on my scoreboard: flaky outside, moist inside, with a nice buttery taste. A little bit on the light and soft side, but that's all I can nitpick. Other items I've tried are on point too, including za'atar croissant, ham and cheese croissant, savory scone, and canelé. That said, I got bored after a few weeks going to Proof. However nice the staff seems, the vibe of the bakery is that of a business, not of a neighbor. There is always one staff member behind the counter to prepare the order, and another person at the cashier for the payment. The streamline process inadvertently makes it harder to initiate a meaningful, personal interaction and makes the experience more transactional. At the end of the day, when the pastry is long gone, there is little left to remember.

Went here to try the Chocolate Espresso Cake as seen on Worth it. Was delicious and met my expectations. The bakery itself has a cute chill vibe, despite no seating indoors. Lots of other breakfast and lunch items which looked good!

Got the spinach and cheese. It was really tasty. Fun area too! We enjoyed waking around and looking at the cute shops after eating our pastries.

This has been one of my favorite places since I moved to the area. I had heard about it beforehand, but when I finally tried it, it didn’t disappoint. The coffee/tea area is awesome, the pastries are always fresh, the quiche/sandwiches blow my mind and I love that they sell other things as well. Definitely check them out around lunch if you want a great little sandwich on fresh bread.

Been a couple times to Proof Bakery, and easy to say my recent visit was the best! All the bakes were on point, lamination was beautifully done, and the canelé was pure perfection. The canelé is their signature item and you should absolutely get a couple for the road. The chocolate espresso cake was incredibly moist and 100% acceptable for breakfast (or so I tell myself). Also don’t leave without one of their chai shortbread cookies, it’s a stunner.