Magnolia Bakery opens on 3rd Street

On hot, hot Saturday (so hot that the frosting on your cupcake might have melted faster than you could say red velvet) the long-awaited Magnolia Bakery opened. 

The bakery on the corner of 3rd and Orlando streets is the Los Angeles outpost of a small chain that started in New York’s West Village in 1996 and is credited with starting the cupcake craze. It has been owned by Steve and Tyra Abrams since 2007. The L.A. bakery has been a year in the making, housed in what used to be a neighborhood dry cleaner. “This is a great day for former New Yorkers,” said one customer, who braved an out-the-door line that formed even before the shop opened at noon. 

The new bakery is done up in mint green, black-and-white checkered floors, hanging pendant lamps, big ceiling fans (whew) and fresh flowers. In an open work area, employees frosted cupcakes, which come in more than a dozen flavors. The menu also features icebox pies, layer cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, puddings, and brownies, bars and squares.

Over the sweltering weekend, customers came in short shorts, workout gear, even on crutches. One cashier looked up from behind the counter and said, "This line is insane." 

But nobody was complaining. There were free samples of banana pudding and red velvet cupcakes. 

8389 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, (323) 951-0636, www.magnoliabakery.com. 

-- Betty Hallock

See more images after the jump.

 
Photo: Betty Hallock / Los Angeles Times 

Comments

[Catherine]

The parking for the new Magnolia Bakery is impossible. 3rd Street is busy with other businesses and Orlando has permit parking only. I should know, I live 2 blocks away. Call and place an order and have them come to your car, but there isn't really any space for that, either. It was better as a dry cleaner.

[Phillipuk]

I'm disheartened by the Yelp! reviews. Obviously the first two are "plants," but as you progress through the reviews in chronological order, you get a good sense of how this Magnolia is truly performing.

I have only been to the Greenwich Village store in Manhattan, and as someone who prefers savory food to sweet, I was shocked at how delicious their products were. I'm not a connoisseur by any stretch, however, I don't believe I've ever enjoyed cake or cupcakes anymore than the ones I've had from Magnolia in the Village.

Having said all this, I'm fearful that this West Coast outpost is Magnolia in name only. The last time I've had a Magnolia product was in 2004, and if anything's changed in their recipes, then there is no point in wasting my time in West Hollywood to taste a poser.

Is there anyone out there who can help me out? Should I go or will I be sorry?

Thanks!

[WestLA Dessert Lover]

Have you seen the Yelp Reviews on this place??? Grand Opening??? Sounds like a Grand Flop?

[Archdevotee]

Will try this today, but "Sprinkles" I'm sure would be so much better!!!! Love LA!!!

[wendy-liondance]

Love this blog!

[Tiina Mittler]

Making the trip across Central Park, and to the 69th street location is a tradition. I look forward to that beautiful first bite of creamy vanilla frosting and red velvet as much as seeing really good theatre. It's good to know that transplanted New Yorkers, or the less adventurous West Cost-centric can get that taste of bliss here in LA. The Upper West location will always be my favorite- much like New York will always have my heart.

[SiMpLe]

YAY!!!! I can't wait to try the banana pudding.