Helena Avenue Bakery

Our Story

At Helena Avenue Bakery, we are passionate about creating a sense of community and warm hospitality in the heart of Santa Barbara. Our bakery and kitchen are dedicated to serving wholesome, homemade specialties using the finest ingredients sourced from the Central Coast. We offer a wide range of delicious baked goods, breakfast items, and sandwiches made to order. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast on-the-go or a leisurely lunch in our cozy bakery, we aim to provide an exceptional dining experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Our Bread

At the heart of our bakery is our commitment to traditional bread-making techniques. Our bread is hand-made daily from scratch using the highest quality seasonal and organic ingredients. We use a natural fermentation process and allow our dough to rise slowly, giving our breads their unique texture and flavor. From crusty sourdough to hearty whole grain, our breads are crafted with passion and love, making every loaf a true labor of love.

Our Pastries

Our pastries celebrate the seasonal bounty of the Central Coast, incorporating locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and other local ingredients. Made by hand daily, our pastries are rustic yet delicious in their simplicity, reflecting the best of the Santa Barbara region. From flaky croissants to decadent danishes, every pastry is crafted to delight your senses.

Kitchen and Shop

Our kitchen offers a variety of delicious breakfast items, such as housemade egg and biscuit sandwiches, southern-style grits, and poached eggs with quinoa and sauteed greens. For lunch, we serve gourmet sandwiches and seasonal salads made to order. Our picnic section features housemade hummus and baba ganoush, olives, imported cheeses, and other accoutrements to accompany our freshly baked breads. We also offer a selection of housemade jams, pickled vegetables, and other retail specialties perfect for gifting or enjoying on the go.

Meet Our Team

Meet Jason Paluska, our Executive Chef and Culinary Mastermind. Jason brings over a decade of culinary experience and has worked alongside renowned chefs in some of the top restaurants in the country. He is passionate about creating innovative dishes that combine classic French techniques with fresh, local ingredients.

Meet Emilie Sandven, our Pastry Chef and Wholesome Whiz. Emilie has over 8 years of experience in the pastry world and has worked in some of the most prestigious hotels and restaurants in Los Angeles and Orange County. She is known for her ability to create nostalgically flavored foods that combine flawless craftsmanship with local, seasonal ingredients.

Meet Aimee Monroy, our Manager and Chief Happiness Officer. Aimee is a true Santa Barbara native and has been with Acme Hospitality since its inception. She is passionate about building community and fostering a sense of belonging in our bakery and throughout the community.

Join Us

At Helena Avenue Bakery, we invite you to join us for a truly exceptional dining experience. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast on-the-go or a leisurely lunch with friends, we strive to provide an unparalleled level of service and quality. Join us daily from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm and experience the warmth and hospitality that sets us apart.