Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria

"Too expensive and just not what it used to be. I realized a sandwich side and cookie was going to way more than I was willing to spend. The last was disappointing and they did not have either of the items I had hoped for. The price tag is fine dining and the ambiance is outdoor diner. The fireplace is nice but it is still not matching the price tag. Quality wise it's not quite as good as Staff of Life."

"Super fun place to eat because there are so many options to try. The Marionberry pie was just sweet enough. Roasted tomato ficelle (clothespin thin, foot-long sandwich) was addicting to eat and gone in a flash. Line is long but well-managed by friendly workers. Can’t wait to return to try more goodies."

"Very tasty American bakery quite busy but very good taste and very good service. You must get token and based on your turn respective person will assigned to you for order it’s a self service place but environment and taste is very good - must try place"

"Have been coming to Gayle's since I was a little kid. It's always a delicious treat to stop in when I'm in the area. They are a family favorite and a community staple. It's been wonderful watching them grow over the years. When I was younger they didn't have the covered/heated patio, nor did they have live music. Last time I stopped in they had a jazz band playing inside the warm and cozy patio and it was fantastic. It's good to come early in the day before they run out of items in the evenings. They can be very popular throughout the day. Come in and grab a number from their ticket machine by the door, and wait for your number to be called after having browsed their delights. My personal go-to pastry items include their Bear Claws, Maple Pecan Crocodiles, Marionberry Turnovers, and their Pecan Schnecken. The Marionberry Turnovers are great if you have a sweet-tooth like me. The Crocodiles really show off their baking skills in my opinion, and are super tasty. My go-to deli items are their Balsamic Citrus Glazed Quarter Chicken and Spinach Gorgonzola Pasta (vegetarian). Or if you're catching breakfast, their Scrambled Egg Croissants (vegetarian) are delicious. They do a huge variety of salads and sandwiches as well. Their soup rotation is also amazing. Don't let my suggestions limit you though, they have so much more to choose from that will satisfy nearly any palate. They make cookies, pies and cakes as well, and will do personalized cakes for parties too. There's something extraordinarily unique about how Gayle's does their pastries, specifically their breads and crusts, no joke. It's always a perfectly warm taste of home that's just right. That perfect Maillard reaction... If you're in the Santa Cruz area at all you need to grab some Gayle's."

"I can see why Gayle's Bakery is so popular. There are so many choices, and it's all delicious! Their bakery items are made daily, and to die for. You can take the family there, and find something that everybody likes or you can go there by yourself. Or you can take it home. The main place that people eat is a large permanent tent. You take a number, get in line, when your number is called, someone helps you with your order. After you pay for your order, you can take it home, or you take it to a table. After your meal, you take your dishes and bus them. Everything I've gotten there, I've loved! The atmosphere is cutesy, artsy, and comfortable. There is a free parking lot. It is wheel chair accessible, and the bathrooms are available outside and around the building."