Patisserie Bechler

Patrick

The apricot kouign aman was extremely delicious, it almost had a custard bread pudding like texture with apricot (jam) in the center with a gooey carmelized bottom, very generously sized, definitely something you want to share between two people with coffee. I’ve had this just once before and it didn’t come close, it was really the standout item in our breakfast. Everything you would imagine Christmas morning breakfast would be ( at least based on our family traditions). Apparently they only make it on Saturday. We arrived right when they opened so they were very fresh. My grandfather who came from German Swiss immigrants would have loved this ( he would make an Americanized version of their pecan snail which he learned how to bake from his mother.) When I asked what they are really well known for I was told it was their blueberry muffins, I didn’t try those because perhaps this is not such a unique thing to have on a vacation where you really hope to find something you couldn’t find at home, THIS was definitely IT! I really recommend you come visit on a Saturday and give this a try ( think very sophisticated version of a sticky bun). The ham and cheese croissant had extremely delicious cheese. I highly recommend not asking to have it heated up as it returns the croissant to a doughy texture on the inside. Unfortunately there was not much of a selection at 7am (just a few trays of muffins and croissants and some beautiful celebration cakes) on our first visit, the pastry case was not full like you see in some of the review photos, however on our last visit it was very full including quiche this time! The espresso was fairly good, I appreciated that they actually used a heat thermometer to avoid scalding the milk ( the decaf was not as good as the full caf). All the staff wore masks, very professional but not super friendly but perfunctory (on our second visit everyone was extremely friendly); the chef was kind enough to talk with me a bit; the inside dining room was very charming, the decor was filled with beautiful vintage children’s illustrations from Holland. This cafe has a very vintage feeling to it that feels like you are back in Solvang . This is by far the best bakery in the entire Monterey Peninsula!

Kwang Kim

Note: dining in is the back. It's interesting that a German baker is baking French. Five stars for being unique in that aspect. If you actually prefer German style, Pavel's is another great option. And for French pastries, P&L is the place. TBH, I could get the same quality pastries and cakes from Safeway across the street from Bechler's for half the price but I'd be supporting a multinational corporation and enriching the already rich C level executives and stock holders instead of a local mom and pop store so yeah kudos for sticking around for decades in the neighborhood!

Andrea Mazzeo

Very good pasta, low prices and kindness

Ron Yokota

Very slow service. Too late for good selection of pastries.