Bob's Well Bread at the Ballard Store

Bob's Well Bread is a must-stop spot for anyone craving freshly baked goods and a cozy coffee break. From the moment you walk in, the charming ambiance welcomes you with its inviting atmosphere and delicious aromas.

Bob's Well Bread prides itself on offering an array of freshly baked treats, from artisan bread to delectable pastries. Each item is crafted with care, ensuring a delightful experience for every visitor. Whether you're in the mood for a flaky croissant, a buttery scone, or a crusty baguette, you'll find something to satisfy your cravings here.

While the bakery goods are undoubtedly delicious, one minor suggestion would be to offer the option to have them warmed. There's nothing quite like the comfort of a warm pastry or bread straight from the oven, and providing this option would enhance the overall experience for guests.

Despite this small suggestion, Bob's Well Bread remains a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. The friendly staff adds to the welcoming atmosphere, making you feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

In addition to the mouthwatering baked goods, Bob's Well Bread also offers a selection of quality coffee and beverages to complement your treat of choice. Whether you're grabbing a quick snack on the go or settling in for a leisurely coffee break, this bakery has you covered.

Overall, Bob's Well Bread is a delightful gem that should not be missed. With its fresh baked goods, charming ambiance, and friendly service, it's the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings and indulge in a little slice of culinary heaven.

Quaint bakery and coffee shop located in the heart of a charming little town. The quality of the pastries was outstanding. I had a maple bacon scone that was delicious. The service was also great. The owner was extremely personable and helpful. While we didn’t eat in, the place had great seating options both inside and outside. I will definitely visit Bob’s Well Bread the next time I visit the area.

Everything served was fantastic. The breakfast, the baked goods, the coffee, the service and the atmoshpere. The owner Bob was also a great guy. If you are in the area it is a must go to place. It's also worth a day trip, just short ride from Santa Barbara.

So glad we made a quick detour on our road trip! This place is SO charming! Very thoughtful dishes with high quality ingredients, makes for DELICIOUSNESS! Everything is centered around the amazing bread they bake in-house, but LOVED that they had a gluten free option…a WONDERFUL seed based bread that was truly amazing! Highly recommend this as a stop on your trip through Los Olivos!

Was out in Santa Barbara Wine Country and found this cute little spot that has great breakfast or lunch and they make all their bread in house. I highly recommend getting the egg in a jar breakfast dish. It’s amazing! Definitely will come back when I’m in the area.

Honestly some of the best bread I've ever had. I've been to both locations now, and they are definitely worth stopping by if you are in the area. Go early before it gets busy and things sell out. My favorite loaf is definitely the Pan au Lardon! Breakfast was amazing as well!

Stumbled across this cute place while riding bikes back from Los Olivos. Had one of the best biscuits ever here. Very calming nice atmosphere and delicious breads, food and drink. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Would recommend this little cafe.

We ate here two days after eating at the Los Alamos location. We really overindulged, but none of us wanted to leave without trying as much as possible. A smorgasbord of items pictured below.

Awesome place to get together with friends or just to get work done. Food tastes amazing, bread is super fresh, and the salads are crisp. Will be coming back for sure.

We’ve been going to Bob’s when we’re in the area for years, and went to Bob’s in Ballard for the first time today. After going to the original location yesterday, it was a pleasure to see the new spot. It’s quieter, more relaxing, and the attention to detail in all facets was better. It reminded us of when we first found the old location. Food came out warmer, butter is softer, tables are cleaner, everything was just perfect. We love stopping in and seeing Bob, and know that his attention to detail carries onto your food and service as well. Also, we’re vaccinated but still feel safer with the protocols they’re following at Ballard.

On the first morning in our new (temporary) home in Santa Ynez, I walked about a mile to visit Bob's Well Bread, curious to try their artisan sourdough. As an amateur sourdough baker myself, I wanted to "check out the goods".
I started with the "Pain au Levain", which is their basic, naturally-leavened (i.e. sourdough), loaf. Bob himself manned the register, and when I curiously inquired as to which flours they used, he was gracious enough to tell me, and encouraged me to "keep on baking".
I came home, toasted up a thick slice, slathered it with Irish butter, and delightfully confirmed that Bob's "Well Bread" is indeed, well-bred - crusty outside, chewy inside, delightfully tangy, authentic sourdough.
And while the baked goods are excellent (try the canelé for a decadent treat!), the real treasures lie in the offspring of them - the menu items! We recently enjoyed a Sunday brunch, and my Mushroom Toast was a pleasant surprise, as much for the uncharacteristically moist, flavorful bisquit, as the rich, savory mushroom sauce that topped it - almost reminiscent of a Brazilian savory-sweet mushroom stroganoff.
We're spoiled to live within walking distance of an iconic SYV establishment, that surely inspires others to drive for tens, if not hundreds, of miles.

I didn’t want to cheat on Bob’s in Los Alamos, I didn’t want to cheat on the faces and names that I have grown used to behind the counter.... an then I did... Bob’s Well bread in Ballard was wonderful, food was as excellent, service too! Thanks Bob...I love what you do....get the lox platter...it’s addicting!!!!

Open for only six months or less this new spot has taken the valley by storm. Except a fast moving line on weekends, out the door. What’s the secret? The pastries, meals and sandwiches are decidedly not Danish. Plenty of parking and high quality, fresh servings are key.

Love Bob's Well Bread...everything is delicious and fresh...such a treat to visit and can't wait to go back for more whenever we are in the area!

Ballard Bob's Wellbread is just as amazing and delicious as Bob's Wellbread in Los Alamos, (little LA). Only that the energy is different and I appreciate that slower paced come hither that Bob created here. Nestled inside the little town of Ballard, literally on a backroad to someplace else.

I always order his homemade lemonade, it has a nice bite with a sweet finish. I always recommend the Avocado Toast if you are new to the experience, the bread is cut thick and the avocado smash applied generously smothered with toasted pumpkin seeds, sprinkled with chili pepper, and a dash of coarse cut sea salt, the flavors blend and create a savory mid afternoon snack that lasts well into the evening.

Pro tip - carpool, parking is limited.

Had some excellent hot sandwiches for lunch, a Ruben and a meatloaf served on fresh baked bread with fresh greens. Cold sandwiches are pre-made, so you can't customize them, or so I couldn't that day. The place is a bit disorganized, not utilizing all the space they have very efficiently henceforth the 4 stars. Mostly outside se, ting which looked in disarray, messy and not well kept. We did have a recent rain event, so maybe they could not clean up before business open. Thankfully, I could take mine home to enjoy in a warm, cozy atmosphere. Oh yes, we did try the freshly made cookies, and I'm dreaming about the chocolate chip that I will return for soon.
Update... Place looks great and is a blessing to the community!♥💐

Excellent! Avocado Toast Tartine is wonderful with two poached eggs. The bread is thick with a generous amount of mashed avocado topped with toasted pumpkin seeds. The toast is on a bed of fresh greens. The poached eggs are poached to perfection. The double cappuccino is so smooth no need to add sugar to offset bitterness and it is capped off with just the right amount of steamed milk presented in a lovely leaf design.

Whenever I travel toward southern California, I try to stop here. If I am lucky enough to arrive early enough to get some breakfast treats, usually a croissant for the next day, I often take something home for my husband and me to share.

Great spot to stop and grab breakfast. It takes a bit of time to get through the line but it’s totally worth it. Grab some sandwiches for lunch while you’re ordering breakfast!

Fabulous food and pastries! Truly one of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara County! We drive 48 miles just to eat at Bob’s We’ll Bread.

I don't do reviews, but I'm making an exception for Bob's Well Bread.

The incredible attention to detail, the atmosphere, the quality of the improvements are all above expectation; truly fantastic. The quality of the food is great, but truth be told, I don't just go for the food.

I go to Bob's for a brief respite where I can escape into an authentic French Café experience with owners who care so much about the business that they stay up-front and meet every guest, usually taking every order.

Bob and his wife Jane have invested heavily to create this fantastic experience for their guests and if you pay attention to all the slightest of details you'll see how everything coalesces and works together to help make this a wonderful destination.

Sure, sometimes the lines are long, but I never complain about it nor do I fret. The experience is well worth the occasional wait and I wouldn't want it any other way. While I'm not known as a patient man, at Bob's I'm happy to wait because I always know I will be happier, more centered and will have a better day for engaging in this authentic experience at Bob's.

I'm grateful for Bob's commitment to his craft and to our community.