Old Sasoon Bakery

Head to Old Sasoon in Pasadena to eat a bunch of oven-fresh breads, drink coffee out of a paper cup, and collect yourself over a morning of intense carb loading. Or at least, that’s exactly what we do at this 40-something-year-old Armenian bakery. Located on a quiet suburban street, this counter-service spot sets up a sidewalk patio each morning (except Sundays) where you can nibble on za’atar-crusted manaiesh, triangle-shaped beorags filled with spicy soujouk, and jingalov hatz stuffed with an entire bundle of fresh dill. These baked goods are served any time of day, but their canoe-like khachapuri—the biggest reason to cross multiple freeways for a midday meal here—is only available until 3pm. The golden bread boats are big enough to share and hold a mix of soft, salty cheeses and a runny egg that doubles as a dip for the crust.