Seemor
Phoenix Bakery
969 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
· Chinese bakery, Bakery, Dessert shop
· 4.7/5 Google (1345 reviews)
Takeout
Beloved Chinatown institution for light strawberry whipped cream cakes and classic Chinese pastries; great value cakes, occasional service hiccups and holiday rush chaos to plan around.
Restaurant Summary
The scene here is part sweet shop, part time capsule, with glass cases of cream-filled slices and that famous almond-crusted strawberry cake. Regulars describe service as warm and nostalgic on typical days, though holiday lines can feel chaotic and slow. One regular summed it up: "Light sponge, real whipped cream, and it tastes like childhood." The baking is classic Chinese bakery style—airy sponge, fruit and whipped cream, crisp cookies—leaning traditional over trendy. It suits anyone who prefers lighter-sweet desserts and simple textures rather than rich buttercream showpieces. Expect reliable favorites like almond cookies, sugar butterflies, seasonal mooncakes, and a standout tiramisu slice when available. Families do well here. Kids tend to love the fresh strawberry cake, simple danishes, and cookies. There is no kids menu, but the pastry case offers plenty of familiar, approachable options. Plan ahead for birthdays and holidays to avoid long waits at pickup.
At a Glance
- Signature strawberry whipped cream cake is light, not overly sweet, and beloved by generations
- Whole cake pricing is affordable relative to boutique bakeries
- Holiday and weekend pickup lines can be confusing and slow
- Occasional reports of dry cake or stale pastries
- Owner offers refunds or replacements when issues arise
What Sets It Apart
- legacy_chinatown_bakery_since_1938
- signature_strawberry_whipped_cream_cake
- large_sheet_cake_options
What People Love
- Nostalgic flavors that taste like childhood
- Whipped cream and airy sponge that is not too sweet
- Almond cookies and sugar butterflies for snacking
- Consistent value on whole cakes
- Friendly counter help on regular days
Points of Concern
- Pickup and lines can be disorganized during holidays; arrive early or prearrange timing
- A few reports of dryness or staleness; check freshness when buying late in the day
- Phone/order communication can be unclear for custom designs; confirm capabilities in writing
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$10-$18 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose size based on servings listed (5–6 inch: 5–6 servings; 8 inch: 8–10)
- Mixed or half-and-half fillings cost slightly more; consider strawberry plus custard for balance
- Mooncakes available seasonally at $7.25–$14.95
Perfect For
- Birthday and celebration cakes without boutique pricing
- Nostalgic Chinatown dessert run
- Gifts to bring to family gatherings
- Quick pastry stop while exploring Chinatown
Location Insights
Area: Historic Chinatown corridor with mix of legacy shops and tourists; daytime bustle, cultural events spike foot traffic.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked by day; typical urban precautions at night.
Nearby: Near Chinatown Central Plaza, markets, souvenir shops, casual eateries; limited curb parking.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:00–16:00
Tuesday10:00–16:00
Wednesday10:00–16:00
Thursday10:00–16:00
Friday10:00–17:00
Saturday10:00–18:00
Sunday10:00–18:00
Available: Takeout
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