La Bou Bakery & Cafe

(Updated 9/23/2022) Description and review of La Bou Bakery & Cafe, a local Northern California fast-casual chain serving croissants, pastries, soups, salads and sandwiches.  See “La Bou Revisited” below. 

About La Bou Bakery & Cafe

I recall when the first La Bou Bakery & Cafe opened in 1982.  La Bou was an instant hit, and Sacramentans could not get enough of their croissants and other freshly made goodies.

Fast forward to today.  Today, there are 13 La Bou cafes throughout the Sacramento region.  Some are company-owned and others are franchised.

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Pre-Retirement

I had patronized the La Bou Bakery & Cafe in downtown Sacramento across from the State Capitol for years when I worked in the vicinity.  One could always rely on a fresh and tasty bit to eat and fast and friendly service.

Post-Retirement

After retiring, I did not again patronize La Bou until two years ago when I started to make monthly visits to the Parkside Pharmacy on Del Rio Road.  The South Land Park La Bou is right next door.

Now, I have made it a habit to pick up something for lunch when I make the trek to pick up my Mickey’s prescription heart medication.  I had become frustrated trying to get his prescription filled at the vets, Chewy.com and 1800petmeds.com due to supply issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Parkside Pharmacy is a compounding pharmacy, and now I don’t have to worry about him running out of his twice-a-day medication as they just whip up a batch as needed.

South Land Park La Bou Bakery & Cafe

The South Land Park bakery-cafe is located in the strip mall housing the Sprouts Farmers Market grocery store near Land Park/Land Park Zoo.  The parking lot is large, and parking is never a problem.

This particular La Bou appears popular with locals from the neighborhood as well as with customers patronizing the nearby businesses.

Menu

The La Bou Bakery & Cafe chain offers a variety of choices for breakfast and lunch.  I have a number of favorite lunch items, including the Chinese Chicken Salad, Sweet Basil Pasta Salad, the Asian Noodle Salad, the Italian Sandwich and the Ham & Cheese Croissant.  I mix it up.

Other items on my favorite list are the dill salad dressing and the baguettes, which have both a soft crust and interior.

Review

This particular visit I ordered the small Asian Noodle Salad (soy-marinated noodles, broccoli, red bell pepper, bean sprouts, topped with peanuts and ginger vinaigrette on a bed of greens) ($8).  Part way through my lunch I noticed that my salad was missing an ingredient – the bean sprouts!  I had never had that happen before.

This salad is not something you want to order often if you are watching your sodium intake – but I enjoyed every bite.  Note:  The peanuts are packed separately to be added (or not) to your meal.

La Bou Revisited

(9/23/2022)  This month, while picking up my dog’s medication at Parkside Pharmacy, I stopped at La Bou as I was in the mood for their Chinese Chicken Salad for lunch.

A very popular menu item, the Chinese Chicken Salad is one of several items that are already packed up and ready to go so one can get in and out in a hurry, if need be.  After returning home, I thoroughly enjoyed my salad and decided to add a photo to my prior blog post – so here it is!

Lastly, a request.  I have googled the recipe for the La Bou Chinese Chicken Salad dressing from time to time and have yet a find an exact “match”.  Anyone out there have the recipe?  If so, please share.

Comments on La Bou Bakery & Cafe?

What are your favorite menu items at La Bou?

South Land Park La Bou Bakery & Cafe Snapshot:

• 4400 Del Rio Road, Sacramento, CA 95822
• (916) 386-1515
• Outdoor patio
• Large (shared) parking lot

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