Jasmine Rodgers  |  Contributing Writer

Nestled in the heart of Glendale, California, Porto’s Bakery and Cafe offers a vast array of baked goods from cheese Danishes the size of small Frisbees to traditional Cuban foods.

The warm, sweet aroma of fresh-baked bread periodically wafts through the air inside Porto’s.  Located on Brand Boulevard a few blocks up from The Americana at Brand, the large shopping center, the restaurant maintains its popularity with lines constantly out the door.

Handmade desserts and other buttery, flaky items are available as well, but there are a few specialties for which the bakery’s well-known. Fried potato balls filled with ground beef is one. This simple treat has a soft, cornbread-like crust with a filling of creamy potatoes and the savory taste of ground beef.  They are available for 60 cents apiece.

If you want something sweet to go with your coffee, which is also available at the bakery, the guava strudel (“pastel de guayaba” in Spanish), and chocolate croissant will cost you 75 cents and $1.60, respectively.

The bakery doesn’t just cater to customers who want sweet treats. It also offers sandwiches, tamales, salads and meat-filled puff pastries. Additionally, it makes beautiful cakes to order, or you can pick from its pre-baked daily selection.

If you’re ever hungry in Glendale, slate $12 and treat yourself to some of the baked deliciousness that Porto’s Bakery and Cafe has to offer.