Beginning last weekend, it has been 85 Degrees in Century City and will be for the foreseeable future – even in winter. While the actual temperature may fluctuate, 85 Degrees Bakery Cafe has opened a new store in the Westfield Century City. This chain, which started in Taiwan, now has over 1000 locations worldwide, serving freshly baked Asian-style pastries.

85 Degrees takes its name after the Celsius temperature at which the founders believe coffee is best held. Coffee made from beans from Guatemala is served, as well as teas, slushies and smoothies. You can add boba or one of their flavored jellies (coffee, lychee and mango) to your drinks too if you wish.

I was focused on picking up some baked goods, of which they offer over 50 varieties, baked fresh hourly. Prices are extremely reasonable, in line with their philosophy of making premium goods at affordable prices, with most items somewhere between $2-$5 – a relative bargain compared to most bakeries.

85 Degrees follows the model of many Asian bakeries where you grab a tray and tongs and help yourself to whatever items you may want. There are both sweet and savory items, with ingredients ranging from the mundane like hot dogs to the more exotic taro.

I quickly filled a tray with several pastries and was pleasantly surprised to hear the cashier tell me that it was less than $12.

Asian pastries are much lighter than their European counterparts, showing a more restrained approach to using butter and sugar.

The choco bun was only the slightest bit chocolatey with a hollow center with some melted chocolate inside.

The chocolate cream cheese used the same dough as the choco bun and had a hollow inside with a lightly sweetened cream cheese filling. If you’re a chocoholic, these may be not chocolatey enough (though my chocoholic daughter downed that bun and nodded her approval).

Their chocolate croissant is like a French one put on a diet. The croissant was nowhere nearly as flaky and decadently rich as the French version, but your arteries won’t feel any ill effects either.

Similarly light and airy was the berrytale,  with a cream cheese and jam filling, which was my favorite of the bunch along with the chocolate chip bowl.

This location is very small so don’t be discouraged if you see a line out the door (it only takes about 5 people in line for it to be long enough to need the extra space). If you’re lucky, you’ll be there when they bring the latest freshly baked items into the front, yelling, “Fresh bread! Fresh bread!” Don’t feel embarrassed if you feel immediately head over to check out what’s new. Everyone else will be doing exactly the same thing.

Location –  Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles 90067
Website – https://www.85cbakerycafe.com
Kid-Friendly – Yes
Kid’s Menu – No
Vegetarian Friendly – Yes
Vegan/Gluten-Free Options – Do coffee and tea count?