Some places are worth visiting for the food alone. Others are worth visiting for the atmosphere. BU Pastry Bar somehow manages to give you both.

I recently found myself in Pasadena around lunchtime and wandered into Burlington Arcade, and honestly, I wasn't expecting to stumble upon one of the cutest little corners of the city. If you've never been, Burlington Arcade is tucked away on South Lake Avenue and feels like you've somehow walked into Europe without ever leaving Southern California.

A Little Slice of London in Pasadena

Before I even got to the pastries, I had to take in the arcade itself.

People were having professional photos taken while I was there, and after walking through it, I completely understood why. With its charming brick walkways, quaint storefronts, cozy cafés, and even the iconic red British phone box sitting in the courtyard, it barely felt like Pasadena, let alone California.

The arcade is actually a miniature tribute to London's famous Burlington Arcade, the world's oldest and longest-surviving shopping arcade, which opened in 1819 in Mayfair. While London's version is known for luxury jewelers, watchmakers, and traditional uniformed beadles, Pasadena's version has its own charm with local boutiques, cafés, and specialty shops. It's the perfect place to slow down and wander for a while.

If you've read our blog about Petite Pebbles, you'll recognize the plaza. If not, definitely check it out, it's another adorable stop that's just steps away from BU Pastry Bar.

Now, onto the real reason I was there.

BU Pastry Bar is a women-owned bakery specializing in freshly baked canelés, madeleines, and delicate French-inspired pastries with subtle Asian flavors. Everything is made in small batches throughout the day, so every pastry tastes incredibly fresh. Pair one with one of their specialty coffees or signature drinks, and you've got the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Of course, I couldn't decide on just one pastry, so... I left with four.

My Picks

The first thing I grabbed was the Pandan Coconut Canelé. I don't think I'd ever had a canelé before, and now I'm wondering what took me so long. The outside had this beautifully caramelized crust with just the right amount of crunch, while the inside was soft, custardy, and full of pandan and coconut flavor. It was unlike anything I've tried before.

Next up was the OG Madeleine. Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason. It was buttery, light, and incredibly soft. Simple? Yes. Boring? Absolutely not.

Then came my favorite surprise, the Strawberry Lemonade pastry. Filled with strawberry ganache and lemon cream, it had the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Every bite tasted fresh, bright, and just right for a warm Pasadena afternoon.

And because no pastry haul is complete without something fun, I also picked up the S'mores pastry. Topped with toasted marshmallows, chocolate drizzle, and Teddy Grahams, it instantly brought back childhood memories. It was sweet, nostalgic, and impossible not to smile while eating.

More Than Just Great Pastries

I can definitely see why BU Pastry Bar has become a favorite in Pasadena. The menu feels thoughtful without being intimidating, and the pastries strike that perfect balance between familiar and unique.

After enjoying my treats, I wandered back through Burlington Arcade, popped into a few more shops (yes, I had to revisit Petite Pebbles), and realized this was one of those afternoons that makes you appreciate slowing down. Good food, cute shops, beautiful architecture, and nowhere to rush off to.

If you're looking for a fun date idea, a coffee break with a friend, or simply an excuse to treat yourself, BU Pastry Bar is absolutely worth adding to your Pasadena list. Grab a few pastries, find a seat outside, wander through Burlington Arcade, and let yourself pretend you're strolling through London for an hour or two.

Sometimes the best adventures aren't the ones that require a passport, they're the ones hiding just around the corner.

Arroyo Parkway Self Storage

Here at Arroyo Parkway Self Storage, we love highlighting the local businesses and hidden gems that make Pasadena such a special place to live, work, and explore. Whether it's a cozy café, a unique boutique, or a family-owned bakery like BU Pastry Bar, we're proud to be part of a community that supports local businesses. If you're spending the day exploring Pasadena, be sure to add BU Pastry Bar and Burlington Arcade to your list, you might just find your new favorite spot. And if your latest shopping trip leaves you needing a little more space at home, we're always here to help!

BU Pastry Bar
380 S Lake Ave #107
Pasadena, CA 91101
(949) 771-4513
Tuesday - Friday: 10AM - 6PM
Saturday & Sunday: 10AM - 5PM