Amazing muffins in Santa Monica?

[rds246]

I need suggestions of where to find the best, most delicious muffins in Santa Monica (or really close)

thanks!

[Foodandwine]

Gosh I am not a Costco member but there is a guy at my ofice that brings this tray to the office every now and then and they are very good. I saw the price one day like $6.99 for 12 JUMBO Muffins in an assortment. Check it out. I am not a Costco fan either..

[starqrtrs]

I grew up eating costco muffins... the thought of eating one more of those makes me a little ill. lol oh well...

Does anyone know where to get some great blueberry muffins? Or maybe just some standard whitish vanilla muffins?

[Emme]

Costco's muffins, while tasty, are particularly sweet and cakey, so I don't know if that's what you're looking for.

Ironically enough, Ralph's Supermarket has GREAT muffins, especially the Raisin Bran, Apple Streusel, and Peach Streusel. They also have Blueberry Streusel, Banana Walnut, Raisin Sunrise (which are the ones with carrots in them), Chocolate Chocolate Chip (which are utterly decadent and gooey when heated), and Poppyseed. I HIGHLY reccommend them.

[mollyomormon]

I totally agree! I don't love all of Ralph's baked goods but I think their muffins (and oatmeal raisin cookies) are awesome.

[aching]

I haven't tried it myself, but I hear such great things about 3 Square Bakery. If I were looking for muffins, I would start there. I can't wait to get over there myself.

I love the pumpkin muffins at Urth Caffe - they're incredible! They have lots of different kinds of muffins there, but I think the pumpkin is a real standout. I would call ahead for any large quantity order though, since they seem to run out early.

I've also had this great concoction several times from Vienna Pastry - I can't remember exactly what they call it, but it's like a combination between a pecan roll and a brioche, and it's about the size and shape of a muffin. It's fabulous!

[hrhboo]

The ones at 3 Square are technically scones, but they are *seriously* amazing!

[Frank_Santa_Monica]

That Vienna Pastry is probably the dirtiest place this side of The Mississippi. I emailed the health dept about that. If they get more bugs and flies in that place, they'll need their own senator.

[aching]

REALLY? I've never actually been there - I used to have a co-worker who would bring a box to work every now and then. That's disappointing to hear - I love that pecan roll brioche thing!

[Frank_Santa_Monica]

I really wanted to like that place. It's really inexpensive too. It's been in Santa Monica for like 50 years, and I'm all about supporting the independent bakeries and restaurants in Santa Monica. They do a lot of business, supplying to the local business.

But, I had a few experiences there where bugs were crawling everywhere and it was no big deal to them. There must be a sign saying "Bugs welcome, always".

I hope they can get their act together. I haven't been back there in a year or so.