Delilah Bakery: An Echo Park Sweet Spot

Oh, Delilah. How we love your swoon-worthy cupcakes, savory sandwiches and friendly neighborhood vibe. Picturing you filling muffin cups and frosting cupcakes with your gingham apron and grandmotherly smile makes us feel all warm and cozy inside. No matter that you’re a complete figment of our imagination.

Owner Genevieve Ostrander may be too young to be a grandma, but judging by the retro décor, rotating pie cooler and vintage dish racks that adorn her sweet little shop, this lady is an old soul. And Delilah is simply a name that she’s always been drawn to.

“Vintage American meets French countryside” is what Ostrander calls her shop’s décor, and the vibe is downright cheerful, thanks to whimsical touches like floral wallpaper and a white picket fence-enclosed patio.

But we're not here to fawn over shelves of smiling ceramic figurines, are we? So let’s talk about the sweet stuff. Carefully wrapped in crinkly brown paper and individually boxed, the plump cupcakes come in around eight or so flavors. Try the moist yellow Birthday Cake topped with a sweet crunch of sprinkles, or opt for the ever-popular Red Velvet Cake swathed in cream cheese frosting ($3.25).

Several Southern throwbacks find their way onto the menu, including Coca-Cola cake ($29), Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie ($23) and the celebrated Whiskey Bread Pudding ($3.50). Many of Ostrander’s recipes come from Junior League cookbooks that she’s been collecting since childhood; others are based on her favorite ingredients.

The inspiration for the Chocolate Jack Daniels cake topped with orange zest and whiskey infused cream cheese frosting? “I love whiskey,” Ostander confesses. Amen, sister.

Delilah’s cookies, scones and muffins also elicit high praise from neighborhood regulars. “The savory muffin is my favorite,” says Echo Park’s Jason Pugatch. "Sausage and cheddar in a muffin? Are you kidding me?!”

When the weather’s nice, Delilah’s outside tables are a popular place for lunch and weekend brunch. “They have my favorite breakfast sandwich in town,” says Henry Lowenfels, another Delilah devotee.  “A fluffy biscuit, and some crunchy, thick cut bacon make it a winner.”

For lunch, the BLTA on a baguette is a standout thanks to the perfect combination of salty, pepper-edged bacon, crisp butter lettuce and smooth avocado and lemon aioli. With a side salad and mini, two-bite cupcake on the side (all $8.95), it’s one of our favorite lunches in Echo Park.

Other than the sandwich bread, every single ingredient is made on site. “All Echo Park made,” Ostrander says proudly. She loves her neighborhood, and the feeling is mutual.

“Echo Park is a true neighborhood, and this is a true neighborhood bakery," Pugatch explains. "You may have to wait a little longer for your order, but I’m all about local business and fresh food.”

“Delilah Bakery lacks any pretenses, and the staff makes you feel at home, whether you're a regular or a first-timer,” Lowenfels adds.

Grandma Delilah would be proud.  

: 1665 Echo Park Ave.; 213-975-9400