Bakesale Betty

Ed W.‘s review from 12÷29÷13 is a bit off — Bakesale Betty’s location on Telegraph Avenue is not a new address, it is the original location that was open before this location started, and is still operating although this location has closed. The Unilocal reviews for the still-​existing location are here:
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Not Closed. New address on Telegraph Rd.

It’s really too bad this locale didn’t stay open. This is where I learned about the fried chicken sandwich and awesome ginger cookies. Lines used to go out the door. Guess Ike’s is the new king of sandos in the area?

I don’t know how anyone can run a business the way this place does. They do not deserve to even have one location. To advertise open, then never be open? Crazy!
Why recommend a place that’s not going to be open? According to their website the Broadway location is «Closed», which is nice that they have finally put all of us out of our misery and just closed the place. I am sick an tired of making the trip during lunch to just be disappointed.
Hey Betty — I commend you on all you’ve done to build your business from the ground up. It’s time for you to step aside and let a real business-​minded person run your shop or you should just go ahead and fire all of your employees, give away the last of your (so-​so) cookies to the homeless, and stop wasting our time. You’re not that great.

The most inconsistent business EVER!!!
Not open again on a Wednesday…
I will now live according to Confucius. I show up and you’re not open, so when you’re open I will not show up.
«Tsze-​Kung asked, «Is there one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one’s life?» The Master said, «Is not Reciprocity such a word? What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others»

The BEST fried chicken sandwich I’ve had and the slaw within the sandwich has just the right amount of kick. However, if you want more spice, they do offer hot sauce. The Strawberry Shortcake– DELICIOUS. Lemon ice drink is very tart and makes you pucker. Everything goes hand in hand and makes for one scrumptious lunch!
I will definitely be back.

I’m not giving it a 5 star only because they aren’t open all the time (for awhile it was like once a week for 2 hours) and because of that the lines can get pretty ridiculous because they are literally only open for a few hours.
I’ve had the Chicken Sandwich (awesome fried chicken breast with a vinegary slaw on a roll) which is way too big for me to eat in one sitting but awesome nonetheless. I’ve had the tofu sandwich — also fried awesomeness, with the same slaw on the same loaf.
I’ve also had some of their cookies. But you have to get their Strawberry shortcakes when available. So GOOD.
They have frozen lemonade as well which on a hot day is just heaven (and even on some cold ones)
The service has always been top notch. I think because they are only open for a few hours each day that they are actually open — they have a large crew helping people out to make sure that that line keeps moving, even if it’s long.
There really isn’t any seating for the place. Most people just pop in and out and go back to their offices. They have recently put out seating, the tables look like ironing boards which is kinda cute.
My coworker and I stopped in the other day just to get a strawberry shortcake to top off our lovely sandwiches from Ike’s Lair around the corner just because they had strawberry shortcakes in stock. She wished she had gotten the frozen lemonade instead of the bottled one she had bought during lunch.

I like that I dont have to wait in a terribly long line, like the bake sale on 51^st and telegraph. BUT I have to admit, I do like the fried chicken sammy better at the telegraph location. I’m not sure why… maybe they’re more fresh and you’re more likely to be waiting for the sandwich, then the sandwich waiting for you. the cookies are so yummy, its so dangerous working upstairs but lucky for my waistline, bake sale closes at 145.
its such a plain little bakery. theres no decoration, the menu and business hours on the door are written on parchment paper? walking by when theyre closed, you would never be able to tell what yummys come from this shop.
oh. dont forget the super spicy hot sauce for your fried chicken sandwich. it’ll light you a new one.

I’ve always been curious about this place. Every time I pass by, I see a line out the door.
I was about to head inside when I noticed there was an employee standing in the doorway. He asked if he could help me. Strange, I thought. I let him know that it was my first time, and I asked him what kind of food they sold. He told me they served sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. I noticed two other customers inside, so I asked if I could come in. He seemed reluctant, but let me in anyway.
They seemed to want to rush me out the door. I later learned that they close at 1:45 (weird), and I was there about 10 minutes after. I would have gladly left them alone had I known. It seems kind of silly to only be open for less than 3 hours a day. But I digress…
They only had four items on the menu, including their famous Fried Chicken sandwich and Egg Salad. I didn’t see any Fried Tofu (boooo), so I just ordered a chicken ‘wich for my mama. There was literally no wait at all. They handed me a bag immediately and I was out the door.
She said it was pretty tasty, but it appeared to be pretty small for something I had just paid almost 10 bucks for. Maybe they gave me a half a sandwich by mistake? It didn’t even come with anything on the side but a napkin and a fork.
Disappointing, but maybe I’ll try their Fried Tofu someday (if it’s vegan).

Bakesake Betty lists it”s days here as tuesady-​fridays. 11a.m. –1:45.
beiieve it’s tuedsay only.
limited menu of baked chicken sandwich, cookies, and some kind of drink.
as i got here late (iish), line was very short and i got service within 5 minutes.
food is already made. so it’s basically pay an go.
eats:
chocoalte chip cookie (1.5)
–crunchy, sweet taste overall with random chocolate chips
4 stars
baked chicken sandwich (8.74)
–baked chicken a little moist
–flavoring came from the vinegared salad consisting of lettuce, cabbage, jalepenos, cilantro, red onions,
–probably some mayo present also.
chicken 3.5 stars, salad, 4 stars.
crumbs:
–not a fan of the chicken, fan of the salad.
–one a year for the chicken is enough, was hoping for something else.
–very fast service, have monies ready!
–no seating inside, some seats outside.
–tuesdays only?

If I was a pregnant woman I would have given birth right there after I bit into their Butter Pecan Cookies. Then a second baby would have popped out after I bit into their Chicken Sandwich. I know it’s kinda graphic but the emotions I felt when I ate there for the first time was, I’m assuming cuz I am a man, as overwhelming as having a baby.
The food is wonderful and their prices are on point. If you are looking to treat yourself to some quick food delivered by friendly service and your wallet is kinda empty, this is the place for you.
Pecan Cookie $ 1.50
Banana Bread $ 2.00
Fried Chicken Sandwich $ 8.75 (They give you a big hunk of chicken)
*To the mothers, forgive me for my male ignorance and lacking the privilege of bringing life into the world*

I was turned on to this «Tuesday ONLY» unassuming Sandwich Shoppe by Andy, a co-​worker, who heard about it from Peter, another co-​worker. Not sure how Peter heard about it, but Peter seems to hear about a LOT of GREAT THINGS, first!
The only difficulty in writing this well earned review is attempting to figure out what’s more rewarding:
1. The absolutely delicious generous sized tender Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich, on the freshest roll ever, stuffed with the yummiest coleslaw (which does it NO JUSTICE to be labeled coleslaw) I’ve ever tasted, or…
2. The line stretching a half a block long to get in, which moves at a rate close to walking speed, or…
3. The fact that you get your food within SECONDS of ordering it, or…
4. Watching the well oiled production line, of at least a dozen highly skilled folks behind the counter, chopping, dicing and assembling these Gastronomically delicious sandwiches faster than a production line at General Motors!, or…
5. Eating on an Ironing Board out front, while watching the happy patrons queue up, (with a distinct look of ‘something they know that «passers-​by» simply do not!) as most folks in this long line are clearly repeat borrowers of this Oakland experience!
Actually — the line can be so long, it’ll scare off the novice, who’ll abruptly state their refuse to wait in that! Don’t be fooled, or be a fool — the line MOVES FAST, and is CLEARLY worth the wait!
You haven’t really lived, or experienced the «Best of Oakland» if you haven’t seated yourself at one of Bakesale Betty’s ironing boards!

Rating:3.5
Why all the praise for the chicken sando? I LOVE fried chicken but this didn’t do it for me. The chicken was cooked perfectly but needed seasoning. Salt & Pepper can do wonders. The mile high pile of spicy slaw helped but it still felt like it was missing some kind of creamy sauce. The strawberry shortcake on the other hand was the bomb. Took me back to the strawberry festivals I would go to in Mass.
Arrived early so no line and no sign. Only way I recognized the place was the ironing boards outside and the scribbled menu on a piece of paper by the door. I think you’ve been in that location for awhile… time to work on the décor!
Cookies (choc chip/​molasses) were decent but nothing special.

Mmmmmmmm two of my favorite things in one meal — chicken and strawberries!
The Fried Chicken Sandwich and Strawberry Shortcake absolutely live up to the hype.

uhhh, what it do BSB2? The Fried chicken sandwich is the same $ 9 now with half the chicken?

Unilocal claims 2 stars means: «Meh. I’ve experienced better.»
And this hold so true here.
I don’t know if they got all new people to work at this branch or what, but this Bakesale Betty’s is not as friendly and awesome as the original location on Telegraph.
They don’t give out free stuff, they tricked me into getting a larger order of the Chicken Salad the last time I came (I mean who really needs to eat a large order of cole slaw? All that acid could burn a lining through my throat!), and what’s most importantly, these people barely smile!
Maybe it’s the lunch-​time rush — but hello, it’s lunch time and they are Bakesale Betty’s. It’s like Lady Gaga opting not to wear a wig and titanium corset to a performance, then wondering why people were underwhelmed. It comes with the territory???
Here’s the thing: If you set the bar this high for yourself, you have no choice but to meet it, am I right?

Chicken sammies on steroids? That’s an understatement. Not sure if Betty’s feeling extra generous at this newest location or what, but these suckers are doubled the size of the ones on Telegraph. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Twice the chicken = twice the deliciousness! So cluckin’ awesome!
There’s always an abundant stock of strawberry shortcake here. You can buy one for lunch and then one for the road. Screw the calorie count. Bakesale Betty allows no such thing. Indulge in soft, buttery chocolate chip cookies infused with chunks of walnuts. For $ 1 a piece, that’s just trouble. I bought 3 to take home and only 1 made it back.
Look for the black building right on the corner of Broadway & Grand. Still not sure where it is? Just look for the long ass line. Remember to wear stretchy pants.

Meummm

After I picked up my friend from the Oakland Airport and also shopping in Oakland’s Chinatown, I noticably smelled Fried Chicken being cooked along the lengthy Broadway Ave. As we approached closer, I saw a somewhat long line in front of this deli. Then I doubled parked, walked out and saw that Bakesale Betty has opened a second location in the heart of Oakland’s Financial District.
I was able to find parking within a block of the newest and hottest East Bay deli/​bakery. This place is a lot bigger and obviously newer. A different crowd comes here as opposed to the other location. My friend and I waited in line with just ten people ahead of us. Being in line for only one minute, the workers were passing out free freshly-​baked Oatmeal-​Raisin Cookie. My friend was amazed on the nice service and free treat so far.
Free treat:
She asked me what is good and I obviously recommended the popular Fried Chicken Sandwich for $ 7.75 and a cup of Lemon Ice for $ 3.00.
Our sandwich:
I’ve been to the old location many times, but never had the Strawberry Shortcake. We split the dessert. The friendly staff also gave us the sweet treat for «Free». Man, that sweet dessert was (weight-​wise) heavy and loaded with fresh chopped strawberries and thick cream.
Our dessert:
But unlike the first location with hundreds of stools and ironing boards, the new location has only ten with workers from the downtown area eating there. So we ate our lunch at a park nearby.
According to my friend, she had never experienced a unique sandwich, dessert and service in her hometown in Denver, Co. She wishes there was a B-​Betty in Denver. And with the continue success of a second location, I hope B-​Betty will open more locations like in San Francisco.
I can actually smell the propose future location (s) may happen. Just like the fried chicken being cooked from a block away from both locations.

I have been waiting almost a year for this place to open… Now that they’re just a block from where I work, we don’t have to travel 20 minutes to get our grub on!
We walked in this morning and the first thing that hit your face is the lovely smell of freshly baked scones and cookies. Upon entering, we were handed a warm chocolate chip cookie… The staff greeted us and was excited that we actually came in right when they opened! I was a bit disappointed because they didn’t have their sandwich or their strawberry shortcake ready… But I think I can manage to wait 3 hours!
They have the best strawberry shortcake, yes I said «the best»! They use fresh strawberries, whip cream is light as air and not overly sweet, and the best part about it… they use scone instead of cake!
Yes I said scone… which brings me to another great thing they make here. Before trying Bakesale Betty’s, I absolutely hated scones! I’ve tried scones from other places and they were dry, hard as a rock… just down right yucky. But OMG the scones here are to die for! They are so moist, and packed with flavor! And again, they aren’t overly sweet.
You just have to try this place out for yourself, but I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. But before I go I can’t end this without mentioning their chicken sandwich! Bread is baked fresh, chicken is juicy & crispy full of flavor, and the slaw they put into their sandwiches… like no other!