Lunchtime Bakery is a beloved Temescal haunt known for its legendary fried chicken sandwiches and irresistible desserts, drawing long lines of eager fans.
"If you’re only going to make one thing, make sure it’s as good as Bakesale Betty’s fried chicken sandwich. The buttermilk chicken is crispy, the jalapeño coleslaw is tangy and slightly spicy, and overall, this sandwich will change your life. But you’ll have to work for it. The line stretches down the block at this lunch-only spot in Temescal. When you finally achieve what seems like the impossible and make it to the front, you’ll also have your choice of perfectly-baked cookies and slices of pie. Triumphantly eat it all on the ironing board tables propped up on a way-too-busy corner of 55th and Telegraph, or take it to go. Just don’t forget the hot sauce packets." - Lani Conway
"If you’re only going to make one thing, make sure it’s as good as Bakesale Betty’s fried chicken sandwich. The buttermilk chicken at this Temescal spot is crispy, the jalapeño coleslaw is tangy and slightly spicy, and overall, this sandwich will change your life. Just don’t forget an order of strawberry shortcake or one of their perfectly baked cookies when you order to go. " - julia chen 1, lani conway
"Bakesale Betty is best known for fried chicken sandwiches, and it’s also known for strawberry shortcake, but when the pandemic hit, it got into the pie game. The shop is taking a break from pies for the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday, but generally rotates in apple, pumpkin, pecan pies, and more — just check ahead for what’s on deck." - Dianne de Guzman, Becky Duffett, Eater Staff
"Alison Barakat is the Bay Area’s original fried chicken sandwich lady, rocking a blue wig and courting a line down the block in Temescal. Her sandwich is an Oakland urban legend that precedes the latest fried chicken sandwich hype, made with buttermilk-brined breast meat and a jalapeño slaw. Use both hands and don’t forget to grab napkins. Don’t skip out on a cookie or a pie slice, if you’ve still got room." - Dianne de Guzman, Becky Duffett, Luke Tsai
"Situated on the corner of 51st and Telegraph sits one of Temescal's most popular lunch destinations. Betty's thriving business is centered around one central food item: a buttermilk battered fried chicken breast, atop spicy jalapeno slaw on an Acme torpedo roll (also available with fried tofu). Chips, baked goods, and canned drinks are also available to help complete the meal. And though the line might look long, it moves fast — this place is a well-oiled machine." - Eater Staff