The Bekery

If you're looking for a slice of real France in Louisiana, then The Bekery is a must-visit destination. Located in the picturesque Walnut Grove neighborhood of Lake Charles, this Parisian bakery and cafe has become a true USA landmark. Since its opening in 2016, it has earned a reputation for top-quality European pastries and impeccable coffee.

Founded by Rebecca Hoffpauer, The Bekery is a unique culinary platform where classic European techniques meet local hospitality. Since 2024, the team has included Chef Octavio Icaza, a graduate of a Parisian culinary school, who has brought exquisite new flavors and modern approaches to the menu.

The establishment is famous not only for its food but also for its cozy atmosphere, which attracts a diverse crowd: from students and business people to foodies who appreciate authenticity. Attention to every detail and a commitment to quality have turned this bakery into an essential meeting spot for everyone who values genuine taste and comfort.

For your convenience, the current contact details for The Bekery are listed below. You can contact the establishment directly or check their menu online before visiting.

Visiting The Bekery is, above all, a gastronomic journey. Guests are offered a wide selection of French and European pastries: from classic butter and chocolate croissants to exquisite kouign-amanns and almond buns. Don't forget to try their famous lemon or bacon cheddar scones, as well as fresh-baked baguettes and sourdough rye bread.

In addition to desserts, the menu features hearty sandwiches, with the signature croque-monsieur featuring ham, Swiss cheese, and Creole aioli being a favorite. Also popular is the Cuban sandwich with marinated pork and the classic chicken salad with pecans and grapes, which has remained a regular favorite for years.

Coffee at The Bekery is prepared using a special recipe developed by master roasters specifically for this establishment. You can order a classic espresso, cappuccino, or latte, or enjoy a French press brew. Seasonal coffee specials regularly complement the main menu, offering visitors interesting new flavor combinations.

Finding The Bekery is easy—it's located at 2040 E Walnut Street in the cozy Walnut Grove neighborhood. This is a central part of the city, and it's most convenient to get there by car. The main road leading to the bakery is Walnut Street, which passes through picturesque residential blocks.

For tourists traveling around the city by taxi or rental car, using GPS navigation will be the most reliable method. If you are in the downtown business district, the drive will take only a few minutes. Public transportation in this part of Lake Charles is limited, so a private car or calling a taxi via a mobile app remains the most comfortable option for a trip to get fresh pastries.

The story of The Bekery began in 2016 and is closely tied to the family traditions of its founder, Rebecca Hoffpauer. From childhood, Rebecca was inspired by the culinary skills of her father and grandmother, both of whom were wonderful cooks. The path to her own business started unexpectedly: in the spring of 2016, she began baking traditional King Cakes right at home, which sparked immense interest among locals.

The success of the home-baked cakes prompted Rebecca to open a real bakery. Initially, her father provided a small space in his warehouse where she worked alone. In its early days, The Bekery offered a very modest selection: cookies, quiches, cinnamon rolls, and coffee from a simple pod machine. However, the quality of the products was so high that demand grew rapidly, necessitating expansion of both staff and production.

Interestingly, Rebecca initially had no professional experience in baking bread and croissants. To achieve perfection, she attended specialized courses at the King Arthur Flour headquarters in Vermont. Her passion and perseverance were rewarded: over time, the establishment gained recognition in the prestigious Southern Living magazine, fulfilling a long-held dream for the founder.

To fully appreciate the atmosphere of The Bekery and enjoy their culinary masterpieces, it usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. This is plenty of time to place an order, choose a cozy table, and have a leisurely breakfast or lunch in a pleasant setting.

If you are short on time and just plan to stop by for fresh pastries and coffee to go, your visit will take no more than 10-15 minutes. Nevertheless, we recommend staying a bit longer to feel the Parisian charm of this place and perhaps watch the life of the Walnut Grove neighborhood go by.

The Bekery is open Tuesday through Friday from 07:00 to 16:00. On weekends, Saturday and Sunday, the doors are open from 08:00 to 14:30. The cafe is closed on Mondays as the team rests and prepares for the new work week.

To catch the widest selection of the freshest pastries, we recommend arriving in the morning. To check for holiday hours, you can always visit the official website or the establishment's social media pages.

Exploring the area around The Bekery can significantly enrich your travel experience. After a delicious breakfast or lunch, you can stroll through the city's historical sites or stop by other interesting spots nearby.

The neighborhood where the bakery is located offers a harmonious blend of a peaceful atmosphere and proximity to major city attractions. Below is a list of places worth visiting within a few kilometers.