This place has a cool industrial look. Pastries were flaky and fresh, my Americano was smoky tasting and toasty, the way I like. Food was uneven: the carrot soup was creamy but my panini was not evenly heated. They ran out of plates but there were only about 8 other people eating, so I guess they have only 12 plates in the whole place. Parking in the back is a plus. Would go back for coffee/pastries but not so much the food.

Visiting Grateful Bread was like stepping out of the 21st century, back into the 90's. Yah, not the 60's as the name might imply, but a time when the average Joe Customer didn't care about our landfills and global warming. It's like an expensive picnic, complete with paper plates, paper bowls, plastic cups, and plastic utensils.
It's not all bad though, they seem to have healthy and complete menu. Their coffee is very good and their bread was comparable to other bread spots of the same ilk. Overall, I would rate the food 5 star. Their ambiance had a better than average English cafe feel, though I was expecting tie-dye walls, menus, or pictures. And most important to my wife and I, their staff seemed friendly.

I think the most disappointing thing about this place is that it has so much potential. The bread selection is pretty awesome, and the sandwiches are on par with any other Santa Monica deli, but there's just something missing. There is just simply a lot more that could be done with the space, and especially with a name like "Grateful Bread," which by the way makes me wonder how many former Deadheads have mistaken the place for something a little more funky and nostalgic, and instead getting this Montana bakery, which isn't bad but also isn't interesting.

Okay, now I read the other two reviews - and they're both clearly written by the owners or their friends. Which is fine. But I still think this place has to iron out a few kinks, esp. with the folks behind the counter, who are sweet and utterly amateurish. My favorite moment was being handed piping hot soup in a flimsy paper bowl. Or getting a smoothie that was more like a melted snowball - impossible to drink. Also, their hours of operation are dodgey - for instance, they were closed at 4pm on a Sunday. You kidding me? I like the decor. I like the design. But the staff is too green, and I think more attention should be paid to service methods. Great potential. But not there yet (notwithstanding planted reviews). Sending good wishes.

So I've worked on Montana for a few years now and have gotten so incredibly sick of the expensive food there! Then one day I stumbled upon this adorable new bakery/cafe next to Cafe Montana on 16th. First of all, they have free parking in the back...so great. Second, you can smell the bakery within a one block radius, fresh breads and pastries.

I got lunch there the first time, a portobello mushroom sandwich on homemade ciabatta with a fresh endive pomegranate gorgonzola salad, and a cafe latte...FOR $8.00!!! On Montana!!!

If that's not enough to go back every day, then I don't know what is.

So I got my whole office to go there and now we call in our 20 person lunch order every day and swing through and pick it up. The staff there is really friendly, I've met the owner a couple times, and the head chef is always coming out and talking to the customers.

Great new place. Finally.