You smell it before you see it. That's the first thing anyone tells you about It's All Good Bakery in Oakland California. Long before you reach the corner of Market Street and 56th, the scent of sifting flour and caramelizing sugar hits you like a warm hug from a relative you actually like. It’s a North Oakland staple. Honestly, in a city that’s changing as fast as Oakland, finding a place that feels exactly the same as it did twenty years ago is a rare win.
People come for the cake. Specifically, the 7-Up cake.
If you haven't had it, you’re missing a piece of East Bay history. It’s dense but somehow light, with that specific citrus zing that only comes from the soda. It’s not "artisanal" in the way some new-school spots try to be with their charcoal-infused sourdough or whatever. It’s just good. It’s soulful. It’s the kind of baking that reminds you why we eat sugar in the first place—to feel something.
The Legacy of Kim Magloire and the Black Panther Connection
This isn't just a place to grab a muffin and run. The history here is thick. The building itself—a Victorian-style structure that stands out on the block—was once the original headquarters for the Black Panther Party. You can feel that weight when you walk in. Kim Magloire, the founder, didn't just open a shop; she preserved a landmark.
She started this back in the mid-90s. Think about that for a second. Oakland in 1996 was a completely different beast than the Oakland of 2026. Magloire took a space that was essentially a shell and turned it into the neighborhood’s living room.
It’s a family affair, too. You’ll often see her kids or relatives behind the counter. That matters. When you buy a slice of German Chocolate cake here, you aren't just giving money to a corporation; you're supporting a multi-generational Black-owned business that stayed put when everyone else was moving out. They survived the recessions, the gentrification waves, and the pandemic. That kind of longevity doesn't happen by accident. It happens because the product is undeniable.
More Than Just 7-Up Cake
While the 7-Up cake gets all the press, the menu is actually pretty deep. You've got the sweet potato pie, which is arguably the best in Northern California. The crust is flaky, not soggy, and the filling isn't overly spiced—it actually tastes like sweet potatoes.
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- Red Velvet: It’s bright, it’s cocoa-forward, and the cream cheese frosting is thick enough to stand on its own.
- Peach Cobbler: Only if you're ready for a nap afterward. It’s heavy on the crust-to-fruit ratio, which is exactly how it should be.
- Cookies: They do these giant chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies that are soft in the middle and crispy on the edges. Sorta perfect.
The "It's All Good" name isn't just a catchy phrase. It's a vibe. You walk in, and even if there’s a line—and there usually is on Saturdays—nobody is stressed. People are chatting. The staff recognizes regulars. It’s one of the few places left where the "Town" still feels like the Town.
Why the Location Matters for North Oakland
Located at 5622 Market St, the bakery sits in a pocket of Oakland that has seen massive shifts. For a long time, this area was overlooked by the bigger developers. Now, it's surrounded by new builds and flipped houses.
But It's All Good Bakery in Oakland California remains the anchor. It’s a bridge between the old residents and the new ones. It’s common to see a construction worker in a high-vis vest standing in line next to a tech worker who just moved in down the street. Sugar is the great equalizer, apparently.
The bakery serves as a physical reminder of Black excellence and resilience. When you look at the walls, you see the history. There are photos, posters, and a general sense of "we were here." For a lot of folks who grew up in North Oakland and moved away, this is the first stop they make when they come back to visit. It tastes like home. That sounds cliché, but sometimes clichés exist because they're true.
The Art of the No-Frills Experience
Don't expect a minimalist, white-tiled "Instagram" cafe. This isn't that. It’s humble. It’s functional. The display cases are packed tight.
There is something deeply refreshing about a business that doesn't try to be "curated." They focus on the baking. They focus on the flavor. If the box is a little plain, who cares? The cake inside is going to be better than anything you find at a grocery store or a high-end bistro.
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One thing to know: they do sell out. Especially the popular slices. If you show up at 4:00 PM on a Friday hoping for that specific lemon pound cake, you might be out of luck. It’s a morning and mid-day game.
A Cultural Hub disguised as a Sweet Shop
If you talk to the locals, they’ll tell you the bakery is a community resource. Need to know what’s going on in the neighborhood? Ask at the counter. Need a custom cake for a graduation or a funeral? They’ve got you. They handle the highs and lows of life with the same level of care.
The prices have stayed relatively fair, too. In an era where a single cupcake can cost $7 in some parts of the Bay Area, you can still get a substantial slice of cake here without feeling like you need a personal loan. That accessibility is part of their mission. They want the neighborhood to be able to afford their food.
Kim Magloire has often spoken about the importance of being a "staple." To be a staple, you have to be consistent. You have to show up every day. And they do. Even when the world feels like it’s falling apart, the ovens at It's All Good are turning.
Navigating the Menu: A Practical Guide
If you're a first-timer, don't get overwhelmed. Most people panic at the counter because there are about twelve different things they want.
- Start with a slice. Don't buy the whole cake yet. Get a slice of the 7-Up and maybe a slice of the Sock-It-To-Me cake.
- Check the daily specials. Sometimes they have smaller batches of things like banana pudding that aren't always there.
- Bring a friend. You’re going to want to taste multiple things.
The Sock-It-To-Me cake is a sleeper hit. It’s a sour cream coffee cake base with a cinnamon-pecan streak running through it. It’s arguably better with a cup of black coffee than the 7-Up cake is. It's less sweet, more textured.
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Understanding the Wait
Yes, there is often a line. No, it doesn't move at lightning speed. This is because they actually talk to their customers. If you're in a massive rush, maybe grab a protein bar at the gas station instead. But if you have ten minutes to spare, stand in line. Listen to the conversations. Look at the memorabilia on the walls. It's part of the experience.
The bakery is closed on Sundays and Mondays. This catches a lot of out-of-towners off guard. They plan a Sunday brunch trip only to find the doors locked. Plan accordingly. Tuesday through Saturday is your window.
The Future of Oakland’s Best Kept Secret
Actually, it’s not much of a secret anymore. Food critics and travel bloggers have found it, but somehow, it hasn't lost its soul. It hasn't "sold out."
There’s a lot of talk about "food deserts" in certain parts of Oakland. While things are improving, having a high-quality, long-standing bakery in this specific location is vital. It provides jobs. It provides a safe space. It provides a reason for people to walk down the street and interact with their neighbors.
It's All Good Bakery in Oakland California is a testament to what happens when a business owner cares more about their community than their profit margins. Though, let's be honest, when you make cake this good, the profit usually follows.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Timing: Aim for 10:30 AM. The morning rush has subsided, but the afternoon sell-outs haven't started yet.
- Parking: It’s street parking. It can be a little tight on Market Street, so be prepared to walk a block or two.
- Storage: If you buy a whole cake, ask for storage tips. Their cakes are moist, and in the California heat, that frosting can get wiggly if you leave it in the car.
- Ordering Ahead: For holidays (especially Thanksgiving and Christmas), you absolutely must order weeks in advance. Their pie list fills up faster than you’d think.
- Payment: They take cards, but having a little cash is always appreciated in small local spots.
The best way to support them is simply to show up. In a world of delivery apps and ghost kitchens, there is something deeply radical about standing on a street corner, holding a warm paper bag, and eating a slice of cake while you watch the world go by. It’s all good, indeed.
Don't just take a photo for your "grid." Put the phone away. Eat the cake. Talk to the person behind the counter. That’s how you actually experience Oakland. No amount of scrolling can replace the taste of that 7-Up glaze hitting your tongue while you stand in the spot where history was made. Take a walk down 56th Street and see for yourself why this place is the heart of the neighborhood.
Support local. Eat well. Keep the history alive. It's really that simple.