Bakeries

Updated Based on analysis of 2,235 Reddit comments
  1. 1

    Arsicault Bakery

    Try the ham-and-cheese croissant; one reviewer especially recommends it warm from the oven.

    1. Arsicault is one of the best bakeries in the world and you will get incredible pastries there!

    2. Absolutely. I prefer this over anything at Arsicault. While I agree the croissant itself is better and flakier at Arsicault, the banana and the crustiness of the pastry at B Patisserie sends it over the top for me.

    Worth knowing

    • Multiple commenters raised availability concerns; one reported "They always sell out of those :(" (branch unspecified).
    • Multiple commenters raised taste concerns; one reported "I think the C-A Crossiant is overrated, it's too rich and oily." (branch unspecified).
    • Multiple commenters raised texture concerns; one reported "Yes also they are heavy. One Arsicault croissant is probably my lunch meal and I still won't be comfortable with it because of the sugar and butter. I'd rather split it" (branch unspecified).
  2. 2

    Tartine Bakery

    The morning bun is a repeatedly recommended pick.

    1. Do not miss Tartine

    2. For sourdough specifically I would recommend Tartine or Acme

    Worth knowing

    • Multiple commenters raised taste concerns; one reported "Tartine burns all their croissants and has forever." (branch unspecified).
    • Multiple commenters raised waiting times concerns; one reported "in the inner sunset, both tartine and arizmendi can get pretty long lines" (branch unspecified).
    • Multiple commenters raised price and value concerns; one reported "it’s a lot pricier than arizmendi for what i found to be pretty similar bread imo" (branch unspecified).
  3. 3

    b.patisserie

    Try the banana-chocolate-almond croissant; diners specifically recommend it.

    1. I would say the bostock at B Patisserie is a sleeper item.

    2. Kouign-amann at b. patisserie (yes. recommend black sesame one if they still have it

    3. B Patisserie has a super simple chocolate cake that we love. And they have fancier chocolate cake slices too.

  4. 4

    The Laundromat

    Outer Richmond

    1. Laundromat's bagels are better than anything I had while living in New York...they're unreal.

    2. The Laundromat for bagels.

    3. Best in the city and stay fresh till at least 6pm unlike other places. Dozen for $30.

    Worth knowing

    • Multiple commenters raised availability concerns; one reported "has a 4 dozen ordering minimum if you need to order ahead." (branch unspecified).
  5. 5

    Arizmendi Bakery

    Try the Corn-Cherry scone; it’s singled out as a favorite and recommended among the bakery’s picks.

    1. Arizmendi at 9th and Irving.

    2. corn cherry scone at Arizmendi's is one of my forever favs.

    3. Arizmendi

  6. 6

    Schubert's Bakery

    Inner Richmond

    Try a slice of the Princess Cake: it’s described as white cake with raspberry filling, kirsch custard and whipped cream, finished with marzipan.

    1. No one ever talks about these two bakeries but I really love Schuberts in the Richmond district for cakes and Ambrosia for cakes, cookies and some pastries.

    2. Schubert's makes great German-style cakes

    3. Schuberts

  7. 7

    Jane the Bakery

    Try the olive-polenta loaf: it’s described as country sourdough baked with Castelvetrano olives and cooked polenta.

    1. There is a bakery called Jane in SF on Geary St.

    2. Jane has nice cookies and a wide variety. They’re not as substantial as Specialities, but they are large.

    3. Jane the bakery - great breakfast burritos / wraps and pastries. Easy delivery too.

  8. 8

    Noe Valley Bakery

    Try the cardamom knot for its well-spiced flavor; cheddar-chive scones are another specifically recommended pick.

    1. try the noe valley bakery
      Full quote
      noe valley bakery … try the noe valley bakery

    2. Noe Valley Bakery.

    3. I love Noe Valley Bakery. I catch an early tram and can usually get a pastry and back to the station within 6 minutes.

  9. 9

    Liguria Bakery

    North Beach

    Try the plain focaccia with a little sea salt; commenters recommend going early because it can sell out.

    1. grab some amazing focaccia at Liguria

    2. You want get to Liguria before 10am or you'll be disappointed - they literally close when focaccia runs out which happens fast in weekends

    3. Great answer. One of the few places I’m happy to wake up early for.

    Worth knowing

    • Multiple commenters raised availability concerns; one reported "they literally close when focaccia runs out which happens fast in weekends" (branch unspecified).
  10. 10

    The Jelly Donut

    Mission

    Try the apple fritter: one visitor describes it as large, with a crisp shell, moist interior, apple pieces, and a hint of cinnamon.

    1. I just stood over the sink and ate a regular glazed cruller from The Jelly Donut inspired/reminded by your post. Crullers are not usually my go-to donut but they really do a good job on these. I might have to try the strawberry sometime!

    2. Jelly donuts on van ness is good. One of my go to spots.

    3. Most variety: Jelly donuts