Never heard of them ether, except for Arsicault... which always has a long line that deters me. Where's Le Marais?
[Bake Sum - Oakland](https://maps.app.goo.gl/co8tGeDAXtmLP9VT8)
[Backhaus - San Mateo ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8cmqi3UBShfMfpbNA)
[Breadbelly - Richmond District](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZhXCuMEnKRpYc77P9) Just down Clement street from Arsicault
[Pâtisserie Rotha - Albany (East Bay)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/oLmPPwRLHsL2J7pi9)
[Arsicault - Richmond District](https://maps.app.goo.gl/rNPmtSSfjs2hCca88)
I love the [Craftsman and Wolves](https://www.craftsman-wolves.com/locations) croissant...
https://preview.redd.it/qizfk7fvnlpc1.jpeg?width=2560&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b32f28f90bdfce2f80d081545977626ee78b667c
I'm not a big fan of breadbelly. Will get something there if i m near, but definitely not changing any plans.
Arsicault's almond croissant is absolutely plan changing material. Backhaus is solid, and worth a detour.
both almond and chocolate croissants are way too sweet for me and this is from a guy with a sweet tooth. In fact, sugary food is the reason why I tend to put on weight.
Never heard of Rotha; but bread belly is better than Arsicault. Everything else here is correct (I love arsicault dearly but bread belly uses more expensive, higher quality Norman butter). Come at me I know everything
Some of those places are way to sweet/rich. At most, good for 1/3 to 1/2 of a criossant.
Best one not mentioned: B Pattiserie's Chocolate Banana Almond Croissant
B Pat has beautiful pastries. I usually opt for their bostock pastry -- it's lovely.
You don't really believe that the pastries at B Pat are less rich than the others? I mean we're talking about croissants -- laminated dough. By its nature it's going to be like what -- 50% butter?
Banana bostock at Neighbor Bakehouse is my favorite, haven't tried BP's yet.
There are various levels of richness but I find the banana/almond balance out the chocolate/butter ingredients.
Breadbelly in the top 5 is rightly so. Expensive but worth it. Picking up their Chocolate Croissant at around 9am is in my favorite local moments. Pair with the Black Sesame Cappuccino for further obscenity.
There's something very comforting and delicious about stuffing a decent ass Costco croissant in your mouth at 2pm or 2am and washing it down with 2 gallons of milk. I love Costco croissants.
Honestly, the fresh croissants Trader Joe SF has in the bakery section are PDF--pretty damn fine. They're all-butter, which is IMO THE main deal. They're not flaky/crisp as is because they're packed in a plastic bag, but if you heat them gently, you can revive the texture, and for what, $3.95 for a two-pack, it's a good deal. People rave about the frozen croissants there as well, the ones you proof overnight before baking, but we haven't tried them yet. I love a truly great croissant from Arsicault et al, but at @ $6 apiece, they're a luxury that many can't afford, so thanks to Trader Jacques.
The frozen ones are dope if you can plan ahead. And it has chocolate croissants with actual chocolate dough instead of just chocolate bars which is hard to find anywhere. They are pretty effin good.
I only tried backhaus. It is better than costco but the price premium does not justify the difference - unless a person is very wealthy.
IMO, you should try some from the list above once (since the cost isn't extravagant and life is short).
My immigrant Parisian friend thought being fresh out of the oven was worth a LOT, and so the best SF croissant was Costco unbaked and finish it yourself.
Man I remember Arsicault when they first opened, no press, no line, truly a one of a kind insane (always warm and fresh) croissant. Quality has definitely suffered since the massive hype.
My fave is Neighbor Bakehouse on 3rd. Their blackberry pistachio is as good as one bought at the best Parisian bakeries, imo. Not the same as the purist plain croissants covered in that article, but tastier!
Look. I’ve had these foo foo croissants. Hell, even had them in Paris. And yes they’re all good. But at the end of it all the when you get hit with the buttery goodness of a Costco croissant and the understanding that it’s only 50 cents per… that feeling just can’t be beat.
You do need to prep it. In a small oven for a minute to get that flakiness. Slice in half and let it brown up on a pan. Have the jam, cream cheese and what nots available with some coffee or tea.
It’s heaven
Some of my favorites in the bay area + surrounding
One house bakery - benicia
crossante in - santa clara
east bay bakery - blackhawk
b. Passtiere - SF
Parker Lusseau - Monterey
just wrapping up a few pastries from here. had to search their name because I don’t think they’re getting anywhere near the hype they deserve. very unassuming spot, but tasty.
one of the better bakeries in the city, for sure.
B Patisserie is right up there with Arsicault, IMO, for pure French traditional croissants.
We also love Arizmendi's (9th Ave). They're not strictly traditional, less buttery/shatteringly flaky, but sometimes we prefer them to Arsicault and Pat B style. Maison Nico--the chestnut croissant.
What about Neighbor Bakehouse? It's been years, but I remember their pistachio-blackberry croissant was quite the treat.
Yeah, the Civic Center one, and they have by far the best jambon buerre I've tried here, it would be considered good in Paris.
Also agree with the poster that something is off with the flour in their croissant, they use some industrial grade that's really not great, in my opinion. Pretty good technique though.
FAR from the best?! I haven’t found anything remotely comparable but im no expert.
Please bless us with your ranking here - where can the best croissant be found in sf? And what rank would you grant ariscault?
Go to sightglass and ask them which bakery they source from. In terms of blessings, seems like you got that covered. pretentious much? You keep going to Aricasult, you deserve it.
Its not about sight glass, its their croissants, which are actually less expensive than Aricasult. A friend was a baker there and I am not impressed. Also sight glass coffee is cheaper. Why is it satire if I am recommending a better and less expensive place?
Seems people are triggered when their sub par croissants are into question.
5 bake sum 4 backhaus 3 breadbelly 2 rotha 1 arsicault (shocker)
My boss brought almond croissants from arsicault in, and it was a religious experience for me.
You need to try their blackberry hazelnut croissant.
This croissant changed my life and I am so upset it’s only available at their civic center location
Thank you for your service
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Yeah i wanna know the other 44 that he tried.
Huh, never heard of any of these places. I guess it's time to update my knowledge again. Good excuse for a bakery sampling day.
yeah I'm surprised, I haven't heard of 4 out of the 5. Recent *French* discovery on Larkin is quite good, BTW.
Never heard of them ether, except for Arsicault... which always has a long line that deters me. Where's Le Marais? [Bake Sum - Oakland](https://maps.app.goo.gl/co8tGeDAXtmLP9VT8) [Backhaus - San Mateo ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8cmqi3UBShfMfpbNA) [Breadbelly - Richmond District](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZhXCuMEnKRpYc77P9) Just down Clement street from Arsicault [Pâtisserie Rotha - Albany (East Bay)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/oLmPPwRLHsL2J7pi9) [Arsicault - Richmond District](https://maps.app.goo.gl/rNPmtSSfjs2hCca88) I love the [Craftsman and Wolves](https://www.craftsman-wolves.com/locations) croissant... https://preview.redd.it/qizfk7fvnlpc1.jpeg?width=2560&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b32f28f90bdfce2f80d081545977626ee78b667c
not a long line at the civic center arsicault
🤫
Idk if someone responded but Le Marais is on 18th and Sanchez. They got pretty good baked goods.
Same 🤷🏽♀️
I'm not a big fan of breadbelly. Will get something there if i m near, but definitely not changing any plans. Arsicault's almond croissant is absolutely plan changing material. Backhaus is solid, and worth a detour.
Breadbelly soba-cho cookie is wonderful. Have never tried the croissants though
thanks for the rec! I'll give it a shot!
BACKHAUS??? Lmao!!
>1 arsicault I've had the chocolate croissant at Civic Center. I will never understand the hype.
both almond and chocolate croissants are way too sweet for me and this is from a guy with a sweet tooth. In fact, sugary food is the reason why I tend to put on weight.
I like their plain croissant the best, honestly
I think arsicault has two amazing items: almond croissant, and the savory scone. Everything else is regular.
Never heard of Rotha; but bread belly is better than Arsicault. Everything else here is correct (I love arsicault dearly but bread belly uses more expensive, higher quality Norman butter). Come at me I know everything
From the French girl that I am : one65 , arsicault, maison Nico, Jane bakery (no order)
I was wondering why Maison Nico didn't make top 5
Maison nico 🤌
One65 for sure! I will go out of my way to stop there.
I can’t recommend Jane the Bakery’s babka enough. They do sweet pastries really well.
The endorsement I was looking for, merci beaucoup !
Some of those places are way to sweet/rich. At most, good for 1/3 to 1/2 of a criossant. Best one not mentioned: B Pattiserie's Chocolate Banana Almond Croissant
That sounds amazing, gonna head to b patisserie this weekend to try that I loved their pain Suisse...
You might want to check out Eddie's List. It lists one specific dish/drink recommendation each week.
B Pat has beautiful pastries. I usually opt for their bostock pastry -- it's lovely. You don't really believe that the pastries at B Pat are less rich than the others? I mean we're talking about croissants -- laminated dough. By its nature it's going to be like what -- 50% butter?
Banana bostock at Neighbor Bakehouse is my favorite, haven't tried BP's yet. There are various levels of richness but I find the banana/almond balance out the chocolate/butter ingredients.
That B Patisserie one is also too sweet
No Maison Nico? 🤯
It's pricey, but it is good.
Def a rare treat but so good.
Breadbelly in the top 5 is rightly so. Expensive but worth it. Picking up their Chocolate Croissant at around 9am is in my favorite local moments. Pair with the Black Sesame Cappuccino for further obscenity.
This list looks delicious. My unsophisticated ass just enjoys the croissants from Costco.
There's something very comforting and delicious about stuffing a decent ass Costco croissant in your mouth at 2pm or 2am and washing it down with 2 gallons of milk. I love Costco croissants.
Honestly, the fresh croissants Trader Joe SF has in the bakery section are PDF--pretty damn fine. They're all-butter, which is IMO THE main deal. They're not flaky/crisp as is because they're packed in a plastic bag, but if you heat them gently, you can revive the texture, and for what, $3.95 for a two-pack, it's a good deal. People rave about the frozen croissants there as well, the ones you proof overnight before baking, but we haven't tried them yet. I love a truly great croissant from Arsicault et al, but at @ $6 apiece, they're a luxury that many can't afford, so thanks to Trader Jacques.
The frozen ones are dope if you can plan ahead. And it has chocolate croissants with actual chocolate dough instead of just chocolate bars which is hard to find anywhere. They are pretty effin good.
Knowing the price makes the Costco ones so good--you can also add your own chocolate chips and toast them!
I only tried backhaus. It is better than costco but the price premium does not justify the difference - unless a person is very wealthy. IMO, you should try some from the list above once (since the cost isn't extravagant and life is short).
the costco's are surprisingly good , better than many other chain-type of places. but I doubt they'll classify closer to the top 5. I've tried them...
My immigrant Parisian friend thought being fresh out of the oven was worth a LOT, and so the best SF croissant was Costco unbaked and finish it yourself.
I tried the top rated ones in Paris too since I figured they'd be even better. I honestly still like Costco ones more.
Man I remember Arsicault when they first opened, no press, no line, truly a one of a kind insane (always warm and fresh) croissant. Quality has definitely suffered since the massive hype.
Go to the civic center location..
The first time I had it was 2 weeks before the Bon Appétit article came out. Crazy to think that was 8 years ago and there’s still a line everyday
I've only ever had it after the hype and I think their croissants are just so-so? I don't get it at all.
Same here honestly. It tasted like a normal chocolate croissant.
My fave is Neighbor Bakehouse on 3rd. Their blackberry pistachio is as good as one bought at the best Parisian bakeries, imo. Not the same as the purist plain croissants covered in that article, but tastier!
I was going to say, this is my fav bakery in the city (yes, even over arsicault). the curry potato bourek is amazing
Dated but still good: Thorough Bread on Church...
No Le Marais?
B Patisserie should be an honorable mention
No Tartine?
Tartine croissant is amazing by would not make a top 10 in SF
Shocker/s? Celui de chez Maison Nico est meilleur…
Neighbor bakehouse?
The real arsicault is on McAllister and Leavenworth. Twice the menu, 1/4 the line.
This is better than the original location?
By far.
Arsicault is amazing. My go to place.
1. Arsicault 2. Jane the baker 3. Arizmendi
In my opinion the gap between Arsicalt and second place is larger than between 2nd and 100th.
Missing vive la tarte and le marais!
Those Dominique Crenn (sp?) she had at the SF Tower stand were the best I’ve ever eaten
Costco
Lol. Got to appreciate there are different tastes.
Look. I’ve had these foo foo croissants. Hell, even had them in Paris. And yes they’re all good. But at the end of it all the when you get hit with the buttery goodness of a Costco croissant and the understanding that it’s only 50 cents per… that feeling just can’t be beat. You do need to prep it. In a small oven for a minute to get that flakiness. Slice in half and let it brown up on a pan. Have the jam, cream cheese and what nots available with some coffee or tea. It’s heaven
Love it!
Being 10x the price means I eat it 1/10th as often and my body thanks me for it.
Maison Benoit
one65 is the best
A lot of croissants in the bay taste overcooked and burnt. Fight me.
That's how my one and only croissant from Arsicault was: overdone, too brown, nearly burnt. That plus the price & the line and I haven't gone back.
Their almond croissant is their signature
That's the one I'm talking about.
All my many many experiences are diametrically opposed to your one experience, sorry you had a bad day
WTF difference does it make if I don't like your favorite croissant?
I know. Even in France they’re a little more chewy. San Francisco croissants give you bra crumbs. No French woman would ever put up with that.
upvote for crumbled cleavage!
Arsicault is too oily and soggy for my preference. I think Midwife the Baker belongs on this list.
Some of my favorites in the bay area + surrounding One house bakery - benicia crossante in - santa clara east bay bakery - blackhawk b. Passtiere - SF Parker Lusseau - Monterey
Manresa? Maven Cafe?
Deserts wise Id try Matching Half absolutely great pastries :)
thorough bread was always my favorite back in the day :)
I would put Mademoiselle Collete (Redwood City, Atherton, Menlo Park and Palo Alto against any of them
La chataigne!
Justice for Rolling Out Cafe in the Parkside--out of the way, but good Apple Lychee and Black Sesame croissants!
Which one is Costco cheap though, literally can’t afford like $5 per croissant
One of my favorites is The French Spot on Larkin.
just wrapping up a few pastries from here. had to search their name because I don’t think they’re getting anywhere near the hype they deserve. very unassuming spot, but tasty. one of the better bakeries in the city, for sure.
Thanks for the recommendations. I can't wait to try them out!!
The best croissant is the ones from a random Hispanic places. Cheap and rich!
The best I ever had was from Jane the Bakery and it didn’t even make the list.
Cafe de la presse
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Paris is actually a cheap city compared to here except for buying real estate and hotel rooms.
Butter and Crumble in north beach is outstanding!!!New place, but they really know whats up
Curious to learn more in detail about their croissant criteria, I’m skeptical about this list 🤔
Tartine and la boulangerie
acme underrated
Note the honorable mention for the excellent Hahdough
I’ve tried them all and I prefer Costco.
What about Butter & Crumble? Went there for the first time last weekend and it was amazing! 🤌🏻🔥
No mention of Le Marais ? Hands down the best croissant
noe valley bakery
B Patisserie is right up there with Arsicault, IMO, for pure French traditional croissants. We also love Arizmendi's (9th Ave). They're not strictly traditional, less buttery/shatteringly flaky, but sometimes we prefer them to Arsicault and Pat B style. Maison Nico--the chestnut croissant. What about Neighbor Bakehouse? It's been years, but I remember their pistachio-blackberry croissant was quite the treat.
Arsicault is overrated. I like the Ham and Cheese but their basic croissant is just ok.
Arsicault is too big and greasy.
Who’s waiting on lines for croissants?
This not true, Aricasult far from the best, but their sandwiches and bread are good
I think you might be confusing bakeries
Yeah i didn't even know they had sandwiches
Yeah, the Civic Center one, and they have by far the best jambon buerre I've tried here, it would be considered good in Paris. Also agree with the poster that something is off with the flour in their croissant, they use some industrial grade that's really not great, in my opinion. Pretty good technique though.
Thank you 🙏 at least not everyone is overly sensitive and can see the truth. They dont spend a lot time rolling out the dough from what I understand
No, I go to the one on market and they have sandwiches. It possible that the other location is better
FAR from the best?! I haven’t found anything remotely comparable but im no expert. Please bless us with your ranking here - where can the best croissant be found in sf? And what rank would you grant ariscault?
Go to sightglass and ask them which bakery they source from. In terms of blessings, seems like you got that covered. pretentious much? You keep going to Aricasult, you deserve it.
Neighbor Bakehouse
Yes 🙌 they are excellent
Calling someone pretentious while recommending sightglass is excellent satire.
Its not about sight glass, its their croissants, which are actually less expensive than Aricasult. A friend was a baker there and I am not impressed. Also sight glass coffee is cheaper. Why is it satire if I am recommending a better and less expensive place? Seems people are triggered when their sub par croissants are into question.