5 San Francisco Bakeries Locals Say Are Worth the Hype

San Francisco has a habit of forming lines before the doors even open. Some are for a croissant, some are for a loaf of bread, and a few are for a pastry most visitors have never heard of.

So which lines are actually worth standing in? These five keep earning the same answer from locals, Reddit threads, and review sites, along with the order people say to place.

Arsicault Bakery

The Richmond District shop is the one locals name first, and the line is part of the scene. The original Arguello spot usually has the longest wait, while the newer locations move faster.

One Reddit commenter said the almond croissant is better than almost everybody else’s in the city. Another said several bakeries in France don’t come close.

The most recommended order is the almond croissant. Close behind are the plain croissant and the kouign amann, which some fans say beats the croissant.

Go early, because popular pastries sell out. The Civic Center and Mission Rock locations rarely have a wait.

B. Patisserie

This Lower Pacific Heights bakery is famous for one pastry. Reviewers call its kouign amann the best in the city, with buttery dough that tastes like a caramelized croissant.

The advice from reviewers is to buy more than one. The Infatuation says to get at least three, and suggests a box of the plain version.

Seasonal flavors rotate, with past options like mango passionfruit and corn cheese. The chocolate caramel mousse bomb and the financiers also get strong praise.

Expect a line down the street at the California Street shop. The Union Square kiosk has a smaller selection but a much shorter wait.

Tartine Bakery

Tartine is the Mission District name most visitors already know. The line once stretched for blocks, but a recent review says even on a Saturday morning it’s usually about 20 minutes.

The country loaf is the order reviewers put first. They describe a golden crust and a soft, tangy inside, and call it among the best bread in the city.

The morning bun is the pastry to pair with it. It has a caramelized outside with a hint of orange, and InsideHook calls it a longtime fan favorite.

Not everyone agrees on the wait. One roundup notes that some visitors don’t think it’s worth the line, though Martha Stewart praised the ham and cheese croissant. Croissants taste best fresh from the oven, so timing matters.

Pineapple King Bakery

There’s no pineapple in the pineapple bun. The name refers to the crumbly, golden top, which sits over a soft, squishy bun.

The Outer Sunset shop draws a line down the block, so ordering ahead online helps. The counter is cash only.

The order to get is the pineapple bun with guava butter, which comes with a thick slab of pink butter. The plain pineapple bun is the safe pick if you’re unsure.

One forum poster called the custard-filled version the holy grail. InsideHook points to the pudding baguette, a crème brûlée baked into bread that it calls one of a kind.

Take the box to Golden Gate Park, since it’s nearby and the buns are best fresh.

Liguria Bakery

Liguria is a North Beach counter that sells focaccia and almost nothing else. It’s open only in the morning, so the best flavors go first.

A pro baker recommends the garlic and rosemary focaccia if you arrive early. The bread is soft and pillowy, with a crust that has just enough crunch.

The pizza flavor is also popular, and the raisin is described as a fun option. InsideHook calls the mushroom and jalapeño version part of the draw.

The kitchen often sells out before 10 a.m., so go on a weekday if you can. Bring cash, since each piece runs about $8 to $10. Eat it the day you buy it.