Boulangerie
2325 Pine Street
(between Fillmore St & Steiner St)
San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 440-0356
- Hours:
Tue-Thu 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sun 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
53 reviews
Neighborhood: Inner Richmond
"Two words: HONEY CAKE. Delicious combination of light cake with rich custard. I feel privileged to live near this place."
248 Reviews for Boulangerie
Fast and friendly service if you want a quick baguette sandwich on the go or a box of french pastries to take to a party. I have avoided this place since I decided being a fatty was not worth the delicious taste of the pastries, but if you are one of the lucky few who is invincible to the fattening powers of creamy desserts or have made your peace with being chubby, then this place is awesome.
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One impact of the rose-colored glasses I wear when shopping at Rainbow is that it took me an awfully long time to realize that they don't exactly have all that extensive of a bakery (which is odd, since it seems at times that the all-praised Vegan Cupcake is the only thing keeping the meat-deprived eco-krew alive).
Luckily, though, I finally woke up and smelled the (lack of) morning buns, so I have turned to Boulangerie as the latest addition to my increasingly balkanized SF shopping. Not to be confused with Boulange de Fillmore around the corner, this is where the many-tentacled Bay Bread chain began, circa the year 6 BY. It's strictly a bakery counter (no cafe), which allows them to flaunt a nearly unparalleled selection, from loaves (I'm trying to get the Wonder-Bread-loving Mrs M to switch to the far more elitist Pain de Mie) to tarts, prepared baguette sandwiches to all kinds of rolls and pastries, and everything in between (almost makes we wonder if it's truly a boulangerie or, in fact, a patisserie. But I'm an anglophile, not a francophile, so what do I know?)
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J'adore Boulangerie!!!
After walking into it's sister shop on Fillmore, I was disappointed with the tiny selection of pastries and baguettes, so I left...luckily at the next corner, I spotted...what's this?? Another Boulangerie!? Couldn't be! I was in heaven once I walked in. It was pastry galore...there were tartes, croissants, pound cakes, macaroons, palmiers, madelines, canneles, and more!! They also have assorted demi baguette sandwiches and quiches. There were also a counter top full of over 6 different samples ranging from pound cake to cookies to their super expensive $12 for 8 Macaroons de Paris.
Everyone here was very nice, greeted me, and when I asked what a canneles was, the woman explained, then proceeded to break one in half to let me try. It was good, but I was just craving one of their almond croissants. And believe me..it was not only the best almond croissant, but the best croissant that I've ever had! It was crispy on the outside, covered in toasted marzipan and sliced almonds, and the center was filled with delicious soft marzipan too! For $2.75, it totally made my day. I love how the all of the Boulangeries in the city never let you down and have great customer service. I can't wait to come back here to try everything else!
I would do all in my power if I could convince this little shop to move down to Redwood City. It's all that I've ever wanted in a coffee shop.
We were able to walk here from our hotel (Hotel Kabuki in Japantown) for breakfast. It was Labor Day, so I was really happy that it was open. The menu is small and personal for breakfast and you order at the counter; they offer granola, eggs, french toast, or an omelette/scramble, along with pastries, coffee drinks, and sides.
I ordered the side of fruit, a small blueberry coffee cake, and a large cappuccino and my partner got a small coffee. We both got the ready-made baguette sandwiches as well; camembert-pear for him, and I initially got the proccuito. However I discovered that the bread contained walnuts and they were fine with exchanging it for a ham and gruyere instead since I hadn't taken it out of the bag yet.
Beware of the large cappuccino; I thought the bowl of fruit they brought over was huge, and the large cappuccino is served in the same type of bowl! That's right, no pansy coffee cup... a bowl. Of coffee. Wow.
Our meal was small and light, which was great, but the other diner's meals that I saw, especially the french toast, seemed prepared with care and artfully arranged, not to mention totally delicious looking.
Great for a quick snack or if you want a light breakfast or lunch!
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My dad has this lovely habit of bringing home pastries from Bay Area patisseries (Sonoma, Cupertino) so while hanging around Fillmore today, I thought I'd return the favor.
Boulangerie is an offshoot of La Boulange on Pine, just around the corner and they have an incredible offering of items. I ended up having a hard time choosing and brought home: a pistachio macaroon, an orange flower macaroon, a sugar brioche, a cannelle and uh, just for good measure a vegetable croissant.
The orange flower in the macaroon was incredible-a very subtle but distinctive flavor. The macaroons here have sticky innards, which I'll pass, but I know a lot of purists won't. The CANELLE is amazing: eggy and light and just enough for about 5 bites. I liked everything else, the pastry in the brioche is light but moist. The vegetable croissant is stuffed with spinach, feta and some roasted peppers. Yum, yum and yum.
Everything else looks really good here: morning buns, chocolate hazelnut croissants and flan and fruit tarts. Also the pan epi and other breads. The decor is old fashioned like you would see in a rustic town in France; hardwood floors, hand lettered price tags, open kitchen, blue and gold striped baggies. There aren't any places to sit, but with this much buttery, gluten goodness, you might as well take a walk and look at the amazing clothes on Fillmore.
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Good place to do a quick stop for breakfast. The little caramel cake type things are so frigging good. Their fruit tarts and their chocolate croissant are also fantastic. My only complaint is that I wished they had some flavored coffees. Their sandwiches aren't that great to me either. The bread was hard and tasted as if it had been sitting out for a day, even though it was only 9am.
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Slightly different selection than La Boulange but they do have the same delicious tarts, quiches and pastries. But they have some different items like the pizza breads which I had as an afternoon snack yesterday while walking around Fillmore St.
Good spot to pick up a pastry or snack while you're walking around since there isn't any seating, or, I suppose, also a good place to pick up some bread and other baked goods to take home.
Boulangerie is not a well-oiled machine like La Boulange; there isn't really a cash register area, and it's a bit hap hazard. But somehow it makes it feel more European... :)
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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08/07/2006
So good! The almond croissants and butterfly cookies are so delicious. I also really enjoyed the… Read more »
Ah Boulangerie, I'd be 5 pounds lighter without you. This place has by far the best pastries I've run across in SF. Pick something up and walk to either Alta Plaza or Lafayette parks and I'm in heaven. Not the cheapest place in town, but definitely worth the price.
Okay, so there are two French bakeries with almost the same name within a stone's throw of each other - this one, Boulangerie, is on Pine at Fillmore. The other, La Boulange, is on Fillmore between California and Pine. Boulangerie is MUCH better.
This is an authentic experience, and I've never had a single thing here that wasn't delicious. My favorites: Pain au chocolat, Chocolate Hazelnut Croissant, Chausson aux Pommes, Croissant Bread Pudding, and Turkey and Brie mini-sandwich. Mmmmmmm. The service is also delightful, and they typically have treats out to sample. There's no sitting area, so you'll have to enjoy your goods elsewhere - take a stroll up Fillmore while noshing on your croissant. But don't fall for the seated crowd at La Boulange - it's entirely average and you'll be disappointed if you go in thinking the two are equal.
Go here.
It is amazing.
You will love it. Trust me.
The croissants, the savory items, anything they have. I've never had anything less than fabulous from them....
Why do they make me cross the water to San Francisco to get to them??
I have never tasted pastries this good, and like Josie M., I have also enjoyed pastry breakfasts in Paris. For newcomers, I highly recommend the almond, strawberry, and chocolate chip pastries! They're like heaven on earth...until you get the bill on the scale.... Sigh....
They seriously need to work on their staff training and the communication among the staffs. The staffs in this bakery and most of its chains have really bad attitude. And they have no system whatsoever. They are also very stingy about giving out their plastic bags. I was there a few days ago. I pre-ordered five cakes that morning, and was planning on giving them to some friends as gifts. When I went to pick them up, I asked for extra plastic bags so I can put each cakes in individual bags later when giving them out. The staff /cashier was first trying to give me very very small paper bags instead of plastic ones. I had to address it twice that these cakes were gifts so the staff /cashier would finally give me extra bags.
I was disappointed again soon after this. I tried to buy the same cake again few days after the previous bad experience. The staff in the store told me, "6 dollars". I asked,"you meant after tax?" Then the staff said:"No, tax is included." Then I said to him:" the price tag on it says $5.50. Then here comes the stupid response, "Ooh, I can't believe it's only $5.50. Yeah, well... do you just name the price whatever you feel like all the time? Unbelievable..
It doesn't matter how good the bread is if they can't even serve the customers right.
Does it need another 5 star review to help you determine to go there? Not likely. But I went there again today and I just have to say it is croissant land. I've had the apple, lemon, veggie, ham and cheese, almond, and they're all top notch. Service is fast and friendly. Prices reasonable. Just go. Often.
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EDIT:
kevin h just pointed out to me that the man could have been hitting on my bread (which is most likely what happened).
: /
*******************************
may: i'd like a loaf of french bread, please. that one over there.
girl behind counter: sure, here you are.
may: thanks [pays, turns to go]
dude in line: nice bread. [smiles awkwardly]
may: ...
dude in line: [keeps smiling awkwardly]
may: ... [smiles in return, walks out the door, and as soon as she round the corner...]
may: BWAHAAHAHAHAAHAHAAAAAHAAHHAAA!!!
i'm STILL chuckling to myself after coming back from the boulangerie where i pick up my weekly french loaf and a few lemon macaroons if i'm in the mood.
poor man has GOT to work on his pick up lines.
"nice bread"
BWAHAAHAHHAAHAHAHAHA!!!
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best croissant i've ever had IN MY LIFE.
and i've been to paris.
canneles are good too. like bread pudding but better.
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This is my daughter, Joy's favorite place to get breakfast on the go. Whatever Joy bought for me was well worth the wait. I just cannot remember the name of that breakfast . . . it had ham, I think four types of cheese . . . um . . . whatever that breakfast was . . . it was delicious!
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Okay. So I am not going to point any fingers BUT I have gained 3 pounds in one week. Not sure what it is.
Could it be the fact that this little shop is a hop, skip and a jump away from my office?
Could it be the fact that my co-workers want to secretly reenact Hansel and Gretel?
Could it be the fact that canneles are $1.75 and replacing the recent void in my heart?
Again, no fingerpointing. I'm just saying.
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Best Almond Croissant in the entire city - did you hear that Tartine! The coffee ain't bad either.
Everything else is brilliant as well. Tarts are beautiful - creamy filling topped with fresh fruit on a crispy shortbread shell. The savory ones are also delicious and much more elegant than a round-and-undercooked quiche. Pre-packed sandwiches are all nummy. BUT, if you get the croque monsieur, make sure you heat it up, otherwise you get cold clumpy bechamel, which isn't right.
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I'm pretty much convinced that I would starve without this place. Haven't you heard that "girl in a pastry shop" is the new "kid in a candy store"?
I want to eat everything at La Boulangerie. I can't resist their roasted chicken and arugula sandwiches or their delicious pizza. My BF has fueled many of his afternoon sports activities with their pain au chocolat.
Most recent tasty discovery: their chocolate chunk cookies!
Yes!! another good bakery to get my sweet cravings and delicious pastry hunger satisfied. They opened early, so I went there and picked up the almond croissant that I have been hearing that is very good and close to what Tartine has. And, I should admit that it is super good for about $2 each!! And what I love about this place is that there was no line at all in the morning, so you just step in and get what you want fast. Get in and get out.. the way I like it. Also, the employee who served me was very nice and friendly, too. So that makes it 5 stars!!
challah bread on fridays!!! get there early or they're gone!
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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02/14/2008
this is by far the best boulange location. walking in makes me feel like i'm in france. i wanted… Read more »
Is it that hard to make croissants crispy on the outside? I had never had a croissants in the united states that are good. but this place has it perfect!!
On top of the perfect croissants, they have condiment section with NUTELLA!!! What more do you need???
Their coffee is great and comes in a huge cup, and refill is free.
I had almost everything here and was great. Try the french toast too. I don't usually order french toast because I always crave something salty. But this place knows what I want! It comes with bacon!
Cannot wait till sunday morning!
Great bread, great pastries, yum!
I'd normally give them 4 stars, but I was ordering their lovely macaroons and watching the man put them in the box. On the lemon ones (the best), there was one with a hair on it. Keep in mind, I'm watching him, and he knows it.
So, he removes the hair from the cookie and puts it in the box! I said, "no, I don't want the cookie that had the hair on it." and he says, "No hair!" and takes the cookie out.
Am I weird that I didn't want a hair cookie?
Anyhoo, that was a one-time thing, but whatEVER trying to get away with that while I was standing there watching!!
the BEST bakery EVER. i have never had something i didn't like here. i even give their pastries as gifts, they're so artsy.
especially love the lemon tart, whatever tart has pear or almond paste....yummmm the little cookies are good too.
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Super Chocolate Croissant!!!! mmm...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/03/2007
this is pastry as close as you can get to paris. Crispy, buttery, chewy croissants are possibly the… Read more »
Just so you know, the can-can is the great equalizer...
http://www.youtube.com...
Ah, the French. With their sidewalk cafes....their escargot....their curt tempers...their patisseries...their excessive smoking...did I mention their patisseries? Well, you can indeed get a little slice of France right here in San Francisco....even though I don't think anyone is French in here. They look like sistuhs to me....if you know what I mean.
Regardless, the stuff in here is tres marveilleux....oui. oui. Kid-in-a-candy-store good. Now $3.50 is steep for an almond croissant, but it is warm and huge - flaky on the outside with a whole lotta almond butter filling. The tarts are cheaper - $2.50 a slice, and I have to say the grilled veggie and fennel toppings were exceptionnel. Grab and go before you order too much....oh too late.
BAKED GOODIES - 5 stars...oui, oui, it is...how you say...la bombe
AMBIANCE - 4 stars...sure , smells good in here
SERVICE - 4 stars...fast...but how much dexterity do you need to handle a pair of tongs?
TOTAL - 5 stars...toujours francaise for my baked bon-bons
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I'll have to come back and try ALL of their delightful little treats before I can fully determine whether or not Boulangerie rivals my neighborhood Tartine. But after the cheese croissant I had, I definitely want to come back for more. It was flaky and soft and oh so delicious. And their coffee was top notch. It's a little hard to move around and figure out how to order if there's a lot of people sort of ambling about, but other than that, it's a cute little place. I should make it my goal to try every little treat in here. What can I say? I'm indulgent.
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Someone once said, "The best part of waking up is Folger's in your cup." To that, I call bullhonkey, cuz that best part of waking up on a Sunday is waking up to your friend walking up to your car (no, I don't live in my car or wake up in my car, but it was early, so there) with a soy vanilla latte and a ham and cheese croissant from Boulangerie! Now THAT'S a reason to wake up!
Yum, I kinda figure it's next to impossible to mess up a croissant. Maybe it can be a tad greasy, but on the whole, c'mon, it's pretty close to carb perfection. But then add cheese AND ham in a light n fluffy croissant shell and holy hell, it is just awesome!
I will definitely be coming back for more of these deeeelish treats!
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Everything I've tried here, I loved. Their pastries are great! The croissants are great! I come in thinking I'm going to pick up a few things to bring back to the office and I end up getting way more than intended. I'm like a kid in a toy store. Just pointing at this and at that. Yes, if I don't come here for awhile...I crave it.
The only reason why they are not getting a five star is that for whatever reason, they don't smile here. I don't know why. Maybe they are too busy? No idea...but I couldn't bring myself to give them all 5 stars when I easily drop $40 and I don't think I've ever seen a smile from anyone here.
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came here just for the Macaroons. LOVE IT! I tried every single flavor in one sitting. (I cut up the macaroons and shared with others, of course...)
What brings me here is generally their yummy focaccia breads and the almond croissants. I
If I wasn't worried about getting chubby, I would have an almond croissant every day. They make it so flaky and filled with this almond paste, so buttery... so yummy... so in love with their almond croissant I am. yum yum...
I've had their tarts and they are good too. Not too sweet and super fresh ingredients.
This is a bizarre boulangerie in that it doesn't actually sell any bread, at least not that I could see. However, it does have fantastic bread-like products such as croissants. The prosciutto and cheese croissant was perfection. The almond croissant - meh, not so much. The other pastries are okay. I would really focus on the croissant here and other similar items (pain au chocolat and such).
Which brings me to a sidebar - why are almond croissants always overdone? Is it the method? Are they supposed to be? compared to the normal light, fluffy, buttery golden croissants, almond croissants tend to me flat, heavy, and almost always brown to the point of being burnt. Boulangerie is not as bad as Tartine, but it's still a disappointment, especially given how well they do the other croissants on offer.
The shop is cute and smells great. However, there is no lingering as they do not provide any seating inside.
It's hard to believe such a great baker is associated with those asininely named La Boulanges that are proliferate throughout the city given that 1) the baked goods at La Boulange are not as good as at the Boulangerie (freshness?), and 2) I have serious problems with someone who names their shop something French sounding but is a complete nonsense word in order to be pretentious (it would be like naming a shop The Bak as in short for The Bakery).
RJA asked "How do you say "I phucking love this place" in french?"
You could say:
"Putain, j'adore cet endroit!" or
"J'adore vachement cet endroit" or
"Putain de merde, j'adore vachement cet endroit" (might be a little bit strong)
Anyway, any of those work. I agree, great spot.
Gay Paree! Parlez vous? Oui, oui, oui! Eiffel Tower! Como t allez vous? Mikael Pietruuus? Tony Pahrekerr? Shamp (sic) Elysees? Escargotts (Mr. Furley reference)? Sorry, that's all the 'French' that I know.
How do you say "I phucking love this place" in french?
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BEST cannelle indeed! Very expensive for such little thing. :-)
Almond Croissant is so good. They are more expensive than many places. Hey sometimes you just need to treat yourself. :-P
I live in Los Angeles ow and I was just thinking about what I wanted to eat for breakfast. Suddenly, I remembered what it felt like to walk from my apartment at California and Fillmore past all the people going to work and opening storefronts, and headed toward and almond croissant and a bite of a croque monsieur from Boulangerie.
If you live there. Go. Now. Have one for me!
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Love baked goods? This is the place. Between sandwiches (turkey/cranberry, proscuitto/fig, salame, ham/cheese on baguette or bite sized chicken/arugula, smoked salmon/creme fraiche), pastries (croissants, coffee bread, cookies, danishes, madeleines), desserts (lemon meringue tart, chocolate cake) or breads (olive walnut, lemon loaf), you really can't go wrong. My favorite is the chocolate hazelnut croissant. I can't leave here without one.
Yum, so good, amazing! They give samples too that keep you occupied while waiting to order. Almond croissants, pain au chocolat, and their many breads are all spectacular. With all the people comparing with Tartine, I'll have to say that Boulangerie is a close second, but they've been around longer and have still maintained their quality standards. Oh, and do yourself a favor and take Muni there or walk if you're in the neighborhood -- the double-parkers out front are begging for a rear-ending.
Five freaking stars for the lavender macaroons! I am sure this is exactly how they taste in France!
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I could smell the aroma of Boulangerie half block away. When I walked it, it was so neat and smelled so good. The pastry and bread was neatly organized inside the display case too. Despite its neatness, it was hard to navigate through and just pick a few to buy since they have such a wide selection and not to mention--everything looks delish!
Yummy croissant! I got the cheese and ham one. It wasn't warm, but it tasted good regardless. I also tried my friend's prosciutto sandwich--the bread is a bit hard, but everything in that mini sandwich tasted so well together. The breakfast bun also tasted a little hard, but it was filled with cinnamon and sugar, which reminds me of a cinnamon roll but harder to bite.
I am so going back to get more croissants and definitely going to try some of their fruit tarts and danishes.
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