For something sweet, try one of these bakeries, all offering delectable, popular treats to remember and savor. (Note: The following is in alphabetical order.)
1. Arizmendi Bakery
Photo reprinted with permission of Agnes Chan.
Tues-Fri: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. / Sat: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. / Sun: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. / Mon: closed.
Located in the Inner Sunset, Arizmendi Bakery is known for its artisan breads, breakfast creations, and gourmet pizza. As one would expect, everything is made fresh daily and the selection of baked treats is as unique as it is tasty! The pizza for example, has no sauce or meat toppings. Rather, it's an Arizmendi original made of select bread, mozzarella, and seasonal veggies. Every day, there's a different combination to try. Its breads are categorized by savory, sweet, and day of the week.
2. Citizen Cake
Photo reprinted with permission of Shu-Hwei Alpeche.
Tues-Fri: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. / Sat: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. / Sun: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. / Mon: closed.
Not only a patisserie, Citizen Cake is also a restaurant and bar, serving brunch, lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Its real draw however is its collection of sweet treats and signature cakes, all created by famed pastry chef Elizabeth Faulkner. From cookies and warm breakfast buns to citizen cupcakes, the difficult part is in choosing.
3. Golden Gate Bakery
Photo reprinted with permission of Jennifer Alpeche.Closed during tourist season.
One of many bakeries in Chinatown, Golden Gate Bakery is famed for its egg tart custards and lotus moon cakes. Though there's usually a long line to get into the shop, don't be discouraged. Just think of it as more time decide on what to order and once inside, you can begin to have your own pink bakery box filled with coconut buns, creampuffs, and of course, those custards. It's worth the wait.
4. Miette Cakes
1 Ferry Building, Shop 10; 415.837.0300Mon-Fri: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. / Sat: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. / Sun: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
If visiting the historic Ferry Building, definitely stop by Miette Cakes, a cute patisserie offering a varied selection of specialty cakes, designer cupcakes, macaroons, tarts, and other patries that reflect the season and whim of its bakers. All made with organic ingredients!
5. Tartine Bakery
Website capture, taken by Jennifer Alpeche.
Mon: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. / Tues-Wed: 7:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. / Thurs-Fri: 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m./ Sat: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. / Sun: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
A small storefront bakery in the Mission neighborhood, Tartine dates back to only 2002, but has wasted no time in making a big impression -- thanks to its sweet originals. From morning buns and lemon meringue cake to coconut cream tarts and bread pudding, there's something yummy for all. Plus being a cafe, there's also always something creamy, rich, and hot to complement your pastry of choice.
