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Thorough Bread & Pastry
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Thorough Bread & Pastry
8.1
French-style bakery crafting breads and pastries alongside simple, well-made sandwiches on fresh loaves. Expect bright flavors, quality ingredients, and a relaxed patio vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pan Bagnat, Turkey Bacon Club, Roasted Chicken Melt
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Sandwiches built on house-baked breads with classic French touches.
Who should go: Bakery lovers who want a proper baguette sandwich
When to visit: Morning to early lunch for best bread selection
What to order: Pan Bagnat; Turkey Bacon Club; Roasted Chicken Melt
Insider tip: Grab a baguette to-go—limited loaves sell out on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking along Church Street and nearby residential blocks; no dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual daytime attire — think weekend brunch wear; outdoor patio is relaxed but neat.
Noise level: Moderate — indoor chatter and espresso machines are audible but patio tables allow easy conversation.
Weekend wait: N/A — closes by early evening.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minutes at peak hours; counter lines move steadily.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several sandwiches and salads are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — can request modifications on select items but most breads contain dairy or egg.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread; cross-contact likely in bakery environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a low-pressure daytime date. The patio offers natural light and space to linger without the formality of a sit-down restaurant.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with self-seating. Arrive before noon for best table availability, especially on sunny weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual setting and open patio make it easy for families, though there’s no children’s menu or highchairs.
Best For
Better for: Better for artisan bread lovers and casual outdoor lunches than quick grab-and-go chains nearby.
Skip if: Skip if you need gluten-free options or full table service — it’s a bakery café first and foremost.
Thorough Bread & Pastry
7.9
French-style bakery from the SF Baking Institute known for meticulous viennoiserie, breads, and simple sandwiches. Lines move fast for kouign-amann and baguettes in a casual corner space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kouign-amann, Almond croissant, Jambon-beurre baguette
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Serious French technique from SFBI alumni with everything baked in-house.
Who should go: Pastry obsessives and bread nerds
When to visit: Mornings before noon for widest pastry selection
What to order: Kouign-amann; almond croissant; jambon-beurre
Insider tip: Check the rack for still-warm loaves—timing makes a difference.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Church and 18th Street is metered and limited during the day; residential spots nearby open up after 6pm. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are. Most guests stop in with workout clothes or jeans for coffee and pastries.
Noise level: Low to moderate in the mornings; gets busier by late morning with steady chatter but still easy to converse.
Weekend wait: N/A – closes by early evening, no dinner service.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minutes line during peak hours, but moves quickly due to counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple options including sandwiches, croissants, and pastries.
Vegan options: Limited – some breads and black coffee are vegan, but most pastries contain butter.
Gluten-free options: Minimal – no dedicated gluten-free menu or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your idea of a date is a low-key morning pastry or coffee chat; it's more of a casual meet-up spot than romantic destination.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, all seating is first-come; grab a small indoor table or one of the sidewalk spots if you arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, families stop in regularly—no high chairs, but the relaxed setup and quick service make it fine for older kids.
Best For
Better for: Best for serious pastry lovers seeking authentic French technique and bread quality that rivals top patisseries without the pretense.
Skip if: You’re after a full café menu or seating comfort—there’s no table service and limited space for lingering.