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Tartine Bakery
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tartine Bakery
8.3
Mission-born bakery (since 2002) drawing lines for croissants, morning buns, and rustic loaves. Neutral tones, abundant natural light, and sculptural pastries make easy hero shots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Morning bun, Butter croissant, Double pain au chocolat
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Influential French-style pastry program with iconic morning buns.
Who should go: Pastry hunters and weekend brunch walkers
When to visit: Early morning to beat the line and get best bakes
What to order: Morning bun; butter croissant; pain au chocolat
Insider tip: Shoot by the front windows; crumb shots pop with natural light.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on Guerrero and 18th; expect to circle during mornings and weekends. No dedicated lot or valet service.
Dress code: Casual – most guests wear relaxed weekend wear like jeans and light layers; comfortable shoes recommended for standing in line.
Noise level: Moderate – hum of conversation and espresso machines, still easy to talk at small tables inside or on the sidewalk patio.
Weekend wait: Not applicable – closes by late afternoon; no dinner service.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes during the lunch rush; minimal wait before 10am or after 2pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – many pastries, tarts, and sandwiches are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited – may find 1–2 daily specials like salads or bread loaves that fit vegan diets.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some meringues and pavlovas are gluten-free but most baked goods use wheat flour.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a low-key daytime date. The bright, casual space and photogenic pastries create an easy, no-pressure vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – seating is first-come, first-served. Expect to wait a few minutes for a table on weekends, but turnover is fairly quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – families often stop in for pastries and hot chocolate. No high chairs, but outdoor tables work well for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Best for iconic pastries, natural lighting, and relaxed brunch moments; ideal if you want that ‘Mission morning’ photo aesthetic.
Skip if: You want a full breakfast menu, guaranteed seating, or quiet workspace – go to Neighbor Bakehouse or Stable Café instead.
Tartine Bakery
8.3
Mission-born bakery drawing lines for morning buns, croissants, and beautifully laminated pastries. Natural light and sculptural bakes make effortless hero shots for brunch-time pastry runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Morning Bun, Ham & Cheese Croissant, Quiche Slice
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Iconic pastry case with benchmark morning buns and croissants.
Who should go: Pastry hunters and weekend walkers
When to visit: Arrive early mornings to beat lines and sellouts
What to order: Morning bun; butter croissant; seasonal quiche
Insider tip: Shoot crumb and glaze by the front windows for best light.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — limited and competitive on Guerrero and 18th, especially weekends. Best to walk or rideshare.
Dress code: Casual. Expect a mix of locals in weekend wear and foodies with cameras out — no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate during rush hours; conversational once you’re seated inside or on the patio.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — closes by early evening.
Weekday lunch: 15–25 minutes typical line; faster after 2pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — pastries, quiche, and salads cover most needs.
Vegan options: Limited — a few toasts and coffee add-ons fit the bill.
Gluten-free options: Minimal — cross-contact likely; only a couple of non-pastry options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a casual daytime meet-up. Shared pastries, good light, and short waits create easy conversation energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — first come, first served. Expect lines weekends 8–11am; grab a coffee while you wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, though best for stroller-age or older kids. Limited seating and tight spaces during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier croissants, bread, and natural light make it unmatched for brunch pastry photography.
Skip if: You want a full plated brunch or a quiet sit-down meal — this is more grab-and-gather pastry culture.
Tartine Bakery
8.2
Seminal Mission bakery turning out French-style viennoiserie and rustic breads with long lines that move quickly. A morning standby for pastries and coffee plus a few savory classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Morning Bun, Croque Monsieur, Country Bread
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Iconic French-style pastries and breads that set the Mission’s pastry bar.
Who should go: Pastry seekers and coffee lovers
When to visit: Early morning to beat the line
What to order: Morning bun; croque monsieur; country loaf
Insider tip: Lines thin after the first morning rush on weekdays.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Mission Dolores; metered spots along Guerrero and 18th can be tough during mornings and weekends. No dedicated lot or valet service.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are. Many patrons line up in weekend wear or on-the-go outfits.
Noise level: Moderate—lines and counter bustle mean background chatter, but you can still hold a conversation once seated.
Weekend wait: N/A—bakery closes by late afternoon, not a dinner spot.
Weekday lunch: Expect 10–20 minutes in line around peak lunch; shorter waits mid-afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—numerous vegetarian pastries and sandwiches available.
Vegan options: Limited—some breads qualify, but pastries are generally butter-based.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—no dedicated gluten-free baking area, so cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if casual—a low-key coffee and pastry date works, but it’s not an intimate dinner spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Tartine doesn’t take reservations. Seating is first-come, first-served, with most opting to grab-and-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families often bring kids. High chairs are limited, but outdoor seating makes it manageable for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Best for world-class morning buns, croissants, and rustic breads that define San Francisco’s pastry scene.
Skip if: Skip if you need gluten-free or vegan variety—options are limited, and lines can be frustrating if you’re in a rush.
Hours
Monday7:30am - 6pm
Tuesday7:30am - 6pm
Wednesday7:30am - 6pm
Thursday7:30am - 6pm
Friday7:30am - 6pm
Saturday7:30am - 6pm
Sunday7:30am - 6pm