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    Backhaus

    4.4 (910 reviews)
    Closed 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

    Backhaus Photos

    Business Info

    BACKHAUS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Backhaus

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    Inside
    Arthur T.

    Backhaus has been on my to-visit list for so long! Two of us ordered: croissant $5.50 cold brew $6.75 Cold brew definitely on the pricier side. Coffee was standard and croissant was nice. Came by in the afternoon around 2:30PM after lunch, so not much was left. Staff mentioned to come early in the morning since they usually sell out within a few hours! Street parking / garage parking a few blocks away.

    Kouign Amann
    Cat N.

    We've gone here so many times and I'm finally writing a review. The food is so amazing. I can't stress enough how much you're gonna love it. Some of this was from the Burlingame location and some of it was from the San Mateo location. They're both awesome. the service is great at each of them and the ambience is wonderful. Also, I highly recommend it.

    Line always
    Malissa M.

    Update 4/1/26 - came in yesterday and tried a new item. The passion fruit danish, and omg... I'm obsessed!!!! It was so dang delicious, I went back today in the hopes it might be there again. Needless to say, I figured the chances were pretty slim!!! No way it would be there. however to my overwhelming happiness it was Don't judge me. had to get a couple!! I even told the kind staff members helping me... PLEASE..... tell the Chef.. to make these a regular. & That all the baked goods are great, but this danish is amazing!!! It's just that good, to me!! The dough is a perfect soft chew, layered almost with just enough butter and sweetness. The passion fruit shines with the perfect tart and zip.... And that marshmallowy meringue on it, is delightful. " You did your thing with this danish Chef" This danish now trumps my go to kouign Amann. By the way. I'm from Hawaii, so it might be one reason this flavor speaks to me, but I'm pretty sure anyone who likes a little tart, bright, perfect sweet will also enjoy it. If not more for me I did get an epi for my friend and a couple other goodies as well. I dropped off two items to a friend who works near and she could not thank me enough and tell me how much she enjoyed her goodies too.

    Pistachio raspberry croissant.  Must order!
    Veronica T.

    Life can be sour. We need something sweet to balance it out. That's why a great bakery is so important in the world. Birthday, wedding, breakfast, or just because it's Tuesday, having a reason to walk into a bakery is one of the great things about being alive. I mean, tell me the scent of fresh baked bread/cookies/croissants or cake isn't life affirming. There's a bevy of baked goodness here, but I came for one thing. The pistachio raspberry croissant. I've never been crazy about the nut, but for some reason I love all things pistachio flavored. Just check out my cross section pic...look at that ooey gooey pistachio filling! And with the raspberry...just beautiful! Sorry to say, the flavor fell flat. JUST KIDDING!!! This croissant tastes as good as it looks! AS GOOD AS IT LOOKS! These babies tend to sell out, so you need to go early if you hope to snag one. I've called ahead to check & asked them to save one for me. A couple of times. Thing is, when we've gone later in the day snagging the last ones, the exterior was a touch on the dry side. That's inevitable after they've been sitting out for hours, so go early to avoid this. They're worth it. We've tried the scones & the morning buns; both were solid but the stars here are the croissants. The ambience here is light & airy. There's a patio out back; on a beautiful day it's the icing on the cake. Pun totally intended. 4 & 1/2 stars

    Espresso with sparkling water
    Felix W.

    I ordered an espresso. They were serving a single origin from ritual and its dailed in well. There was good crema and creamy texture, with fruity undertones complementing mild acidity. 4/5 Would definitely come back if in the area.

    My morning coffee - a 12 oz mocha
    Jeff T.

    Your morning coffee is a ritual, right? A daily routine with sights, sounds, and smells; also aromas and, for drowsy me, awakening if I'm very lucky. Usually my coffee ritual involves a familiar, welcoming place. Today that place was Backhaus, a San Mateo Bakery and Coffee house The staff is friendly, skilled, and blessedly quick given the frequent lines. Backhaus is a local favorite. I suggest one of their "little dude" bites (flaky goodness, a touch of chocolate, and lightly salted) and a mocha (8 or 12 oz) made from (I kid not!) Ritual beans. There's not much inside seating space and it can feel crowded so you're probably going to take your coffee to go. Prices are a touch high but the quality matches and such is the lot for those of us in search of a good pour. You'll find that good pour here.

    Kouian Amman
    Camille M.

    First time coming here after hearing reviews. Food: the pastry I got was yummy! First time tasting this particular dessert after seeing a video post about it. Service: nice staff. Ambiance: clean and simple.

    Sharon N.

    Arrived at about 10 am on a busy Saturday and was able to grab a few remaining goodies before they sold out- sourdough loaf, kouign amann, morning bun, cheese bread and some coffee (including the express tonic- yum! with a dash of citrus). Everything was baked to perfection, so good. Fave was the sourdough.

    Serena H.

    Great coffee and pastries! We especially loved the pistachio raspberry croissant and the stuffed everything bagel croissant one. The drinks were great too! Not much seating but otherwise amazing.

    KOUIGN AMANN, BLACK SESAME & KUMQUAT KOUIGN AMANN, SAUERKRAUT PRETZEL, CHOCOLATE TEA CARE SLICE, SPECK & EGG CROISSANT BOWL
    Rei K.

    In the mornings, there's always a long line, which already tells you how popular this bakery is. It's also incredibly creative--both in flavors and presentation. By late morning, most items are usually sold out. I've visited twice: once around 10 a.m., and another time close to closing, around 3 p.m. When I came at 10 a.m., almost all of the choices were still available, which made it the perfect time to visit. On the other hand, during my late-afternoon visit, there was very little left. Recommendation: The Speck & Egg Croissant Bowl was especially creative and absolutely delicious. The Kouign-amann is a solid, can't-go-wrong choice, and the black sesame version was also excellent. Seating is limited, but they do offer drinks, so it's possible to eat in. The high ceiling makes the space feel open and comfortable, even when it's busy. If you want the full selection, I highly recommend coming earlier in the day. This place is clearly in high demand, and it's easy to see why.

    Seasonal slipper: Japanese curry
    Tran H.

    It's been a while since I've been back to this location but it was a Friday afternoon and there was still plenty of pastries and bread left to choose. I was looking for a walnut bread but the cashier informed it was a seasonal bread that hasn't returned yet. I opt for their epi bread ($8) which makes for great mini avocado toasties! I also saw a very interesting seasonal slipper bread with flavor, Japanese curry (vegetarian)! It was surprisingly delicious because the base was made with sourdough, but the texture was quite nice and the savory curry was delicious! I hope they carry this item more in the future!

    Pastries
    Dharma M.

    Very famous bakery in San Mateo downtown. They started from Farmer's Market and now they have two storefront. Both store are very busy. Today we stopped by the Burlingame one and line pretty long and decided to stop by San Mateo store. Line was long but move quickly. We got litte dudes, almond croissant, and spek and egg. We also get latte. They have plenty of pastries and all made in the shop. Pricewise is reasonable eventhough I think a bit high. I usually get almond , croissant, or ham and cheese croissant.

    menu
    Celina T.

    I love this cafe and the minimalist furnishings! Reminded me so much of the cafes in Europe. We went in late after our workout @ coreyoga, so missed out in trying out their pastries and baked goods. It was sold out by 1 PM, so it must have been really good! Their espresso tonic was delicious and how creative to add an orange peel on top. It was nicely decorated for the holidays too. Not a lot of tables indoors, but there's a lot of outdoor seating in the back patio. Service was quick since we walked in around 1 pm (no line at all).

    Chocolate sourdough

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    Page 1 of 23

    Backhaus Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Backhaus

    Anyone know what their hours are 12/26/25?

    We are closed today. Back open tomorrow, 12/27.

    Is this place dog friendly?

    No only service dogs allowed.

    Any gluten free options?

    Unfortunately we currently do not have any products on the menu that are naturally gluten free. As a business using as much flour as we do, we are unable to guarantee zero potential of cross contamination, so we choose not to create gluten free… 

    Is there unlimited free wifi?

    Hi. Do the pastries have lard or pork products?

    No butter

    Does your croissant contain eggs?

    The dough itself does not contain any egg, but we apply an egg wash (egg & heavy whipping cream) to the outside prior to baking.

    Can I place preorder in case things run out?

    I saw people picking up orders while I was in line there.

    How do I buy a croissant?

    you can go later in the day for croissants, they make more batches throughout the day, for other pastries like morning bun, galette, etc you have to go before 10AM on a weekday or 9AM on a weekend since they run out quickly.

    Hi! I recently ordered a latte with oat milk. I am just curious which brand of oat milk do you guys use?

    We use Minor Figures oat milk.

    Is the patio in the back open for outdoor dining during COVID?

    No, we are currently not offering any outdoor seating, sorry.

    Can you come in to purchase or is it online only?

    We have extras for walk-up customers, but pastries often sell out early, so it’s best to come in the morning.

    Are any baked goods available on walk-in basis, without online preorder?

    I was told they sold out of the pastries when I stopped by around noon on a Sunday. So get there early if you want to a pastry with your coffee

    How come their website doesn't have descriptions of each bread or pastry? I always want to know more about each pastry, ingredients, flavor, etc, but their in store menus are so minimal.

    It can be hard online to know exactly what's in something. However, in store the servers can tell you what the items are and what's in them. They've helped me pick some good pastries before.

    What days is your olive bread sold?

    Our olive sourdough is available every Wednesday, and we also offer olive fougasse on Saturdays and Sundays.

    Any nut free pastries?

    Yes. Plain croissants, pretzel twists, fruit pastries, etc. But if you have a severe allergy, might need to special request (glove change, etc.). The pastries with nuts are right next to the ones without.

    Is the bakery located inside of a building?

    There is a front entrance. Easy to miss since it is between two stores.

    Any items without dairy?

    Currently all of our breads are dairy free, with the exception of the Asiago & Black Pepper loaf (available Fridays only) and any pretzel products. All of our pastries contain dairy.

    Will they be open New Year's Day? Getting conflicting information online

    No they're closed NYE and Nee Years Day

    Do you sell sourdough without seeds?

    Yes, we currently bake our Country loaf as well as a porridge loaf Wednesday through Sunday, an olive loaf on Wednesdays, Marbled Rye (with caraway) on Thursdays, and Asiago & Black Pepper on Fridays. We also offer a whole wheat loaf with raisins,… 

    What time on weekends do the majority of the pastries run out? 1:30 pm I guess is too late!

    I'd say the good pastries (at least my favorite) are gone by 10 AM!

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    My mother-in-law lives walking distance from the Brothers Cafe so it is extremely convenient for…read moreour family. I have been there a few times over the years and it is always quick, fresh food, that is great for breakfast or lunch. This visit we arrived around 12:30 pm and placed our order at the counter found seating for 3 of us. I was feeling particularly well with an update stomach so I only order their pancakes. They offer fruit including strawberries, powder sugar and whip cream. My wife ordered a tuna melt and fries with an Arnold Palmer. My mother-in-law ordered a latte, hauevos rancho with a scrambled egg. She raved about the latte! My 3 pancakes were huge! And it all look and tasted great. The Brothers Cafe cashier/ordered take was friendly and professional. I did note the chicken & waffles on the menu and saw several oders pass by me. I saw one C&W that looks delicious and authentic having spent a decade in Louisiana, Tennessee, Florida, Virginia and Maryland..yum! It a little off the beaten path on West Hillsdale at HWY 92 in San Mateo. But we'll worth the effort especially with their outdoor patio being renovated..Enjoy!

    Nice brunch option in a plaza with lots of parking. Feels casual, but not hole in the wall, so your…read morefancy friends will feel fine here even if it's not a trendy, line out the door Instagrammable place. It is a very bright and comfortable neighborhood space. Features all your diner standards. Order at the counter and then the food will be brought to your table. I ordered chicken and waffles - it featured four pieces of juicy chicken atop a golden waffle, and I had plenty of leftovers to enjoy later.

    Photos
    Menu board inside
    Menu board inside
    Waffle and Chicken & Waffle
    Waffle and Chicken & Waffle
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    Jiro Cafe & Bakery

    Jiro Cafe & Bakery

    4.4
    (133 reviews)
    4.1 mi
    $

    Hey hey hey! (Good old "Music Champ" or for those not familiar with that Japanese variety show,…read more"Fat Albert"!) Another legit Japanese bakery in the Yay? You bet! Jiro/Jirou Cafe & Bakery (Jirou Sabou/二郎茶房) is a Japanese cafe on Belmont's Las Pulgas and Carlmont. From what I have gathered as I did my prior scouting/dining scouting (I can't recall anymore), the place is only 3 years old. Seeing that I'm a San Jose/Milpitas cat, I'll type what this place has over Clover and vice versa. This is done not only so that I can recall what I ordered should I enter as I get off 101 again. This is also done so that Belmont residents, Frisco ones and those nearby can get an idea of what to expect when they can decide whether Jiro or Clover has the better batch of items. I felt awful for staying in for 3 hours of the 4 weekend hours of operation yesterday, but as I type up this review and remember to insert the usual "Yes guys, the ladies are cute!" statement, I did get more items before this place closed for the day. I blame/thank the music, especially an Utada Hikaru-san song. The staff's really terrific. The look seems random with a simple look wall and a white and pink stripe look wall that gives me shades of Anna Miller's, but it works because the place is really cute. I mean, there's a Kuromi decoration as opposed to the Too Short name dropped Kitty in Clover! Though there's a kiosk, there's also the ever important bottle of sanitizer and the register should you pay with cash. Okay, I better get the comparison paragraph pair out of the way. Let me show you something--I mean start with what Jiro has over Clover! (Yay "In Living Color".) As I typed in the last paragraph, Jiro has Kuromi. Beside that, there are items such as an iced houjicha latte with in house cream, Japanese sodas including my San Franciscan friend's melon soda that made him wish he's back in Japan, cat shaped bread along with multiple forms of cat decorations, Anpan Man pan with Jiro being the second place I have been to carrying them after Sac's Mahoroba, big savory sandwiches such as yakisoba sando, tonkatsu quesadilla, yuzu cheesecake, pan such as sakura pan, matcha panna cotta, Belgian chocolate brownies, juurokucha bottles (a non-caffeinated tea of 16 ingredients) and on the go snacks such as the Japanese animal crackers boxes. I can't forget the seating, an element Clover had before the pandemic mess. What Clover has over Jiro. Clover has the cooler Sanrio character. Regarding the foods and drinks, Clover has Italian sodas with the Torani syrups, ice cream for the French ones as opposed to cream or half and half, piroshiki/pirozhki, mini versions of sandwiches such as korokke/croquette and okonomiyaki/modan'yaki pan (savory pancake with noodles for the latter if you are not familiar with Japanese food), donut twists, strawberry sando, and Japanese strawberry shortcake. Regarding what I bought, I picked out items I can't get at the other Japanese bakeries I've been to in the sakura pan, the yuzu cheesecake and the houjicha latte. The latte's cream is so silky. The sakura pan is also good. As for the cheesecake, while I think Charlie's (as in the cheesecake place on Redmond) makes the most yummy cheesecake, Jiro's for me probably makes the least guilty cheesecake (a very good trait to have) because it's not that sweet, and yuzu's a good fruit to have. The flaws. Outside of the parking lot across the street, the place has really bad parking, as you can only park for 20 minutes in front of the cafe. You figure that there's the lot around the corner, but don't use it, as it's for the medical center. Also, there are limited hours of operation (11-5 Wednesday to Friday and 12-4 on the weekends). Neither flaw can't be helped I suppose, especially since Belmont isn't really a suburb you think of regarding Japanese food. If only there's a fruit sando or a korokke pan. Jiro is an amazing spot for me. While it unfortunately will never be my top Japanese bakery (I've known Clover's for around 20 years), it is a very good bakery never the less. To think, I found this spot on the fly after having lunch. If you live in Belmont, visit this place often because having a Japanese bakery is like having a Mr. Mays baseball card or for some of you, a shiny Pokemon. Get there early so you don't miss out on items. +/Jiro is a jiving cafe because of its adorable staff, brilliant visuals, and a grand list of Japanese pastries and drinks. -/Carpy parking and limited hours made me twitch.

    Not. Good. At. All…read more Nothing is fresh here, it's a little pathetic really. Pork kastsu sandwich: Nearly tasteless, luke warm, cold sauce, cold untoasted bun. I would prefer a mayo or thousand island dressing. No side. Expensive for what you get Yakisoba: Some kind of cheap microwave situation. No meat. Rip off. Came here because of the good reviews and feel duped. AVOID! Bad bad bad. Just horrible.

    Photos
    Interior: there are ~3 tables plus additional bar seating by the front window
    Interior: there are ~3 tables plus additional bar seating by the front window
    Crab sandp - more like crab salad over buns. Tasty!
    Crab sandp - more like crab salad over buns. Tasty!
    Hojicha latte

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    Hojicha latte

    Backhaus - bakeries - Updated August 2026

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