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The pastries are still great as usual. I was surprised to see many selection on Friday at 10:30 am, bc it's usually gone by then! Looking forward to try the Burlingame location.
Decided to get in line a lil after 10am on a Saturday. The line moved pretty quickly! We knew we wanted the vanilla latte - got it iced and hot. I got mine with almond milk. It's a good latte! There were so many baked options. We asked the worker for recommendations. We asked about the almond vs chocolate hazelnut croissants & savory options. Speck & egg was the top specific mention, but she added that they're all good. I learned that speck was ham. We ended up getting the chocolate hazelnut croissant & speck & egg. We got the last one of the croissant, so I can only imagine how fast things run out. Baked to perfection - flakey and not dense at all. The croissant did get a bit too sweet over time. There's two tables inside and one bigger one outside. It can get a little crowded with everyone waiting for their drinks. I'm glad I got to try it! I'd come back - lots more to try. Street parking can be a hit or miss nearby. Wherever you park, it's still a nice walk in the downtown area.
Delicious pastries made in-house, wonderful lattes and a secret little garden to relax in - Backhaus is a new favorite. The ham and cheese croissant was so moist, flavorful, and filled with ham. Absolutely worth the calories. I also appreciate that dogs are allowed in the back garden. What a gem.
Went to the San Mateo Backhaus and was very impressed! I've been to the Burlingame location and I love this one equally. The baristas are super efficient and nice to talk to. The interior was limited seating but the back patio is spacious. I got a croissant and an iced americano. The crossing was delicate, flakey, warm, buttery and tender- so delicious! The coffee was very satisfying, with a bold, smooth flavor. Great experience- also bonus points because this location is walking distance to the Central Park Japanese Garden.
You need to come here super early on the weekend in order to get the food stuff. When we got there by 10:30 on the weekend, most stuff was already gone. We got the almond croissant which was solid. Wasn't our favorite bakery but was solid.
The plain croissant was excellent--beautifully flaky with a delicate sweetness and satisfying crunch on the outside, while remaining soft and pillowy on the inside. The chocolate croissant was just as good, featuring the perfect balance of sweet and slightly bitter chocolate wrapped in layers of buttery, flaky pastry. The latte, topped with a leaf design, was rich, smooth, and flavorful. It provided the perfect pick-me-up while making a headache disappear. The café offers plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors, with additional space upstairs and downstairs. Friendly staff, a welcoming atmosphere, delicious pastries, and good coffee make this cafe well worth a visit.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you're a croissant lover like me, Backhaus in San Mateo is an absolute must-visit! This delightful bakery has stolen my heart with their almond croissant, which has become my all-time favorite treat. I love their almond croissant because it doesn't have that marzipan flavor, which I find artificial. Instead, it delights with a pure almond taste, a touch of sweetness, and a satisfying crunch.My husband adores their chocolate and ham & cheese croissants. The perfectly flaky texture of their pastries adds to the overall perfection. This bakery is a must-visit for anyone seeking croissant paradise! read more
3 years ago
Best bakery in San Mateo hands down! It's Backhaus NOT Bakehouse to honor the initial German inspiration to have a bakery for the community. I became a fan when they started out at local farmers market just at a stand. I celebrate how far they have come along since the humble beginnings to grow into this brick and mortar bakery in downtown San Mateo. It's a lovely story of a bakery loved by their community and what comes out of their oven continues to be delectable! Their sourdough and olive loaves are my favorites! Try sliced avocados on them - the best avocado toasts ever! Chocolate croissant is one of the best and believe me, I've tried many bakeries croissants including one rated the best in the country by Bon Appetite's annual ranking. Backhaus is as good or in some respect better considering the size and pricing. Backhaus is definitely a happy place for the community! Take a bite into any of their pastries or breads and we can't help but to smile from ear to ear. I'm getting hungry just writing about them ! I guess I will be in their breadline tomorrow morning! read more
4 years ago
5 years ago
Great addition to San Mateo downtown. Every town deserves to have a fabulous bakery! Everything I tried was good, although not quite the most amazing pastries I've ever had. I think overall, the pastries here didn't taste as buttery as they do at other places. The kouign amann was lighter and less buttery than I'm used to, and just didn't feel as decadent. The croissant was light but perfectly flaky, and so was the strawberry cheesecake swirl. I also ordered a latte while I was there, which took way longer than it should, and I wish they had filled the cup more... As for their seating area, I loved their back patio - very inviting and colorful. Just a great area for catching up with friends over some coffee under the warmth of the sun. The patio's not that big though, so it can be hard to find a table if you're there during peak time. read more
Came back to Backhaus, at an earlier hour this time! I came around 8:45 on a Saturday and ended up waiting in about a half-hour line. Parking at the nearby public parking lot was free until 9, so maybe next time I'll come when the bakery opens at 7:30 and avoid the $1 parking LOL. This time, I got to try the passionfruit kouign amann, regular kouign amann, mixed berry coffee cake, strawberry scone, and epi baguette. Just like the first time, everything was super delicious. The passionfruit kouign amann had a candied lemon peel on top and was my favorite by far. The scone and coffee cakes were the cashier's recommendations (along with the passionfruit kouign amann), so thank you to her! They were dense but so delicious. Will be back to try more, for sure! read more
2 years ago
Hands down the best European pastries in San Francisco. All handmade, house made, and by pastry chefs who reportedly left some high end places to work in this artisanal bakery. Oh and I may have tried almost everything here... ham and cheese croissant, check...chocolate croissant, check...almond croissant, check...peach turnover, check...olive bread, peach galette, grape and ricotta galette, and on and on. And they have espresso and coffee and juice and tea. Unbelievable. Must try, but get there early because THEY WILL SELL OUT EVERYTHING IN STOCK. I will go to Backhaus every time I'm in town. read more
2 years ago
Such a cute spot! 1) Seating: they have outdoor seating (have to walk through the shop) and upstairs seats. Perfect way to spend a Saturday morning with a book or a chat with a friend 2) Pastries: amazing! We had the kouign-amann and pistachio raspberry crossaint. Both were fresh & delicious would highly recommend! 3) coffee: 5/5 had their cold brew and it was excellent The lines do get long Saturday morning because it's a popular spot, but would def recommend stopping by there :) read more
This bakery was a great stop during my trip recommended by A YT vlogger 'outdoorcheflife' in one of their episodes. There was a line out the door (good sign) that went by pretty quickly. I didn't take any pics of what I got unfortunately. Almond croissant, mixed berry coffee cake were both good, among others I forgot the names of. Friendly staff did not rush customers. They have a cute backyard sitting area with lots of sunlight, but better for smaller groups imo. read more
Best croissant I have ever had, hands down. Super soft, fluffy, and flaky. It was still warm when I got it. Tons of fresh bread, I got the seeded rye and I swear it's 4lbs. Really good flavor and you can tell it's quality bread. A handful of pastry options and types of fresh bread. They had an Asiago black peppercorn bread that looked almost fake with how good it looked. Friend got a cappuccino and liked it, I wasn't super impressed with it though it wasn't bad at all. The line moved quickly. read more
3 years ago
1 year ago
First off, don't fret over the long line, it goes by quick! I probably waited 10 minutes from the line out the door. Backhaus has an interesting assortment of pastries, both savory and sweet! We tried the raspberry pistachio croissant which is our favorite amongst the 3. The lemon blueberry scone won't choke you out, it's not dry like most scones out there. The blueberry drizzle was a really nice touch to enhance the blueberry flavors. The lemon was nice and not overwhelming. I should have ordered a few more to go! I also got a iced coffee with oat milk. I was quite surprised how smooth and balanced the coffee was. It was almost naturally sweet, no sugar needed! Coffee here is very well made. Thanks Backhaus for starting my morning on a right note! read more
4 years ago
In A Nutshell: -Backhaus is a very popular bakery located in downtown San Mateo off 3rd Ave. -You will always find a line on the weekends that goes out the door, expect around a 40 minute total experience time from line to grabbing your order out the door. -Trust me like other reviewers that waiting is totally justified. -They have a nice selection of baked goods like the Ham & Cheese Croissant, Speck & Egg Breakfast Bowl & Epi Baguette. -Take these home & use a toaster oven to reheat for ultra-deliciousness. -Pair these with some coffee & your day will start off on a high note. Overall, the baked goods at Backhaus are wonderful, worth the wait in line! read more
5 years ago
Dropped by on a Wednesday morning around 9am. Line moves pretty quickly. There were ample metered parking spots around that time. I got the blackberry kouign amann. It was delicious. Perfectly flakey on the outside and buttery on the inside. It wasn't too sweet. Blackberry custard center provided a different texture. I wish it was a bit more tart. I liked that there was a fresh blackberry on top. Edible flowers made it aesthetic. Staff were nice, I took a few minutes looking at the offerings, but they didn't rush. Definitely a place to try if you're ever in the area. read more
4 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
I've been trying to stop by this place for YEARS. Between work and living in the East Bay, never really found the time until today. Stop by around noon hoping to snag some great goodies and boy did I. Got a cheese pretzel, spicy cheese bun, two chocolate chip cookies, and a passion fruit, coconut crostock. Also ordered a cortado drink. First, the cortado was made perfectly - by far the best one I had since returning from my Spain trip. While waiting for my drink, I broke off a lil piece of my cookie and it is soooo good. Crispy yet moist and soft. I haven't tried my other baked good but am sure they will taste delicious. Now I'll definitely be making more intentional trips to try more goodies. Also, the staff are super friendly and welcoming! read more
Finally got to check this bakery out. I have been seeing the long lines when I drive on 3rd street and eventually googled and yelped this place. Nothing but yumminess on their website. Ordered the most talked and reviewed on Yelp..pistachio raspberry croissant (pictured below). I LOVED IT!! I thought that it was empty inside but nope. It was filled with yummy pistachio raspberry filling which is absolutely to die for. Not too sweet and not too creamy..it was perfect!! I also bought and tried pieces of the choc croissant, coffee-raspberry cake and the strawberry scone. But my taste buds kept looking for the pistachio raspberry Yes, you can definitely add more to your online orders when you go there to pick it up. But they do run out of inventory quick so you may want to get there early. San Mateo doesn't really have any good bakeries so I am glad that we have Backhaus in our hood read more
2 years ago
Best breakfast pastry I have ever had. It's a rare thing for me to say that the price is indeed worth it and the line to get into this place is well-deserving. My only regret is not being able to eat everything they had. Also cute (but limited) outdoor seating! Gave a nice backyard chill vibe. read more
Really unique pastries with great flavors. one of my go to places whenever I visit San Mateo. The only criticism I have they don't have an oven to reheat the pastry. For such a high standard establishment they should figure that out. read more
4 years ago
**COVID related: -staff wears masks, sanitizer provided, low touch payments (Square) If you're with vulnerable people, infants, or are pregnant, there is a nice seating area in the back. Ordering is where it gets tricky, as it can be crowded. Line up, order/pay to left of pastry box, order is handed to the right of pastry box, drinks to left of payment station. After ordering, if crowded, step outside . They'll call your name from the door side of the counter. FOOD: tl;dr great croissant and pie doughs. Pastries are slightly smaller than other places but they have fresh ideas, unique to them. We come back to check out the new goodies they've come up with! Croissant doughs -- a great balance of tender and crisp lamination. Not as ear-shattering, shingle-crunching as Arsicault. My spouse loves Backhaus for this reason. Kougin Aman, chocolate croissant, pan au raisin, their seasonal (currently strawberry cheesecake croissant/cruffin) -- all recommended. Pie doughs -- great flaky, layery dough, without feeling greasy. Try a turnover or galette. Their (seasonal?) mushroom/cheese galette was topped with arugula was tossed with some stone-ground mustard and shaved Parmesan. DRINKS: average. They don't serve ashy/smokey coffee, but the coffee also isn't third wave. Average. Their lattes aren't a dollop of hard-foam but not silky smooth. Average. My main gripe is their throughput. If they're in the weeds, you're waiting longer for the coffee than your pastries. Their coffee gets the job done, but it's a place where they can improve. TIPS: -Parking can suck on surface roads. Drive by the place once. If no parking, go to the parking lot at 2nd x El Camino. -Espresso drinks take a long time. Get a drip coffee if you need something ASAP -Blankets are provided for an extra layer or moody weather. CONCLUSION: a laid back place for a coffee, pastry, and catch up chat in the patio. Absolutely stop by if in the area. read more
My relationship with Backhaus isn't the healthiest. I'm addicted to their breads and will do things that I wouldn't normally do to get my fix - like wake up early, stand in a long line, stand in line on a rainy day, go to the store multiple times in one day hoping to get one of the limited specials they post on Instagram, put a reminder on my calendar to pre-order for the holidays, cry a little inside but still pay when they increase their prices, etc. This is mostly because they are the main game in town, especially when it comes to their croissants. Their croissants are airy, flaky, buttery, and so flavorful. There are farmers market stalls with good baguettes and sourdough loafs, but those are only the weekends whereas Backhaus has a store front. Whole Foods and Draegers also carry breads from local bakeries like Acme, but there's something about Backhaus' baguette that we just like better. Also, the people at Backhaus are the NICEST people ever. They always have a smile for you and are super helpful. read more
2 years ago
Always very delicious bakery and coffee. Nice atmosphere. Quick service. Service bread is tasty. read more
Backhaus is an absolute gem in downtown San Mateo and honestly the neighborhood bake shop of my dreams -- you'll be hard pressed to find a place that does pastries, coffee, and vibes right, but Backhaus rises to the occasion. I ordered an Americano ($4.25) and almond croissant ($6), which were both a 10/10. Their almond croissant was probably one of the best I've ever had -- perfectly flaky, dense, and chewy. Very tempted now to try all of their pastries, including the Kouign Amann. Depending on the time of day, you can usually find street parking nearby. Service is quick, friendly, and helpful. Whoever was in charge of the music the Sunday afternoon that I went understood the assignment! There is limited seating inside, but I appreciated the thought behind making the indoor tables (next to the front windows) a laptop-free zone. More space is available in the backyard patio --a great place to study, work, or go on that first date ;) TL;DR This is my new favorite coffee shop and bakery; I can't wait to be back. read more
2 years ago
I have to admit, watching church service on Sundays on my TV is not the same as being inside a church service w/ lots of people. The plus side is I get to wear my pajamas and not worry about my appearance. Besides missing being around people, I miss drinking a free cup of Philz or Peets coffee and a pastry! Now, I have to resort to getting my own on Sundays! I'm happy that Backhaus opened in San Mateo! Its a great bakery addition to the Peninsula. Reasonable prices. Fresh and tasty pastries, especially the Kouign Amann! Flaky, buttery, crunchy... They also have coffee drinks. Add a cup of coffee to my order please. Order online so you can skip the long line of people waiting to order! Friendly staff wearing masks. Hand sanitizers available. Street parking. read more
4 years ago
Officially a backhaus lover now! Pastries are great! Seasonal coffee/tea was super awesome (forgot the name). Service was fast (despite of the long line). Place is cute and they have a garden at the back of the haus, with enough space to hang and chat. read more
More info about Backhaus
32 E 3rd Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401
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(650) 200-9493
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http://backhausbread.com
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Ask the Community - Backhaus
Anyone know what their hours are 12/26/25?
We are closed today. Back open tomorrow, 12/27.
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?
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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32 reviews that are not currently recommended
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