Juniper
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I ordered the caramel apple choux and raspberry croissant and both were delicious. Please have bigger cups for the choux because the guy helping me had a hard time putting the choux inside the tiny cup that the edge of the big slice of apple touched his hand as he tried to wedge it into the cup. I didn't want to give him a hard time on the spot so I went home and had to throw away the slice of apple on top.
A lover of savory pastries like me? Look no further! For those who are tired of the general rotation of chocolate croissants and various other bakeries catered to sweet tooths, Juniper has something for everyone! TOMATO BOMB A standout dish! Their Tomato Bomb is absolutely delicious and bursting with flavor; it is so savory and I wish it wasn't only a seasonal thing! Sadly, I think it's only available during the summer. MUSHROOM DANISH If you're a mushroom aficionado like me, you will also enjoy this dish. The pastry is perfectly flaky, just like the Tomato Bomb, and very good. The mushrooms are well-seasoned as well. BLACK SESAME KOUIGN-AMANN I dream about this pastry. Truly, the sesame adds this toasted flavor to the sweet kouign-amann, which is perfectly flaky and also very rich. This is my favorite thing to get. I will almost always get a black sesame kouign-amann every time I visit Juniper. LYCHEE CHOUX PASTRY I think this is generally people's favorite but as I don't like sweet pastries as much--especially sweet pastries with sweet fillings--it wasn't my personal favorite. However, my boyfriend who has a big sweet tooth certainly really enjoyed it. Finally, the interior of the bakery is extremely cute. There is actually a lot of seating for such a busy bakery that looks small from the outside. The staff are effective and friendly, and everything is very clean.
Juniper has some seriously good pastries. There are so many varieties here, both savory and sweet, and I love that they have combinations you don't see everywhere else. I tried the mulberry pastry and it was so good. The flavor was really unique and had a nice balance without feeling too heavy. Unfortunately, it's seasonal, so I'm hoping they bring it back because I would definitely get it again. Their espresso tonic is also a hit. It's refreshing and goes really well with the pastries, especially if you want something a little lighter alongside all the baked goods. The only downside is that there aren't many seats and the line can get pretty long, especially in the mornings. Definitely come early if you want to avoid a long wait or have a better chance of finding a table. Such a fun spot for pastries and coffee, especially if you like trying things that are a little different from the usual.
date & time: wednesday september 29, 2026 @ 2pm coffee date: the husband vibe: work wives & besties in isabel marant boho inspired white tops w/ matching short flowy skirt w/ dainty gold jewelry & the row bag decor: aesthetic, minimalistic & vibey coffee spot service: efficient devour: arguably the best raspberry & almond croissant in the city total: $7.50
I loved: Raspberry Almond Croissant I really liked: Strawberry Lychee Choux I liked: Banana Matcha Latte Strawberry Matcha Latte Juniper has quickly become one of those SF cafes where the pastries and drinks feel like they were made to be enjoyed together. The Raspberry Almond Croissant is easily the standout. There's a lot going on between the sweet raspberry, savory almond flavor, and all the different textures, but somehow it works. The raspberry comes through really nicely without getting lost in everything else. The Strawberry Lychee Choux is another winner. Light, flavorful, and honestly kind of addicting. It's one of those pastries where you take a bite and immediately want another. Both matcha drinks are solid, though definitely on the lighter side when it comes to matcha flavor. The Banana Matcha Latte does a good job balancing the banana without letting it overpower the drink. The Strawberry Matcha Latte is decent too, although the strawberry can lean a little bitter. Neither blew me away on its own, but paired with the sweeter pastries, they work really well. Juniper is almost always busy when I'm here, but the staff are consistently super nice and accommodating. The cafe itself can feel packed, but there's a reason people keep coming back. Great pastries, good drinks, and everything complements each other really well. Feels like a nice cozy cafe if you're in the area #goodeats
=== Beautiful croissants === Walked in at 2:10 pm less than an hour before closing expecting nothing to be left. But was lucky enough that they had croissants left. Choice of plain, ham and cheese, and bacon-something. Since it's my first time there, had to try the plain! Super cute but I was headed elsewhere so I took it to go. +++ Beautiful croissant. Even for a croissant near closing, this thing was beautiful. I've never seen gloss on a croissant like that. ++ Tasted great. Every "premium" croissant I've ever tasted just tastes like CostCo except with an extra stick of butter per croissant, and I'm not a huge fan of over-buttering things. This was rich but not overly so. Textures were amazing with crisp exterior and airy fluffy interior - so much so I had to take a photo of the half-eaten croissant just to show it off. + Interior was super cute. I was on the run so I didn't catch a photo but plenty of others from other Yelpers (thanks other Yelpers!) I'm not in the City often but if I was in the area, I would totally bring folks by.
I'd been looking forward to trying Juniper - mainly for the black sesame kouign amann - but also to check out the hype (all of my friends and coworkers told me that I must visit). I ventured to Juniper during the late morning rush, and while there was a line out the door, it moved quickly and the bakers were hard at work keeping the pastries stocked throughout the morning. As I waited in line, I admired the impressive selection of sweet and savory croissants. Since I visited during the summer, many of the pastries featured fresh tomato and stone fruits. While I was tempted to try one of each, I was on a mission during this visit to try the black sesame kouign amann. When I placed my order at the counter, I was served a fresh-from-the oven kouign amann - this rarely happens! I couldn't resist trying a piece as I left the bakery, and it was indeed exquisite. The black sesame kouign amann from B. Patisserie is my gold standard, and Juniper's version is a close contender. While the black sesame flavor is much lighter and the texture fluffier than the B. Patisserie version, I liked the abundance of the crispy edges (as well as the year-round availability). I will certainly be back to try more of Juniper's pastries.
Visited on a Sunday afternoon around 11AM, and the line wrapped around the store. The line moved fairly fast (~15 min wait), and there were menus posted outside the door to look at while waiting. They still had all their items in stock, including the seasonal fruit danish and elote danish. I opted to try the cubano croissant since it was labeled as award winning on the menu. I was surprised to find a decently thick cut of pork inside the croissant, since most croissants are typically rolled with thinly sliced pieces of meat. The croissant was flaky and buttery. Definitely a must try for a savory option. There are a few tables at the back of the bakery to chat/eat but it can get crowded when people are waiting for their items. Solid spot for delicious pastry items!
On a Saturday morning at 11am was a bit of a line around the corner but it wasn't too bad, maybe 20 minutes, and once you're inside time passes quickly looking at the bakery case. We tried the pain au chocolat, Cubano croissant, black sesame kouign amann and regular croissant. The texture of the regular croissant was lightly crisp on the outside and flaky inside, though not as buttery and rich as we hoped. The pain au chocolat and kouign amann were great pastries with a subtle sweetness. The Cubano was easily the best with an incredibly tender croissant and savory sandwich flavor.
Labor Day line was a bit daunting, but always worth the wait. Was very tempted by the Tomato Bomb but opted for old reliable lemon choux.
Juniper is in my top 3 bakeries you must go to in San Francisco! I have been here a handful of times already and can confidently say everything I have had here has been exceptional and delicious. The pastries are all flaky and crispy, and you can tell they were crafted by a true craftsman. I think what makes Juniper so special is the selection of unique flavors they have. My favorite being their award-winning Cubano croissant, their black sesame kouign amann, and their choux pastries. I do want to call out how much I appreciate the amount of savory pastries they have since I don't always want a sweet treat the moment I wake up. To note, Juniper is typically busy, but I have never waited in line for more than 10 minutes, even on weekends. They also have a lot of tables for seating, but because of the flow of people, it might be difficult to find a spot. Stop by here if you're around the area! They are also a sister shop of Saint Frank, so you can get some coffee while you're here as well.
Juniper is a cozy little cafe on the corner of a busy street. They serve unique pastries and have a nice drink menu. Lots of variety here. Service was a 5/5. I was instantly greeted and personally recommended a pastry. Shout out Chris and Jess for their outstanding service! All the staff at Juniper are so friendly, you can really tell they enjoy working here. The Chai Latte was nice and creamy. I do prefer it a little stronger and less sweet, but there were no sugar adjustments. Still recommend chai lovers to try this drink. I'm not the hugest pastry fan, and with a quick glance around the room, it seems like most people just came here for the coffee and ambiance. Overall, a sweet spot to chill and do work. Next time I'll try some of their food options.
I discovered this bakery last year when visiting SF and I knew it would be a frequent spot for me when going to SF. They open at 7:30am and there was already someone in line when we arrived at 7:20 on a recent Sunday morning. The downside to getting there too early is they didn't have all the pastries ready and on the shelves for purchase. So that was disappointing and also noted for my next visit. I ordered the lemon choux along with a plain croissant. I don't usually order croissants at bakeries because I'm more interested in the more fun dessert offerings but needed to see if the hype was real. It is. Croissant was buttery and flaky and airy. Their lattes are also very good. I did visit a second time this trip and made sure to arrive after 8 to ensure I had all the options! Avocado toast is delicious and served on a nice milk toast along with some radishes. Everything looks beautiful and the staff is so nice.
1 year ago
Came here on a weekday morning to try out their pastry. I got Cubano croissant, traditional croissant, black sesame kouign- amann, I really like the cubano croissant when I got it, it was a bit warm so that was a nice touch. I usually don't like pickle in my food but this pickle they have it's actually quite good. The croissant is also quite good too. The black sesame was alright only. I also gotten all their choux. They have juniper lemon, early grey kumquat , and chocolate passionfruit hazelnut flavor. I like all the flavor especially the lemon choux. It is not too sweet or sour. A perfect blend of it actually. My friend who don't like lemon flavor food also agree out of all the flavor of choux she like lemon one the best. Services were good. They were very patience with me while I was looking what to get. Ambience were nice too. It was full so I just order it and leave. Parking can be difficult to find. Would definitely come back again to try the other pastry and try their coffee too ! read more
1 year ago
I went Friday morning around 10:30, everything was available on the menu not busy, the line moves fast. The croissant was really good, and the cubano was also delicious !! read more
2 years ago
6 months ago
7 months ago
Juniper is nice. Its near my office so I go in from time to time. You can tell they think through things a little more than your run of the mill SF Cafe. They actually bake their own items - so you're not just eating the same pastries from "starter bakery" in berkeley, like basically every other cafe in SF seems to use. (not that I have anything against starter bakery). The choux are great. Petition them to bring back the mushroom ones, which they no longer carry - but were the best read more
This is a special place. The pastries are as beautiful as they are delicious. The atmosphere is perfect San Francisco. Large tables for groups. Everyone working hard to make the perfect coffees and pastries. A must visit when you're in the area. read more
Love this place. Lines can be long but all the employees work as fast and as efficiently as possible. You can see that they have a proper flow of things: staff handling coffee or foods, 2 people taking orders and grabbing already-made pastries. You can smell how fresh this café is upon entering. Everything I've tried here is delicious! The mocha stood out and I even tried it with Almond milk. There isn't a specific hazelnut or vanilla latte unless stated/seasonal, such as Orange Pandan Vanilla Latte, and they have good reason to. The orange is equal in taste to the pandan and vanilla combined. The coffee is so presentable with little designs and hearts. All their creations are delicious and some are customizable, such as adding mushroom to the breakfast sandwich. The lemon choux and the strawberry choux are delicious and well worth it! Their pain au chocolate/chocolate croissant is also delicious, as well as their breakfast sandwiches. Definitely recommend. read more
Juniper has been around for awhile yet this is the first time I've stopped in for breakfast. It's in my neighborhood (Nob Hill). What I like: ovens in sight; they bake their pastries and even bread rolls in the shop! An impressive line up of pastry choices + choux puffs! I order a chia pudding. Yum! Finely diced pieces of peak flavor pear, blackberries and granola adorn the top. It tastes very good. Then of course I choose a chocolate croissant. Yummy! Crisp! Buttery! Happy they are so closeby. read more
7 months ago
I have been wanting to try this bakery/cafe for FOREVER and so glad that it didn't disappoint. might be my new favorite bakery in sf!! we got there a little before 8:30 on a Friday and didn't wait long in line. I felt so giddy and excited stepping into the cafe and was welcomed by the most beautiful pastries organized enticingly beyond expectation. the cafe is so cute and decorated for the holidays. I loved the natural lighting and ambiance, the vibes were so so good, lifting the mood and dreary weather of the day. we had questions about the pastries and were indecisive so really appreciated that they were patient and helpful at the same time as being really quick and efficient at ringing us up. Not a single pastry disappointed us!!! We got the ham and cheese croissant, Cubano croissant, black sesame kouign amann, and a box of choux (persuaded by the 3 for $10 vs $4 for 1 option) of each flavor they had for the day: lemon, caramel apple, and chocolate, hazelnut, passion fruit. the ham and cheese croissant was done so well: flaky, with a good amount of ham and cheese, and the cross section showed that the execution of the croissant was excellent having evenly distributed air pockets. it was a bit salty for my sensitive tastes but it was probably from being generously cheesy which I actually really appreciated. the famous cubano croissant definitely deserved all the awards it's won. it was unique and perfectly flavorful, pickle and mustard punch worked harmoniously with the ham, pork, and buttery pastry. not sure if I tasted the mojo seasoning of the pork but regardless it was so delicious. the black sesame kouign amann also hit the spot. I've been looking for a solid kouign amann and this definitely was what I was looking for and more! it wasn't sickeningly sweet and the black sesame flavor was strong but not overbearing. the choux pastry was light and they were flavor packed. of the 3 flavors we got, lemon was definitely the favorite. It was refreshing and creamy but not overwhelming or too sweet. Would definitely recommend bumping Juniper to the top of your list if you haven't gotten to try yet! Overall affordable compared to other bakeries/cafes nowadays and for such good quality, 100% worth it. Had such an enjoyable experience and can't wait to go back to try other eye catching items like their black sesame croissant loaf, avocado toast, and raspberry almond croissant. read more
7 months ago
Hands down the best croissants and the seasonal drinks are glorious. But best of all is the service, everyone is so nice! I always leave with a smile on my face. I highly recommend this shop. And grab the Pistachio Vanilla Rose latte if you see it on the menu. read more
7 months ago
I've been here a few times and I've enjoyed everything I've had this far. I've had their Cubano croissant, a goat cheese and blackberry choux, peach choux, and orange cake. All of them are delicious! I love the acidity from the pickle in the Cubano croissant and I'm not a pickle person. I don't like eating them on their own. But it's delicious in this croissant and I wish I could get them on the side (it's thinly sliced since it's rolled into the pastry). The orange cake is small but packs a punch because it's dense. I really liked the goat cheese and blackberry choux. I like savory/sweet combos and this definitely represents that. The goat cheese is a bit tangy and the blackberry adds just a touch of sweetness. The peach choux wasn't overly sugary and I liked the detail of the small gelatin flower. As the drinks, I've only had the iced chai and the mocha. Both were very good, especially the mocha. There's a good amount of tables, especially if you're there to work. Though, I read an article about how some patrons just get coffee and work all day. I didn't see that problem here. People with their laptops tend to order appropriately and leave when they're done, like in an hour or two tops. I usually leave when I finished my beverage, which is an hour. The employees are nice. And they play really good music. Juniper is now my go-to place to enjoy coffee and parties on Polk Street. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
8 months ago
No Juniper trees are found here but you'll definitely jump for Juniper after trying their pastries! I felt that I was almost lured to Juniper knowing the geniuses behind Saint Frank Coffee created this business. The companion and I started our sleepy morning at Juniper. The cafe specializes in charming sweet and savory baked goods alongside coffee and tea from Saint Frank Coffee. Located on the corner, it's conveniently accessible with ample seating for those looking to work or chat. I'd describe the interior as industrial meets modern, especially with the tall ceilings and natural light. With multiple kind and understanding staff working behind the counter, pastries are efficiently plated while drinks are made exceptionally quickly. Water, utensils, and other items can be found at the back since it's self-service after paying. I love myself a great flaky and buttery pastry--more so gravitating to items with unconventional flavor profiles. The Saffron Apricot Danish called to me while my companion got a Cubano Croissant. The saffron cream was dense and florally while delicately placed while the apricot was distinctively tart and sweet. The Danish was airy and flaky but wouldn't be something I'd order again. My companion really enjoyed his savory croissant. Alongside baked goods, they sell Choux Pastries which look dainty, cute, and creamy. I'd love to come back to try their other selections and flavor combinations. Juniper is a desirable cafe addition to Polk Gulch off Polk St. Located on the corner it's a quaint space to relax and savor their pastries. Parking is limited to the street and service is exceptionally sweet--like their baked goods! This is a spot I wouldn't go out of my way to visit but would take advantage of if I were in the neighborhood! read more
9 months ago
3 years ago
The baristas are so nice and all the pastries looked so good. The place is so inviting, amazing to catch up with friends or a cute coffee date. We tried the raspberry almond croissant and while it's not my favorite croissant, it was really good. It was pretty unique and my first time trying a fruity croissant. Would recommend! read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Honestly expected so much better from sf's "best croissant of the year". In general, all tasted maybe a day old, weren't very flakey, and were just kind of average compared to other S.F. places. We got those: - raspberry almond: probably my favorite, though not as elevated as I thought it'd be. - ham and cheese: also good I think because we for one fresh. Even though straight out the oven though, it still wasn't that flakey as a good croissant should be. Just warm - tomato jalapeño: pretty good - black sesame cruffin: least favorite Other notes: - has street meter parking - fast service - semi limited seating since it gets busy I wouldn't come back only because I've been spoiled by other sf croissants read more
Let's check out the little cafe that won this year's title of Best Croissant in SF! They have a nice variety but they are most noted for their traditional and Cubano. The Cubano is a delicious savory option that has a flavorful fillng of tender pork, ham and cheese with complementing flavors from mustard and pickles. I was also able to sample their butter croissant loaf and black sesame croissant loaf. Each item had a soft, buttery bite with a perfectly crispy outer later (the texture combo was awesome). To pair with their yummy treats, they also have a menu of drinks and even suggest different pairings of coffees with their cute choux. They have a cute interior with small seats and the service was fairly quick and friendly. Be sure to check them out and decide for yourself if this really is the best in town! read more
4 months ago
2 years ago
I can confidently say this is the best croissant I've had in my life. It's delicate crunchy yet moist and buttery. It was so good I went three days in a row. Staff is excellent. Vibes are more coffee shop but awesome nevertheless. Not sure if I can go back to croissants anywhere else. read more
2 years ago
Opened in 2023 by the owners of Saint Frank Coffee it was on May 19th of this year that Juniper swept the "Best Croissant in San Francisco competition," and since that time the Cafe on Polk Street has been prone to lines and sell outs long before their stated 3pm closing time. Originally known for their Choux, currently highlighted by a combination of Pineapple Puree and Coconut Milk Diplomat inside a crunchy yet yielding shell, it is from the hands of San Francisco Baking Institute graduate Amy Chen that guests can find Viennoserie both traditional and as far reaching as Black Sesame Kouign Amann. Featuring their own Beans in a variety of drinks, plus vibrant green Matcha Lattes, limited seating sees diners lined up along a counter to enjoy freshly toasted housmade Whole Grain Bread beneath Avocados and Lemon Oil or a laminated Cinnamon Roll kissed by Orange Peel. Named after a follower of Francis of Assisi, his generosity and hospitality renowned, customer service far outpaces the likes of Nico or Craftsman & Wolves while choices such as the Gluten Free PB&J Blondie fair nearly as well as buttery coils with a delicate crumb that crack briskly before falling on the table and floor. read more
4 months ago
1 year ago
Tried their seasonal Orange Blossom Pandan Latte. Excellent. Very pleasantly surprised because I think you can go very wrong with strange flavors in coffee but this was so delish! Loved their croissant and enjoyed the mushroom croissant as well! Service was very pleasant and nice, and the atmosphere was light and airy. Will be back for more when I'm in the city. read more
1 year ago
4 months ago
More info about Juniper
1401 Polk St
San Francisco, CA 94109
Polk Gulch, Nob Hill
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http://www.juniper.cafe
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Do you have gluten-free options?
Yes we do! We have a gluten free brownie, pb&j blondie, and an orange cake muffin
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