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Monday at 9:55am the line wrapped around the corner. I had time to kill so I waited. The bakery posted their menu on the picture window so you can peruse it prior to entering the bakery. I wanted to try the raspberry almond croissant that's mentioned in reviews. 20 minutes later it was my turn. I looked in the display case. No raspberry almond croissant. It was confirmed with a staffer behind the counter. So I went with my favorite - the black sesame seed kouign Amman. I took it to go. An hour later after an appointment I returned to my car. Glanced down the block to Juniper, and no more line. Back home in the afternoon I had my kouign amman. So good.
I've been waiting to try Juniper for quite some time now and the pastries were beautiful. I got there maybe five minutes before opening and there was no line. The inside is bright and clean, the staff who helped me were friendly and helpful in their recommendations. I made the most delicious breakfast sandwich with the plain croissant, the chocolate I heated up so it was warm inside. The lamination on all of them was perfect. The cookie was more coffee forward than I expected, but was enjoyed, and the almond croissant convinced me I can like almond croissants if made well. I thought the box was so fun and I will be back for their more creative pastries!
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.
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
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
=== 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.
This place has won a lot of different awards of best croissants of SF, so had to check them out. Better than most croissants, but prefer arsicault and b&c. Still very good though! Didn't have to wait in a line, so that was a pro. Decent amount of seating too! read more
We ordered four pastries-- pain au chocolate, which we both thought didn't have enough chocolate, the mushroom danish which tasted fine, ham and cheese croissant also fine, and the sticky bun which I thought was meh. We also ordered the Sister Moon coffee which was good and a chai latte which was meh. I'm always chasing a flavorful chai that I once had during college and this was fine, somewhat the same or worse than the store-bought teabags that I make at home. The customer service was very good. We ate in instead of walking back to our hotel. The cafe was very cramped and busy. You can easily eavesdrop on the person sitting two feet away from you. read more
In the quest for the best croissant in San Francisco I was referred by someone who said their favorite croissant was located on Polk street. I was intrigued by hearing that was awarded the best croissants in San Francisco in 2024. I was puzzled because I was not aware of the award. I started to wonder who their competitors were and if they as flakey as some in SF. The place I had to investigate their croissant is Juniper on Polk street in San Francisco . I am quite skeptical about awards and always find them subjective and if there are motives behind the decisions. I came in with an open mind . I first ordered their Raspberry Yuzu Iced Tea and it was not sweet but a bit tarty . I then ordered the traditional croissant. It looked good but wonder if they passed the flake test in SF. The croissant was delicious. It was buttery and flakey like some in SF. It was one of the best croissants I had in the city but not the best I had. It's definitely top 5 in San Francisco and a must try. This place is not the best croissant but its top "rank" that's "point-blank "provides coffee inside strong like a "tank"courtesy of coffee roaster "Saint Frank" It's a "must "this ranking I somewhat "trust"the croissant has a good "crust" it's flakey like in SF you can see the "flakey dust " read more
8 months ago
The title of "best croissant in SF" is a big one. But after multiple visits here, I just really can't say that I agree with that assessment. Sorry, but I cannot lie. I actually think the choux pastry are the stars here, & they certainly warrant a visit. These works of art are as delectable as they are pretty. I try every flavor available & the lemon has been the favorite every time. I just couldn't believe how good this was. One of the best sweet things I've eaten in a long time. I want a dozen for myself! The Cubano croissant was a must order due to sheer curiosity. The croissant itself was superior to the fillings, both in taste and in volume. Tried it, won't be a repeat order. I'd rather get an actual cubano sammy from the deli. Parking pretty nonexistent. Our system is pull up, I hop out & order, he circles & picks me up. These choux are so worth it. 4 stars read more
Finally had a chance to give Juniper a try, and I arrived on a Saturday around 10am. Even though there was what looked to be a pretty long line out the door we were able to order and get our pastries, find a seat in the collection of somewhat crowded indoor tables and stools and enjoy a few pastries in less than an hour. The workers are quick and efficient and it's clear that despite having a robust menu and being quite busy they've got an excellent system going to make sure fresh pastries are coming out reasonably fast. The interior is more industrial and small and definitely more of a grab and go, or sit down for a quick few bites type of vibe. My friend and i got a few things to try, but the standouts were the mulberry danish, and the kimchi bacon Danish. All the pastries were crisp, with many buttery layers and were clearly well made but these two had the most flavor and stood out as offerings that are a bit more unique compared to other bakeries in the city. We also tried the black sesame kouign amann, which was more reminiscent of a morning bun type pastry, and the cubano and the ham and cheese croissants, which were good but just lacking a little in flavor. Overall, Juniper has excellent pastries, and I'll definitely be sure to grab a plain croissant next time to try it out as well - some pastries pack a bit more flavor than others but given how quickly the like moves I'll definitely be back again to try some of their othering offerings soon! read more
Yum! Their croissants and coffees are a hit. There was a line out the door at around 2pm on a weekend but it moved really fast. The barista was non-stop making drinks. The shop is decent sized, with about 10 tables in the back. It's amazing to see full trays of croissants getting rolled out - truly a work of art! I asked if they ever participate in Too Good to Go, and they said occasionally, depending on what exactly is leftover. I'd come back! But I'd keep my valuables with me, and not in the car! read more
1. I tried Juniper three days in a row while on a business trip. The pasties here are beautiful but more importantly the quality is excellent, consistent and they taste great. 2. My goto to when I try a new coffee shop is either a macchiato or cortado. Their cortado was consistently great. 3. The line often goes out the door but it moves steadily. And you get a chance to watch them make the pastries while you wait. read more
Came to see what all the internet hype was about, and right away there was a line stretching out the door. Luckily my friend arrived before me and snagged a table, but she did wait almost 10 minutes in line. Seating is very limited and people tend to camp out, so be prepared to wait for a table or possibly not get one at all. The tables they do have are pretty small too. Now for the food. The mushroom danish ($7.75) was super flavorful, savory, and delicious. The pastry was flaky, buttery, and really well executed. Definitely a solid item. Next, the avocado toast. At $14 for a single slice of milk bread topped with a few extremely thin slices of radish and cucumber, this felt kind of insane price-wise. I did appreciate the fresh lemon juice on top, but overall this is something you can get almost anywhere or easily make at home for a fraction of the cost and a much larger portion. Not worth it in my opinion. The yuzu white chocolate choux bun ($4.50) was sooo good. The choux pastry itself was baked perfectly, and I loved the craquelin top. The filling leaned a little heavy on the yuzu and was slightly overpowering, but if you're really into tart citrus flavors, you'll probably love this. The chocolate espresso cookie ($4.50) was basically a brownie in cookie form!! Super soft, fudgy, cakey, and incredibly rich with deep chocolate flavor. This was the standout and highlight of the meal for me!! As for the coffee, we ordered regular iced lattes ($7!!!!). They don't offer flavors, just a house-made simple syrup for sweetness. It was fine, but nothing mind-blowing, and once again felt like kind of an insane price. Overall, I'm glad I tried this place, but there are definitely better bakeries out there that just haven't been discovered by the internet yet. read more
Everything was delicious! We walked in and were greeted by the delicious smelling pastries! Finding parking here was difficult. It's all street parking and we had to circle around a couple times before finding a spot. We ordered an iced banana matcha latte and a few pastries. It was about 1:30pm on a Sunday afternoon and unfortunately most of their best sellers were sold out. There are a decent amount of tables available but they were occupied at the time. Iced Banana Matcha Latte (8/10): This was definitely on the sweeter side. There's a nice cold foam on top and it mixed well into the drink. You can taste the banana flavoring when you drink it. Croissant (7/10): It wasn't as buttery as I would like it. There's a nice crunch with every bite that was taken. It's also very flaky and fluffy at the same time. Chocolate Banana Almond Croissant (7.5/10): I preferred this one over the traditional croissant. It wasn't as sweet as I thought it would be and I liked that. There were separate layers of chocolate and banana with every bite taken. Black Sesame Kouign Amann (8/10): I got this one for my mom. She really liked it and said there was a good amount of black sesame in it. read more
mulberry lemon custard danish was the highlight !!! custard was soooooo good. very beautiful too kimchi bacon danish was a nice surprise :)) very yummy. dont eat bacon often but would eat this again. just not toooo fond of the kimchi taste but overall tastes good. simple chocolate croissant was delish. very flaky and crispy. chocolate filling was nice :)) read more
1 month ago
Came on a whim to try their choux but got myself a Cubano croissant as well! The Cubano was huge and after having it warmed up, I'm now a fan of savory croissants. Was also recommended the Juniper lemon choux and it did not disappoint. A tiny pastry treat that packs a lot of bright flavors with the lemon, berry and mint. The meringue is a beautiful topping too. I think it easily beats a typical cafe cookie or muffin! Both of the pastries and a hot House blend coffee came to about $20. It's relatively small inside but have the minimum space to get some work done on a laptop or tablet if needed. read more
Whenever I'm craving an espresso tonic, this is my go-to spot for their KAFFE TONIC. Not many coffee shops offer this drink, so when I find one that does, and does it well, I stay loyal. Their version is perfectly balanced: refreshing, bold, and just the right amount of citrusy fizz. I've also tried a few of their pastries, like the almond raspberry croissant, and they've been consistently fresh and delicious. You can tell they put care into both their drinks and baked goods. Service is always fast and friendly, and the café has plenty of seating if you're looking for a place to work or relax. Great vibes, great drinks, and I'll definitely keep coming back. read more
2 months ago
I have been waiting for the opportunity to try this place, and it didn't disappoint, we tried Apple pearl croissant which was to die for, the lightness of the croissant and the tart and sweetness of the apple made it so balanced, so good, we also tried the breakfast croissant , perfectly cooked nice seasoning, no complaints read more
4 months ago
Juniper is a modern café and bakery that blends specialty coffee with a strong focus on freshly made pastries. We walked into a bright, clean space with large windows and an open kitchen that lets you see the pastry team working behind the scenes, adding a layer of transparency and engagement to the visit. The design is minimal and inviting, with a calm neighborhood café feel that still feels like a destination for baked goods. The seating is limited, which can make it harder to settle in during peak hours, but the quick ordering flow makes it a good stop for grabbing something to go. The pastries are the main highlight, especially the croissants, which have a crisp, flaky exterior with a buttery texture throughout. We ordered a few items and found the selection thoughtful, with options like danishes, savory croissants, and seasonal creations that go beyond the usual bakery case. The croissant had a good lamination, with layers that held up without being greasy, and the seasonal fruit danish added a bright contrast to the richer pastry options. Everything feels carefully prepared, and the balance between sweet and savory options makes it easy to find something for different cravings, whether you are looking for a light morning pastry or something more substantial. The coffee pairs well with the bakery items, and the service keeps the experience moving even when it gets busy. The staff are friendly and efficient, and the overall flow of the café stays smooth, with the open kitchen adding a sense of activity that keeps the energy of the space lively without being chaotic. The coffee is well made, and the drinks are prepared with attention to temperature and texture, complementing the pastries without competing for attention. Juniper stands out as a café that puts real attention into both its pastries and atmosphere. It is the kind of place where the quality of the baked goods is the reason to visit, with a welcoming space that makes it worth coming back for another pastry. The combination of craftsmanship, a well-designed space, and a focused menu makes it a dependable stop for a thoughtful café experience, whether you are stopping in for a quick coffee and croissant or taking your time with a seasonal pastry and a latte. read more
4 months ago
The guy who took my order made me feel like I was inconveniencing him. I did not ask any questions and didn't take long to order. But made me feel like a problem. A smidge of warmth goes a long way. It's always a bummer having someone have an attitude when you're trying to enjoy your day off. Ham and cheese left me wanting more than a sliver of ham. I don't need a ton of ham but they definitely skimped. The classic croissant was gorgeous and moist but don't like when my fingers are left with an oily film after eating. The cappuccino was just okay. Luke warm with a fair flavor. I wouldn't get a coffee again. I like the bright space. But the seating area is a little tight. Especially the corner I couldn't get in or out unless someone moved for me. Lastly the guy who took my order made me feel like I was inconveniencing him. I don't ask any questions and didn't take long to order. A smidge of warmth goes a long way. It's always a bummer having someone have an attitude when you're trying to enjoy your day off. read more
Came here for the croissants and they absolutely lived up to the hype. The line moves surprisingly fast, so don't let it scare you off. If you're not getting coffee, the black sesame croissant loaf is an absolute must -- seriously delicious. Their croissants are buttery, flaky, and honestly taste like something straight out of France. Definitely worth paying a little extra for the quality. Would 100% come back. read more
11 months ago
Came here on a Saturday afternoon and service was quick! There was a decent amount of indoor seating and tables of 2. Good place to chat with friends. Raspberry almond croissant (8.5/10) - thin, flaky, glazed layers of croissant kept falling off as I was taking a bite. The raspberry filling was tart and balanced the overall sweetness of the croissant. Black Cardamom Vanilla Latte (7.5/10) - good coffee, couldn't really pick up on the cardamom read more
11 months ago
They are good. Pastries were top notch and freshly baked. Situated along Polk st. This place is perfect for coffee ..... aside from that, they have some interesting and well done pastries. I love it. I just don't like that they close early but you cant get everything you want. Service is pretty quick and fast... The place gives off a relax ambiance that you can visit with friends for a quick chat. There are a number of seats and tables but it doesn't get crowded. Perfect after meal coffee spot to go to. read more
I love coming to Juniper! They always great and innovative pastries and coffees. My favorites are definitely the cubano and the chocolate banana croissant. The seasonal orange coffee is also delicious. There are so many options to choose from, you can't go wrong! The pastries are fluffy and crispy and perfectly buttery. Would highly recommend dropping by! read more
13 days ago
Fresh pastries probably one of the best croissants I've had. Even the blueberry muffin was delicious! read more
6 months ago
Unassuming from the outside but decent once you walk in and see rows of pastries in cooling racks. We got here towards closing time so they were out of their hyper-popular Kouign Amann. Got the pain au chocolates, Raspbery almond and banana chocolate croissants. Didn't like the banana one too much but the other two croissants were very good. I get why this bakery is so busy. read more
Came on a Saturday morning at 11 AM, and there was a line out the door. The wait went by fast within ~15 minutes. This bakery has easily one of the best croissants Service: They were friendly Ambiance: The place was crowded with most tables taken. Has a narrow construction, so walking through can feel a bit tight. You can see them actively baking Pain au chocolat $6.75 (5/5): I'm a lover of chocolate-filled croissants, and this was scrumptious. The croissant was excellent and the filling was soft. It's very rare to find a bakery where the chocolate croissant is equally as good as the traditional croissant. Traditional croissant $5 (5/5): This is easily one of the best croissants I've had so far, if not THE best for my preferences. I've tried multiple bakeries, including Mason Nico, Arsicault, and various pop-up SF bakeries. It has the right amount of butter without being overly rich, the right amount of airiness, moisture, outer flaky crispness, and good chew. Mushroom danish $7.75 (4/5): I don't often come across mushroom danish much, but this was good! Black sesame kouign-amann $6 (4/5): I heard a lot of people recommend this, and I can see why this is one of their popular baked goods. The outer shell of the kouign has a thick crisp and the softer inside contains sweet black sesame paste. Chai $6 (3/5): Doesn't stand out to me much Overall, would definitely come back here again for croissants and to try more. read more
TLDR: We are simply too lucky in SF to have such amazing bakeries. Juniper is truly up there with the likes of Butter & Crumble and Arsicault. I tried the main location on Polk, but if you're craving these pastries, you can also get them at the Saint Frank's in Rincon Hill (they're run by the same owners and you can get Saint Frank's coffee at both locations). ------ FOOD: 1. [MUST TRY] CUBANO CROISSANT (5/5) This actually made for the perfect quick lunch. Imagine a croissant the shape of a pain as chocolate, but instead of chocolate inside, it's generous folks of ham, cheese, pickles, and mustard seed, just like any good, traditional cubano sandwich. This was a huge pastry that was basically the size of my hand. The outer pastry was buttery and crispy while the inside had generous portions of meat and flavor. This is one of the most unique savory pastries I've ever had, and I can totally see why this was an award winner. I don't think I could get this anywhere else! 2. ORIGINAL CROISSANT (5/5) Winner of 2024's best croissant award. I asked to get mine heated up and they happily did so (this was during a less busy time -- I'm not sure if they're as happy to do this when they're busy). The croissant was one of the most buttery I've had, with a crispy and delcate exterior and a soft, chewy interior with a nice, satisfying flavor. Even around closing time, this croissant tasted super fresh, and that's thanks to the fact that they're baking croissants fresh throughout the day. 3. CHOCOLATE PASSIONFRUIT CHOUX (4/5) Unexpected passionfruit center that was nice but didn't work perfectly with the chocolate. The choux pastry was nice, thin, and crisp (i.e. not soggy) and they gave us the cutest container to carry the choux to go. I probably wouldn't get this flavor again but it demonstrated that they can definitely make a quality choux puff. ------ ENVIRONMENT / AMBIANCE: * No outdoor seating but quite a few seats inside. There are a handful of small tables inside with a couple seats each, but these tables are almost always taken during the morning. There's also some counter seating by the door and window when you first walk in that you could snag if you wanted to enjoy your pastries indoors. * Throughout the morning this place is pretty packed with a decent line. At 10 am on a Sunday I waited around 10 minutes to get pastries. Later on around 2:30 pm (right before close) there was no line. * During the busier morning periods, it can definitely get loud in here. The indoor seating is also pretty tight, so even if you snag a seat, you'll likely be pretty close to your neighbors. ------ SERVICE; * Employees were all extremely nice. Despite the never-ending line, they had smiles on their faces and worked very quickly. * I asked for my croissant to get heated up right before closing and they were happy to do so for me * You can self-serve water, and they have lots of utensils and napkins available * They'll ask if you want your items for here or to go read more
1 year ago
Somehow NO LINE when I went on a Saturday morning @ 8:45AM which *may* bias my rating! I got the chocolate croissaint, the hazelnut passionfruit choux and the raspberry almond croissant. Both croissants were flakey and not too buttery. I loved the tartness of the raspberry and passionfruit. I also thought the choco croissant had more chocolate than usual. At arsicault, I feel the fruity pastries are super sweet but this was more tart and way less buttery. It was my first time trying a choux and I was delighted. I was a bit unsure about the passionfruit hazelnut combo at first but it was really good. The hazelnut cream was rich and tasty and perfectly complemented the tart passionfruit filling. Friendly service and I really appreciate when they warm up my pastries! read more
Drinks: Iced pumpkin latte with oat ($8): it was pretty good for a 16 oz drink, I asked for light sweetener and they did it well! Iced banana cream matcha: this was the worst drink by far. The matcha is watered down and milky, you can barely taste or see the matcha. The banana cream saved the drink but it's barely a matcha. Iced espresso tonic: it was good for what it is. Food: The mushroom danish ($7.75) was so good! Ambiance: On a Sunday afternoon this place was packed. They have a few tables and I noticed many tend to hog them even after finishing their food. It would be better to take the pastries and coffee to go. read more
I can't believe this place has no long lines. 5 stars easy. The Traditional Croissant is made out of European butter so expect that umami buttery goodness burst of flavor. It easily became tied at 1st spot of my most favorite croissant in the city in terms of flavor and second in terms of texture. It is really really good, just a tad less crispy. The Cubano Croissant is what really sets them apart for me. The filling is a good mix of both tangy and savory from the protein, the pickles and cheese. Then wrapped in this perfectly laminated and baked pastry that literally shatters with each bite. That top is crazy level crispy! I love how there are many seats as well so we did really enjoy the pastries fresh and warm with a nice cup of coffee. read more
With the 2024 people's choice best croissant award, this spot has loong lines nowadays . Expect to wait 20-30 minutes on weekends pretty much anytime in the morning. Thier croissants are crispy and flaky on the outside and soft and chewy on the outside. But they're a little bit too crispy and crunchy on the outside for my taste. If you're looking for the more Paris style croissant which is the kind I prefer, I think Arsicault is a better bet. We were lucky with the chocolate croissant though which was fresh out of the oven and really good. read more
5 months ago
As someone who has waited in 2-3 hour long lines, the wait here wasn't bad at all. From the joining the line to ordering it only took 15-20 minutes at 11am on a Saturday. Staff were fast and friendly with our order! Pastries were phenomenal!!! The Pain au chocolat was a classic done extremely well and the cubano croissant was definitely an unexpected must order. read more
Line moves fast! The kimchi bacon pastry was excellent, great pastry and deliciously seasoned and balanced filling. The choux was a perfect few bites, wish I had ordered more (and now know why they usually come multiple to an order!) Please fix the roller shades, it's piping hot for customers and staff when it's sunny out read more
I came here with some friends on a Sunday morning, and this place was busy. The line was slightly out the door, but it moved fast. My fiance and I ordered a Choux + 6 other pastries (for here + togo), and an orange Pandan vanilla latte. The lemon Choux was pretty good - the cream was refreshing, but I probably wouldn't get it again. I loved the flavor of the black sesame kouign amann, I just wish the kouign amann could be more crispy/flakey on the outer layer. The elote one was just okay; my fiance had most of the breakfast sandwich so I don't remember much of it. If only they could warm up the dine in pastries for us in store, I'm sure it would've tasted a lot better. We saved 3 of the pastries to eat at home; unfortunately, my cat suddenly decided that she wanted to try (steal) human food after 7 years, and ate a whole giant croissant (the one my fiance was actually looking forward to) + the breading part of the kimchi danish. No, it's not cat friendly, but yes, she's okay now and we learned a messy lesson. All I can say is that that cubano croissant must've been amazing for her to steal it out of the box and devoured the whole thing. I did actually get to eat the mushroom one, it was good, but I should've air fried it. As for the orange Pandan vanilla latte, it was a unique flavor and I could actually taste the note of all 3 flavor profile. I did like it. The barista accidentally made it warm even though I asked for light ice. They remade the drink for me, but at regular ice, and for some reason the iced drink looks like it was less than the hot version (must be the cup illusion). FYI, finding a place to sit, especially for a group of 4, was hard. Luckily, one lady saw us looking around/feeling lost and flagged us over to tell us she was leaving soon. read more
5 months ago
We visited Juniper on Memorial Day around noon, and the line was out the door and extended to the business next door. Despite how busy it was, it took about 30 minutes total to order, receive our pastries, and get our drinks. We originally came for the mulberry pastry I had seen on social media, but unfortunately they didn't have any available. I believe it's only offered on weekends? A lot of the items we were interested in were already sold out by the time we ordered, so we ended up getting the plain croissant, raspberry almond croissant, and chia pudding. I also ordered their seasonal latte, but there must've been a misunderstanding because I received a plain iced latte instead, which was a little disappointing. The latte itself was still fine. The chia pudding was just okay in my opinion and probably not something I'd order again, although my boyfriend enjoyed it. Both pastries, however, were really solid. The croissants were buttery and flaky, and the raspberry in the almond raspberry croissant had the perfect tartness. It actually reminded us of a raspberry pastry we had in CDMX. Overall, everything was pleasant and I'd definitely come back to try more items. read more
amazing bakery serving creative pastries, cakes, choux, and coffee/tea by saint frank. the interior looks small at first but actually has a good amount of seating and a nice pastry display. you can also see them assembling the pastries from the window, which is super cool! we stopped by on a sunday and it was pretty busy with a small line, but we were able to walk out with our pastries very quickly. we tried the seasonal elote & mushroom danishes, raspberry almond croissant, whole orange cake, and cubano croissant. the cubano is an award winner for a good reason - it's so savory and flavorful without being heavy. the lamination is amazing on everything we tried as well. the raspberry almond croissant really stood out with the tart raspberry cutting the rich sweetness of the frangipane & buttery croissant. the frangipane became kind of a crunchy hard shell on the outside. the elote was also amazing - can't go wrong with corn for the summer. everything else was also delicious but not as noteworthy from my memory. i'd definitely come back again if i was in the area! grabbing coffee & pastries here sounds like a great way to spend your morning. read more
5 months ago
Small line of a few people but didn't have to wait too long. There were a lot of people with laptops inside - the tables are a bit small but it could be a good option to work for a bit with a pastry and drink. If you get anything dine in it comes in these dark blue mugs and plates that I liked a lot. I got the raspberry almond croissant - it was essentially a regular almond croissant with raspberry jam and whole raspberries in the inside instead of almond filling (there was still frangipane and sliced almonds on top). It was drier and crunchier than I'm used to croissants being, but still very flaky. I wasn't a huge fan of these flavors together, and the raspberries were pretty overpowering, but that might just be a personal preference. I also got two choux: the seasonal flavor on their online menu was different in person. I got the juniper lemon choux and the strawberry lychee choir. The lemon one was interesting - the lemon curd was very herbal but not overpoweringly so - because of the juniper berries it reminded me a bit of gin. In the other one the strawberry flavor was very strong and I didn't taste much lychee. There was also a cream filling that I liked that was somewhere between fresh whipped cream and plain mascarpone. Overall the pastries were fine, nothing bad but nothing so good that I'd really want to come here again. read more
Finally got to try this bakery on a Sunday afternoon. There are tables inside. Orange pandan vanilla latte - I love orange flavored lattes so knew I had to get there seasonal. Orange comes through with the pandan coming in at the end. Never thought these flavors would work so well together. Tomato bomb - crispy and flakey with pesto and cherry tomatoes. This one was my favorite. Black sesame kouign amann - crispy and flakey but it was very sweet. I was hoping the nuttiness of the black sesame came through more. Chocolate and banana croissant - the frangipane was very toasted so a little hard. The chocolate was overpowering and only one corner had banana. The chocolate and banana flavors needed to be more balanced. read more
One of the easiest 5/5 stars given, it was clear after the first bite. There's a reason Juniper won San Francisco's best croissant competition. Simple, innovative, undeniably brilliant. The traditional croissant is excellent, however, the raspberry almond croissant is utter perfection. With an almost impossible blend of texture between flaky croissant and a scone-like exterior, it's elevated with a warm, fresh, tart raspberry filling. When it comes to pastries, this is quite simply-put at the pinnacle. There's a lot of bakeries in SF, some with lines that stretch hours. However if you're looking for one of the best croissants you'll ever have not only in the Bay but beyond, Juniper is the one. read more
SF existential crisis moment: As I stood in line eying the $7.75 mushroom Danish, a homeless person was asking around for $1. SF makes me sad sometimes. I tend to get skeptical at popular bakeries, especially after visiting France where good bakeries are common and equitable, but Juniper is worth a visit if you're in the area. I first heard about it for its award-winning croissant, and Juniper also tends to be included in those must-try bakeries highlights by influencers. (++) The croissants are expensive but solid ($5 for pain, over $7 for the fancy ones), flakey and moderately buttery as you would expect for an award-winning croissant. Croissants are daily breakfast fare by nature, so I suggest appreciating the simplicity rather than anticipating something mind-blowing. (++) Pain au chocolate is filled with delightful 48% cacao sticks of chocolate, a nice rendition of this patisserie staple. (++) The black sesame kouign aman is curious; it looks like a morning bun but tastes like a kouign aman. It had a good ratio of pastry to sesame paste. I still prefer b. patisserie for the kouign aman gold standard, but Juniper's was fun to try. (+) The raspberry macadamia cookie is a hefty $4.50 each, but it's such a perfect cookie with just the right amount of crunch, nuttiness, tartness, and mild sweetness. (+) The cinnamon orange sticky bun is zesty citrus goodness, tastes as good as it looks. (+/-) Another popular item is the bite-sized choux pastry puffs, which come in interesting rotating flavors like hazelnut chocolate passionfruit and lemon juniper. They are a bit small for what it's worth (considering each is literally one bite). It's packaged very aesthetically in a fitted branded box, so I think it makes a nice small gift. The pricing gives you a small discount if you buy 3 rather than 1, and they also have a 1 choux + drip coffee special. There's a range of coffee and tea options, but also on the pricey end so I just went with the choux/coffee pairing special. - I've never seen such pretty packaging for a bakery. The blue matte boxes are very presentable - Staff are friendly, and the line moves at a reasonable pace - The space is nice with tables, tall ceilings, and counter seating for a vibey breakfast - It's paid street parking and can take a bit of circling to find a spot, but not impossible - Gets busy on weekends, don't expect this to be a quick stop. Take it slow and stop to smell the croissants read more
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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