Tartine Bakery and Cafe – San Francisco

Anyone who has driven through the Mission on a weekend, knows that the far-reaching line out the door on the corner of Guerrero and 18th is the beloved Tartine Bakery. With a comfortable, laid back charm of a neighborhood bake shop and noteworthy accolades from the James Beard Foundation (Outstanding Pastry Chef 2008), Tartine has been on the radar of locals and nationals for many years.

I haven’t been in a while, and revisited this past week. From the moment you walk in, you are that kid in a candy store. Except instead of candy, you are surrounded by an assortment of pastries and loaves of freshly-baked bread. From the Buttermilk Scones, to the Tres Leche Cake, it really is difficult to decide. Especially for a carb and sugar-aholic like myself. I wanted everything. I finally decided. One sweet and one savory. That is it…for today.

 

Here are a few tips for dining at Tartine Bakery & Cafe:

Hot-Pressed Sandwiches (Mozzarella & Tapenade (front) and Spicy Turkey)

Keep in mind that Tartine Bakery’s sandwich portions are generous. Certain varieties like the above also take around 15 minutes to prepare. If you are dining with a friend and you are both really hungry, order two different sandwiches and split them. Variety is the spice of life.

If you are on the lighter side of hungry, you and another can share one order. I have a HUGE appetite, and still managed to only finish one and 3/4 sandwiches.

The famous Tartine Bakery Morning Bun

It’s no secret that the most talked about item on the Tartine Bakery menu is the Morning Bun. From people on twitter excitedly claiming “Yessss, last morning bun is mine” to the thousands of reviews just on this one particular pastry, the Morning Bun has definitely been a San Francisco icon for the last several years.

If you really want that Morning Bun, and are worried that after waiting in a 20+ person line, they may sell out, go on a weekday afternoon. It’s that easy (unless you have the job that offers no flexibility). Leave the fighting for Jerry Springer. You’ll also easily find a seat. Morning Buns are one of those things you should enjoy in peace.

Make sure to ask them to heat the bun up for you. It adds a nice flakyness to the outer croissant-like texture accentuating the warm, gooey cinnamon bun-ish center.

Last but not least, there’s a possibility you are going to have leftovers, so make sure you hide them from those hungry stalkers. My cat Romy tried to creep up on my remaining sandwich, but no one, not even my sweet, sneaky kitty, gets between my food and I.

 

Tartine Bakery & Cafe

600 Guerrero St
(between 18th St & 19th St)
San Francisco, CA 94110