Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Live performances
- Great tea selection
oChef » La Boulangerie de – San Francisco
La Boulangerie de - San Francisco
Photo from La Boulangerie de
La Boulangerie de at a glance
San Francisco Hayes Valley
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 80 of the guests
#1905 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#128 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
473
Reviews
62.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- French pastries
- Cozy ambiance
- Good location
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- High prices
- Coffee quality
Overview: Introducting La Boulangerie de
La Boulangerie offers a charming spot where many appreciate its delightful French pastries and the inviting atmosphere. It’s often seen as a convenient neighborhood cafe, drawing crowds with its cozy feel and good selection of baked goods.
However, some visitors have noted issues with the overall customer experience, particularly concerning service interactions and the perceived value of certain items. While the location is a definite draw, these aspects can sometimes detract from an otherwise pleasant visit.
Good
6.6
out of 10
473
Reviews
62.2%
Satisfaction
146
negative
33
neutral
294
positive
La Boulangerie holds a respectable overall score of 6.6, indicating a generally positive experience for many patrons. This is further supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 62.2%, which falls into the mixed category, suggesting a solid base of happy customers alongside some who found areas for improvement.
These insights are drawn from 473 customer opinions, with 294 positive and 146 negative observations. Delving deeper, Food stands out with a good score of (7.1), frequently praised for its quality.
The Ambience also performs well at (6.8), creating a pleasant environment. However, Service registers as average at (5.5), and Value is a weaker point at (4.5), indicating that while the offerings are often enjoyed, the overall cost-to-experience ratio could be better for some.
What people like
- Delicious French Pastries
- Warm, Cozy Ambiance
- Convenient Neighborhood Location
What people don't like
- Subpar Service Experience
- Perceived High Prices
- Inconsistent Coffee Quality
La Boulangerie presents a mixed bag, offering genuinely appealing French pastries and a pleasant, cozy atmosphere that makes it a popular neighborhood spot. If you’re seeking a quick bite in a comfortable setting, especially for baked goods, it’s certainly worth considering.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and a price point that some find a bit high for the overall experience. With a recommendation score of 6.8, it’s a place that many enjoy, but it might not fully satisfy those prioritizing exceptional service or strict value for money.
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Verdict: Our expert take on La Boulangerie de
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark, with a score of 7.1 indicating a good performance, and 67.6% customer satisfaction showing a mixed but leaning positive experience. Many of the 171 positive remarks rave about the delicious croissant/Danish and Quiche options, along with other delicious baked goods. Guests also frequently praise the tasty baguette sandwiches and quality lattes, making it a great place for a quick bite or a leisurely treat.
However, not all food experiences are stellar, as evidenced by 62 negative opinions. Some found the baguette sandwiches to be incredibly chewy, while others were disappointed by awful tuna sandwiches and poor quality brunch plates. A significant concern raised was the lack of proper labeling for ingredients, especially regarding nut allergies, which is a serious issue.
Food
253
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
62
negative
20
neutral
171
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious French pastries
- Variety of quiches
- Quality coffee drinks
What people don't like
- Unlabeled allergens
- Chewy baguette sandwiches
- Poor brunch plates
Often praised
- foodI really liked coming here before La Boulange was bought by Starbucks. When they reopened as La Boulangerie, they maintained a lot of the same atmosphere, and the food is just as good. It's busier than ever in this location, and so I felt a kind of lack of personability.
- coffeeMy experience at this favorite neighborhood cafe was wonderful. I enjoyed a delicious hazelnut croissant and coffee. They offer a wide variety of other delicious baked goods, as well as open-face sandwiches and more.
- pastriesWhile the pastries were excellent, I found the baguette sandwiches to be incredibly chewy. Due to the chewy texture of the baguette sandwiches, I would not get them again and would just stick to the pastries. The service received a score of 2, atmosphere a 3, and food a 3.
- almond croissantGet the almond croissant. It's worth the three day diet you'll have to endure afterwards, but it's sheer French deliciousness.
- FoodFood:5
- bakerythey have an excellent bakery
- croissantsLove love the croissants
- saladsI absolutely love this place for its delicious and healthy salads. They also offer a very tasty bakery and good coffee, which pairs perfectly with almond milk.
- French pastriesMy experience at this restaurant featured delicious French pastries and baguette. The latte was good, but not amazing.
- baguettesThe baguettes are amazing
Frequently criticized
- pastriesthe pastries were obviously not from the same day: old, dry and sad
- Americanoleft my Americano with an inch of a gap
- almond croissantincluding the almond croissant and they lacked taste
- croissantIt was nothing special at all and felt very Costco croissant-esque. I would not go here for any croissant. The texture was rubbery, dry, and a little tough.
- espressoMy only complaint is that the barista misjudged the amount of water to put in my husband's americano and ended up pouring some of the drink out. This is fine, but they were pouring out espresso, which is what we paid for, in order to add some whole milk as ordered. A small detail, but it would've been better to not waste the espresso!
- foodThe espresso was uniquely disappointing, and the breakfast sandwiches were premade and almost not warmed. The overall food quality and service were rated low, with atmosphere also receiving a poor rating.
- textureI would not go here for any croissant. The texture was rubbery, dry, and a little tough.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Croissantwhat I got was a chocolate crossiant. Not what I ordered.
- Coffee cafeWHERE IS YOUR CLUE? Many of us just need a quick cupa; how HARD is that for a supposed Coffee cafe? It boggles my mind.
- Croque Madamedisappointed it didn't have any bechamel sauce
If you're craving delicious French pastries, quiches, or a good coffee, this place is definitely worth a visit. However, be cautious with their baguette sandwiches and brunch plates, and if you have allergies, double-check ingredients as labeling has been an issue.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
Based on 95 comments, the service here often shines, with 47 positive remarks highlighting friendly and welcoming staff, quick service, and attentive employees. Many appreciate the fast line movement and helpful recommendations, contributing to an average score of 5.5 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 49.5%. However, its a bit of a mixed bag, with 46 negative comments pointing to issues like snotty attitudes, poor customer service, and rude staff.
Some experiences mention slow drink service or a general lack of personability, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency.
Service
95
Reviews
49%
Satisfaction
46
negative
2
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly welcoming staff
- Quick service
- Attentive employees
What people don't like
- Snotty staff attitudes
- Poor customer service
- Rude staff interactions
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was great, especially for busy mornings. The service is fast, with breakfast served in under 5 minutes. The employees are friendly and they open early.
- staffWhat a charming bakery! I had a wonderful experience with a fantastic selection of pastries and a very friendly staff. This place is clearly popular, as the constant line is a testament to their quality.
- ServiceService:5
- amount of peopleamount of people who were there and the line
- cut it in two piecesThey heated it up and cut it in two pieces for my husband and I
- employeesemployees are friendly
- friendly staffHowever, I came in for the French toast and fruit, which did not disappoint. The good service and friendly staff, combined with a quiet early morning, made the overall experience enjoyable. I will definitely return.
- friendly welcoming staffMy experience at this lovely boulangerie on Hayes Street was fantastic. The fresh food was served by friendly welcoming staff. I ordered the quiche Lorraine and a latte, and both were excellent.
- good serviceGood service
- great serviceMy experience at this Hayes Valley cafe was one of pure comfort. From the moment I walked in, everything about the place exuded a sense of warmth, perfectly complemented by its comfort food offerings and great service. I particularly enjoyed the pistachio, raspberry, croissant, which was a delightful treat.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe espresso was uniquely disappointing, and the breakfast sandwiches were premade and almost not warmed. The overall food quality and service were rated low, with atmosphere also receiving a poor rating.
- staffemployees wanted to get a head start in cleaning
- ServiceThe Overall Value for money was rated at 3/5. The service was a bit disappointing at 2/5, but the atmosphere was quite pleasant at 4/5.
- customer experiencefelt like a very poor, short sighted customer experience
- managementsuper rude on multiple separate occasions which infuriated me
- allergen infoallergen info was more visible
- baristaIt is definitely very sweet, so I ordered half syrup, and it was still sweet, so be mindful of that if ordering! My only complaint is that the barista misjudged the amount of water to put in my husband's americano and ended up pouring some of the drink out. This is fine, but they were pouring out espresso, which is what we paid for, in order to add some whole milk as ordered.
- cash registerIt's funny that the cash register recommends 20% to 25% tips while the customers need to clean the tables and wipe down the chairs themselves. This was my experience during lunch.
- cashier attitudeattitude that “I hate you, I hate my job
- cleaning tableI have to clean my own table
The service here seems to be a roll of the dice; you might get a fantastic, friendly experience or encounter some less-than-stellar attitudes. If you're willing to take a chance, you could be pleasantly surprised by the speed and warmth, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a 6.8 score, the ambience is considered good, and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 66.7%. Many of the 105 comments praise the pleasant scenery, good music, and the availability of WiFi and chargers, making it a cozy place for both work and relaxation.
However, not everyone is completely charmed. Among the 25 negative remarks, some customers have noted issues with unclean tables, the presence of dogs inside the bakery (despite signs), a lack of AC, and occasionally limited indoor seating. These points suggest there's a bit of room for improvement in maintaining a consistently comfortable environment.
Ambience
105
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
25
negative
10
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Good for work
- Great location
What people don't like
- Unclean tables
- Dogs inside
- Limited seating
Often praised
- atmosphereAfter visiting the Painted Ladies, we explored the area and found this place. The decor was amazingly decorated and created a warm and inviting atmosphere. The crowd and the line stretching outside were clear indicators that it was something good, so we waited patiently.
- AtmosphereThe Overall Value for money was rated at 3/5. The service was a bit disappointing at 2/5, but the atmosphere was quite pleasant at 4/5.
- seatingthere's plenty of seating
- ambianceThe ambiance is cozy
- indoor and outdoor seatingplenty of indoor and outdoor seating
- locationThe empanada was delicious, especially when warmed up. Overall, it's a great place, and I'll definitely be back, particularly because the location is fantastic.
- Clean storeClean store
- Hayes vibebask in the Hayes vibe
- LocationLocation was fantastic
- Neighborhood coffee shopMy experience at this coffee shop was excellent. It's the perfect neighborhood coffee shop with high quality offerings and friendly service. It's a great place to fuel up and enjoy the Hayes vibe.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe espresso was uniquely disappointing, and the breakfast sandwiches were premade and almost not warmed. The overall food quality and service were rated low, with atmosphere also receiving a poor rating.
- tablesIt's funny that the cash register recommends 20% to 25% tips while the customers need to clean the tables and wipe down the chairs themselves. This was my experience during lunch.
- No Pets signDon't have the sign if you aren't going to enforce it
- ParkingParking is a bit tough
- accessible power outletsno accessible power outlets for their customers
- ambianceThe inside colors made you think you were in a French vineyard, and they used real plates, bowls, cups, and silverware. Under the new owners, it lost its ambiance. Now, all the tableware is paper and plastic, and the inside walls are all white.
- big leather sofa chairsThe ambiance is cozy. The only thing I miss are the big leather sofa chairs that they used to have. Sigh!
- chairsIt's funny that the cash register recommends 20% to 25% tips while the customers need to clean the tables and wipe down the chairs themselves. This was my experience during lunch.
- dogs inside the bakeryThe cappuccino was also delicious with a lot of onctuous micro foam. I would have given 5 stars if they didn’t allow dogs inside the bakery. It is mind boggling that people shamelessly bring their pets (not service dogs) in such a place and staff says nothing about it.
- furnituresome wooden furniture feel quite old and outdated
If youre looking for a generally cozy spot with good amenities for working or just chilling, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. Just be prepared for potentially busy periods, and don't be surprised if you encounter some furry friends or less-than-pristine tables.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, some folks really appreciate what's on offer, with 6 positive remarks out of 20 total. Many found the Great prices and prices to be quite reasonable, especially for the area, highlighting affordable coffee and cappuccino as a pleasant surprise. It seems you can snag some good deals here.
However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with a rather poor customer satisfaction rating of 30%. Many felt the price was too high, especially for SF prices and overpriced food, leading to complaints about tipping expectation and small portions. Despite an average score of 4.5, the value proposition clearly needs work for many.
Value
20
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
13
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable coffee
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Small portions
- High SF prices
Often praised
- pricesthe prices are good
- Great pricesGreat prices
- cappuccinoThis is probably one of the cheapest cafes/bakeries in San Francisco where you'll find the most affordable coffee (4$ for a cappuccino). The service was very good and the atmosphere was pleasant 👍.
- coffeeThis is probably one of the cheapest cafes/bakeries in San Francisco where you'll find the most affordable coffee (4$ for a cappuccino). The service was very good and the atmosphere was pleasant 👍.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. It felt like a glorified, pricier Starbucks. The espresso was uniquely disappointing, and the breakfast sandwiches were premade and almost not warmed.
- SF pricesBe prepared for SF prices
- coffee + croissantpaid $14 for coffee + croissant
- missed revenueMissed revenue because I won’t bother anymore
- overpriced foodoverpriced food and rude management
- pastriesbut also very expensive
- payment policyshould accept cash. was refuse service
- price differenceThere is about $2 difference in price. I paid more and got less.
- stingy thingsuper cheap, stingy thing to do
- tipping expectationwant customers to tip them, %15 at least
If youre seeking specific affordable items like coffee, you might find a good deal. However, be prepared for what many consider "SF prices" on other menu items, as the overall value is a mixed bag. It might disappoint if youre expecting consistently low prices across the board.
How are the prices at La Boulangerie de?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 80 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend in that $11–$20 sweet spot, though there are a few options for those looking to spend a little less or a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 80 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Cafe in San Francisco. It offers good value for a casual spot without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about La Boulangerie de
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Disappointing Service with Avocado Toast
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing, primarily due to the people who work here. I ordered the avocado toast, which the menu indicated should come with a side. However, no side was provided.
When I inquired about it, I was told it doesn't come with a side, contradicting the menu. This interaction left me with a negative impression of the service.
- avocado toast5
- people who work here2
- service3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Cozy Atmosphere, Good Coffee & Banana Bread
I was hoping to get a fresh coffee and was surprised to find I needed to grab it from the refrigerator. This was a little bit disappointing, but the coffee was good, as was the banana bread. The environment in the place is really good; it’s cozy!
- coffee7
- banana bread8
- environment9
- fresh coffee3
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Sweet Latte, Service Hiccup
This is a cute spot that I've stopped at a few times when visiting SF. I got the spiced pumpkin latte and it was lovely. It is definitely very sweet, so I ordered half syrup, and it was still sweet, so be mindful of that if ordering!
My only complaint is that the barista misjudged the amount of water to put in my husband's americano and ended up pouring some of the drink out. This is fine, but they were pouring out espresso, which is what we paid for, in order to add some whole milk as ordered. A small detail, but it would've been better to not waste the espresso!
- spiced pumpkin latte8
- half syrup6
- cute spot9
- barista3
- espresso2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
1
Moldy Sandwich and Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was very disappointing. I found mold on my sandwich, and the staff's poor handling of the situation when I pointed it out was unacceptable. If you are seeking fresh food and professionalism, I would advise looking elsewhere.
- mold on sandwich1
- poor handling1
- fresh food1
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
9
Excellent Service and Delicious Food!
My experience was great! I ordered through DoorDash and found the quiche lorraine and lattes to be delicious. On a second DoorDash order, I accidentally ordered a latte for pickup and realized I couldn't make it.
However, the staff were incredibly attentive and sent the first latte with my second delivery order, which was beyond what I expected. This top-notch service makes me want to keep ordering from them. They deserve a raise!
- quiche lorraine9
- lattes9
- staff10
What La Boulangerie de offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
How does La Boulangerie generally perform according to customer feedback?
La Boulangerie has an overall score of 6.6, with Food rated at 7.1 and Ambience at 6.8, both considered good. Service is average at 5.5, and Value is lower at 4.5.
What are the standout items or features at La Boulangerie?
Customers frequently praise the delicious French pastries, including croissants and almond croissants. The warm, cozy ambiance and convenient neighborhood location are also highly regarded.
What are some common concerns or areas for improvement at La Boulangerie?
Some customers have noted issues with service, including staff attitude and the need to clean tables. There are also opinions that certain items are overpriced, and some find the coffee quality inconsistent.