Tartine Bakery

Tartine's exterior doesn't bost its name, but with the line of people we found snaking out its door just minutes after they opened on Sunday, we got the impression that the Mission District bakery doesn't need to advertise to draw a crowd. "It's always like this," another customer in line mumbled to her friend. We were starving and in serious need of caffeine, but the sun was finally out and so we were determined to be patient and wait our turn; whining kids, hipsters and all. Too bad not everyone had the same philosophy: the brunette with a mass of dark curls, the redhead who made a big production of arranging paper napkins and silverware on her table for two...and all the other people with bad form who snuck into the tiny bakery as their friend or partner stood in line, and HELD a table. Meanwhile, people who had tried to maintain their manners so early on a Sunday were stuck juggling full cups of coffee and pains du chocolat, with nowhere to sit. Us included. But at least the red head and brunette didn't have to be inconvenienced. Way to pay it forward, ladies.

Fortunately, the treats at Tartine are worth the few bad seeds. J opted for an incredible croque monsieur with sun dried tomatoes and fromage blanc, along with a brioche bread pudding. I kept it simple with a mountain of a croissant, flaky and crisp on the outside, soft and warm on the inside. We would have taken pictures had there been anywhere to sit.

-K

Tartine Bakery
600 Guerrero Street at 18th
San Francisco, CA 94110
415.487.2600

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