The 12 Best Bakeries in America

If you’re a fan of pastry, bread, and all things gluten, there’s never been a better time to live in the United States. We’ve entered a new renaissance of star bakers, who are rejecting the traditional wisdom about playing things safe and opening bakeries with their names proudly on the marquee that serve up incredible and unique offerings.

Today, we’re rounding up the best bakeries in the United States. Each has their own specialty — some craft amazing loaves of sourdough bread, while others specialize in delicate macarons, pastries, and other confections that will leave you wanting more, long after the last crumb is gone. If you’re a pastry fan, use this list to plan your next vacation, and you won’t be disappointed.

Tartine – San Francisco

Tartine bakery in San Francisco was founded by Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson in 2002, after a chance meeting at culinary school led to them becoming business partners. Although it wasn’t an instant success, they’re now known around the world for their incredible sourdough bread — the deep, dark crust and perfectly open crumb has inspired legions of fans around the world who line up in the wee hours of the morning for a chance to purchase their bread before it sells out. If you can’t manage the (usually hour-long) wait for the bread, pick up one of their croissants or chocolatines, which are baked until deep brown and almost dripping with butter.

Croissants, Morning Buns and Banana Nut Muffins from @tartinebaker. Thank you @foodcentric @SFC_FoodHome @sfchronicle @abrowntable pic.twitter.com/bku4x1nhf4

— Nigella Lawson (@Nigella_Lawson) April 23, 2018