Destination Baking Company
Categories: Bakeries, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhood: Glen Park598 Chenery Street
(between Castro St & Natick St)
San Francisco, CA 94131 (415) 469-0730
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun 6:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Wi-Fi: None
184 reviews
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
"There are few places that I will hike to, and this is one of them. The atmosphere is great, be careful during lunch because it will be hard…" read more »
61 Reviews for Destination Baking Company
Just okay. I like their bread pudding. Everything else is nothing special. Not bad, just nothing special.
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Actually, 3 and a 1/2 stars.
My carrot cake was yummy. It didn't have any raisons or walnuts and the frosting wasn't the BEST I've had on carrot cake. But, it was still very tasty.
I was a little bummed that their lemon tarts aren't made with meyer lemons. They use meyer lemons in a cake, why not use them in their tarts as well? The tarts are more of a one person bakery item than a larger cake is. I don't know, just my thoughts on that and that I'm also a HUUUGE fan of meyer lemons....
Plus, I don't want to have to purchase a full size cake just to enjoy the flavor of meyer lemons:)
I'm guessing the am time has more of a selection than the later part of the day. I mean, since it is a bakery and all. I could be wrong though....
I thought I was basically done with active Yelp!ing. But I still log on everyday and read reviews from my homies and stalkees (aka friends and favourites, respectively). And today, I was hit with this feeling of.. "Oh sigh. I wish I had reviews to write. I wish my Yelp page weren't so pathetic-looking. I wish I still felt something." Then my cold, cold heart melted a little, and sitting there in the thaw, was my love for Destination Bakery.
And speaking of renewed loves:
I *just* saw John Mayer's VH1 show - "John Mayer has a TV Show" - despite its old news. Yeah, I live in a hole, where we only watch Deal or No Deal and other manner of terrible things. Anyway. He's hilarious. And I love (watching) him.
If only John Mayer worked at Destination. I'd go everyday. And I bet you their tip jar would be spilling over.
But even though he doesn't work there, I still manage to make my way over there occasionally. I've only tried: lemon tartlet, baguette, bread pudding.
Ok, so the lemon tartlet was just like any other tartlet. And the baguette was a baguette. But then again, my baguette palette is not awesome, but I generally just LOVE bread anyway.
But there are two reasons I keep coming back:
1) The bread pudding. Despite the fact it has raisins (BLECH) and is a bit too sweet and maybe is not doughy enough... I do Really like it. And to be honest, I'm pretty sure I like it more than the Tartine bread pudding that I had only once. It has this lovely, burnty sugar appeal on the surface bread peaks. I also love that the flavour is tinged with buttery and vanilla-y goodness. And it's a HUGE piece for a mere $2.75.
2) Part of the appeal also lies in that fact that it has such a corner bakery, neighbourhoody feel. There are always a few people inside and/or outside, just chillin with a snack and a newspaper. And even though it's not in my 'hood, it's still within walking distance. Combine that with the homeyness, and I just cannot help but love this place. It's my great weekend treat to make my way over and get a piece of bread pudding (lasts me two days since I discovered the concept of portion control). I certainly deserve it after climbing the hill that is the end of Noe Street to Laidley (yeah, it doesn't sound that impressing, but my chest pains beg to differ. Google Map:terrain that 'ness, ok?).
As added bonus: The pies at Mission Pie are baked here - anyplace that enables my pie consumption is delightening beyond comprehension.
I am determined to visit often enough and order the bread pudding each time, such that someday I can just roll in, give a knowing nod to the dude at the counter, and say "i'll have the us(ual)" (How does one spell that phonetically? "yujje"?). Yeah, that's right, I've got goals.
While we're on the topic of nothing in particular, here are few more tidbits of random trivia/my feelings:
-I am going to start eating my cereal with water. Because milk is gross and I just need something to dilute the sugar in my Smart Start.
-My favourite Favourites are Peter M. and Keane L.
-Sugar crystals are not as soluble as salt crystals.
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After reading all of the glowing reviews, I really, truly wanted to love Destination. I want to be a cool Glen Parker and fit in with the hip, up and coming neighborhood.
But I can't.
There's another bakery out there (rhymes with sateen) that has totally ruined Destination for me.
I ordered a lot because I didn't want to miss out on ANYTHING.
Let's begin with the tartlets:
I had the chocolate, mazarin (raspberry/almond), and banana cream. I prefer a flaky crust over the crumbly one that is offered at Destination. The fillings are simple, but unimaginative. Chocolate too rich, raspberry too sweet, and banana cream just left me wanting something more.
On to the cakes:
It's true that they keep their cakes in the refrigerator. I suspect that this is necessary because it's like 80 degrees in there. The ovens are literally 10 feet away from the cash register.
The cold cakes (cupcake, carrot cake, moon pie) make the frostings hard, so I waited for them to come to room temperature before enjoying them. The cupcake was yellow bottom with chocolate top. My favorite combination of ALL TIME. To my dismay, the cake is super dry! Like sawdust topped with chocolate ganache. :( Majorly unpleasant. Cupcakes, in my opinion, should be frosted with frosting and not ganache.The carrot cake was okay. But totally like something I make. Not something that I would pay for. With so many glowing reviews of the moon pie, I was saddened with the fatty, tasteless confection that I purchased.
The shining star was the chocolate croissant! I love the small shape and the sprinkle of salt on top. Terribly chic! Nice and flaky and just the right amount of chocolate.
I threw in a loaf of plain challah at the last moment. I like how they don't over bake it. I like my challah a little pale. After I dry it out, I'm going to make Sateen's bread pudding with it tonight. :D
One last note about pricing. While the Destination banana cream tartlet is a mere $2.50, there really isn't anything in there besides banana-flavored custard and cream. Sateen's banana cream tart has chocolate, caramel, sliced bananas, custard, and cream for about $5. And about 10 times the size of the tartlet! I know where to get more bang for my buck!
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I think this bakery is not the best I have been to but it is acceptable. It's nice to have a bakery in our small neighborhood.
I'm not sure if I came too early or came too late (10 am), but for some reason, it didn't seem like they had much product. They must bake really small batches or they're immensely popular (or both). It wasn't crowded at the time but maybe everyone knows to come early.
I had a hard time identifying the croissants because they didn't look like the traditional croissants that I'm used to and they don't label their goods. They were dark brown and not as fluffy. Honestly, they looked more like crescents. I was skeptical but I tried the chocolate croissant and though it wasn't the prettiest it was excellent. It's flaky on the outside and denser than usual. Definitely made with plenty of butter. It needed more chocolate but that's a minor flaw.
They only had two cupcakes left: vanilla cake with chocolate frosting. This was my first time receiving a cold cupcake (refrigerated) and I didn't like that aspect too much. The cake was undeniably dry. The frosting was hard (well it was refrigerated) but I will say that it tasted like they used good chocolate. I liked the chocolate non-pareil they put on top. But I don't think cupcakes are their forte.
I sampled a white bread that was very good - chewy crust, tender inside. They also serve up espresso drinks.
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This place will take you back to what a real pastry should taste like. Well, that's only if you are in your 30's or 40's. No, this is no Svenhards's Safeway bought pastries. Destination defies all competition when it comes to real fine ingredient filled products. There scones and bear claws are seriously bar none compared to anything you've ever tasted. Try the cherry or blueberry danish, or even the homemade bread. By far the best bakery in the whole bay area I think. Including arizmendi's on 9th which I do like, but Destination's crew are bionic when it comes to making honest to goodness tasty treats...!!!! Go there now and buy up the whole display from them so you can piss me off because it's all sold out..! Eat up.!
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Cute little bakery at a street corner on Chenery. The best danishes I have ever tried. Their other sweets are equally delectable, try the chocolate chip cookies, the little tartlets, croissants. They have a case of discount (day old perhaps?) pastries that are a great deal also.
Really nice staff and outstanding moon pies. I'm not a fan of their savory items.
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Glen Park is on my "favorite neighborhoods" list and Destination Baking Company is why. Go there early and you get to see the bakers do their thing behind the counter. My favorites: Snickerdoodles, Lemon Tarts, Carrot Cakes, Vegetable Samosas, Chicken Empanadas, and Double Mocha Soy Lattes. If you like pies, Destination sends them out to Mission Pie (2901 Mission St.).
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I definitely have to try more pastries there in order to give an accurate review, but every time I show up, they only have a handful of things left in the display case. The quiche is yummy but I'm not a big fan of the cinnamon roll (not soft enough and I don't like the taste of the frosting). Also, the very few tables inside have always been occupied (or is it just one table?) so I have never been able to sit down. I nosh in my car on the way to the highway to work.
Butter...*drool*
Destination Bakery is the single reason why I had to move out of the lovely Glen Park Village. The scent of buttery baked goods used to draw me down the street and tempt me to doughy indulgence. My most overwhelming weakness was their chicken empenadas. Words cannot fully describe how wonderful this savory meat pot pie-like pastry perfection is and how extremely happy it makes me to give in to it's power. The ever so slight crispiness of the outside is complimented well by the inside's warm stewy gravy chicken filling - this combination can comfort you to no end.
The chocolate croissant , blueberry muffins, and the cheddar-scallion scones are also divine!
Mmm, butter...*drool*
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I stopped by Destination Baking Co. at 6:40 am. The neighborhood is quiet at that time and there are places to park.
There were numerous hot, fragrant baked items just coming out of the ovens... I chose four pastries-- a chocolate croissant, a plain croissant, a cherry Danish, and a giant cinnamon raisin bun. I gave the plain croissant and cinnamon bun to co-workers and didn't get to taste them, but another co-worker and I shared the chocolate croissant and cherry Danish. Both were still warm, and made of flaky, crispy, chewy, melt-in-your mouth dough... I didn't even know a bread item could be all those things at once until I tried Destination Baking Co's treats!
The cherry filling of the cherry Danish was tart and delicious and obviously made from real cherries (they probably don't have this Danish in winter, but maybe they'll have apple then). The chocolate croissant has just the right amount of complex, dark chocolate filling, with some coarse sugar sprinkled on the top of the bread. it could definitely cause a chocolate croissant addiction.
All four pastries together were $9. The cinnamon bun is enormous and definitely enough for two people to share, and the bakery makes all their dough fresh (many bakeries have freshly baked pastries, but most are made with frozen dough, frozen cinnamon rolls, etc). They use organic ingredients when possible, so I think the pastries are a good deal!
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Great little bakery hidden in Glen Park. The chocolate croissant is amazing! It's flaky, chocolaty, and oh so buttery! The apple strudel tart is another winner.
The baked goods are excellent, the coffee is wicked, and I think there's a slice of quiche trying to get my attention from the counter.
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Fantastic cheese/fruit danish, scones hitting just the right balance of sweet/savory (in either kind even), serve yourself coffee to go that always gets me to my shrink on time, great locale affter trekking the dog through Glen Park Canyon. It really is a nice place to sit OR easy to do a driveby and grab what you need. Everyone is so nice there too. I just love Destinations.
I love their different fruit tarts with the crumbly, buttery crusts and the amazing fruit fillings. This is definitely my favorite Glen Park destination!
On weekends they have delicious fruit pies also. Think of those delicious little fruit tarts only in a much bigger size. Oh my!
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Two dollars and fifty cents for a moderate sized chocolate croissant seemed a bit steep given the ~$2 ones I usually get around the FiDi. One bite was all I needed to appreciate the perfectly proportioned chocolate oozing between its light, flaky pastry blanket, tasting fresh off the baking pan.
What a shame I didn't visit this hidden gem more often in my old 'hood. I'll definitely be back for more...
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Great tartlets, so so chocolate croissant and definitely not a "destination." Get everything 'to-go' b/c this is not a cute place to sit and enjoy the baked goods. The whole bakery is open to the kitchen (which is fine) but it is a no frills place w/ no decor, nothing. Definitely a solid bakery but nothing worth going out of your way for.
For the biggest selection you gotta get there before 9am- the Mazarin tartletts (with almond and raspberry jam) are hella addictive- god- I'm craving them now just thinking about it. I'm surprised someone got a pie there cos usually all the pies go to Mission Pies. The owner is part owner of Mission Pies and I heard Mission Pies are building their own kitchen right now so soon they'll be baking all the pies and Destination won't have to anymore, so I hope that means pies can now be baked for Destination Baking- I love Glen Park and a cute little French Bistro just opened called P'tite Laurent (Laurent from Clementine) but that's another story!!
We moved into the neighborhood and started buying Destination's delicious loaves of white bread #1 because it tastes really good & makes a superb vehicle for vanilla french toast, and #2 because the people who work there are just so cool. Also, they have the best pastry icing. Try a delectable cinnamon roll and see for yourself.
UPDATE...we bought a whole berry pie last week and I have been suffering withdrawal symptoms since we ate the last of it. Just the perfect tart berry filling to crust sweetness ratio. And yes, I checked Mission Pie. No berry pies until end of April :\
This place does prepare and serve fine quality bakery goods. I was also impressed with their program where they help inner city youth learn how to bake. Its a joint effort program with 25th Street Pies. A community involved bakery, how cool can you get.
This is my "destination" for Challah - it's addictive - and I've tried the carrot cake and apple pie. Have to try more - (but not too fast or I'll balloon out of my pants) - great food and sincere service.
You need to come early to this bakery or else everything will be sold out. I wanted to get the Crossiant but it was sold out by 10am. All that was left was the cinnabon, pecan, tarlet strudels, and cupcake.
I selected the chocolate frosting cupcake. It was simple. $1.75?
I need to try more pasteries to decide but 3 stars for now.
Not a super big bakery, but what it lacks in quantity, it more than makes up in quality. I like the moon pies and the Italian coffee cakes. Uhmm, moist cake with real fruits, not candied fruit, mind you. The carrot cakes are my daughter's favorite, she loves the frosting. The chocolate tarts are very, very indulgent. I would advise parking a bit far away, to work off all the goodies that are hard to resist tasting.
You can tell a lot of love goes into the goodies at Destination. The apricot scone tasted like your mommy made it. You should have seen the monstrous delights that were being sent out to various locales when I was there. I also had the chicken empanada that was chock-full of cheese, chicken, corn, and cilantro. The crust was soooo flaky!
Loved the ambiance as well. You can tell it's a local establishment with dedicated customers. I will definitely be back to stuff my face!
Workin' on my muffin top....
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5 huge stars for destination!!! Just thinking about their tarts and carrot cake makes my mouth water.My favorite tarts are the lemon and bananas and now the new strawberry!the tart shells are done just right and the lemon has the perfect sweet to tart ratio yummy!!! I love the carrot cake oh geez I can go all day talking about this bakery but the carrot cake is so moist and the frosting is this delish melt in your mouth cream cheese frosting without the nuts which is a plus cause I hate !!! The BF had bread pudding and swears by it know he said the best in the city!!! The staff is so sweet! 5 dollars for my 2 tarts and worth every penny. Much better then tartines! And who doesn't love glen park!try destination I promise you will love it !!! Oh and the Dutch apple pie to die for!
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I don't drink coffee and I'm not much on sweats and deserts...
I don't know what it is with the sticky buns at this place, but I turn into a sugar craving maniac whenever I happen anywhere in the vicinity. I'm pretty sure they put crack in them....
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Do you know that incredible sensation? The one that begins when the smell of baking butter and croissant dough enters your body, speeds to your brain, considers orgasmic-like gestures, moves on to other pleasure centers, then makes your mouth water? That's what Destination is all about. They make their croissant dough, and everything else, from scratch, and use very seasonal ingredients/preparations. For instance - their pies reflect the fruits in season. And as a great lover of pies, I must tell you they have the greatest strawberry rhubarb pie I have ever tasted. They also make hot cross buns around easter, with fruit they candy themselves.
*Everything* here is outstanding. The chocolate and fruit tartletts will make you smile. The chocolate crossiants, with their outstanding coffee will make you feel like curling up in their sunny window seats and snuggle with strangers. Their baguettes are the best in the city, in my opinion, and the pies...mmmmmmmm.....they might make you cry if you love them like I do.
In my opinion, Destination is actually better than Tartine. AND their service is outstanding - incredibly friendly folks who know this is a neighborhood joint. Lots of locals and regulars who adore the place and would probably be upset if they knew I was sharing this secret. (But you deserve the joy this place wil provide...you really do...)
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Every neighborhood's gotta have a bakery, and Glen Park is no exception. The food doesn't disappoint here, so if you live nearby, a morning walk to this bakery could easily become a weekend ritual. Also seems like a great place to run into your friends. But if, like me, you don't live in Glen Park, there's no particular reason to make the trip.
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Deliciously yeasty baguettes, freshly baked. Cheddar cheese scones. Friendly employees/owner. I'm really impressed by this little place.
I'll definitely be back to try out their pastries and desserts.
UPDATE: Their mini-tartlets. Die die, must try! Last weekend I bought a box of four for my boyfriend's birthday, and got to taste a bite of each. Banana Cream, Lemon, Raspberry, Strawberry, all made with the freshest fruit. Pure heaven.
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Love the scones and cookies, the pain au chocolat is excellent as well. The bread is pretty good though can be hit or miss. I thoroughly enjoyed the quiche both times I got it, and the empenadas are good if not a little bland.
Got a Pecan pie for Thanksgiving from them and albeit pricey, it was excellent.
Hidden away on Chenery Street, this bakery has some of the best scones and tarts. Like any other junkie, I've had to change my route, take the bus and impose a restraining order on myself so that I don't give in to the Italian coffee cake. It's rich, buttery taste with just the right amount of sweetness still calls out to me. I may have to move away.
I was bubbly with excitement about this bakery.... and they had my ultimate cupcake - yellow cake w/ chocolate frosting (unlike my fave nearby Noe Valley Bakery). Had I finally found my cupcake mecca? But as I bit into the cupcake, it was so.....DRY.....
I'm quite disappointed. *sigh*. So much promise, and yet such a letdown.
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I can't speak to cakes, croissants, sticky buns, or cinammon rolls. I don't eat 'em.
But I *can* speak to pie. I love pie. I adore pie. Who cares about cake or cookies or ice cream when there's pie? Really.
So if you want some damn good pie with flaky (but not greasy) crust, fresh homemade filling (just the right amount, too), perfectly spiced, baked, and porportioned, your destination is Destination. Nothing is too sweet or too tart. It's all...just right. Mmmm.... pie.
p.s.: Not in the mood for pie? Get their tarts! Like a mini pie but with a cookie crust. And so many flavors: lemon, lime, raspberry, apple, pecan, chocolate...mmmm.... tarts.
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There's nothing like doing laundry on a San Francisco-ish weekend morning, eating a crepe at Higher Grounds, and then waddling over to DBC and deciding which two pastries to split. One is always..always carrot cake. Whatever else it is we choose is always equally tasty. I see a lot of people walking out with pies, and since there is no menu I often hawk other people's orders. I know that they make pies for the new "Mission Pie" which is a great little place with a cute story. I need to visit more often, I'll keep ya'll posted.
I stand firm on my political opinion.
Make cupcakes, not war.
I will give the DBC more stars when they start frosting the baguettes.
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Four stars awarded on the basis of their pain au chocolat, which is just about the best I've ever had.
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Best Latte in the city. No crowds, unlike Tartine's.
Cinnamon rolls okay, but the sheer silence on a Sunday morning was the best part.
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awesome food and the owner is great. I
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