Backhaus | San Mateo

Bakery · San Mateo ·

Backhaus | San Mateo

Bakery · San Mateo ·

Naturally leavened breads, stellar pastries, and a savory Speck & Egg.

Information

32 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401 Get directions

$10–20

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

25 Best Restaurants on the San Francisco Peninsula | Eater SF

"With its naturally leavened bread and freshly baked pastries, Backhaus embodies a creative but unpretentious approach to breadmaking. Though it started in a home kitchen, the bakery now cranks out an impressive variety of sourdough loaves baked directly on the stone decks of a bread oven. Most visitors opt for the country or seeded sourdough loaves due to their versatility. For those swinging by for breakfast, the Speck & Egg is an obvious choice — a savory pastry made with a flakey, buttery croissant dough and filled with smokey Italian speck and a jammy egg. Among the sweet pastries, the pistachio raspberry croissant is a standout. It features a house-made raspberry jam and pistachio filling." - Octavio Peña

https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-peninsula-palo-alto-mountain-view-san-mateo

Alana Ippolito

Backhaus | San Mateo

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

Two Peninsula Bakeries, Backhaus and Bakehouse, Are Battling Over Naming Rights in Burlingame | Eater SF

"I learned that Backhaus, a San Mateo bakery operating since 2016, is preparing a second location but is already embroiled in a naming dispute: owner Anne Moser says she tried contacting the incoming similarly named bakery after customers repeatedly messaged her about what they assumed was a new Backhaus, and she retained a trademark lawyer who drafted a cease-and-desist requesting clearer signage." - Paolo Bicchieri

https://sf.eater.com/2023/4/17/23686648/backhaus-bakehouse-peninsula-bakery-opening

Backhaus | San Mateo

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

The Best Sourdough Bakeries in San Francisco | Eater SF

"Anne Moser moved from Germany to California in 2013, and started baking bread with a cottage license, before finally opening her bakery in July of 2019. Today, she’s putting out bread, pretzels, and other sweet pastries." - Lauren Saria

https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-sourdough-bakery-san-francisco-bay-area

Backhaus | San Mateo

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

Amazon Wants to Open a Tiny Liquor Store in Dogpatch | Eater SF

"I found that the popular German-style bakery Backhaus, long sold at Peninsula farmers’ markets, has opened a permanent storefront and café in downtown San Mateo at 32 E 3rd Avenue, where you can buy porridge loaf, pretzels, seasonal pastries, and coffee and tea." - Ellen Fort

https://sf.eater.com/2019/6/17/18682112/amazon-liquor-store-delivery-dogpatch-news

Backhaus | San Mateo

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22,027 Postcards · 1,950 Cities

German‑influenced artisan bakery turned community staple: naturally leavened loaves, stellar pastries like the pistachio‑raspberry croissant, and a savory Speck & Egg. Spotlighted by the San Francisco Chronicle and anchored by its own bustling flagship. ([sfchronicle.com](https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2022/san-mateo-food-best-day-ever/?utm_source=openai), [backhausbread.com](https://www.backhausbread.com/locations/?utm_source=openai))

https://www.backhausbread.com/locations/

Things to Do in San Mateo (2025)

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Backhaus | San Mateo

Shruti S.

Google

We went here for breakfast - it was soooo good. We had one of 7-8 different sweet and savory options from their bakery collection - morning bun, classic croissant, everything bagel, shakshuka, almond croissant, latte, etc. Everything was fresh and yummy. One of the best breakfast/brunch places in Thai area. Clearly evident from the long queue of folks, and even the line was moving pretty fast. Definitely demands a revisit/visit if you are in this area!

GlomadicLife

Google

Love their backyard! Esp on a beautiful sunny afternoon like this. “Little dudes” are perfect coffee mates. Hands down my favorite bakery on the Peninsula. I’ve been coming here for a few years now, and it never disappoints. The backyard seating is such a gem — especially on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Add good coffee and dogs by your side, and it’s basically the perfect setup. We often just grab things to go now because these pastries have become essentials. Pastry-wise, everything croissant is excellent. The almond croissant is a classic — nutty and perfectly crunchy. The pistachio raspberry croissant is creative and delicious, and the Black Forest Danish was a surprise favorite: cherries, chocolate, whipped cream, and those perfectly layered, crunchy pastry sheets. So good with an afternoon tea. Only downside is, You do need to go early — there’s almost always a line. But honestly, it’s worth it every time. Perfect for: sunny afternoon coffee breaks, pastry lovers, and anyone who doesn’t mind lining up for the good stuff.

Arthur T

Google

Backhaus has been on my to-visit list for so long! Two of us ordered: croissant $5.50 cold brew $6.75 Cold brew definitely on the pricier side. Coffee was standard and croissant was nice. Came by in the afternoon around 2:30PM after lunch, so not much was left. Staff mentioned to come early in the morning since they usually sell out within a few hours! Street parking / garage parking a few blocks away.

Kaela K.

Google

Backhaus is one of our household staples. The pastries and bread are fresh and full of flavor. Each bite of a crossaint is full of flavor, you can taste each of butter coming through, with the perfect combination of airless and exterior crunch. Backhaus out performs the surrounding bakeries.

Albert V.

Google

Actually I was only able to experience their excellent baked goods at The Clift Hotel where they hosted Best Croissant Competition in San Francisco. Forgive me but the pastries didn’t have actual names but oh-my-gosh were they sooooo good! I voted for them to have the best of everything but they came in on 2nd Place. Still not bad because the competition was really, really stiff! The 10 Best Bakeries in San Francisco brought their A-game and in my opinion they were 1st. Placers! I’ve been to Paris a few times and they could seriously easily rival any Boulangerie shop.The whole crew was super nice too! I will have to check their flagship in San Mateo soon. 🥐😋👌🏼

Himani A.

Google

Happy to have found this lovely bakery in San Mateo downtown. We love their sourdough breads, sweet and savory pastries. They have long lines on the weekends so prepare to wait at-least 10-15 minutes if you are getting coffee with your pastry. Some of my favorites are “tomato girl”, “Kouign-amann” and “everything croissant bagel”. Their chocolate sourdough and olive sourdough bread are also very unique and tasty. They also have a cute patio on the back where you can sit, relax and enjoy the food.

Alicia D.

Google

I love love loved the country loaf of bread. I brought it home, toasted it, and put butter and chocolate chips on it. It had the perfect chewiness and so much flavor!

Sabahat A.

Google

Hands down the very best patisserie / bakery / croissants place in the Bay Area. Absolutely perfection. I’m not just saying that: I’ve compared it to some of the big names in San Fran and beyond. It’s true, unadulterated French bake craft at its finest. Be there early morning or the best stuff will be gone sometimes even by 10 AM.

Alexander D.

Yelp

I visited Back Haus in San Mateo this morning, and it was a delightful experience from start to finish. I ordered a chocolate hazelnut croissant, which was super delicious - perfectly flaky and rich in flavor. Paired with a mocha that was as picturesque as it was tasty, my breakfast was off to a great start. The ambiance of Back Haus is truly inviting. We had an informal meeting in their back patio, an outdoor dining space that was both comfortable and charming. It provided a relaxed and pleasant environment for conversation. The service was exceptional. The staff was attentive and friendly, with Francesco standing out for his excellent service. His welcoming demeanor and prompt attention made our visit even more enjoyable. Overall, the combination of delicious food, great coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere made for a five-star experience. I highly recommend Back Haus for anyone looking for a fantastic pastry and coffee spot in San Mateo.

Constance L.

Yelp

Pricey! Detailed breakdown below: **Service, 5/5** Friendly and efficient service! **Decor & cleanliness, 5/5** Front of the bakery is pretty small, but check out their cute seating area out back. **Price & taste, 3/5** I got an everything bagel croissant which was a cool concept, but the cream cheese in the middle meant the croissant couldn't rise and puff up at the bottom. There were parts that ended up being a bit dense and stale/wet, while the edges were drier but not crisp the way you expect a satisfying flakey croissant to be. It might've also been a consequence of my timing: I arrived around 2PM so maybe it just wasn't fresh? Asiago and black pepper loaf was solid, but I ended up giving it away to my partner because the whole loaf was a little too funky-smelling for me -- totally my personal preference though and doesn't factor into the rating. At $14 for the loaf though, this might've been the most expensive fresh bread I've purchased, and I don't think it would've been worth the price even if I really enjoyed it.

David H.

Yelp

Busy, busy, busy spot. Fresh breads, pastries, and coffee options. Friendly service and staff. Though the lines can be long, the wait is not excessive. Limited seating in the front and a few tables in the back patio. Ambiance is casual. Get here early if you want some there baked goods. Give this spot a try.

Sandee L.

Yelp

I had my heart set on the speck and egg breakfast bowl, but darn it! They did not have it! We settled on the mushroom galette, both types of kouign amann: regular and strawberry, and a chocolate croissant. We gobbled up the mushroom galette and strawberry kouign amann right away because those looked the most perishable. Wow, just wow! Their pastry crust is so light, flaky, and crispy. The strawberry kouign amann was shatteringly crisp as well and was filled with a sweet strawberry jam and cream surprise in the middle. Don't be discouraged if there's a line out the door. It moves fairly quickly. Once you're at the front of the line, be prepared to rattle off your order because they put you on the spot like you're on Jeopardy! After you get your bag of goodness, you can enjoy it in their cute back patio. They also have two small tables inside and a couple in the front of the establishment. I will definitely be back for more and hope they have the speck and egg breakfast bowl next time.

Shay M.

Yelp

Came on a sunday afternoon and there was a line but it moved fairly quick. I ordered ham and cheese croissant and morning bun and both were quite delectable! - ham and cheese croissant was nice and flakey. not as crispy as croissante or arsicault but still good quality. and it even tasted better when I toasted it at home - morning bun was lightly sweet and has a hint of orange zest which was nice. although it does get harder if not eaten right away. - outdoor seating in the back(haus) is a nice vibe on a sunny afternoon!

Pauline N.

Yelp

Love coming here before work to grab a coffee and snack! When I get to work early, I always come here. All their pastries look delicious too. I've had their croissants and I loved them. They have some fun flavors as well. I am not a coffee expert but I thought it was very good. They seem to put a lot of care into making their coffee drinks. PSA: coffee will probably take 10+ minutes. I've come to work late cause I assumed my latter would come out in 2 minutes.

Ziyan C.

Yelp

No wait at lunchtime on a Friday in March. I already thought I'd found the perfect Portuguese egg tart at my local Chinese bakery, but I was proven wrong after having this. Pastel de Nata ($7 total with tax/tips) - 5 stars. This was mindblowingly good! Perfect buttery flaky crust, silky filing. And I had eaten it a day old - I can't imagine how much better it would have been fresh!

Susan J.

Yelp

If you want to get some superb pastries and bread, get here early. Baked goods are made from scratch and are limited in quantity. Laid back, friendly, clean and everything a pastry shop should be. Lines are often out the door, but move quickly. Coffee and other beverages are handcrafted and take a bit of time but are worth it. Today I tried an Almond Croissant and a Cappucchino. Perfect breakfast. The rustic loaf of bread will work for lunch.

Christine C.

Yelp

Great coffee shop!! They use ritual coffee which is amazing. You can also get bread by the loaf or even half a loaf; all of the bread is so, so good!!

Austin W.

Yelp

Despite having been to downtown San Mateo a handful of times, this is the first time that I've stopped by Backhaus. I finally had a chance to drop by and couldn't be happier with the pastries my wife and I were able to try out. My wife ordered the "Speck & Egg Breakfast Bowl" while I got their "Raspberry with Cardamom Streusel Seasonal Coffee Cake". If you've ever been to Craftsman and Wolves in San Francisco, they are famous for a savory cheddar scallion muffin with a soft-cooked egg inside they call "The Rebel Within". The "Speck & Egg Breakfast Bowl" from Backhaus is better in every way imaginable. The egg on the inside is cooked better and the flavors are much more balanced. If you can only stop by to try one item, this is the item to try. Though I really enjoyed my seasonal coffee cake as well, its hard to rain praise on it after having tried the speck and egg pastry. If you're in downtown San Mateo, you should definitely check out Backhaus and grab one of their pastries.

Chris R.

Yelp

We decided to come here after reading an article about Backhaus in the SF Chronicle recently. Having grown up in Germany myself, and reading that the owner is German, had gotten us excited for some authentic German "Bauernbrot". So my wife and I made the trek from Fremont to San Mateo on a cold and rainy Saturday late morning and stood in line for a short five minutes (we also came to try their Mini Chocolate Sourdough loaf which was mentioned in the article, but had already sold out before we arrived). Upon entering the shop, we were impressed with the loaves on display and ended up purchasing one Country Loaf, one Baguette, one Morning Bun, and one Everything Pretzel Épi. Total for everything was a little over $35. On the way home we stopped at Dittmer's German meat shop in Los Altos to buy some cold cuts to put on the bread. I'm sad to report, though, that we were disappointed with the bread and pretzel -- while we were expecting "Bauernbrot", this was just sourdough disguised in Baurnbrot clothing. The dough was too "airy" and had too many large air pockets that any toppings just fell through the holes. To be fair, as sourdough goes, it had a good taste and the crust was perfectly caramelized and crispy. The pretzel, however, was very disappointing and we ended up tossing it out as it was too dry and didn't have that traditional German pretzel taste (if you've been to Germany and have had an authentic pretzel, then you know what I'm talking about). The odds of us returning to Backhaus are very low, and I will continue making Bauernbrot myself at home.

Marcela S.

Yelp

Love this place! I used to live a block away :) everything there is delicious the only complaint I have is that they are a bit conservative when it comes to flavor. I always try their new pastries but the flavor just doesn't come through for me. If it's sage or other new pastry flavor, the flavor is very faint I would Like to actually taste whatever the pastry flavor is.

David B.

Yelp

First time visiting. Not many pastry options. My wife and I got chocolate chip cookies, an apple filled pastry, chocolate croissant, and a cheese bread. The pasties were good. Above average for sure. Cookie was big, and probably the best thing we had. The lady at the counter said they were known for their breads, so I decided to give one a try. I got the one that said cheese bread. Thought it was just cheese, but upon taking a bite, it was filled with chopped peppers and jalapeños (which I really don't like). It would be nice if that was in the description. Definitely worth a try, but might have to ask what's in each item if you're picky like me.

Vivian T.

Yelp

Best pastries in the Peninsula!! The line out front and the high demand is very telling. I came here on a rainy Saturday morning and there was still a line for pastries! They sellout items pretty quickly in the morning. There's usually a line but it goes by pretty quickly. The store is quite small so I would suggest buying the items to go rather than dining in. All the employees are incredibly friendly and always have a smile on their face despite how busy they're working.

Julissa J.

Yelp

I went around 1pm om Friday & all the pastries were pretty much done except for these everything croissants w/ cream cheese & boy am I glad I snagged one because they were delicious!! After having it I wished I would've bought the rest. The croissants paired perfectly with my vanilla latte & I enjoyed it all as I walked around the park a few blocks away. They do have a small patio in the back that is dog friendly so extra stars for that, I'll be back again, earlier this time as I can't imagine what other goodies they have.

Alexis M.

Yelp

I had high hopes for this place as all the reviews and photos looked amazing. Service was friendly and quick. It's a small shop so expect a line to order but you can head to the back where they have an outdoor patio to enjoy your pastry and coffee. Came in early in the AM and got the pistachio croissant and the Speck & Egg Breakfast Bowl. They were delicious in flavor yet lacking the correct crispness and moisture in the pastry. The speck and egg is a nice savory croissant topped with green onions and an egg cooked inside. The pistachio raspberry croissant had a jam inside. The pastries are alright, and a bit pricey ($6.75 for a croissant). They aren't as buttery as some outstanding pastries I have had and there are just better bakeries that I would rather travel to.

Louise F.

Yelp

Their everything bagel croissant was quite tasty - a croissant cup the size of a handful absolutely covered with everything seasoning with a cream cheese filling. Great to sit in the sunny back patio to enjoy.

Rose L.

Yelp

Came here 2 years ago when they were still new. I remember ordering pastries that came with a tray and my latte served in a real cup. Today came back the second time and sadly the coffee wasnt as robust as I want it to taste and there was enough strawberry filling on the amann. In addition, latte was served in a non stylish paper cup and pastry was placed in a brown bag. $13.50 for both. No thanks, no next time.

Kathryn C.

Yelp

Came here around 1:30pm on a Saturday. They were sold out of all pastries except for a tropical crostock. I decided to go with an Olive Fougasse -- it's kind like a pretzel meets a foccacia. Amazing, salty crust. Amazing olive pockets inside. Love that it's chewy and crusty and salty. Really enjoy this. Would love to come back and try other items.

Claire P.

Yelp

I went on a Saturday morning at around 10am and I was able to get the pastries I wanted. The kouign amann was alright. Nothing too special about it. One good thing is that there is seating in the back. It is rare to get indoor seating. There is also one large bench outside. Overall, the line moved quickly and I would go back and try other pastries and maybe a drink.

Carissa N.

Yelp

The mushroom galette was beautifully savory, flaky, with a crispy bottom (absolutely no soggy bottoms here)! All of the pastry was wonderfully layered and crispy. No skimping on the toppings (yes, there is mushroom under all that green)! The everything croissant bowl was tasty - filled with cream cheese. Again, the crisp crunch was so satisfactory. The kouign amann was a wonderful texture as well and sweet but not too sweet. The speck and egg croissant bowl and morning bun were also tasty and if it were put in front of me, I would definitely eat it all again! But I would likely go for one of the three above first. I arrived a few minutes after opening, around 7:35 and there were about seven people ahead of me in line already. Definitely go early before it's sold out! So worth it!

Emily W.

Yelp

***4.5 stars*** Arrived around 10:00am on a Sunday. Based on the reviews, I thought it would be way more crowded, but there was no wait when we arrived. However it did start getting slightly busier by the time we left around 10:30am. The bakery has very cute decor and cozy vibes and service was wonderful. We brought our food to the outdoor tables in the back patio. We got the chocolate croissant, ham and cheese croissant, kouign amann, and the everything croissant bowl with cream cheese. My favorite was the everything croissant bowl! It was very flavorful and I always love a good savory pastry. Next I liked the kouign amann best. Chocolate croissant and ham and cheese croissant were about the same ranking for me. They were pretty good! Not as flaky as some other bakeries but still enjoyable. I feel like if the croissants were warmed up, they'd be 100x better. But apparently they don't provide this service (my friend overheard the employees telling a customer that they don't offer that). I appreciated how the chocolate filled up a good portion of the croissant (see pic) and not just a tiny portion in the center like many chocolate croissants. Overall, fantastic bakery and I'd come back!

Sharon T.

Yelp

Came by on a Sunday morning and the line was very long! By the time we reached the cashier it was about 20-30 minutes. Most of the pastries in the case were still there so that was nice, though I was seeking out the pistachio raspberry croissant and it wasn't available. I got the pumpkin tea cake, the ham and cheese croissant, the chocolate croissant, and the pear danish. I also ordered an iced vanilla latte. It was good, but the vanilla flavor wasn't very prominent. The pumpkin tea cake was soft and fluffy. I also enjoyed the ham and cheese croissant (though I would have loved more cheese!). They're very very busy so I would understand why they wouldn't do it, but I think the croissants would have tasted much better warmed up! There's a small outdoor area in the back of the shop where there are chairs and tables to enjoy your pastries before you go.

Erich L.

Yelp

I was in the area and stopped by this first location that was very busy in the morning. They have all of the breads and pastries as the other location. I had the apple whip danish and a coffee plus the pretzel to go. Everything was expertly made and delicious. The coffee they use is ok. Great casual bakery that is one of my favorites and reminds me of Europe.

Amirissa M.

Yelp

Great stop and treat for your morning coffee. The team was helpful and informative, and they were very patient as we hemmed and hawed on our selection choices. It's a cozy spot, and I really appreciated that they provide diapers in the restroom to parents who may have ran out. I really loved the olive loaf we got. The pretzel epi baguettes were fine, but they didn't have the malt or bite you'd generally expect given the lye bath. We got a couple of croissants: the everything and chocolate. Both were tasty, however, the croissant dough itself wasn't as buttery as I would have liked, so it didn't really satisfy the croissant craving.

Leanne C.

Yelp

Backhaus is hands down my favorite bakery in San Mateo! The line is usually long but it's so worth it. Go early or they WILL run out of things. Everything I have had from here so far is delicioussss. I usually opt for the various pastries and a latte, but they also have a wide selection of bread that I have had my eye on and will be back for. Some of my favorites from here include the everything croissant bowl, speck and egg breakfast bowl and almond croissant. Their pastries are perfectly flaky and buttery. You will not be disappointed! They also have a nice back patio with some tables and shade -- a nice spot for catching up with friends or working remotely on a sunny day!

Brenda L.

Yelp

Be prepared for a long line! We visited on a Sunday morning around 10:15 AM and waited around 30 minutes. Definitely worth it though! We stumbled across Backhaus while waiting for a restaurant to open. The line waaay out the door made it seem more appealing to us so we joined the crowd and queue'd in haha. HUGE selection of pastries, breads, baked goods, etc. I'd STRONGLY recommend the Speck and Egg croissant - I've never had anything like it! The croissants here are flakey and soft. I loved the speck and egg because of the savory flavors it had, especially with the heaping of green onions on top of it. I'd suggest the Everything Croissant as my second favorite! I didn't really enjoy the chocolate chip cookie / chocolate croissant as much, the chocolate in both tasted like they had a lot of depth - probably ideal for those who enjoy dark chocolate though. My only cons about this place (apart from the line) would be their ordering process; you order at the register then wait for someone to call out your order. This leaves a lot of room for error, and they ended up getting our order wrong even though we only got a few pastries. Make sure you check your bags before you leave!

Lisa C.

Yelp

What they do really well is the Country sourdough hearth loaves. These crusty crunchy loaves are moist and chewy inside. Fragrant and flavorful. I love quarter inch slices slathered with good salted butter. Best enjoyed the first day. After that, they taste like regular sourdough. I find their pastries to be a bit dry, their cookie too crispy. So far, I have not find anything else of theirs I crave other than their Country Loaves. Tiny inside, but outdoor patio in the back is surely cute!

Connie T.

Yelp

Line is typically out the door for this place. The chocolate sourdough is unique and tasty - sweet. There's also a cute outdoor patio to sit outside. Would come back.

Robert R.

Yelp

Was it worth it to stand in line for 45 minutes to get in and order? You're damn right it was. What a great little shop with artisan prepared breads and pastries. We picked up some pastries for breakfast. The Ham and Egg along with a raisin bun. They were delicious, flaky and flavorful. We also picked up a couple of loaves of Sourdough which were perfect. Service was friendly and quick . It's a small shop so expect a line to order but once you get your food you can head to the back where they have an outdoor patio to enjoy your pastry and coffee. Next time I'm in San Mateo I am definitely going back.

jason c.

Yelp

Exceptional everything We get bread and croissants once a week and the kids love it. Great space, great service, incredible food -- perfect on all levels.

SevLong L.

Yelp

Made a quick stop/exit while on the way to SFO. arrived at 7:40 and there was a line at the door. It moved quickly as most people had it to-go. They served chocolate sourdough $8.00 on weekends only and boy, it was good. I can easily chow down the whole thing. Bought a few pastries and three coffees. They have a back patio seating area. Love how there were leaves foliage ... cozy. While sitting I heard some rattling sound ... looked around and saw a bait box like thing on the ground ... (I might be wrong), right next to me. I moved away and within the next 5 mins I got my text to head to SFO. Latte was good and the barista made it extra hot for me. Berry Coffee cake was sooooo good. It's a great place to hang out! Would love to visit the Burlingame location since they serve brunch there.

Lindsey C.

Yelp

One of my favorite SF Bay Area bakeries for bread. I particularly like their oat porridge loaf (good moist crumb, nice hydration), just tried their seeded (hearth, not pan) loaf which was pretty good. Line can get long but moves along. The way the POS system and food is oriented up front makes it seem hard for the staff to grab things as you order. You end up paying them, after a handful of customers the cashier stops taking new orders and you wait at least 5 min for your paid items. It's not a long wait, but I'm wondering if that could be improved. Pastries are alright, not something I would seek here. Laminated pastries not as buttery as I like, ham and cheese had me wanting a little more of both in the croissant. I haven't been out back or upstairs but if you're looking for a place to hang out with coffee and food, check it out.

Lloyd C.

Yelp

Stopped by to see if they had some baked goods left since it was 1:46pm. We picked up: Ham and Cheese Croissant - so flakey and buttery. Morning Bun - cinnamon and sugar goodness in a crunchy, flakey pastry. Olive loaf: So good! The bread is seasoned so well with the olives.

Amy Y.

Yelp

I need to come back!!! The kouign aman was sooooo good - not overtly sweet, but had a nice buttery taste with a bit of sugary crunch and the flakiness of a croissant. Wanted to go back after to get another one, but 30 min later, they were sold out. Other pastries we tried were good, but no where as good as the kouign aman. The regular croissant was buttery and flakey but not salty and buttery enough to standout. I think I prefer Arsicault's regular croissant to Backhaus. Not a bad croissant by any means, in fact, a lot better than most places. The hot cross bun was just ok - kind of dry, and not too much flavor - this one would not get again; actually we only got this one since our toddler wanted it. The cashier said Backhaus got famous from their bread, and talked us into getting the chocolate sourdough. This was not too sweet despite being very chocolatey. Toddler loved this one and he usually doesn't like things that have a chew, so him wanting more and more of this must say something about this bread. We also got a latte that hubby said was ok, but nothing remarkable. Overall, would go back and try some more pastries. Definitely going to get more kouign aman though. Also, they have a cute patio area to enjoy the pastries.

Margaret T.

Yelp

There's typically a line in the mornings on weekends right when they open. I walked by on the way to my workout class, and decided to swing back after I was done with the gym. When I came back around 9am, the line had dispersed and I was in and out with my order in a minute. I have a weakness for almond croissants and having had one recently from Arsicault, I wanted to compare and contrast. I should have known there would be a clear winner given Arsicault landed a spot on Yelp's "Top 100 croissants that'll make you say 'Ohh La La!'" (I also LOVE Nathaniel Reid, which was #2 on the list. Those treats got me through dark times in grad school.) I paid $6.50 for the almond croissant from Backhaus, but IMHO, the croissants are not worthy. Sure, it was flakey and had almond paste filling, but all in all, it just didn't taste as good as Arsicault. Maybe Arsicault just uses a ton more butter?

Wing K.

Yelp

I went at noon and they were out of a lot of stuff, so I got only pastel de nata and everything croissant. The cashier was nice and asked if I wanted coffee, but I was mainly there for the pastry. The shop layout is interesting, with more seating in the back and a few in front. I didn't have much expectation for their pastel de nata, and it is one of the best I had! The crust is flaky with a creamy filling that has a slight cinnamon flavor. There's also a thin caramelized layer on the top and a nice buttery flavor. Definitely recommend their pastel de nata! Their everything croissant is decent. A little dry and small filling but the flavor is good. It tastes a bit like scallion pancake in my opinion. I would go again for their egg tart and try the coffee. I suggest going early in the morning if you want to secure their pastry!

Lia K.

Yelp

The line is always long, but definitely worth the wait. I even debated going back in line for another ham and cheese croissant. It had so much flavor for being so simple. And it was the perfect size. The morning bun was not overly sweet and had a hint of orange. It was the best morning bun that I've ever eaten. It was flaky and just delicious. The cinnamon girl drink that I got was nice too. They use a coffee syrup...I'm not sure if that means concentrate lol or what but it was good The little dudes I didn't care for. They were too salty for MY TASTEBUDS. I scraped off the salt. But texture and quality they were really nice. Everything here looks amazing. I cannot wait to come back and try the other things. The shop is really cute inside and the workers were all really nice. It seems a little overwhelming at first because they're so busy, but they let you take your time choosing what you want and you can view the whole case before making your decisions which is nice. Also, the workers seem very knowledgeable about the allergens in each pastry. I was listening to another customer ask questions about nuts and it was nice because I didn't have to ask for myself lol

Brendan J.

Yelp

We enjoyed all the pastries we tried on our first visit to Backhaus, the coffee could be better. The outdoor seating is cute but small. Even on a weekday we waited for a place to sit, so I could only imagine how busy it gets on a weekend. Back to the real reason to visit Backhaus, the delicious pastries and bread. The Kougin Ammann was perhaps the best I've had in the Bay Area. Not overly sweet with that perfect crisp on the outside. The morning bun was a real treat, its non-traditional rustic look grabbed my attention immediately and I enjoyed breaking into it over coffee. The pistachio croissant was a monster! Assembled together with a generous filling, the croissant was delicious, though I was left wondering if I might like a version of this baked whole with the filling, kinda like a chocolate croissant. Backhaus is worth the trek and we'll be back.

Janet N.

Yelp

Bread? Pastries? Carbs? Yes, yes, yes! My friend wanted to come here to try the bread and while there was a line and a wait, it was well worth it. It is absolutely carb heaven. The menu does change though, so whatever is on the shelf is what is available despite what it says online. I ended up getting the olive bread, everything bowl and plum/almond crostock. Best decision I made! You can taste the butter in each pastry and it was great lol the olive bread was huge and lasted two of us a few days for breakfast and snacking. Absolutely great with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The everything bowl is basically a everything bagel in croissant form and I wish it was available everywhere! The crostock was a new pastry and it wasn't super sweet, which I appreciate it. Well worth the wait!!

Faraz M.

Yelp

My wife and I casually stopped by on Sunday around 11 and they still had plenty of options available to us. We only got a couple items to share and some coffee, but the everything croissant bowl with cream cheese was everything. The mocha cream scone (not pictured) stood out in name rather than flavor. Maybe I had a bad piece but it was too burnt for my liking. I would definitely come back to try their bread and other pastries but I would order coffee elsewhere. They don't have many options and it took around 10 minutes before I got my cappuccino. Improving the efficiency in this department could be an area of improvement.

Jazmine V.

Yelp

A lovely modern bakery! This has been on my list to try for quite some time because of the pastries! The butter croissant is light, fluffy, a little crispy and a little messy. The best croissant I've had. I am not a coffee drinker, so I ordered the hot cocoa with oat milk. Tasted bittersweet which I really liked. My sister and her bf ordered the Cinnamon Girl Latte, a seasonal drink. They enjoyed it a lot. A few other pastries we ordered were the Kouign Amann and chocolate pretzel bite - both super yummy! The bakery itself is a bit small but they do have an outdoor patio located in the back of the bakery. I was expecting our drinks to be served in coffee mugs and the pastries to be served on plates. The worker bagged up our pastries and our drinks served in compostable to-go cups. It would have been nice if they asked us if we were ordering "For Here" or "To Go", cause seeing other customers they had coffee mugs and plates.

Brandon L.

Yelp

Zero stars. They're a bakery that runs out of food before noon. Why are they even open past noon? That a waste of time. Their food tastes like nothing because they have none and you will leave hungry and dissatisfied. That's a guarantee.

Karen S.

Yelp

Didn't realize this location doesn't have the food, just Burlingame. Got a sourdough Country Loaf, just incredible. And an epi salted pretzel - also great. Plus the rich chocolate chip cookie, just loaded with chocolate. Some of the pastries are rich, not my thing, but they look incredible. Of course I will be back when I'm in the area. Or hit up Burlingame for some food.

Jack R.

Yelp

I wish this could be my cologne. I would name it "Ode To Bread," and it would have that sweet smell of fresh baked bread with a hint of sourness, just like me. But seriously, this place smells amazing! I've been making my own sandwiches lately (fake applause) and I've been coming here to get some artisan bread for my smoked salmon and dill or pastrami sandwiches. The bread here is super fresh, and the staff here is kind. I like supporting these local businesses because they make this neighborhood better and more unique. Their sourdough is as large as a big turtle. I call it turtle bread, even though it's sourdough and not shaped like a turtle. Their savory pasties are good too. Their scones, not so much, but not a complete failure--just too chewy and thick for my taste. Come here for the bread or pastries, the cool people, and support an awesome local business in the process.

Peaches H.

Yelp

Got here around 9 and it seemed to be the perfect timing to score pastries AND to dodge the rain. The staff was so sweet answering questions and recommending their favorites. They were super quick service and it looks like there seating in the back although we didn't explore it. There are a few seats in the front near the counter though. The pastries were so yummy! We tried the ham and cheese croissant and the speck and egg croissant. Should have gotten a few pics of all the pastries but didn't. The laminations in the croissants were so delicate, flakey and buttery. The ham and cheese had a substantial piece of ham and just the right amount of cheese throughout. M The speck and egg had the most perfect jammy egg that didn't drip and get all over yet, was perfect. I will 100% be back. I also snatched up an Asiago and pepper loaf and words just can't describe how yummy it is! The right amount of Asiago and so peppery-spicy! Great combo!

Vikram R.

Yelp

Negative - The Apple Juice. Why is the apple juice listed as a signature item and priced the same as the orange juice when the orange juice is fresh squeezed and the apple juice is from a Trader Joe's box? At 4.25 the apple juice is robbery and should be priced significantly less than the orange juice Positive - The store space itself and the pastries are incredibly fresh and well done. The staff are great and attentive If it weren't for the apple juice this would've been a 5 star review but felt robbed ordering the apple juice. When I saw the staff member holding the Trader Joe's juice container I was disgusted

Yeebing T.

Yelp

Backhaus is a good place to go to for tasty pastries and good coffee. The first time I went here, I got a mocha and forgot to ask to make it cold, but it was so good that I didn't care The second time, we got the Cinnamon Girl Shaken Espresso and an Americano, the former of which we both enjoyed. We also got the Tomato Girl, Ham and Cheese Croissant, and the Almond Croissant, which were all really good. There was a perfect level of flavor and the crust is flaky. The only particular issues I have are the long lines, which seem inescapable (we came in at around 8:45 and there was still a really long line) and the seating is on the outside and most of the tables aren't big enough to hold two computers and the pastries/coffee you get. However, the food is usually worth it and I imagine this space was not meant for a place for people to study or do work on, so I don't feel like it's worth removing a star.

Vans C.

Yelp

So, so, SO tasty! Stopped by around 12:30PM on Saturday and there was a short line. Maybe we got lucky, but the queue went by quickly and we left with our order within 10 minutes. There are a couple tables inside and outside to enjoy the pastries. Mushroom Galette ($8.50) - Not too heavy but I only ate half to enjoy the rest. Very flavorful. Plum Almond Crostock ($6.50) - y u m. So unique. Could do with less almonds. Apple Turnover ($7.00) - Most crispy, flaky, delicious apple turnover I have ever had. If you bring it home you will certainly see crumbs on the floor. Super excited to come back and try everything else.

Larry L.

Yelp

This bakery was a great stop during my trip recommended by A YT vlogger 'outdoorcheflife' in one of their episodes. There was a line out the door (good sign) that went by pretty quickly. I didn't take any pics of what I got unfortunately. Almond croissant, mixed berry coffee cake were both good, among others I forgot the names of. Friendly staff did not rush customers. They have a cute backyard sitting area with lots of sunlight, but better for smaller groups imo.

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Shruti S.

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I love love loved the country loaf of bread. I brought it home, toasted it, and put butter and chocolate chips on it. It had the perfect chewiness and so much flavor!

Sabahat A.

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Christine C.

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Great coffee shop!! They use ritual coffee which is amazing. You can also get bread by the loaf or even half a loaf; all of the bread is so, so good!!

Austin W.

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Connie T.

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Line is typically out the door for this place. The chocolate sourdough is unique and tasty - sweet. There's also a cute outdoor patio to sit outside. Would come back.

Robert R.

Yelp

jason c.

Yelp

Exceptional everything We get bread and croissants once a week and the kids love it. Great space, great service, incredible food -- perfect on all levels.

SevLong L.

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Backhaus | San Mateo

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25 Best Restaurants on the San Francisco Peninsula | Eater SF

Two Peninsula Bakeries, Backhaus and Bakehouse, Are Battling Over Naming Rights in Burlingame | Eater SF

The Best Sourdough Bakeries in San Francisco | Eater SF

Amazon Wants to Open a Tiny Liquor Store in Dogpatch | Eater SF

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25 Best Restaurants on the San Francisco Peninsula | Eater SF

Two Peninsula Bakeries, Backhaus and Bakehouse, Are Battling Over Naming Rights in Burlingame | Eater SF

The Best Sourdough Bakeries in San Francisco | Eater SF

Amazon Wants to Open a Tiny Liquor Store in Dogpatch | Eater SF