Thorough Bread & Pastry

"Where the Castro meets the Mission sits Thorough Bread and Pastry. The French-style bakery is where we like to eat our body weight in croissants (specifically of the almond variety), sticky buns, gougères, and apple galettes. Get a few, or more accurately, a lot of pastries, and sit on the relaxing, plant-filled patio out back. And with any place that’s achieved baking mastery, expect a line, especially on weekends (be sure to grab a baguette to go as well)." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong

"There are a lot of difficult choices to make at Thorough Bread. Always beckoning you from behind the display case are slices of cheesecake, chocolate-drizzled cream puffs, and of course loaves of the country sourdough. The latter, you must get. Each boule at this French-style bakery-cafe in the Castro has built-in ridges on the outside that almost require ear plugs when you make a slice. While it may be difficult, resist the urge to sprint home to have your first piece and consider spending a quiet moment on the back patio with a café au lait and blueberry scone.  " - julia chen 1, patrick wong

"Where the Castro meets the Mission is Thorough Bread and Pastry. The French-style bakery is where we like to eat our body weight in croissants (specifically the almond ones), rustic fruit tarts, and other sweet treats. Get a few, or, more accurately, a lot of pastries, and sit out on the lovely back patio. And because this place is one of the best bakeries in town, expect a line. Don't forget to grab a baguette to go.    " - lani conway, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez

"This lowkey bakery on the border of the Castro and the Mission is where we like to post up and sip on a cappuccino while we eat our body weight in warm croissants. The plain ones are our favorite: they’re light, airy, not too buttery, and have just the right amount of crunch. Get a few, or, more accurately, a lot of pastries, and sit out on the lush back patio. " - julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez

"Linen-Lined Bread Proofing Basket ($10.85) Nothing says, “Yeah, I make bread” like your very own linen-lined proofing basket. Thorough Bread and Pastry also has other bread-making essentials, like metal scrapers or a baker’s couche, available for pick-up at their spot in Duboce Triangle. If you’re buying for someone who has yet to venture into the vast world of sourdough, get them this starter kit." - julia chen 1