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Early bird gets the croissant at Arsicault Bakery
Arsicault's plain croissant shatters into buttery flakes. Arrive early; the plain and almond versions can sell out by late morning.
Arsicault Bakery is on Arguello Boulevard in Inner Richmond. The line starts forming before the doors open. People know what they’re here for.

[!TIP] Get the plain croissant and arrive before 10 AM. Both the plain and almond sell out by late morning.
The plain croissant is the thing to get. It shatters when you bite into it, leaving flakes all over your shirt. The layers are distinct, buttery, and slightly caramelized on the outside. The almond croissant is heavier, filled with frangipane, and dusted with powdered sugar. Both sell out by late morning. For a different take on French pastry, Maison Nico in Jackson Square does a chestnut croissant worth trying.

Grab coffee at Breck’s across the street and eat the croissant on the bench outside. That is our usual combination when we are in the neighborhood.

We go whenever we are in the neighborhood. Arsicault earned the repeat visits. Jyan Isaac Bread in Santa Monica has the same early-line, sold-by-lunch rhythm.