San Francisco’s best kept dining secret: La Boulange Baker’s Dinner

Most San Franciscan’s, and now most people throughout the USA (thanks to Starbucks recently purchasing La Boulange Bakery) know of La Boulange Bakery. Their story is quite remarkable, especially to think they started as one bakery on Pine Street in San Francisco (the same location they now have their fabulous Baker’s Dinners in on Friday, Saturday and Sundays) and grew to twenty-two locations. The twenty-two locations as well as their products were ultimately bought by Starbucks, their current owner who offers La Boulange baked goods in ALL Starbucks locations within the US. Talk about an American success story by a French Baker. I love it!

The real history of La Boulange Bakery is best described on their website which shares “In 1996, our founder, Pascal Rigo, opened a small bakery on Pine St. in San Francisco. Each and every La Boulange Café was shaped by the French traditions and authenticity of our mother bakery on Pine Street. We strive to offer delicious, wholesome food each day in a warm and welcoming environment. For over a decade, La Boulange has done just that, growing into 22 artisan cafes and becoming one of San Francisco’s most beloved gems.”

The real secret of La Boulange is the Baker’s Dinner they offer at the original La Boulange Bakery Pine Street location on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for one 6pm seating. You, like most San Franciscans (including myself) probably aren’t aware of this because unless you walked by the charming Pine Street location or strolled along Fillmore and Pine Street and saw their cute chalk sign advertising the Bakers Dinners you’d have no idea. That’s what you have the J.S.F. to share these hidden gems with you!  Thankfully a dear friend Lizzy lives just down the street and noticed the charming Bakers Dinner sign sparking her curiosity. Her and her husband tried it and were raving to me about how fabulous the entire experience was.  Delicious, charming, affordable ($20 per person for the meal), in Pacific Heights, my stomping ground and just a few blocks from my apartment, how did I not know about this? Well I immediately contacted La Boulange Bakery to make us a resi and saw for myself how amazing the entire experience was.

Upon arriving for the 6pm seating we were warmly welcomed then seated at a communal dining table. There were 3 tables, 2 with 8 guests and one for 4 guests. Lizzy and I had the best view in the house (in my opinion) overlooking the kitchen and the Chef preparing the dinner. The dinner includes a Salad to start, an entrée which varies by night (see menu below), and dessert.  You’re able to bring your own wine #BYOB or #BYOW as I call it. Such a fabulous perk which keeps the dinner affordable and you can enjoy your favorite Vino from your wine cellar at home. What’s not to love? The entire experience was all fabulous and I’m already looking forward to returning. The best part was after the  fabulous meal, we were sent home with delicious Baquettes. What a perfect way for the guests to continue to enjoy and appreciate La Boulange, even after the meal they’re going home with us diners. s. 2325 Pine Street. San Francisco, CA. 94115. 

Sunday’s Pork Tenderloin, Bread Pudding & Zucchin, Squash & Heirloom Tomato Stack

Vanilla Pudding & Molton Cake with Hazelnet Sauce (available at La Boulange Cafe)

Table side views of the open kitchen

Natalie & The Chef de Cuisine

The tasty dessert sauces and the most adorable stickers with fun expressions

The J.S.F. & Natalie, The Baker’s Dinner Hostess & Server extraordinaire

DISCLOSURE: The JetSetting Fashionista and guest enjoyed complimentary meals during this visit. However, The J.S.F. was not paid to write this post. The J.S.F. only write posts or features about food, hotels, products or destinations that she personally enjoys and proudly endorses and wants to share with my friends, family and readers. All opinions expressed are my own. XO The J.S.F.