Arizmendi Bakery

With a name like Arizmendi, I expected something more exotic. But they are just a good laid back bakery with humble homey baked goods - artisan breads, rolls, muffins (including vegan flavors), scones, cookies and pizzas. Flavors vary depending on the day of the week.

They have huge, hearty scones with flavors like corn-cherry and currant. I had the apple cinnamon scone, which hid big soft chunks of fresh apple, and got the moist-but-crumbly ratio just right. Their cheese roll is crusty and cheeeeesy - just about all you can ask for in a cheese roll. While they pay close attention to the quality of their food, however, the table tops could use a wipe.

There is a shared plaza with tables right outside the door, making this an easy place to grab breakfast with your dog. It's also really popular with families, given the casual and self-serve atmosphere. And they've got free wifi to boot.

An Arizmendi had (sort of) recently opened in downtown San Rafael and I had such a nice experience at the San Francisco one that I had to drop in for some pastries. They have a slightly different selection of treats here so my friend and I decided to share a few bites.

I ordered the cheese roll and she got the apple cinnamon scone. The cheese roll was very tasty and chewy and the scone was quite moist. Even the apples had a good amount of juiciness to them and it had a great balance of flavors.

There are many things on the menu that I'd love to try at Arizmendi and I will definitely be back with an empty stomach and my laptop (free WiFi!) and spend some time working from here. They've got dog-friendly tables outside in the courtyard and I can't wait to come back with mine!

Food: 9/10

Service: 8/10

Price: $

Atmosphere: 10/10