If you want to experience Paris but can't afford the airfare just stop by Boulangerie. Everything I have tasted including breads, pastries, cookies and cakes are to die for!
I especially like the croissants, baguettes, fruit pasteries and cannelles. You can view the cooks at work and it appears very clean. The food is fresh and many of the staff have French accents!

We were on vacation from NJ and tried them out as one of the best in SF. Nice little shop with quick service. Was hoping for more actual pastry selection, as opposed to tarts. Worth the visit, but not for breakfast,necessarily. Owners cautioned us against photos (could only take 1--hey what do you want, we were tourists!:)).

Among the selection of bread, pastries, cookies and cakes, I always found myself hesitating over the number of possible choices. Grab a baguette and pile on the jam for a nice thick spread of fruity goodness. Else grab an assortment of cookies and sit down with a nice tall glass of milk.

During my last visit, I got to try their sandwiches, which were very filling and very delicious. I would definitely recommend this place... why not purchase a sandwich or two and an assortment of light snacks for a nice picnic? (Remember not to pick any items with a temp restriction - i.e. don't pick a creamy pastry if you don't plan on eating it right away when you're out on the beach or in the park.)

This is a popular Pacific Heights Bakery specializing in French pastries. I??ve found great quiches here, which is notable because I usually hate quiches, and they have great sandwiches. But their almond croissants are absolutely, hands down the best thing they have, and well worth the amount of cholesterol they harbor. So good.

PROS: Amazing pastries
CONS: None!

The folks at Bay Bread on Pine are not just bakers...they are truly masters of the craft.
They've perfected the components of texture and taste in everything I've tried from their menu. The GOATCHEESE & BERRY TART is magnificent! A delicious blend of sweet, a hint of savory, always crisp berries that actually taste like berries should.
The breads...where to start? Any bread afficiando knows that the crust can make or break the experience. And Bay Breads has their recipes down to perfection. Plus, so many varieties to choose from. I highly recommend the WALNUT & SCALLION BAGUETTE, PISTACHIO & FIG DEMI BAGUETTE, and the GRUYERE & FETA ROLL.

Three other major pluses:
1) THE PRICES-Totally affordable, even for a student's budget
2) THE STAFF-they know their stuff...and they keep the lines moving.
3) THE FREE SAMPLES-always something yummy out on the counter to whet the appetite. And not just the usual. They happily pass out the finer delicacies too!

Lastly, haven't tried their coffee, so I cannot comment on that point. But there's a plethora of coffee shops in the area to get your fix.