Boudin Sourdough Bakery

Boudin Sourdough Bakery
Fisherman's Wharf (415) 928-1849
Union Square (415) 281-8200
Ghirardelli Square (415) 928-7404
(total of 12 locations in San Francisco)
Food type: bakery and European café
Average entrée price: $5.70
Credit cards: all major except Discover
Famous for: clam chowder in a sourdough bowl

Sourdough as an Art Form at Boudin Bakery

  Boudin claims to be the first bakery to combine San Francisco sourdough with French baking techniques, and thereby creating the first San Francisco sourdough loaf in 1849. They still use a descendent of that same sourdough starter today. You'll find them everywhere you go in the city (and some points beyond, too), so make it a point to try their fare at least once during your trip. Locals love it, too.

Creamy clam chowder served in a sourdough bowl is their most popular dish, and a favorite with shopgirls from Macy's and the Sephora cosmetics superstore in Union Square. But Boudin's got pizza, too, as well as croissants and chili, and a wide range of gourmet sandwiches. They'll pack up a loaf, to go, if you want.

The café is also a great place to just put up your feet, sip a caffe latte and do some serious people-watching.

-- Lisa Tsering