Introduction: “Best Pastries in the U.S.”
If you’re a true dessert lover, there’s nothing quite like a perfectly baked pastry—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with layers of flavor in every bite. From flaky croissants and fruit-filled Danishes to world-class cronuts and éclairs, the United States is home to some of the most iconic and delicious treats.
In this comprehensive guide to the Best Pastries in the U.S., we’ll explore top pastry shops across America, how you can order online, where to visit them in person, what’s on their menus, and how much these sweet treats will cost you in 2025.
🥐 1. Dominique Ansel Bakery – New York City, NY
Famous For: Cronut®, DKA (Dominique’s Kouign Amann), made-to-order Madeleines
Location: 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012. Dominique Ansel Bakery include the Best Pastries in the U.S.
Website: dominiqueansel.com
🧾 Menu Highlights & Prices:
- Cronut® (flavor of the month) – $7.50 each
- DKA (caramelized croissant) – $6.00
- Frozen S’mores – $8.00
- Mini Madeleines (Fresh-Baked) – $6.50
🛒 Online Ordering:
Visit their official site and go to the “Pre-Order” section. Items are often sold out weeks in advance due to high demand. Nationwide shipping is available for select pastries.
📍 Visiting Tips:
Arrive early. Pastries are made fresh daily and often sell out before noon. Seating is limited, but the SoHo atmosphere is worth the trip.
🥮 2. Tartine Bakery – San Francisco, CA
Famous For: Morning bun, Croissants, Pain au Chocolat
Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Website: tartinebakery.com
🧾 Menu Highlights & Prices:
- Morning Bun (cinnamon-sugar twist) – $5.25
- Almond Croissant – $6.00
- Frangipane Tart – $7.50
- Lemon Cream Tart – $8.00
🛒 Online Ordering:
Tartine now offers Tock and Goldbelly delivery for some items. Order from their website for local pick-up or use Goldbelly for national shipping.
📍 Location Experience:
Rustic charm, artisan breads and pastries, open kitchen. Try to go on a weekday morning to avoid long lines.
🧁 3. B. Patisserie – San Francisco, CA
Famous For: Kouign Amann, Tarts, Choux
Location: 2821 California St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Website: bpatisserie.com
🧾 Menu Highlights & Prices:
- Kouign Amann (caramelized sugar-laminated pastry) – $5.50
- Chocolate Hazelnut Tart – $7.00
- Vanilla Mille-Feuille – $7.50
- Seasonal Fruit Tartlets – $6.50–$8.00
🛒 Online Ordering:
Limited online ordering for local pick-up. No nationwide shipping. Menu is updated daily on their site.
📍 Visit Tips:
This place fills up fast on weekends. Grab a seat by the window and savor your pastry with a cappuccino.
🍩 4. Sidecar Doughnuts – Costa Mesa, CA (Multiple Locations)
Famous For: Gourmet donuts made from scratch, seasonal flavors
Main Location: 270 E 17th St #18, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Website: sidecardoughnuts.com
🧾 Menu Highlights & Prices:
- Butter & Salt Donut – $4.25
- Maple Bacon Donut – $5.00
- Seasonal Peach Cobbler Donut – $5.50
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Donut – $4.75
🛒 Online Ordering:
Use their website or app for same-day orders and pick-up. No national shipping, but great for locals or visitors.
📍 In-Person Experience:
Modern interiors, friendly service, and freshly made donuts every hour. Several California locations to choose from.
🥯 5. Flour Bakery + Café – Boston, MA
Famous For: Sticky Buns, Tarts, Brioche
Location: 12 Farnsworth St, Boston, MA 02210 (plus others)
Website: flourbakery.com
🧾 Menu Highlights & Prices:
- Sticky Buns (best-seller) – $6.00
- Raspberry Swirl Brioche – $5.25
- Lemon Curd Tart – $7.00
- Pop-Tart Style Pastries – $4.00–$5.00
🛒 Online Ordering:
Flour offers Goldbelly delivery for nationwide shipping. Their website allows advance pick-up ordering.
📍 Visiting Notes:
Perfect breakfast stop. Warm, welcoming café vibe. Seating can be tight—consider take-out if busy.
🥧 6. Levain Bakery – New York City, NY (Multiple Locations)
Famous For: Giant Cookies, Scones, Muffins
Location: 351 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Website: levainbakery.com
🧾 Menu Highlights & Prices:
- Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie (6 oz) – $5.25
- Blueberry Muffin – $4.75
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookie – $5.25
- Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip – $5.25
🛒 Online Ordering:
Nationwide shipping available via their website. Perfect for gifting. Cookies stay fresh in transit for up to 7 days.
📍 Store Vibe:
Clean and simple interiors. Multiple NYC spots and expanding nationally.
🥟 7. Pâtisserie Poupon – Washington, D.C.
Famous For: French-style pastries, Macarons, Fruit Tarts
Location: 1645 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
Website: patisseriepoupon.net
🧾 Menu Highlights & Prices:
- Fruit Tart (individual) – $7.50
- Opera Cake – $8.00
- Eclairs (vanilla, chocolate) – $6.00
- Macarons (box of 6) – $13.00
🛒 Online Ordering:
Call ahead or order online for local pick-up. Delivery within the D.C. area available through third-party apps.
📍 Dine-In Vibe:
Elegant, French café feel. Perfect for afternoon tea or a light dessert break.
🥮 8. Porto’s Bakery – Los Angeles, CA (Multiple Locations)
Famous For: Cheese Rolls, Guava Pastries, Potato Balls
Main Location: 315 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203
Website: portosbakery.com
🧾 Menu Highlights & Prices:
- Cheese Roll – $1.25
- Refugiado (Guava & Cheese) – $1.45
- Tres Leches Cake Slice – $3.95
- Strawberry Shortcake Slice – $4.25
🛒 Online Ordering:
Porto’s delivers nationwide via Porto’s Bake at Home. Freshly frozen pastries ready to bake.
📍 Local Experience:
Massive crowds daily—go early or late. Efficient service, family-friendly locations.
🎂 9. Maison Pickle – New York City, NY
Famous For: Giant Layer Cakes, Cinnamon Rolls
Location: 2315 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
Website: maisonpickle.com
🧾 Menu Highlights & Prices:
- Signature Layer Cake (per slice) – $9.00
- Classic Cinnamon Roll – $7.50
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Slice – $9.50
- Seasonal Pies & Specials – Varies
🛒 Online Ordering:
Order via their website or apps like Uber Eats if you’re in Manhattan. No nationwide shipping yet.
📍 Why Visit:
Upscale diner setting with Instagram-worthy desserts. Great for brunch and group outings.
How to Order the Best Pastries Online in 2025
✅ Step-by-Step Guide:
- Visit the bakery’s official website
- Choose delivery or local pick-up
- Check availability for your ZIP code
- Select your pastries and quantity
- Pay online via credit card or Apple Pay
- Track shipment or pick-up time
💡 Bonus Tip:
Use Goldbelly.com or Tock for national shipping if the bakery offers limited online access.
Final Thoughts: Which is the Best Pastry?
If you want a truly unique experience, go for Dominique Ansel’s Cronut®—an invention that made pastry history.
For classic French indulgence, B. Patisserie’s Kouign Amann is unbeatable.
For affordable everyday bites, Porto’s gives you amazing quality at shockingly low prices.
📌 Summary Table: Top U.S. Pastry Shops at a Glance
| Bakery Name | Best Item | Location | Price Range | Online Order | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominique Ansel | Cronut® | NYC | $6–$9 | ✅ Yes | dominiqueansel.com |
| Tartine Bakery | Morning Bun | San Francisco | $5–$8 | ✅ Yes | tartinebakery.com |
| B. Patisserie | Kouign Amann | San Francisco | $5–$8 | 🚫 Limited | bpatisserie.com |
| Sidecar Doughnuts | Maple Bacon Donut | Costa Mesa, CA | $4–$6 | ✅ Yes | sidecardoughnuts.com |
| Flour Bakery | Sticky Buns | Boston, MA | $4–$7 | ✅ Yes | flourbakery.com |
| Levain Bakery | Giant Cookies | NYC | $5.25 | ✅ Yes | levainbakery.com |
| Pâtisserie Poupon | Opera Cake | Washington, D.C. | $6–$8 | ✅ Local | patisseriepoupon.net |
| Porto’s Bakery | Cheese Roll | Los Angeles, CA | $1.25–$4.50 | ✅ Yes | portosbakery.com |
| Maison Pickle | Layer Cakes | NYC | $7–$9.50 | ✅ Local | maisonpickle.com |
1. Which one is the best pastry in the U.S.?
The Cronut® by Dominique Ansel Bakery in NYC is widely considered one of the Best Pastries in the U.S. It combines a croissant and a donut, with monthly rotating flavors. It sparked a national craze and is still a bestseller in 2025
2. What is the best pastry recipe?
A classic French puff pastry (pâte feuilletée) is the foundation behind many of the Best Pastries in the U.S.—flaky, buttery, and ideal for both sweet and savory creations. Though time-consuming to make, it forms the base of iconic treats like croissants and mille-feuille.
3. What is your favorite national specialty pastry?
In the U.S., the apple pie is an iconic national pastry, symbolizing American heritage and ranking among the Best Pastries in the U.S. In France, the Kouign-Amann is a caramelized buttery delight, while in Germany, the Black Forest cake is a chocolate-cherry masterpiece.
4. What are the best savory pastries?
Top savory options include:
- Spinach and feta spanakopita
- Chicken pot pie
- Sausage rolls
- Cheese-stuffed croissants
- Empanadas
These are hearty, flavorful, and ideal for breakfast or lunch.
5. Is making puff pastry from scratch worth it?
Yes—if you enjoy baking and want the best texture. Homemade puff pastry is flakier and more buttery than store-bought, but it requires time, patience, and technique. For convenience, frozen versions work well and are often used in creating some of the Best Pastries in the U.S.
6. What’s the best French pastry?
The Kouign-Amann is often considered the best. It has a caramelized outer layer, buttery interior, and flaky layers—qualities shared by many of the Best Pastries in the U.S. Other top picks include Éclairs, Tarte Tatin, and Pain au Chocolat.
7. Are French pastries popular in the United States?
Yes, very popular—especially in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston. Many bakeries specialize in French-style tarts, croissants, macarons, and éclairs, which are often counted among the Best Pastries in the U.S. Demand is growing, particularly among younger foodies.
8. What are the best recipe pastries that are simple to make?
- Palmiers (elephant ears) – Just puff pastry and sugar
- Fruit-filled turnovers – Easy with pre-made dough
- Mini quiches – Great for breakfast
- Cream puffs (choux pastry) – Light and bake quickly
- Jam tarts – Simple shortcrust and jam filling
9. How to make puff pastry healthier?
- Use whole wheat flour
- Reduce or swap butter with light margarine (though not traditional)
- Add vegetable fillings (spinach, mushroom)
- Bake rather than fry
- Control portion size and pair with a healthy meal
10. How long does pre-made puff pastry last?
- Refrigerated: Up to 3 days once thawed
- Frozen: Up to 6 months in an airtight package
- Always check for freezer burn or stale smell before use.
11. Can you use puff pastry for pie crust?
Yes, especially for pot pies or fruit galettes. It adds a flaky, buttery texture—similar to what you’ll find in some of the Best Pastries in the U.S. However, it’s not ideal for traditional pies that require a denser bottom crust like pumpkin or pecan.
12. How common is filo (phyllo) pastry in the United States?
Common in ethnic dishes, especially Greek (baklava, spanakopita) and Middle Eastern foods. While available in most grocery stores’ frozen section, it’s used less often than puff pastry in American baking, despite its presence in some of the Best Pastries in the U.S.
13. When starting a bakery, what pastries should I prioritize?
Start with:
- Croissants (plain & filled)
- Muffins
- Danishes
- Cupcakes
- Savory pies or quiches
These cater to both breakfast and snack crowds and sell consistently.
14. What’s your favorite puff pastry recipe(s)?
Favorites include:
- Apple turnovers
- Mushroom and cheese puffs
- Chocolate-filled croissants
- Mini sausage rolls
They’re all beginner-friendly, flaky, and crowd-pleasing.
15. How to bake puff pastries in an oven?
- Preheat to 400°F (200°C)
- Place pastries on a lined baking sheet
- Bake until golden brown (15–25 mins depending on size)
- Avoid opening the oven door early—steam helps with rising.
16. What are the best ways to cook puff pastry?
- Oven baking is the gold standard
- Air frying for a quicker crispy result
- Avoid frying or microwaving—it ruins texture
- Bake from chilled for better puff
17. What is your favorite pastry or baked good?
The almond croissant stands out—rich frangipane filling, golden crust, and dusted with powdered sugar. It blends texture, sweetness, and butteriness in perfect balance, making it one of the Best Pastries in the U.S.
18. Are morning Danish pastries popular in the U.S.?
Yes, very. Common in cafes, hotels, and brunch menus. Flavors like cheese, raspberry, and apricot are especially loved. They’re a go-to for office breakfasts and bakeries, and are often listed among the Best Pastries in the U.S.
19. What is the difference between puff pastry and phyllo dough?
- Puff pastry: Layers of butter between dough, puffs up when baked
- Phyllo dough: Paper-thin sheets, brushed with butter or oil, stays flat and crispy
- Puff is richer; phyllo is flakier and lower fat.
20. How to revive a stale pastry?
- Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for 5–10 mins
- Use a damp paper towel and microwave for 10–15 secs
- Sprinkle a little water before reheating
- Don’t overheat or it will dry out more.
21. Do you bake puff pastries before filling?
It depends:
- For sweet tarts or cream-filled shells – bake first (blind bake)
- For savory turnovers or puffs – fill and then bake
Always chill before baking to retain shape.
22. How to defrost puff pastry without ruining it?
- Place in fridge overnight
- For quicker results, keep sealed and defrost at room temperature for 30–40 minutes
- Never microwave—it melts butter and ruins layers.
23. What is the most complicated pastry recipe?
Croissants are among the hardest—require multi-day laminating, precise folding, resting, and shaping. Temperature control is critical throughout the process, but the result is one of the Best Pastries in the U.S.
24. If puff pastry is so hard to make, how is it so cheap?
Mass production and automation lower costs. Commercial puff pastry often uses shortening or less butter, which reduces expense. While it’s more affordable, it’s not as rich as handmade versions used in some of the Best Pastries in the U.S.
25. What would happen if you boiled puff pastry?
Boiling puff pastry would ruin its structure. Instead of puffing up into light, flaky layers, it would become soggy, dense, and doughy. Puff pastry relies on dry heat to create steam from the butter, which separates the layers and causes the rise. Proper baking is essential to achieve the crisp, airy texture found in many of the Best Pastries in the U.S.
26. What is the most recently invented pastry?
Some of the Best Pastries in the U.S. today are modern viral sensations—like the “Supreme” croissant (a spiral-shaped croissant) that recently took over social media. Another creative hit is the Crookie (a croissant + cookie hybrid), following the massive success of the Cronut.
27. Can you use fresh yeast in puff pastry or croissants?
Yes, croissants use yeast in addition to laminated layers. Traditional puff pastry doesn’t need yeast—it rises due to steam from butter layers, making it one of the techniques behind the Best Pastries in the U.S.
28. Typically, when do bakeries make fresh pastries?
Most bakeries that serve the Best Pastries in the U.S. begin baking between 2 AM and 5 AM to ensure their shelves are stocked with fresh goods by morning. Some even bake overnight to prepare for early deliveries—because when it comes to pastries, freshness is everything.
29. Can frozen puff pastry dough be considered vegan?
When it comes to the Best Pastries in the U.S., some brands now offer vegan options—especially those made with vegetable shortening instead of butter. Many commercial puff pastries avoid using butter to reduce costs, but always check the labels to confirm the ingredients.
30. How to make puff pastry without the butter melting?
- Keep ingredients cold
- Chill dough between folds
- Work in a cool room
- Use light flour dusting and refrigerate immediately if butter leaks