MSP- Best Croissant?

[cheeseguysgirl]

Over another stellar dinner last night at Cafe Levain, the conversation turned to bread. Where is the best bread in the Twin Cities? We all had our opinions, but the question then arose-- where are the best croissants? I am not a croissant lover, so I couldn't even be sure of which bakeries sold them.

I said I would throw out the question here, and was certain many would weigh in.

Where are the best croissants (plain, not filled or flavored) in the Twin Cities?

Thanks, 'Hounds!

CGG

[JimGrinsfelder]

Gotta get over to Trung Nam soon. And I've heard good stuff about Salty Tart in Midtown Global Market.

For bread, I'm loving Rustica's baguettes when I can get them. Makes sense they'd do good pastry, but I don't get over to their store very often.

[cyclecat]

Wow, so I had to log in just so I could say that I can't BELIEVE nobody's mentioned A Baker's Wife. Tasty, huge, inexpensive croissants. The chocolate ones are great too. And if you're looking for something really decadent and different, I don't know why they call it an 'American Tea Cake,' but it's worth the trip for that alone. Picture croissant dough fashioned into the shape of a giant sticky bun, doused in gooey sticky goodness but still retaining its crispy, flaky goodness on the outside and with a bit of custardy stuff somehow woven throughout instead of hulking in a blob in the middle. And then liberally sprinkled with confectioners' sugar. OMG. Run, don't walk to A Baker's Wife and try one of these.

[karykat]

Where, where, where? This sounds wonderful.

[AnneInMpls]

A Baker's Wife is in South Minneapolis, not too far from Lake Nokomis. Here's the places link with a map.

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A Baker's Wife's Pastry Shop
4200 28th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406

[getgot211]

A Baker's Wife croissants were really bready. doesn't compare to the top four. honestly, aside from the doughnuts I haven't had much I've liked there.

[Jordan]

Their lemon bars are fabulous.

[FishMPLS]

are you kidding by not mentioning Baker's Wife?

[stpaulbreadman]

I agree with those voting for Turtle for best croissants.
I think Rustica is the best bakery with the best bread in town and I love their pastry. But.... for my money they overbake the croissants leaving them too dry. (I still eat them and enjoy them though).

[Haricotsv2]

Le Patisserie on Randolph just east of Snelling is great. Their chocolate croissants are terrific, as are the regular ones. Almost competitive with Trung Nam, I think!

[The Dairy Queen]

When was the last time you were at La Patisserie? The last time I was there, which admittedly was a couple of years, the baked items, including croissants, were abyssmal. Have you been there recently? If so, do you know what's changed?

~TDQ

[Haricotsv2]

Within the last two weeks. First I sent my husband to get croissants to test for a baby shower I was giving. They were out of plain, so I had to try chocolate, sigh. Then I went back the next day to try the plain ones and loved them. So did the guests at the shower. I'm not sure what's changed, but try one--and let me know!
Margi

[The Dairy Queen]

Sounds worth giving another chance to! Thanks for the heads up!

~TDQ

[getgot211]

1. Trung Nam
2. Rustica
3. Salty Tart/Lucia's(though half the size and a buck more than TN)
4. Cupcake
5. doesn't really matter at this point. Patisserie Margo was pretty bland. Turtle Bread/Patricks, same thing.

[The Dairy Queen]

Speaking of Trung Nam, it's no longer open on Sundays. I learned that the hard way, alas.

~TDQ

[Jordan]

Looks like we need a croissant-off here!

[shoo bee doo]

Patisserie Margo in Edina

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Patisserie Margo
5133 Gus Young Ln, Minneapolis, MN 55436

[KTFoley]

Total respect to BoB S and his use of the "search" function.

If none of his results turn up a recommendation for Mayday Cafe on Bloomington Ave., then you can let this stand in for the aggregate opinion. Try them; they are truly worth it.

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May Day Cafe
3440 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407

[faith]

And my 10cents is that whoever wins this vote should be making their own puff pastry,
not buying it frozen which I hear is quite common these days. I think I've seen croissants at
Lucia's to Go, and they should definitely be tried. I haven't had one but everything else I've
had there, particularly baked goods, has been outstanding.

[KTFoley]

Faith, please clarify: do you have information that MayDay Cafe is buying puff pastry?

[faith]

No ktfoley, I am just saying I have heard that it is common for restaurants to buy
frozen puff pastry these days, no place in particular that I am pointing at. And that
I feel whatever place gets 'best croissant' should be making their own puff pastry.
Just my opinion.

[getgot211]

I have tried pretty much all but Cupcake so MSPD may be right. aside from that Trung Nam. Rustica is close, close second. no others have impressed me at all. I'll get around to trying Cupcake soon.

edit: Rustica is definitely the best all around bakery though, awesome breads.

[Dairy King]

I second the proposition that Rustica is the BEST bakery. Love their croissants. Haven't been to Trung Nam but I'm eager to do so.

[keg]

All hail Bob S's familiarity with the search function.

Rustica. They make bread slowly without tricks of rapid production at the expense of flavor and authenticity. Quality over quantity. The best bread in town as far as I've seen. Including a very respectable croissant.

[AnneInMpls]

Yeah, Rustica rules, though I've never tried their croissants. I'm addicted to their multigrain bread (which is available at Seward Co-op, oh joy).

Anne

[petergray]

rustica's croissants are the best in town, in my opinion. they are the traditional 'crispy on the outside/chewy soft on the inside style.'

[MSPD]

While I don't hesitate to recommend the others that have been mentioned (Trung Nam, Rustica, Patrick's, Turtle Bread, in order of my preference) I still prefer Cupcake's croissants to any other in MSP.

The disturbing thing about this thread is that it made me realize I've had croissants at every place listed (and then some) within the last few weeks. Yikes.

p.s. -- if you like croissants, I would highly recommend a kouign amann from Rustica. It's everything that's great about a croissant, plus buttery, caramely greatness.

[Foureyes137]

I agree with Turtle Bread. Rustica also has good croissants...and I believe they provide Surdyk's which is where I usually pick one up in the morning.

[FusilliFarfalle]

Trung Nam on University in St. Paul. It is in a former Popeyes. The BEST croissants ever!

[St Paul Susie]

Ditto T Nam on University. The best. And VERY economical

[bob s]

See these threads for more opinions -

Croissants in St. Paul: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/428187
Croissants etc. in St. Paul: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/123553
Twin Cities: Best Baguettes and Croissants: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/440661
Chocolate Croissant in the Twin Cities: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/328990

[Jordan]

Right next door to where you ate, at Turtle Bread. I think the runner-up is Patrick's French Bakery, but Turtle Bread keeps the lead.