Croissant Brioche: the best French bakery/cafe in Houston (and beyond)
Hands down this is my favorite French bakery in the US, and perhaps in the whole world. I have had coffee, bread, sandwiches, and pastries there many times since around 2001, and I can safely say it has not changed much. The same high quality, tasty, and fresh products that consistently taste the same today as it has many years ago. The staff is very friendly, and the crowd is usually of local Houstonians and some foreigners who work in Houston; you can also find families with kids. It is most busy on the weekends and would be hard to find a place to Sith then. The safest times to go are at 7:00 AM and perhaps mid morning and mid to late afternoons on weekdays. I think they close about 6:00 or 7:00 PM except Sunday when they close at 5:00 PM. They are open every day, except New Year’s day, and of course if there is very severe weather. If you go at 7:00 AM you will find many of the repeat customers who go there almost every day, and most importantly you will see the breads and croissants being taken out of the oven and get to taste them when they are very fresh. My favorite is the 7 grain bread (a small size) that is sliced inn the middle with 2-4 slices of Swiss cheese inserted to make a sandwich. They usually ask me if I wanted warmed to melt the cheeses and I always say no. I sprinkle some salt on it and enjoy eating it with a large cup of Cafe Latte which I ask for it to be extra hot. The distinct taste of the fresh bread and the cheeses come together in an unbelievable tasty way. I also usually have with this combo and almond croissant. Let me tell you, I have tried an almond croissant in many places in the US and abroad, and NOTHING really compares; it is the best ever. These are usually gone by early afternoon, but occasionally you can find one later. Other sandwiches that I like include the chicken salad in baguette, and I also like the French dip and the French onion soup, the occasionally sausage croissant. They also have several other pastries that I sometimes take as a substitute for the almond croissant if they are out, or in addition to if I am craving pastries (which I usually am). So, if you are in Houston, TX for any reason, try this place for breakfast, lunch, or a cup of coffee with bread or pastries. You will thank me later.
The address is:
2435 Rice Blvd Houston, TX 77005
Cafe latte with almond croissant and chicken salad on baguette 5 years ago.
Cafe latte, almond croissant and seven grain with Swiss cheese sandwich last week.
Earlier last week when they were out of almond croissants, it was easy to find other great pastry choices.