Golden Gate Bakery

I've visited this place everytime I'm the area for the past 30 years! There's always a line. Some days better than others. Longest I've waited was about 40min and the shortest probably about 10min. They won't let you enter the store. The lady at the door will take your order and money: CASH ONLY! (Conveniently there's a Chase ATM across the street) The prices have gone up to $3.75 per egg tart but damn, they're worth every penny! They're crispy on the outside and just perfectly warm and soft with the right amount of sweetness. Trust me, you can't go wrong!!

2'25 all they sell was 4 egg custard$3.75 ea, magadamian nut cookie $3.Gave me melon paste instead of 5 nuts moon cake/1egg yolk.$17 ea.Super disappointed.=$35Overall rating 2.5 out of 5Too sad. Shut this place down .

One thing this bakery is known best for: egg tarts. $3.75 each, cash only. I think people may wait 20 minutes on average to get to the front. Egg tart is deliciously flakey and there's soooo much egg custard it's insane. It doesn't taste slightly more savory than how I'd prefer but overall still a great bite and fun stop in Chinatown.

Golden Gate Bakery remains one of the most classic SF staples, even without a full store. It's unassuming with its plywood-covered storefront, graffitied walls nearby, and lack of seating anywhere. Hours are irregular, it's cash only, and you can't go into the store so you have to wait outside in a long line, and that's a testament to how good they are. They've survived so much hardship and persist, and they are so well-loved they will be around for many more years to come.My friend and I were passing by on a Sunday around 12:30 PM and saw there was a line forming. I HAD to get in line to get one of their famous egg tarts, especially since I wasn't sure the next time I was gonna catch them open. We waited about 20 minutes in line, and the employee who came out was super warm and friendly. You tell them what you want quickly (they have menus taped to their front door), pay, and they disappear inside then come out with your order.When I say this is the best egg tart I've had in my life, know I mean it wholeheartedly. I've had countless growing up yet none were as warm and perfect as this one. The custard was the silkiest texture with the perfect amount of sweetness and richness, and the softness of the tart was just magical (not overbaked like some other places). The pastry was buttery and flakey and complemented it perfectly. If I had a special occasion, I would definitely line up to buy several dozen of these egg tarts. You HAVE to try these if you're in the area and see that they're open!

Golden Gate Bakery is an San Francisco institution because of its dan tat or custard egg tart.Located in the bustling Chinatown area, Golden Gate Bakery is a bit of a hole in the wall place with notoriously random business hours. For my six years living in the Bay area, I have not successfully walked by and found it open. Apparently, there is Facebook group "Is the Golden Gate Bakery Open Today?" that may help or you can also try calling their business to save you some time. However, I do enjoy the idea of destiny. On one fateful day, I finally had my chance to try these egg tarts when I walked by recently! The line was a bit long but moved fairly quickly. They were only selling the egg tarts, but it does appear they do sell other items at times. Orders were taken at the door and then after a few minutes hot pastry pockets come out! Did they live up to the hype? I would say overall yes. The crusts were flaky and buttery with just enough bite. They were filled with custardy egg goodness with just enough sweetness that was velvety smooth. These were super good.Chinatown is difficult to drive in so best to park on the outskirts or get Uber/Lyft/Waymo over. Service was friendly! But remember to bring cash since they do not accept credit card.Golden Gate Bakery serves great egg tarts that are hard to get, but worth the wait!

Probably the best egg tart in Chinatown SF. Why. Here's why. So I lined up for 45 minutes for these egg tarts. I've been here before, but never waited this much time. But anyways their egg tarts is creamier and the crust is flakier and just different. Compared to the ones around the Chinatown area. Trust me!!!The bad (but not really!): YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN ARE THEY GONNA OPEN or IF THEY DO, WHAT TIME. This cultural food institution is ran by older Chinese ladies. They're almost 80(!) so give them a break. So it's really when they wanted to open the shop, that's when they open. For instance, when I came it says they'll open at 11:00am, but they didn't actually open around 11:25am. The old Asian ladies also do the serving into that tiny door, which might take some time, but theyre the sweetest old Asian ladies you'll ever meet. Again, if you do not have the patience to wait... skip. But if you do, try and see the difference of their egg tarts. It's really delicious.

OH MY GOODNESS WAS IT HARD TO GET THESE EGG TARTS. We tried to come here on three separate occasions but the owner was either not in or the line was too long for us to wait in. Each egg tart was $3.75 and I ordered 8 to share with friends and family (when they're so rare to get, you need to stock up!)They came out fresh and piping hot and the owner was extremely kind (she's so cute!). The egg tart itself was tasty with a thicker crust. Compared to other egg tarts I've hard, it wasn't as flaky and the custard was more watery. I prefer flakier egg tarts but I can see why people love this one so much!

Golden Gate Bakery is no joke and not for the faint of heart! Rain or shine, expect long lines that may wrap around the building.Known primarily for its egg tarts & moon cakes, this bakery specializes in Asian baked goods with just the right amount of sweetness. IYKYK- most old school Asians are not fond of treats that are sickenly sweet and are quite selective with what they consider as "good".I was in the mood for a few baked buns & pastry leading me to a brisk walk to GG Bakery. The line itself was terribly long and only continued to grow as the sun disappeared & the frigid cold increased. Toting a toddler, I stood around with her in my arms for about 20 minutes before calling it a bust. I may attempt to give them another go during a future visit to SF but in no way am I in rush. 3 stars rating for now because the lines speak for itself- this place must be amazing.

I was in Chinatown last week, and figured I'd check Golden Gate Bakery on the way to an appointment; long and behold, it was opened! The gate was just opened enough to allow the door to open, and one of the old ladies who's been working there for years stood behind a little stand with egg tarts on top. I was delighted to happen upon it. She opened the door slightly to allow me to slip the payment in, and for her to pass the egg tarts to me. It's easy to miss, so be sure to check if you see the gate being open....and the egg tart is still yummy! While I personally like the croissant egg tart from Pineapple King in the Sunset more, Golden Gate Bakery still has the best OG egg tart. They reheat nicely in the oven too.

There will be a line. A slow one. But it is worth the wait. A single grandma will personally greet you at the door to take your order and your money. Cash only. Her team in the back then packages your piping hot egg tarts the size of your palm and half a pinky deep with custard goodness. Packaged well and in a traditional pink cake box with red plastic string. It's nostalgic and filled with love. Each tart is $3.75 as of the date this is written. She could easily up the price, but I heard from locals that she tries her best to live modestly and not hurt the customers too much with market price increase. I recommend ordering at least a dozen at a time. They heat up well in the air fryer according to the kind locals in line. These are definitely amazing and worth the investment.