Tasting Table Highlights Top Bakeries and Croissants Across the US

Finding a truly exceptional croissant requires looking past standard bakery cases to patisseries that invest days into fermentation, lamination, and sourcing European-style butter, according to a comprehensive nationwide roundup published by Tasting Table.

A classic croissant serves as an uncompromising barometer for measuring bakery quality. Crafting these French pastries demands time, effort, and precise ingredients to achieve the ideal balance of a crisp, flaky exterior and a soft, buttery interior.

Where are the top croissants in the South and Midwest?

In Birmingham, Last Call Baking Co. prepares chocolate and ham-and-cheese varieties that undergo a rigorous three-day fermentation and lamination process.

“Arrive early if you want your pick because pastries tend to sell out quickly,” Tasting Table reported of the Alabama storefront.

Further west in Little Rock, The Croissanterie relies on European-style butter and locally sourced ingredients for a menu spanning almond, turtle, and brownie croissants.

Up in Chicago, Floriole Café and Bakery utilizes Wisconsin butter for twice-baked almond croissants glazed with rum, alongside applewood-smoked ham and cheese variations built with spring cheddar and whole-grain mustard. Sandra Holl serves as owner and earned Pastry Chef of the Year at the Jean Banchet Awards in 2016.

Which Mountain and Pacific bakeries stand out?

In Parker, Colorado, Poulette Bakeshop features seasonal specialties like roasted apple pastries and stuffed croissants known as stuffies. Alen Ramos and Carolyn Nugent helm the husband-and-wife team nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker at the James Beard Awards in 2025.

In Los Angeles, République features traditional butter croissants alongside rotating items like Dubai chocolate croissants. Margarita Manzke won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker in 2023 for her work at the bistro.

Over in Honolulu, Halekulani Bakery incorporates local ingredients into its pastry lineup, offering unique items like the Panana filled with passion fruit, mango, and banana.

In Wilmington, Delaware, Riverfront Bakery has drawn consistent lines of customers since opening in 2020, serving Nutella-filled treats and Artesian Noir Butter Croissants.