Message from Beard Papa
Many have called Beard Papa "the world's best cream puffs". Our Japanese style sweets are addictive thanks to our use of the freshest ingredients, our specialty pastry shells baked daily and our personal attention to customizing your order. The first U.S. based Beard Papa store opened in the exclusive Upper Westside of Manhattan in 2004 with much fanfare, attracting the attention of trend setters, visitors and locals looking for a "sweet sensation". Currently, operating franchises in New York, New Jersey, Boston, Hawaii, Los Angeles, and San Francisco with new stores planned across the US and Canada, Beard Papa is owned by Muginoho Co. Inc of Japan and has almost 300 outlets throughout Japan and Asia.
Editorial by Citysearch
In ShortA sinful combination of house-made custard cream, whipped cream and Madagascar vanilla is blended fresh up to six times daily for filling this purveyor's fist-sized pastry puffs--similar to an eclair, but without the chocolate glaze. For fans of eclairs, however, there are those too, as well as puffs flavored with rotating cream choices such as pumpkin, strawberry and green tea. Servers wear chef's toques behind the counter, and the long line of patrons is processed swiftly.
Key Points
- Cream puffs
- Eclairs
- Sweets & drinks
The Inside Scoop
- Know Before You Go - All orders are for takeout only.
- Save Time - The shop is located on a new, pedestrian-only alleyway that connects Mission Street to Market Street, between Third and Fourth. For easiest access, enter the alley from Mission. The store is adjacent to the Marriott Hotel.
- The Extras - Order a dozen and the cheerful staff chimes, "Thank you!" in unison.
Insider Pages Reviews for Beard Papa
...and now I know why. The cream puffs here are great! Skip the eclairs, although they look very tempting. My fav is the vanilla, though the chocolate is ok too.
Posted 11/08/08 | Report Abuse
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I've only had the vanilla cream puffs, but have thouroghly enjoyed them. The customer service isn't fantastic, but they're in a mall - what can you expect?
Posted 11/06/08 | Report Abuse
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We went to the Marriott for for a meeting, during break time a group of us decided to go for a walk in the area and saw this line of people waiting to get in to this place. From the side you could see the freshly baked puffs. It was so worth the wait and how delicious and warm and FRESH they were! We ordered extras to bring back.
Posted 10/17/08 | Report Abuse
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Greeted by a warm draft of sweet baked goods as you walk down the street towards the bakery, you'll find yourself at a corner bakery with a fisherman-like logo. Once inside, definitely try a cream puff.
Although there are several flavors of cream puffs available on the menu, only the chocolate and vanilla cream puffs are offered daily. The other flavors are only offered on a weekly basis - i.e. one week will be green tea cream puffs and the other may be strawberry.
I enjoy their cream puffs because they aren't too sweet at all and they are plump - one cream puff is very filling.
Downside - Costly. For a cream puff, the price is high. Plus, cream puffs don't store well/long. You have to eat it fresh else the puff gets soggy. (If you do happen to store it, you need to place it in the fridge.)
They also offer eclairs and a very small selection of cakes.
Try it, but don't get too attached. Calories and cost is something to consider.
Posted 08/07/06 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Heaven on Earth - Best Puffs Ever!
by rockngal
Oh with your soooo crispy golden puffs and your oh soooo creamy vanilla cream fillings!! Talk about truth in advertising!! They claim to be the best cream puffs in the world!!! And you know what dang it they are!!!! If you haven't tried them out, you are totally missing out.
Pros: Everything they have to offer
Cons: Highly addictive
Posted 07/08/08
DELICIOUS
by valeriew
Such delicious creme puffs, how can you stop just having one or two. They ar light and fluffy, best get them when they are hot.
Posted 03/04/08
beard papa
by momogoowy
here is a song I wrote about beard papas:
OHHHHHHHH. I love beard papa yes I do!
none can ressist them...
they are so delightful lightfull lightful,
don`t worry, be happy
the beard papa is always with, Youuuuuuuuuu.
(Snap!)
Posted 02/29/08
it's worth the wait!
by sashalou
we waited in a long line for these delectable little puffs at the new westfield mall. we were not disappointed! they were scrumptious! i prefer the vanilla ones over the chocolate. just get one. they are very filling!
Posted 01/16/07
Spendy little bundles of bliss
by gennifluffx
Dear, sweet Beard Papa cream puffs. I will forever adore your freshness and flaky, chewy doughy bits. I am so sad that I love you so much. My fat pants call my name every time I steal a kiss from your creamy center.
Posted 01/14/07
Not Too Sweet
by amyh2
My first thought was it should be sweeter! but it's japanese so it's suposed to be light. It was OK, not as good as I thought it would be. Can't be the freshness.
Pros: not too sweet and fresh
Posted 11/16/06
Best Creme Puffs
by tall1sobay
Simply put, the best creme puffs I've ever had! And since they're so busy, you're always guaranteed fresh!
Posted 11/13/06
finally, they're in SF!
by babaloo28
I missed beard papa cream puffs terribly when I moved to SF from NYC. They are divine, and reasonably priced b/c they are large cream puffs (not bite-size like western-style cream puffs are). I went yesterday & there was a line out the door an hour before closing. The manager kindly came out 30 mins before closing that he was making the last 2 batches, but it would take 25-30 mins before they were ready. He was honest, & genuinely apologetic for the wait. Maybe 5 (out of 30+) people left the line. That says a lot about these cream puffs. I must say, I've never waited so long for beard papa cream puffs, but maybe it was b/c I went so close to closing time. It is also a prime tourist location, so lots of traffic is to be expected.
Posted 09/10/06
Good puffs, service lacking
by culinarydelight
CONS:
- Price (6 vanilla puffs for $10 or 3 vanilla and 3 chocolate puffs for $11.10)
- Service can be extremely slow and they have screwed up my order a couple of times
- Parking is terrible in this area.
Other than that, the cream puffs are great... especially when eaten fresh.
Pros: puffs
Cons: price, service, parking
Posted 08/21/06