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Welcome to Red House Bakery and Cafe

Red House Bakery and Cafe, nestled in San Francisco's vibrant community, uniquely blends comfort and creativity in its offerings. Known for its irresistibly fluffy baked goods, the bakery specializes in delightful treats like the pineapple and cocktail buns, which have garnered rave reviews for their texture and flavor. The inviting atmosphere, filled with friendly staff, makes it a perfect spot to indulge in a variety of satisfying dishes, from savory noodles to crispy appetizers. With options for vegetarians and convenient payment methods, Red House Bakery and Cafe is a true gem, inviting all to revel in its delicious charm.

Red House Bakery and Cafe: Reviews & Ratings

W A.
W A.

Cocktail and pineapple buns are the must order treats from this bakery. The onion bun is also fluffy and savory.

Judy L.
Judy L.

The best pineapple bun, cocktail bun, and bbq pork that I've had. The bread is insanely fluffy! Service was great, employees were very nice and helpful. Plenty of chairs and seats. Restrooms for customers. They have a variety of food to order like chow mien and fried rice. I will absolutely take an hour trip out to this place for Chinese pastries

Teddy S.
Teddy S.

Hands Down Best Baked Pork Buns I ever had I'm very particular when it comes to baked barbecue porkbuns and I have to say I was only there getting a haircut down the block. My barber was late and I parked in front of this place and decided to give it a try after I see some good yelp reviews and the lady was very friendly. It is cash only though my only downside, I had to scrape up some cash

Jeff H.
Jeff H.

Breakfast service stops at 11am. We got the breakfast combo E $9.50, which is beef porridge and soy sauce chow mein with a milk tea. The toisan 台山 fried rice was excellent. It was a lot of food already but we wanted to get the pineapple buns with a slice of butter. This is great if you are eating in the dining room since the pineapple bun comes straight out of the warm bun case. They provide a knife for you to slide that square of butter inside the bun yourself. Cash only and mandatory 15% tip if you are dining here.

Jess C.
Jess C.

Solid bbq pork bun shop in a sketchy neighborhood. If I have to to be critical, the inside is good, but there is a heavy bread to meat, ratio, and the bread, although baked fresh, that day seemed a little bit hard compared to other places I've been to in San Francisco. I did not like the scent of the plain sandwich bread I ordered. Is it margarine or lard I detect? 12 buns for $29 or so. A big loaf of fresh square bread $5.50 Cash only, ATM at the liquor store down the street

Avin T.
Avin T.

They keep a bunch of their pastries inside to serve them nice & warm. Of important note is that they get their custard right in their custard pineapple buns. Their cocktail buns are good too. Wish they had those long coconut buns instead,

Elayna N.
Elayna N.

Best buns I've had in a long time!!! Look, don't come to a legit Chinese place for the ambiance. There were a couple flies just hovering at the entrance and there are tables you can eat at...but I'd opt to get in and get out. Came on a Tuesday morning and there was a couple of people but no wait. There are menus of what buns they have available and prices. The ladies are super nice and can speak English. I asked for my order to be placed in 2 separate boxes and that wasn't an issue. I personally tried the cocktail bun and the pineapple bun. Both were buttery and delicious. The cocktail bun was fresh and the coconut filling was tasty and flavorful. The pineapple bun could have had more of a cookie like crust but also soft and fresh and perfectly sweet. I'm definitely going to buy buns here whenever I get the chance. The prices also are so reasonable for this day and age!!!

Keith W.
Keith W.

My go to place for Chinese baked goods like cocktail. pineapple, custards, and pork buns. They had excellent sponge cake till they changed the recipe. The ham and egg is great too but def eat it the same day. It doesn't keep well. I don't go there for their cooked food though so my rating is only for baked pastries. Service is fast and efficient. I usually call ahead but in Cantonese.. you'll need to on the weekends as they sell out fast.

Cherylynn N.
Cherylynn N.

4.5 STARS I made a pot of Filipino spaghetti for the week with this new low-cal, low-carb, and high-fiber pasta I bought. Surprisingly the pasta texture didn't taste like punishment but they weren't playing when they said, "high-fiber"... it left me hella bloated and playing the booty acoustics all night long. The next morning, my stomach still felt like it was doing somersaults so I needed something bland and easy on the stomach. JOOK! Red House Bakery & Café has been a staple in The Portola area for as long as I can remember for their baos. But, what you don't want to sleep on is their Cantonese/HK Breakfast Combos. You get two items with hot HK milk tea for under $10. And, the portions are SO generous so you can make two meals out of it. One of the best deals in the city! Since COVID, it's been takeout only and they've closed the dining area. Parking can be a hot mess so I highly recommend calling ahead for pick-up so you can double park to run in and grab your order. Or, bring someone who can. M E N U * Cantonese baked goods; baos, pastries, individual savory pies, and cakes. Aside from the cakes, the baked goods are only $1.10-$2.25 each. * Cantonese/HK Breakfast Combos (served until 11 am): Jook, noodles, cheong fun, macaroni soup w/ ham, etc. All combos include hot HK milk tea and are under $10 including tax. * Made-to-Order Entrees, Rice, and Noodle dishes. * Drinks: Tea, coffee, juice, and bottled drinks. CASH ONLY! F O O D * Breakfast Combo: Soy Sauce Chow Mein + Century Egg & Pork Jook w/ hot HK milk tea ($9.80 including tax): https://bit.ly/3OKBa3O --Soy Sauce Chow Mein: The pan-fried HK egg noodles were chewy and springy. Lightly seasoned and tossed with crisp white onions, green onions, and bean sprouts. Not much wok hei but the portion is huge and I usually pay $9-$10 for a side of this at dim sum so I can overlook it. Add some chili oil...boom, you're all set. --Century Egg & Pork Jook: The rice in the jook was nicely broken down creating a creamy, velvety texture. There was a good amount of tender pork (shoulder?) with about 1/3rd century egg to add some salty creamy funk. I added julienned ginger and white pepper at home for flavor. No youtiao (chinese cruller) available here. --Hot HK Milk Tea: Strong tea flavor (ceylon) with good milky creaminess (evaporated milk) and a touch of sweetness. I only drank half for lunch and it kept me up for most of the night. They put scotch tape on the sippy hole to avoid spillage during transit. Very thoughtful. S E R V I C E Fast and efficient. A M B I A N C E Old skool. Takeout only. P A R K I N G Really difficult metered and residential parking. Overall, solid Cantonese/HK Breakfast with huge portions and prices you can't beat with inflation going on. 4.5 stars rounded up for one of the best value meals in the city. If you're rolling through the south side of the city, def give Red House Bakery & Café a try!

Rachel M.
Rachel M.

My review is based on the takeout bbq pork buns my future MIL usually gets for me. Wow- they are SO yummy! Whenever I see the pink box full of these wonderful savory pillows of joy, I get so excited. I just got a freshly made box this past week and I couldn't help but inhale one. The warm soft bread and the delicious savory honey bbq pork inside are the perfect bite. My future MIL highly recommends going on a weekday or when they open because it can get really crowded as it is a super popular Asian bakery and a go-to spot for a variety of baos, especially the pineapple ones. One day I'll have to trek out there and see what other carbs I can sink my teeth into. For now I'll savor the 3 (out of a dozen) that I have left from the weekend.

Location

Welcome to Red House Bakery and Cafe, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of San Francisco's Excelsior District. Located at 2818 San Bruno Ave, this bakery and cafe brings together the rich traditions of Asian pastry-making with a contemporary twist, ensuring every visit is a delightful culinary journey.

Stepping inside Red House, you're instantly greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly baked buns and pastries, making it nearly impossible to resist sampling their offerings. One standout that consistently captures praise is the cocktail bun, praised for its fluffy texture and sweet filling, alongside the must-try pineapple bun which many customers can't seem to get enough of. As reviewer Judy L. highlights, “the bread is insanely fluffy,” indicative of the skill and care put into each batch.

The menu isn't limited to just sumptuous baked goods; Red House also offers a variety of savory options. From crispy chicken wings to rich noodle soups, there's something for everyone to savor. The beef stewed noodle soup and chow mein are popular choices, making for a hearty meal for those looking to indulge.

  • Quick Tips:
  • Don’t miss the bbq pork buns, as Teddy S. notes they are the best he's ever had.
  • Breakfast is served until 11 AM so plan early for their breakfast combo.
  • Note that payment is cash only, but the experience is worth it!

Another highlight of Red House is its warm and accommodating atmosphere. The staff are friendly and eager to help you navigate the menu, ensuring that your visit is as enjoyable as possible. With ample seating and gender-neutral restrooms, it's a comfortable place to linger over your meal or pastry.

Delivery options, catering services, and a welcoming policy for dogs make Red House Bakery and Cafe a versatile choice for any occasion. Plus, with many vegetarian options, it caters to a diverse clientele without compromising on flavor or quality.

In conclusion, if you find yourself near San Bruno Avenue, make sure to stop by Red House Bakery and Cafe. With their exceptional pastries and comforting savory dishes, it’s more than just a bakery—it's a destination that promises to satisfy both your cravings and your culinary curiosity.