Newly open and adding a wonderful fresh-baked perfume to the neighborhood (and I’m not talking about the green stuff) is JANE THE BAKERY in the former KFC/Taco Bell complex, right next to Imperial Spa. This is owner Amanda Michael’s third location, and it’s more of a retail/production bakery than café—and you can watch the bakers at work!
Head baker Jorgen Carlsen (previously Osteria Stellina in Point Reyes Station and Craftsman & Wolves), executive pastry chef Alex Terazzas, and bakery manager Kellie Slingerland are cranking out an extensive selection of breads, pastries, and baked goods.
There are always some inventive touches, like mini cookies in peanut butter tahini or chocolate sourdough. There are many favorites, like their cookies and banana bread and cinnamon rolls, plus a full range of breads (walnut fig; olive, lemon, and thyme; ancient grains; baguettes) and braided challah on Fridays only, plus vegan and gluten-free options too.
Savory items include a spicy sausage, red pepper, and provolone croissant, and a pesto-artichoke flatbread (follow @JanetheBakery on Instagram for flavor updates!). You’ll also find grab-and-go salads, soups, and sandwiches.
Full coffee service is available (espresso, pour-over, cold brew), using their house blend, “Bread and Butter,” and there’s also a new line of housemade teas, house-pressed Juicy Jane Juices, hot chocolate, housemade chai, iced matcha, kombucha, and more.
There is limited seating, but you may get lucky with a space in the parking lot out front (score). Open daily 7am-6pm. 1881 Geary St. at Steiner, 415-658-7971.
The looooooong and loaded counter and case at Jane the Bakery. Photo: Bread & Butter.
