The Placid Baker — Restaurant in New York

Bummed because I really wanted to like this place. I lived in France for quite a long time, so I admit that I have a high bar for really good croissants. I ate too many!

Every croissant was burned, which is a shame, because they should be very delicate and cooked perfectly. And the feuilleté is incorrect. It’s not beautiful and light and airy like one would hope, but it was very doughy. And heavy. And they are supposed to have a lot of butter, but I thought it was a little heavy-handed with a butter. The top WAS crispy and light! Overall I think that it is extremely difficult to find a great, authentic croissant :(

I noticed that a number of their other pastries were also overcooked, on the burnt-looking side.

The Tom Turkey sandwich was excellent, as was the Ciabatta. So I look forward to going back to try more sandwiches and other types of bread. I did note that I saw a baguette and it looks quite good, but again, it’s not a true French baguette, at least from looking at it on the outside. I can’t tell until I taste it, so there’s a caveat.

I’m sure some of the items are probably hit or miss. But I have to admit that I am really disappointed to find that the croissant was not properly made, nor was it cooked properly, given it was burned. In fact, as he was taking them off the baking sheet, they were almost sticking to it. You probably should have remade those batches, as it’s not cool to sell burnt pastry. And if that’s the way you normally cook them then I suggest you review proper technique.

UPDATE: The owner responded to my review. He claimed they prefer their croissants more well done. And that if I wanted to come by, they could make one to my liking, LOL. How about making one properly? It’s just plain wrong and somewhere Eric Kayser is rolling his eyes and shaking his head and saying “those Americans just don’t get it.” I’m excluding the issue that it was so heavy that it weighed...

I've been to the Placid Baker many times and have always had a great experience each and every time! All of the baked goods are of excellent quality. And they've never sold me anything that wasn't fresh. Yes, the croissants are amazing! But, be sure to give the other items a try. I doubt you'll be disappointed! Try a danish! Try a brownie! No, let me rephrase that... Absolutely try a brownie!!! The chocolate truffle brownies here are the best! As far as service, it's never been anything other than friendly. And the prices here are reasonable for the quality. Keep in mind though that this is primarily a takeout establishment. You can get a coffee to accompany your baked goods. However, there are only a handful of seats. So, be prepared to enjoy the...

I find it humorous to read the various pretentious reviewers that have claimed they've lived in France, and the croissants/etc are not 'up to standards'. Having actually traveled extensively throughout France - the foods (croissants, macarons, etc) are far superior to most I ever have had in France. I'm on record as saying Placid Baker's baguette is the best I've had anywhere - including France.

So, as someone that actually has traveled the world, and not just the Eurotunnel food hall (which I'm guessing some of these reviewers count as 'having lived in France') - I assure you, this bakery is phenomenal.

Hell, even their hours are French -...