You could say the stars were aligned. Across the street, we had just finished eating lunch, some darn good Venezuelan food. We should have allowed that to be our indiscretion for the day. But nooooo. Mr. B can smell sinfully yummy calories, even with a bag over his head, a mile away. Their specialty... chocolate croissants. Thus, we let Artisanal Goods lure us in. No parking, way too busy, way too full to seat us, a line bursting out the door, the tiny bakery cafe still seduced us. That is, Mr B circled the block in the car but pushed me out to get in line. It was the idea of a flaky, buttery, chocolate croissant crumbling all over his shirt that made him do it. And I had no intention of saying no. The line went quickly. The last Kouign Amann had just escaped my clutches to the guy in front of me, darn it. But there were still trays upon trays of freshly baked, massive chocolate croissants displayed in their custom, wood display case right next to the register. Sorry about no pictures, but you know how things get out of hand sometimes. However if you want to experience an orgasm in pastry form, I suggest you high tail it here. read more

There was a 25 minutes wait to get to the counter and unfortunately, we had to stand outside in the 11 am Pasadena heat. The staff was very nice and we ordered the classics. - Croissant : was fresh, flaky and a good size. The only small issue: 20% of it goes on the table as it literally crumbles at each bite. A good croissant should have some elasticity lacking here. - Pain au chocolat: quite large with maybe too much chocolate.But the flavor was on point. I liked it but my wife thought the extra chocolate was too much of the good thing. She reminded me that in the pain au chocolat in France, you actually feel the chocolate under the tooth at each bite. Between the two, I would get the plain croissant next time. Final thoughts: These pastries are more expensive than in other places( pain au chocolat for almost $7 and croissant for $5.5). Would I come back: yes to get the plain croissant. read more

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We came by at 9am on a Saturday and there was a short line outside the bakery. We waited about 25 minutes before getting to the front of the counter. The bakery is pretty cozy with displays of chocolate and coffee everywhere! I thought about picking up some chocolate but without a price tag I didn't want to take the risk. When we finally got up to order, we were greeted by a friendly staff who patiently let us view and decide on what to order. I think the line moves slowly because their pastries are all displayed in the corner rack, so you really have to look up and down to see all the available options. We ended up getting an Americano, a Cocoa cloud and chocolate croissant to enjoy there, and a lemon berry pastry and chocolate chip cookie to go. The food and drinks came out quickly. The chocolate croissant was visually stunning, you can see each of the 50 layers of laminated dough. The one downside for me was they don't reheat pastries, and all the premade ones have been sitting out so the croissant was cold and not very fresh. It was still delicious since you can tell they used good ingredients from the flavour of the butter and chocolate. I just wish the croissant layers itself were still flaky and crispy. The coffee tasted just ok and felt a bit watered down, we both craved a bit more caffeine after finishing the drinks. We tried the chocolate chip cookie and lemon berry pastry reheated after we got home. The heated up croissant layers were incredibly flakey buttery and delicious paired with the velvety lemon curd. The chocolate chip cookie however was a disappointment, after reheating it the texture of the cookie came out perfect with slightly crispy edges and a gooey center. However, the cookie itself didn't have a lot of flavour and the chocolate in it wasn't nearly as good as what they use in their chocolate croissants. I definitely think it's worth coming for a visit, but I would recommend just getting their croissant based pastries to go, and enjoying it at home once it's reheated for the optimal enjoyment. read more

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This is an exceptional French style bakery. It is also popular with people waiting in long lines down the street. It is worth it. All the pastries are perfect. My personal favorite is the kouign-amann. It is a round, multi-layered sweet pastry from Brittany, France that melted in my mouth. Satisfying and rich. The monkey bread is also phenomenal as are the chocolate croissants. We ate here on several mornings and everything was simply the best. Freshly brewed coffee, lattes, and teas-- all high quality. Tip: go early in the day. Enjoy. read more

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Delicious pain au chocolat and it's huge! They sell some merch by the entrance and there was a short line already at 8:45am on a weekday.. there was an outlet by one of the tables so it's also nice to be able to do some quick work here. Will come back for their other pastries. read more

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Purely on the Kouign-amann that we enjoyed today, it's a 5. Could not have done it any better. Loved the shape of it. The pastry wasn't wet, soggy or stodgy. It was crisp with a nice brûlée on top, but not thick like many of the typical Kouign-amanns you get around L.A. The iced latte was well-balanced. Espresso to milk. The espresso that they're using is good. There was a line out the door on a Tuesday morning in June. They just celebrated 5-years of business back in March 2026. Kudos!!! I'll be back to try some of their other croissants. The atmosphere is okay. Fairly bland but the product they're selling--croissants--is where it's at. Street parking in the area. read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR - Busy Tuesday morning. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Very very excellent quality pastries. My friend came from out of town and agreed this is one of the best (if not the best) laminated pastries in LA county. What I've tried: -Plain croissant: Some of the best lamination I've ever seen. Large and ultra flakey. Great even 2 days after purchase. Buttery deliciousness. -Pain Au Chocolat: Done very well. Still very flakey and chocalate-y. Melts beautifully when toasted. -Kouign-Amann: Great execution. Crispy but not soggy or too tough from the sugar brulee exterior. Nice hit of finishing salt. Interior was still plush. Delicious. -Almond Croissant: Good but not as stellar as the other pastries. I did enjoy the crunch of the almond slivers and appreciated that the toppings didn't weigh down the pastry dough itself. -Chocolate Chip Cookie: Very good brown butter notes but I wouldn't mind the cookie to be a teeeny bit thicker. -Ricotta Pesto: Delicious. Pesto was pronounced and filling was creamy. Heated up very well and pastry dough maintained all the flakey layers despite the filling in the center. The shop and parking: Parking immediately outside of the shop is paid meter. Free parking is available if you walk about a block or two down behind the shop along the apartment units. It's a short 2-5 minute walk so I'd highly recommend doing that if you can. Just make note of the no parking signs in case there is street sweeping or any restrictions but I've done this several times now with no issues. The shop is relatively small but has a good amount of seating with maybe two tables outside. I've been at different times and only once has there been a line that has gone out the door. Still, it was a short wait (about 12-15 mins). The shop also sells merch like t-shirts and adorable mini tote bags. They also have unique chocolates from different countries of origin for sale. Prices of pastries are on the higher end but they are very high quality given the sourced ingredients and 3 day process. You can actually see them folding and extruding the croissant dough behind the glass if you come at the right time! They have seasonal offerings and an option to pre-order online as well. Overall: Amazing quality. Everything you would want and expect from laminated pastries. Will continue coming back! read more

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Matcha is very delicious , there pastry are very fresh as well great place For all the first timers this is well recommended it won't disappoint at all Very great service , and very nice to customers, are is very clean to chat with friends and family definitely will be returning back read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR - Matcha and pastry - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Pasadena, California

This review is based on Hubbers taking a couple of their baked goodies home. Hubbers was racing about this place: there's always a line, they sometimes run out of some of their baked goods and just downright popular. He works nearby and promised given the opp, he'd bring at least a couple of items home for me to try. A promise he kept. KOUIGN AMANN: He was curious to try this because of its multiple and flaky layers. I was impressed at first bite, it being full and flavorful at the same time. And the texture and flake of the outside added to the experience. I really liked it! CHOCOLATE CROISSANT: I'm not a sweets fan, but the chocolate here was more a sidekick and not overwhelming at all. Bites were light and flaky. This too, I liked. He also got a bar of Hazelnut chocolate which I left for him to enjoy. (Again, I'm not really a fan.) FOOD: 5. Based on two items. SERVICE: N/A. VALUE: 3. I felt it's a bit pricey, and although I will admit the quality is solid, not sure about $7 croissants and &14 chocolate bars... but if you feel like indulging or deserve a special treat, then go for it. PARKING: Street only according to Hubbers. There might be parking structures nearby. OVERALL: 4. A definite must stop should I find myself in the area. Would like to someday try their savory baked goods. Hopefully sooner or later! read more

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The best of best croissants!! Definitely worth waiting! Can't go wrong with anything croissant option! Best to preorder but preorder is advance option only. So you want it now, best to go wait in line read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR was another must-stop bakery for me -- they're known for their chocolate croissant, so I had to see what the hype was about. We went on a Saturday morning and there was a bit of a line, but it moved quickly. The vibe was lively in the best way -- babies, dogs, people lingering and enjoying their pastries. It felt like such a warm, community kind of spot. The chocolate croissant absolutely delivered -- rich, decadent chocolate with perfectly flaky layers. We also grabbed a chocolate chip cookie (because we always do), and this one definitely served. We decided to try something savory too -- which we don't usually do -- and I'm so glad we did. The spinach ricotta pesto pastry ended up being my favorite. So flavorful, perfectly balanced, and honestly... baby-approved. She was happily snacking on little bites of spinach and ricotta. Coffee was solid -- we went with a latte -- and they have a great variety of drinks to choose from. The staff was also super friendly. The cashier was especially helpful and gave great recommendations on what to order. read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR - Chocolate croissant, almond croissant, chocolate chip cookie, spinach pesto. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Pasadena, California

Decided to try to place after my girlfriend recommended it. They always have a line when I go, but it moves fairly quickly. I like the vibes inside and how they have a good variety of drinks. I think where this place shines is in it's quality of pastries. Also, the baristas are always friendly. I do think their coffee could use some slight improvements though. Definitely would be a regular if the coffee was more consistent. Salted honey latte, 6.5/10: This was too sour. Got a second opinion from my gf and she agreed. Unsure if this is how the espresso shot was meant to be pulled, or if they added too much salt perhaps. But it wasn't the most pleasant coffee I've had. The honey though tasted like it was good quality. Chocolate croissant, 9/10: Super buttery, light, and flaky. Helllla layers in this croissant. And it has a generous amount of chocolate, they do not skimp. Pairs super well with the coffee. Definitely a top three chocolate croissant in LA. Ham and cheese croissant, 9.3/10: probably the best hamd and cheese croissant I've ever had. They even added a little Parmesan cheese skirt at the bottom of the croissant to give it some extra crunch. They stuffed it generously with ham and melted cheese (gruyere I think?) in the middle. It is a little oily, but but I didn't even mind it cause this pastry is so good. Chocolate chip cookie, 8.7/10: solid chocolate chip cookie. They added a little flaky seasalt on top which was a nice touch. This is a thinner cookie so it does leave you wanting more. I like the big chunks of chocolate. read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR - L to R: butter croissant, ham and cheese croissant, choc chip - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Pasadena, California

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The chocolate croissants are the best croissants I've ever had. All their pastries are amazing but do not skip the chocolate croissant with its perfect amount of high- quality chocolate and buttery perfection (they're worth every penny spent). The line moves fast. read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR - All were delicious. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Pasadena, California

I've heard great things about Artisanal Goods by CAR, especially from foodies on Yelp and Instagram. I wanted to see what all the hype was about. It truly lives up to the hype, and exceeds it IMO. Have you ever tasted something so good? That "mhmm" sound accompanied every bite. It might sound cliché, but this was truly a great croissant. The flakiness is truly exceptional! You'll want to eat these on a plate or in the box, as they are crumbly delights. The interior is cozy and aesthetically pleasing, with exposed brick, bright lighting, and cocoa bean sacks from around the world creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a hot coffee and pastry while working or catching up. The lighting inside for taking pictures of the pastries wasn't great, much to my wife's dismay. I moved outside to get some better shots. What have I become?! I devoured those pastries until my wife asked me to save some for our son. Probably a good idea before I overindulge in gluttony. I devoured the crumbs of those flaky croissants out of the box with absolutely no shame. The croissants are pricey, but you're paying for quality. I was told the bestseller was the Chocolate Croissant ($6.95), and it lived up to the hype and exceeded my expectations. The website states they use three 60% dark chocolate batons, made in-house from bean to bar, in their Chocolate Croissant. The Kouign Amann ($7.30) was the greatest texture. It was similar to cinnamon bun where the soft and gooey insides and hard outside. The flaky exterior and soft interior offered the best textural contrast. While a bit too sweet for our taste, the texture was exceptional and kept us wanting more. The Turkey Ham/Gruyère ($8.50) was my favorite; I loved the salty flavor. The sesame seeds added a nice, crunchy bite. According to their website, they use premium turkey ham and 6-month cave-aged AOP Swiss Gruyere for this croissant. My wife loved the Berry Danish ($6.95), made with raspberry preserves and fresh blueberries. Surprisingly, I thought it was pretty good too, even though I'm not usually a fan of berry-filled pastries. There was some difficulty finding street parking, but we were able to find a spot across the street. This is a great spot for a first date, casual conversation with a friend or partner, studying, or working. Next time, we will definitely try the coffee since we brewed some at home before coming out. We'll definitely be back to try more! read more

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This place is right by my house and always has a line. I never understood the hype, so I checked them out online--and they actually have raving reviews. As a foodie, I had to see it for myself! I stopped by with a friend today around 11 a.m. and got in line. It was about 86 degrees, and they actually had umbrellas for people to use--that's a nice gesture. We waited for about 15 minutes, which wasn't too bad. We ordered an almond chocolate croissant, three chocolate croissants, matcha, and a latte. After ordering, we looked for a seat, but the place was full. Luckily, while we waited for our drinks, a corner table opened up and we were able to grab it. We did have to clean the table ourselves, as there were flakes on the table and chairs. I noticed the environment was quite loud, so it's probably not the best place to get work done. But I wasn't there for the atmosphere--I was there for the food. So, let's eat! Once I took a bite of the croissant, I knew the hype was real. It was incredibly flaky (which explains all the flakes everywhere!) and had a good amount of chocolate inside. The almond chocolate croissant was also great, with added crunch from the almonds. The matcha was good as well, but the latte didn't stand out as much. Parking could be an issue since they don't have a dedicated lot. But since I walked, it wasn't a problem for me. The staff were friendly, and they did clean tables when they had the bandwidth. Given the higher price point, I'd say this is a place to treat yourself to something special. I'd suggest ordering ahead, getting it to-go, and just enjoying the croissant--it's worth it. read more

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I'm not as much of a fan as everyone else. I've gone twice now, and both times they were out of what I went for, the Turkey and Cheese Croissant. The second time, it was only 11am. Yet they had so many of the other options, so why don't they make more T&Cs? So the first time I settled for a plain Croissant (almost $6) and it was decent, but very air-filled and crisp, so a lot of it broke off into crumbs. A bit dryer than I'd like as well. Just not much substance. The second time, I settled for a Spinach Feta (almost $9), but it was pretty dry and so was the cheese on top, so by the time I walked to my office all the cheese was crumbs in the bag. The lattes were delish, but very small and everything is expensive. So for one pastry and latte, I could buy a breakfast elsewhere. I'll still try once more for my favorite T&C Croissant, because I just can't resist. Hope to be impressed by that one. read more

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I went to Artisanal Goods for coffee with my friend Amelia G., who lives in neighborhood. The place was packed at like 10:00 on a Tuesday morning, with a line to order and every table occupied the whole time we were there. I guess this is the spot for coffee and pastries in Pasadena. It was a cute shop with a millennial-friendly aesthetic. Brick walls, exposed ceiling, and lots of hanging lights. Case full of beautiful pastries, house chocolates and merchandise for sale. The line moved quickly enough, and service was friendly and reasonably fast. A table opened up for us when we needed it, and we sat and enjoyed our coffee and pastry. I got a salted honey latte, which was delicious. I'm not a habitual coffee drinker, and this felt like a special indulgent little treat. I'm not a pastry person either, but the kougin amann was fantastic, rich and buttery and shatteringly crispy. I also got a chocolate croissant to go for my husband, who said it was really good. We sat for maybe half an hour, and when we left, someone was there to take our spot, and we had to squeeze past the line that was coming through the door. I don't like coffee and sweets enough to do all that on a regular basis, but I enjoyed my visit to Artisanal Goods and would recommend it if you want top notch pastries in Pasadena. read more

I've had this place bookmarked for some time and this morning all the stars aligned. I got there about 15-20 minutes before they opened and was third in line. By the time I was done ordering and had everything there was probably 20 people in line. So getting there a little early makes sense. I ordered 4 chocolate croissants, 3 Monkey Breads, 2 Kouign Amanns, and a partridge....sorry. Wrong song. 1 chocolate bar and a cappuccino. So far I've had a Kouign Amann and the cappuccino. The cappuccino may be the best I've ever had. I don't know what kind of coffee they use, but it was very smooth. That alone is worth the trip. AND, my barista did a cute milk art on top. The Kouign Amann was AMAZING. Layered and flaky I confess I ate the whole thing! I can't wait until I can try the other 2 things I've purchased. After all, the chocolate croissant was the primary reason for going. Now for the negatives: Management should figure out a way for more than one person to take orders and box them up. Even Mom & Pop donut shops often have multiple people taking orders. And Porto's has it down to a science. It would go a long way toward clearing the line faster. My second issue was the price. Quality is expensive. I get it. And I'm fortunate enough to be able to splurge for a treat like this. But with a small tip added to my total I spent just shy of $100! Not something I can do every week. But I would encourage you to save your nickels and check them out! read more

I get the hype. Chocolate croissant was delicious. The cocoa cloud latte was also great, it had a perfect balance of coffee and chocolate flavor. Nice cafe to do work too bc there are a good amount of tables and decent WiFi. read more

Flaky chocolate croissants with a coffee compliment? Count me in. This is the only bakery where I've actually enjoyed their croissant, which is saying a lot. I came by on a Wednesday afternoon around 12:30 pm and they had quite a few racks of pastries available. The parking situation isn't terrible but I did find an empty spot on the street across from their shop. I only ordered their chocolate croissant since it's their most popular. I also ordered a cocoa cloud to pair with my chocolate croissant! They have a few tables and counters that overlook the street outside which is nice to get some work done while enjoying their food and drinks. My total came out to be $21.85 and this was for 2 chocolate croissants and 1 cocoa cloud. It's definitely on the pricer side but it was so worth it (in my opinion). Food: Chocolate Croissant (10/10) $6.95: Wow the flakiness? Insane. I did bring this back home and put a plate underneath my croissant so I can enjoy the crumbs at the end (my favorite part). You usually get a block of chocolate in the middle at other bakeries but this croissant was so different. The bottom layer of the croissant was literal chocolate and you'll get chocolate in every bite you take. The crispiness of the layer wasn't terrible to the point where all the flakes would be on your plate. It was the perfect amount of crispy and flaky so that you can see the individual layers it has. I didn't think that this was too sweet but the coffee might've cut the sweetness down for me. I would get a whole dozen of these if it was cheaper but this is definitely a once in a while treat for sure. Cocoa Cloud (7/10) $7.95: I thought that this was just okay. It's a cocoa-latte with vanilla bean cream, cocoa, and whole milk (think you can change this). I was enjoying this with my chocolate croissant so I couldn't really taste the chocolate in the drink. I had half my drink left over and enjoyed it and I could finally taste the chocolate afterwards. When I was drinking this with my croissant, it definitely helped cut down the sweetness of the chocolate croissant and added a bitter taste. If you want prefer sweeter lattes, I wouldn't recommend this one. They have so many other pastries available that I would come again if I was in the area! read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR - Cocoa Cloud - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I was finally able to try Artisanal Goods by CAR when my friend and I decided to do a chocolate croissant taste off with another place down the block. I was able to find parking nearby luckily and that was probably the hardest part. However, it was also really hot that day so I came prepared with a big hat because I saw the line wrap around the building. I was able to catch it when I was at a lull and the line moved pretty quick. A couple of other items that looked really good that I need to try. I know there is some seasonal items that sell out really quick to keep an eye out of. The chocolate croissant was great and I'll have to wait to try some of their other items next time which I also hear is amazing. The dining area isn't the biggest popular places. It's probably not the easiest to find a spot to sit and enjoy unless you time it correctly. read more

I've been here twice and each time there has been a small line and it moves fast. All croissants and pastries are fresh and delicious. I also love their espresso drinks here. Their espresso shots are super smooth. I have no idea if they use their own in-house beans or not. You will not be disappointed with any of their classic pastries. This time I tried a lemon berry pastry and it was 4/5 stars for me BECAUSE I did not like the lemon curd. However - LOOK AT THE BUTTERY FLAKY LAYERS. If you're like me and eat it layer by layer, *hi5* Interior is small with a few tables and there are a few small outdoor tables. Street parking and paid parking lot available around the corner. read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR - Lemon berry pastry - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Pasadena, California

I love a good bakery. It's been awhile since I found a bakery that I liked everything I got. And This spot. Truly nailed it Butter croissant. Perfect flakey texture but not dry. Nice and buttery Excellent croissant Chocolate croissant that they are known for. Once again perfect texture. Not too sweet. Not too much chocolate. Done so well Kouign Amann also done to perfection. Texture on point. Just the right amount of sweetness it was pretty big also. Different shape than the usual ones I get. So good Overall one of the best bakeries I been to. And I can't wait to go back read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR - Everything was done perfectly so good - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Pasadena, California

I had high expectation of this coffee shop because of the great reviews. However, I am very disappointed. There was a line when I got there, and the line moved very slowly. Retro decoration, which seems very modern. The store is packed, and I am sure that their coffee or bake goods are great! Cashier was friendly, but I also understand the reason the line was long. While I was waiting, I saw barista chatting behind the counter, which once again, I understand why it take a while for my coffee to be ready. I ordered cocoa cloud and salted maple cream, both easy on ice, and with oak milk. I like my coffee easy on ice because I do not like my coffee to be watery. I got my drinks and left. My drink had a big gap, which I understand it was because I asked for easy on ice. When I took my first sip, I felt like I was drinking water. There was absolute no taste of coffee, vanilla, chocolate, or even oak milk. I cannot image how it will taste if I do not ask for easy on ice. Both coffee I ordered were tasteless. The coffee was not cheap, they were around $8 each. Paying this price with a long wait, and turned out not good is not worth it. I ended up throwing both away. Very sad experience. read more

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It was pretty busy when I arrived at 11:00am on a Saturday. I think I waited around 20-25 minutes. I got the Spinach & Feta, Chocolate croissant, and the Kouign aman and it was SO good. I also got an Iced Matcha Latte with Cream Top and IT WAS DELICIOUS. The matcha wasn't grainy and you could taste the matcha. The cream top had cinnamon powder on top which complimented the drink nicely. I was also looking at the Cocoa Cloud latte which looked equally as good. read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Pasadena, California

We went specifically for the chocolate croissant, but they had already sold out by the time we arrived. Even so, the drinks and the other croissants we tried were sooo good. The line wasn't too long, which was nice, and they have seating available in the front, on the side, and inside. Overall, still a great stop--even if you don't get the chocolate croissant! read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Pasadena, California

"LA's ultimate chocolate croissant" I can tell the recipe is perfected from my first bite. They go for about $6.5 but they are HUGE. They were extremely flaky and soft inside. Prob the best crossiant I've tried in la. Also we got the cocoa cloud and that was pretty good too. Street parking and parking lots all over the city. Also a few table inside to hang out. I went at 1230pm and there were still plenty of croissants. Can't wait to be back. read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Pasadena, California

You can always tell a place is catering to the Gen Z Instagram crowd when the lines are long and the music is loud. I live in the neighborhood and always see long lines around the block outside of CAR. Today was my 2nd visit ever, loved the chocolate croissant, very buttery and flakey (and very messy to eat) but the chocolate cookie was way too sweet and chewy. Come here for chocolate pastries and you won't be disppointed. For best chocolate cookie - go to Berry Opera in Pasadena south Lake. For best almond croissant - go to Artelice in Burbank/Sawtelle. read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Whenever I see this place online or watch someone's video making the rounds, I always wonder: *Is it really that good, or is it just trending on my FYP?* Y'all, this place is actually that good. Their pastries are legitimate Paris-level quality. The one that looks like a pain au raisin (but isn't) is incredible--those glazed, crunchy parts are what's up! I came here to get some work done on my laptop, and the vibe was perfect. People actually rotate out instead of camping at tables all day, so indoor and outdoor seating opens up organically. That is exactly my type of place. read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR - Latte galore - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Pasadena, California

This spot has been on my must-try list for a while, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. It's a go-to for pastry lovers who appreciate precision, butter, and really good chocolate. Vibe / Interior: Walking in smells like Disneyland's Main Street. Think butter, sugar, and chocolate in the air. You order at the counter where pastries are beautifully displayed, and the rotating menu keeps things exciting and efficient. What They're Known For: CAR is widely loved for its ultra-flaky viennoiserie and house-made chocolate. Their chocolate croissant and kouign-amann are local favorites, and the monkey bread frequently sells out. They're also respected for their bean-to-bar chocolate program, which sets them apart from a typical bakery. Order / Standouts: Chocolate Croissant - perfectly laminated, deeply chocolatey, and incredibly flaky. Kouign-Amann - caramelized, buttery, and crisp in all the right ways We noticed nearly everyone ordering the monkey bread, so that's next on our list. Service: Fast and efficient, even on a busy Saturday morning. The line moved quickly and took no more than ~15 minutes. Good For: Best as a grab-and-go situation. The interior is tight and tables turn over slowly, so taking a box to share is the move. Price / Value: Pastries are roughly in the ~$7-$8 range each (prices aren't always listed in-store). Not cheap, but the quality absolutely justifies it. Parking: Metered street parking directly in front. Pro Tip: Don't skip the chocolate bars. They make an excellent gift--or a very solid personal treat. read more

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How good a croissant can be? I went to the Artisanal Goods by CAR with this question and answer is "VERY GOOD". I got the plain croissant, chocolate croissant and the pesto cheese Danish. They were all very delicious! Will definitely go back! read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR - Beautiful box for pastries - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I ordered the Maple Cinnamon Latte and it was delicious. It's probably the first time that I ordered a decaf coffee and still got impactful flavor. The only thing is, I would like to have tasted more of the Maple, it would have really set it off. Other than that, it was worth the wait. The young lady that took my order was very upbeat and pleasant, a joy for the early part of the day. It's a small cafe, that gives rustic vibes. I look forward to trying the croissants. Looking around, it felt like I was the only customer that didn't order one. I will update this review accordingly. Excellent visit, I highly recommend. read more

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It's good. The pastries are good. There's only one cashier so the line really builds up if you're lucky to be stuck behind people who have a ton of questions. The drinks are quite expensive for what they are. It's your typical coffee shop environment where people are working on their laptop but obviously busy and somewhat cramped. Anyway, my least favorite part was when the barista kept touching and doing her hair then proceeds to make the drinks. Also, they drink their personal drinks are around the customer's drinks. read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Pasadena, California

Rainy Sunday Coffee Run! Stopped by this spot on a rainy Sunday around 9:30 AM, and honestly, the weather probably scared people away because there were only about five people ahead of us. Don't be fooled though--by 10 AM, more customers rolled in, but the line moved quickly and efficiently First impressions? Super welcoming vibe. As soon as you walk in, the ambience is warm, cozy, and aesthetically pleasing. They also have a nice selection of indoor coffee beans and items available for purchase, which always adds a nice touch. Drinks * Salted Maple Cream (light sweet) - $8.35 Nice flavor and fun to try, but not mind-blowing. 7/10 * Cortado (whole milk, two shots) - $4.95 Smooth and not overly strong, though I personally prefer a bolder espresso kick. 6.8/10 Pastry Lineup (aka the main event) Since it was my first time trying Artisanal pastries, I sampled a few: * Lemon Berry - $7.95 Sweet and citrusy combo was pleasant, but the pastry itself was very flaky--almost too flaky for my liking. 7/10 * Ricotta Pesto - $8.25 Loved the savory notes from the ricotta and pesto, but again, the flakiness took away a bit from the experience. 7/10 * Spinach Feta - $8.40 Favorite of the bunch! Less flaky, evenly distributed spinach, and a solid savory balance. 7.5/10 * Berry Pastry - $6.95 Not overly sweet with a decent amount of berries, but nothing particularly memorable. 6/10 Final Thoughts * Service: 5/5 - fast, friendly, and efficient * Ambience: 5/5 - beautiful and welcoming * Coffee & Pastries: 3/5 - good, but not quite my flavor profile. Overall, I'm glad I tried it--definitely worth a visit if you're curious. That said, I personally prefer pastries that are less flaky and a bit more flavorful, so I don't think I'd be back for seconds. Still, if you enjoy artisanal, ultra-flaky pastries, this spot might be right up your alley! read more

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So many croissants to be had, I can't keep up. Artisanal Goods by CAR is excellent, with constant lines that usually aren't too bad, and even at 11:30am they are still churning out new inventory. Inside is a friendly vibe of wood notes and a coffee shop feel with juuuust enough space for three kind of pastries on display, plus a taller vertical window to more pastries on the left. Went with friends so we got a good assortment - berry pastry, pain au chocolat, and the classic original croissant. Didn't try everything, but the kougin amann was very good, as was the almond, and the turkey ham and Gruyere was excellent. Made a huge flaky mess as expected as well. 4.5 stars. read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR - Almond honey at center, kougin amann at top, ham and cheese at bottom. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Pasadena, California

Why isn't 6 stars a possible rating. This shit is awesome. I didn't get coffee here unfortunately. Instead I ate 4 pastries with my friend. We originally just ordered the chocolate croissant and the Almond Honey Danish. They were so good I got FOMO for not trying the other pastries. Naturally I got back in line and ordered two more because I had to try other flavors. This time I tried the Kouign Amann (Swirly looking guy) and the Lemon Berry Pastry. I don't know how I would rank them, they were all 11/10. They were all so flaky and beautifully crafted with each unique flavor being pronounced in a perfect way. The lemon berry for instance tasted like a lemon bar, in goo form, weaved into pastry, and the almond honey danish had a nice sweet buttery almond fill. I definitely ate to much pastry and I am not upset about it. This place is also so cute and a perfect place to chill and get work done too. read more

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The chocolate croissant is out of this world! I've been going here off and on for some time now. Pretty much always has a line so be prepared to wait a bit. I do agree with other reviews saying that management should look into improving wait times and in person ordering efficiency. If you are impatient it appears you can order online with the Toast app though I have not done that before. There's a good selection of pastries if a pain au chocolat is not your style. I've tried some of the others but I tend to go back to the chocolate croissant. They also have several drinks (mostly coffee and tea) to choose from as well. I hear the matcha is pretty good. Depending on the time, parking can be tricky. There's no dedicated lot and street parking is your best bet. There's a garage a little to the west but I believe that lot usually is paid. read more

As a French man, I can safely say that Car makes the best chocolate croissants in town. Freshly baked, crispy outer layer, generous with the chocolate. You just can't go wrong. Their almond croissants are fantastic as well but not my biggest preference in general. read more

Artisanal Goods by CAR - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Pasadena, California

Best chocolate croissant! We love trying out different croissant places and we all agreed that by far this was the best chocolate croissant we have ever had. The croissant was nice and fluffy and it had the right amount of chocolate filling, complimenting the croissant. We also tried the plain, the feta spinach and the honey almond croissant. They were all very good. We would also recommend trying their Madagascar vanilla latte. Right amount of sweetness and a nice earthy tone. The matcha latte was also nice, the right amount of sweetness and was very smooth. We went on a Saturday morning shortly after 9. The line wasn't that bad and there were still seats available but by the time we left the line was longer and every seat was taken. Everyone was very friendly and the space was nice and cozy. There are a couple of tables outside as well. Definitely will be back to try their other croissants and of course get the chocolate croissant again. read more

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I randomly stumbled here when I was looking for a coffee shop in the area, and man am I glad I found this gem of a spot! Artisanal chocolate and pastries and drinks? Count me in. We came on a late Sunday afternoon after being in the DTLA area, and found respite among the Pasadena area and its locale feel. I loved that this place already prided itself on its baked goods and pastries, as well as house-made and house-crafted artisanal chocolates (which they also use in their drinks)! We got their Cocoa Cloud which was just divine, with their own rich chocolate in it, as well as their Salted Honey Latte which was tasty (I got a decaf espresso since it was late in the day, but wish I got to try their espresso to cut against the sweetness of it). But what really got me was their plain butter croissant! If that is any indication of their stellar baking, then I cannot wait to try their famed chocolate croissant on my next visit. That plain croissant was so flaky, perfectly fluffy inside, well-shaped and absolutely buttery on every bite! Service was nice and pleasant. Interior is lovely. We popped in to work on our laptops for an hour or two and appreciated their comfy seating and WiFi available (albeit their space is a little small and not a huge amount of seating for lots of parties). I love how this place is conveniently grab-and-go or stay awhile. They get through their lines fairly quickly and I was surprised that so many customers up until their last minutes to close still were lining up to buy their pastries! I almost didn't get to try a croissant on my visit since they almost ran out by 3/4pm on a Sunday. Overall, I'd love to come back. The selection I had here was phenomenal and I can tell they put great care and craft into their goodies. And, I loved the feel of their small, inviting space. read more

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