I live nearby and constantly see the eye catching sign near the street. I decided to stop in found this cute little bakery in what used to be an old house. The lady behind the counter asked if it was my first time and since it was she took the time to explain their products hours specials. She even gave me some samples to try their delicious products. I decided to buy a morning bun which was just delicious I will most definitely stop here again since it is just around the corner read more

Einkorn. Einkorn! Fun to say; fun to eat. It's the wheat that can't be beat. Einkorn. Seriously, it's good bread, you should try some. read more

I absolutely love this place and shop there every week. My favorites items: the pumpernickel bread, chocolate croissants, eclairs OMG, ginger biscuits, quiches, and whatever else Elizabeth has cooked up in the bakery that week. Craig Ponsford is a great guy, using nothing but organic whole grains in his special little bakery. I feel so lucky that they are right here in San Rafael. read more

Awesome little bakery on a side street, only open on weekends. They're slinging great sweet and savory pastries using old world ingredients and innovative takes on traditional treats. Lots of little culinary gems are available too, like delicious Wolf Creek chips and homemade preserves. I was with two great friends who also enjoyed the time there, but were too lazy to write reviews. read more

Outstanding bread and pastries! I live for bread and this is my new holy spot. I feel like I'm living in Europe again eating their breads. Get get the pain de campagne. Note: for your typical American you won't find any Wonder Bread here read more

I always go by this place. It is always closed. I went there on Thurs and they explained to me: It is only open: Thurs, Fri, Sat. Waaaa! We should protest. This place should be open 24/7. Omg. I love this place. I had the peach tart and it was the most delicious thing I have ever experienced. Yes, Experienced. It is not food--it is an experience. Everything from the crust, peaches and filling were a delightful experience. I am addicted. Love this place. I guess it is a good thing it is only open 3 days a week. Adorable. Nice people. Love it!!! read more

I couldn't write this review yesterday, because I wanted to surprise Tam when we had lunch today w/ her and Kevin. I bookmarked Ponsford's Place almost 2 years ago when Joanna M reviewed it, specifically mentioning ginger cookies, which Tam loves. This business is decidedly quirky: you can't reach them by phone. I was able to communicate w/ them via Facebook, to which I was referred by their website. I wasn't absolutely certain even then that they would have them for certain, but we took a chance and went by the shop before meeting Nancy at Kababbq. We found a parking place in front and walked into this lovely smelling place w/ great music playing. There were so many things to tempt us, but we were first focused on the cookies. A woman came to the counter and greeted us. I'm pretty sure she was Elizabeth. I asked about the cookies and she asked if I was the woman who had been asking about them and I said I was. She asked if I'd like a dozen or a half dozen, because I had mentioned both. While I was thinking about it Alan suggested a half dozen would be enough, so that's what we went w/. We can always come back for more. While Elizabeth was boxing up the cookies Alan and I saw an interesting looking bread made w/ buckwheat flour, walnuts and sprouted buckwheat. We both love buckwheat, so we decided to get a loaf. In the display case there were a multitude of sweet and savory temptations, but what caught our eyes was a roll shaped sort of like a pain au chocolate, only filled w/ vegetables rather than chocolate. As we were deciding, Elizabeth returned and offered me a ginger cookie to try. It was still warm from the oven and was absolutely amazing, rich w/ flavor. I gave Alan, who doesn't eat sweets, a little taste and he was also smitten. We limited ourselves to just the cookies, bread and rolls. They don't take credit cards, so we paid cash. Last night we had pasta from Phoenix Pastaficio w/ a sauce that Alan made. We had some of the bread and shared the roll. The bread was heavy and dense, the way we like it. It really didn't need butter, as it was nice and moist. It was very good. The roll, which we warmed in the oven, was delicious. Despite being made w/ whole grain, it was light and delicate and the vegetable filling was flavorful, the vegetables still a little al dente. We loved it and will look for it when we return. When we saw the kids for lunch we gave Tam the box of cookies. She lifted the lid and inhaled, pronouncing the smell magnificent. She didn't eat one then, but I expect we'll hear from her when she does. read more

I cannot believe the baked goods here taste soooo much better than anywhere else. What magic is ponford putting in his pies? Holy magic cow. If I was on death row I would order in from this place! It's that good. Period. Is it Thursday yet? And I haven't even tried everything yet. read more

Innovation. Start to finish. In grain, music, pizza, coffee, and conversation. GO!

I have an allergy to wheat, but of course, love eating breads, pizza, and the like. I've had to keep wheat consumption in moderation. Then I discovered this one of a kind bakery making everything from what, Craig, the owner explained is whole berry flour. I was afraid it would be like eating a boat anchor. I was wrong. Wrong on two counts. Not only does his bakery create fabulous chocolate croissant's with a highly satisfying finish, I found that my wheat allergies are non-existent with his whole berry baking. I guess before man started de-naturing wheat flour removing everything from the germ to the gluten, people prospered on what was once called the staff of life made from whole berry flour. Craig makes a pumpernickel like rye I'm addicted to. Now that I can get real bread I skip that white elastic-like imitation restaurants serve. Unfortunately, Ponsford's Place is open only Thurs-Sat, but I've never tasted anything like it elsewhere. read more

A great place with fabulous goodies and breads. And did I mention the quiche? Everyone I've treated to lunch has loved it and they always ask where the bakery is located so they can visit. read more

I have so far triend a dark walnut brea, a amazing pumpking bread, and a nice rye that have all blown me away. The texture, the moisture and the huge amount of energy that I get from these breads has been awesome. I spend all my free time running and I feel like these breads pack a wallop of energy and flavor together that keeps me going all day. I highly recommend everyone try out this bakery! read more

San Rafael is struggling as a food destination so when I stumbled across Ponsford's I was heartened to think that a great bakery with fantastic coffee might just make it in SR. If you live in Marin you owe it to yourself to dip into the side street (Shaver) by Cain's tire on 4th Street and buy a loaf, pastry and a custom drip coffee (thurs-saturday only). They may make it if you take the time to try them out. read more

Oh my...what was I thinking. I obviously didn't do enough research about this place. Everything here is made of whole grain. Why would anyone use whole grain to make pastries?!?! Everything was hard and dry. I bought two savory pastries, turkey and cheese since they didn't have ham and cheese and a quiche. I tried downing it with a glass of wine but it was just impossible. Hipsters and their whole grains....!!! read more

Amazing baked goods from sweets to breakfast treats. The coffee is made with preciseness that transcends into a savory morning. The customer service is welcoming and friendly the sort makes you want to return over and over. I recommend it all. read more

Simply the best around! The have highly irregular hours so it can't be your daily cafe and consequently you can't get too much of their pastries! read more

The baked good here rival the best in Paris...amazing! I wish there were gluten free items available more often tho...

Bad luck... hubby got a blow out on the Richmond bridge. Good luck... when having the tire replaced I learned about Ponsford's Place, and it was a Friday so they were open! Baked goods are my weakness, but being they are of such good quality and wholesome ingredients, I didn't feel naughty buying a few treats to sample. I got a couple of mini quiche, a loaf of sprouted quinoa bread and a chardonnay macaroon cookie. The quiche were light with delicate flavors, the bread was so good I will be going tomorrow for my next loaf... it was solid and hearty, but not crumbly. It was so good thinly sliced and slathered with butter. The cookie was divine. read more

Wonderful hidden gem. Unusual baked goods that you don't just find everyday. Amazing cinnamon rolls, delicious pastries and breads ... and friendly service. Just what this neighborhood needs! read more

FYI I went back and a young man was working and he was super nice! That alone was a nice treat.

Very quaint little bakery. As you approach, you smell the delicious breads. They are only open on certain days (check their website or ask and you will know which days so you do not leave snooty reviews on yelp) and the selection is limited but they are local and their breads, cookies, pastries, quiches are great. You can tell they are made with love. We are from Europe and we know our breads (unlike some yelp reviewer who spent a year in France and "knows" about breads) and this place delivers. Plus, the staff is so friendly and the atmosphere is very relaxed. read more

There is a line down the block every time they are open for a reason. Everything is great.

When we first drove up to this little garage looking store in the middle of a neighborhood my husband said it looked ghetto and did not want to go in. Yelp rarely misses the mark so I said I want to go in and try it anyway. We went in and the smell is so amazing. We had the twist, Meyer lemon morning bun and quiche. Wow. Flavors were unique but worked so well together. Pastry flaky and flavorful but not greasy. The quiche was the best I ever had from the filling to the crust. The ingredients are clearly the best you can get - you can taste it in every bite. It's food that tastes like real food. Before we left my husband who didn't even want to stop bought more stuff to go before we left. read more

What a unique place! From their quirky location to their all whole-wheat goods, this place is one of a kind! I had ham and cheese wrapped in a laminated dough/puff pastry thing... my friend tried their baguette. SO. GOOD. I've never had puff pastry made out of whole wheat- it was quite different from its traditional counterpart, but delicious in a different way. Left me feeling satisfied and happy. The baguette was toothsome and so, so flavorful. These guys know what they are doing for sure. The people at the front were super friendly- I definitely dug the homey, family-run feel. But I'm a sucker for small businesses. :) Give these guys a try on Friday or Saturday when you're in San Rafael! read more

My boyfriend and I moved into the area and we love to support our surrounding local businesses. The atmosphere is as warm as the pastries and bread. Great fair prices that make you want to come back. Their use of sugar is on point, Goldilocks would be proud :) It's rare to find a bakery that truly produces goods that taste as they should in both texture and flavor. This is the place, and with the use of LOCAL products, you can't go wrong! Truly a Gem of a place :) Personal thanks to Norma for her help and recommendation of the antique shop ;) Adie & Maria read more

This is the best tasting and healthiest bread anywhere. They use only 100% whole wheat or ancient grains. Truly remarkable. The Rev Al Sharpton went on a diet in 2006. He weighed over 300 lbs. told a weighs 129lbs. He has 3-4 pieces of 100% whole grain bread everyday. Baker Ponsfords went to France to compete with the best bakers in the world to produce a baguette; HE WON! PONSFORDS BAKERY IS A LOCAL JEWEL. Go there , you'll love it . Support this artisan all star! Robert F read more

Pumpkin pie extraordinary. NO white flour and flakiest crust ever. This place is the bees knees. Kim Clement in santa rosa

I am so glad this bakery opened in SR i go by to see if the bread man is outside, then i know the timing is perfect for something out of the oven. if i am not around, i check on facebook to see what is coming out of the oven. My friends and I plan on taking a class in the New Year, might as well learn from the best. the best thing for me since i don't like really sweet pastries is the selection of savory treats and breads. My fav is the lemon poppy cookies...best ones i have had by far. Yummy. so glad you are in the neighborhood JMB read more

I hesitate to tell you how great this "secret bakery" is! It is already hard to find parking, but despite the challenge, you will come back again and again for the savory and sweet treats. Bread is so satisfying you won't settle for any other. All Farmer's Market fresh organic local ingredients! Using specially milled flours. You will be a delighted regular visitor. read more

Ponsford's Place is like the speakeasy of bakeries; you have to know about it and you have to show up on Friday or Saturday when they're open. And, like speakeasies in their day, Ponsford's offers something you can't get elsewhere: whole food baked goods that make you feel as great as they taste. Craig Ponsford is a man on a mission to educate people about their food and show them they can, in fact, eat very well and still eat healthy. He is, as others have said, a master baker. He's also a warm, generous guy with a staff of close friends and family who make you feel like you are part of the family too. The good folks at Ponsford's are keeping small town community alive in a world of GMO corporate foods (while using only local, organic) and making amazing baked goods in the process. You owe it to yourself to seek out this gem and become part of the community. They take cash, check or I-owe-You (really).First-time visitors usually get a free cookie. See you there. read more

Best pain au chocolate in Marin!

Who knew this wonderland of wholesome, clever, delish baked goods was right here in san Rafael? Went in today on a friends recommendation and this place is amazing!!! I would expect to see this shop in SF or Berkeley but i have never come across anything in SRaf with half the charm and artisan mastery that Craig is pulling off here, and at half the price. He is obviously driven by passion and polished by years of practice and experimentation with healthful ingredients. No-sugar cookies, KALE stuffed pasties, perfect pan chocolat. Somehow everything tastes like real healthy food and it is very filling without being greasy or heavy. Next time I will definitely try the bread. Added bonus: very accommodating dog parking and a true expert's selection of bulk flours sold by the LB. I'm not exactly trying to up my daily pastry intake but I sure am inspired to support this business, spread the word to other locals, and learn more about the alchemy going on here. AND he teaches classes. Its going to be a life changing experience if i can learn how to make baked goods that I can be this proud of. Thank you Craig!!! ps- cash only. read more

I went here 8/16/13. There's a reason whole grains aren't the most commonly used flours. TASTE and TEXTURE. I didn't know from walking in this store that everything I ordered was made with whole grain flours. I didn't want that. If I knew that I would have went elsewhere for these baked goods. I thought I was ordering classically prepared rugelach, croissants (a savory veggie and sweet cheese and berries). I also got a baguette. All were horrible! All were made with whole grains!!! Let the customer know its a whole grain bakery!!! Whole grain breads and pastries are in a different category than the classic white flour ones. It should be advertised as such. Then I know I'll be getting dry, sawdust-like baked goods and not be disappointed like I was. Fortunately it's only open Friday and Saturday so the unsuspecting can't be fooled more days a week. If you're looking for whole grains then I suppose this place is for you. read more

How fortunate we are to have a master baker, not only in the neighborhood and dedicated to community, but also faithful to whole grains! While my five-year old is going through her picky-eater phase, I am grateful for Ponsford's whole grain delicacies. As a child I loved the experience of going to the bakery in the morning to bring home breakfast. It was such a full experience--the warm, sweet smell of freshly baked goods, the bounty of treats to choose from and most of all the smiling faces of the bakers. I frequent several bakeries today, but one element is missing...that welcome and smile. (I know bakers' hours must be grueling.) But Craig and Diana have brought back that full experience. Sweetness all around. read more

best little bakery!!!!!!! everyone needs to find this place. it isnt in a recognizable location, but im telling you this best little bakery is work finding, its in downtown san rafael, which I am so happy about, we dont have a lot of good bakeries. The owner has been to culinary school, i was very im pressed when I walked in. read more

I am sitting here thoroughly enjoying the buckwheat pecan bread, warmed up with butter, for my lunch. This bread is so yummy, warm, chewy, sweet, hearty and clearly full of love. I can't wait to try a different loaf every week. Thank you!! read more

2 stars because the breads are good. They win for how dense and chewy a loaf of pumpernickel bread can be. The baked good, however--cookies, eclairs, bars--are awful. Yes, awful. Limp cookies that fold over your hand when you lift them. A chocolate chip cookie with lemon oil! Orange zest in chocolate chip cookie can be elegant, but limp chocolate chip that is flavorless except for lemon oil??? read more

The quiches, the pretzels, the Pizzarollios and the cinnamon apple swirls have become new family favorites. We always look forward to the opportunity to play guinea pig (emphasis on "pig") for Craig's latest experiments. Congrats on the breadman's new home. read more

this is the best bakery ive ever been to. the smell alone just whets my appetite into that of a voracious beast. after having lived in france for a year and being a self pronounced baked good connoisseur, the "croissant" or "pain au chocolate" or "chocolatine" (however you wish to label it) was in my top tier of favorite croissants. the chocolate was super tasty and the pastry was neither too flaky or too dense. consistency A+, taste A+, environment A+ thanks for the weekly goods ponsfords, keep it up read more

A treasure of outstanding breads, very creative and delicious. If wonder bread is not to your taste go to Ponsford and try their creations. They have a sourdough rye with sauerkraut that is one the best breads I have ever tasted! A remarkable collection of whole grain and unique breads. read more