Milk Bar is a good choice for those seeking innovative and visually appealing treats with nationwide accessibility, while Tartine Bakery excels in providing high-quality, traditionally crafted baked goods with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and artisanal techniques. The best choice depends on individual preferences for flavor profiles, dietary needs, and tolerance for price points.
| Attribute | Milk Bar | Tartine Bakery |
|---|---|---|
| Variety of baked goods | Offers a variety of baked goods including cakes, cookies, pies, and cake truffles. | Wide array of baked goods including breads, pastries, cakes, and cookies. |
| Signature items | Signature items include Birthday Cake (and its variations like Birthday Cake Truffles), Cereal Milk Ice Cream, and Milk Bar Pie (also known as Crack Pie). | Morning Bun (with orange zest, cinnamon, and sugar), Country Loaf, Pain au Chocolat (made with Valrhona chocolate), Coconut Cream Tart, bread pudding (made with brioche and seasonal fruit), lemon cream tart, and banana cream tart. |
| Ingredient quality | Some reviews praise the use of high-quality ingredients. However, EWG's Food Scores indicate some concerns regarding ingredients like titanium dioxide and genetically engineered components. | High-quality ingredients, including organic options and house-milled whole wheat flour. Sources ingredients from local providers. |
| Freshness | Some customers have received stale products, even from in-person locations. However, Milk Bar desserts are often flash-frozen to ensure freshness during delivery. They are packaged with ice packs and insulation. | Made fresh daily. Some items like morning buns intentionally sold out in the afternoon to ensure freshness. Breads and baked goods emerge from their ovens at 3:30 AM every day. |
| Taste and flavor | Known for unique and creative flavors. Some find the items excessively sugary. | Croissants are shatteringly flaky with buttery flavor. Morning Buns are crispy-crunchy on the outside and fluffy inside with citrusy notes. Pain au Chocolat features a dark baked exterior with melty, bittersweet chocolate. The country loaf has a tangy, open crumb and a dark, shattering crust. |
| Pricing | Generally considered expensive. | Pricey (e.g., frangipane croissants $6.95, quiche $9.50 as of March 2024) |
| Ambiance | Varies by location. Some locations have a modern, simple, and cozy atmosphere. Others are known for a vibrant and lively atmosphere. | Original San Francisco location has a neighborhoody and cozy feel with warm wood and local art. Santa Monica location is in a refurbished building with stained glass windows and a garden. Tartine Manufactory has a breezy, warehouse-like space with a chic and calming atmosphere. |
| Customer Service | Mixed reviews. Some customers have reported negative experiences with unresponsive or unhelpful customer service, particularly regarding delivery issues. Others have found the staff to be friendly and accommodating. | Some reviews mention friendly and helpful staff. One review from 2025 specifically noted the manager being attentive and ensuring customer satisfaction. However, a review from 2018 mentions that the staff in the Seoul location were inexperienced and not fully ready for the crowd. |
| Location and Accessibility | Multiple locations in cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. Also available for nationwide delivery. | Original Tartine Bakery is located at 600 Guerrero Street in San Francisco. Accessible via public transportation (Muni J Church line or BART to 16th Street Station). |
| Online Ordering and Delivery | Online ordering and nationwide delivery are available. Delivery can be scheduled in advance. However, there are reports of unreliable delivery services. | Offers online ordering. Delivery is available through platforms like DoorDash. |
| Dietary Options | Offers some gluten-free options, including a gluten-free birthday cake and truffles. Limited options for dairy-free and vegan diets. Products are made in a facility that processes major allergens like wheat, egg, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, and soy. | Aims to accommodate dietary restrictions, including gluten intolerance and diet-related diseases. Offers variations of certain ingredients according to the season. |
| Presentation | Often described as stylish, adorable, photogenic, and on-trend. Packaging is sturdy and well-designed. | Presentation of baked goods is often described as gorgeous and eye-appealing. Tarts are adorned with fresh cream and edible flowers. |