Acme Bread Company

Welcome to the heart of San Francisco’s culinary scene, the historic Ferry Building Marketplace, and home to one of the most respected names in California baking: Acme Bread Company. For decades, Acme has been synonymous with the “Bread Revolution” in the San Francisco Bay Area, a movement that established the benchmark for modern artisan bread across America. More than just a bakery, Acme is a local institution, a daily source of nourishment, and a testament to the power of traditional, high-quality baking. If you are a California resident seeking exceptional, handcrafted bread made with dedication to time-honored techniques, a visit to Acme is essential.

Founded by Steve Sullivan in 1983 in Berkeley after gaining inspiration from a classic English cookbook and his time baking for the legendary Chez Panisse, Acme set out with a clear and unwavering goal: to bake the best bread possible. Today, this philosophy continues at their Ferry Building retail location, a highly visible spot that serves as a delicious pilgrimage for locals and visitors alike. The aroma of freshly baked bread, from classic San Francisco sourdough to rustic sweet baguettes, is a daily invitation to experience the best of Bay Area artisan quality.

Acme Bread is celebrated for its commitment to ingredients, having made the switch to 100% organic flour since 1999. This dedication to organic, high-quality grain, often sourced from California and the western United States, is the foundation for their expansive selection of over 100 products. Their signature sourdough loaves, some of which require 35 hours of preparation before even entering the oven, showcase the patience and craftsmanship that define the brand. Whether you are picking up a Pain au Levain for a family dinner or a fresh pastry for a morning stroll along the Embarcadero, you are tasting a piece of the Bay Area's rich, local food history.

The Ferry Building Marketplace location is particularly special, as it is one of only two retail shops where customers can access Acme's full selection of nationally acclaimed breads. This location bakes fresh throughout the day in its hearth oven, ensuring the ultimate freshness for every customer. The commitment to the community is also evident through their sustainable practices, such as using renewable diesel for their trucks, and actively working to reduce waste by donating fresh leftovers and converting day-old bread into organic livestock feed. Acme is not just a business; it’s a dedicated member of the Bay Area food ecosystem, working closely with local partners, including Alice Waters of Chez Panisse, since its earliest days.

Location and Accessibility

The Acme Bread Company’s San Francisco retail location enjoys a prime, accessible spot within one of the city's most iconic landmarks, the Ferry Building Marketplace. The address is 1 Ferry Building, Bay Trail #15, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA.

Situated right on the Embarcadero, this location is a perfect stop for commuters, downtown workers, or those spending a day exploring the waterfront. The Ferry Building is easily reachable via public transportation, including the Muni and various ferry routes. For those driving, paid parking lots and metered street parking are available nearby, though, as is typical for San Francisco, they require planning and patience.

Accessibility is prioritized, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance ensuring all community members can easily enjoy their offerings. You'll find Acme's shop at the heart of the bustling marketplace, a vibrant food enclave that itself is a must-see destination in the Bay Area.

Services Offered

Acme Bread Company's Ferry Building shop is focused on providing customers with an unparalleled selection of fresh-baked goods and convenience. Their services include:

• In-store shopping: Browse and select from the full range of breads, pastries, and more.
• Takeout: Quick and efficient service for customers in a rush, perfect for grabbing a morning baguette or sandwich.
• In-store pickup: Convenient pre-paid order pick-up services are available for those who want to skip the line, particularly useful for large or catering orders.
• Delivery: Options for local delivery within the San Francisco Bay Area through third-party platforms, extending their reach to homes and offices.
• Specialty Menu Items: They offer a diverse menu that goes beyond traditional bread loaves, including Roman Style Pizza, gourmet sandwiches, and a wide array of Viennoiserie.
• Merchandise: A selection of branded items, such as the Brown Bag T-Shirt, is available for dedicated fans of the bakery.
• Breakfast service: Offering early access to fresh pastries, rolls, and other items perfect for starting the day.

Features / Highlights

Acme Bread Company's reputation as a pioneer and leader in the artisan bread world is built on several key features that set it apart in the California market:

• Pioneer of the Artisan Bread Movement: Founded in 1983, Acme is widely credited as a key figure in the "Bread Revolution" in the Bay Area, which set the standard for commercial handmade bread in the US.
• Commitment to Organic Flour: Since 1999, all of Acme’s flour has been 100% organic, demonstrating a dedication to quality and ethical sourcing.
• Extensive Bread Selection: Offering over 100 products, including a masterful range of sourdoughs like the Sour Baguette and Sour Bâtard, as well as specialty loaves like the Walnut Levain and Cranberry Whole Wheat Walnut.
• The Ferry Building Experience: The San Francisco location is one of only two retail spots offering the complete Acme product line, and bread is baked fresh in the hearth oven throughout the day.
• Highly Regarded Sourdough: Their sourdough is a classic example of San Francisco’s famous bread, known for its perfectly balanced, subtle tang and crispy crust.
• Diverse Pastry and Sandwich Offerings: Beyond loaves, the bakery offers popular Viennoiserie like the Pain Au Chocolat and Almond Croissant, unique options like the Jalapeño Cheese Turnover, and freshly made gourmet sandwiches.
• Strong Local Ties: Acme has a long history of supplying bread to dozens of top Bay Area restaurants, including being founded by an alumnus of Chez Panisse, tying them directly to the region’s fine dining and local food movement.
• Sustainability and Community Focus: Efforts include using renewable diesel for delivery trucks, generating electricity with photovoltaic panels at their wholesale location, and a robust program for donating and recycling day-old bread into organic livestock feed.
• Positive Customer Experience: Customers frequently praise the high quality and flavor of the fresh-baked goods, often recommending the sourdough round and Jalapeño Cheese Turnovers, even noting that the line moves quickly despite the bakery's popularity.

Contact Information

To connect with the Acme Bread Company retail location in the Ferry Building, please use the following information:

Address: Ferry Building, Bay Trail #15, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA

Phone: (415) 288-2978 (Retail shop phone)

Mobile Phone: (415) 347-5743 (San Francisco retail text/phone)

What is Worth Choosing

When you visit Acme Bread Company, you are choosing a slice of California food history. It is worth choosing Acme because you are not just purchasing bread; you are supporting a decades-long commitment to artisan quality, organic ingredients, and sustainable local business practices. Their founding goal—to make the best bread they possibly can—is evident in every loaf.

For first-time visitors or those looking for a guaranteed Bay Area classic, the sourdough selection, such as the Sour Baguette or the Sour Bâtard, is a must-try. These loaves embody the flavor profile that makes San Francisco sourdough world-famous. The Pain au Levain, an original loaf from 1983, is another excellent choice, prized for its robust, chewy crumb and smokey crust. For something unique, the Green Onion Slab or the Olive Bread are beloved by locals.

Beyond the traditional loaves, the pastries and morning goods are a highlight, especially if you arrive early for a fresh, warm treat. Customer favorites consistently include the flaky, savory Jalapeño Cheese Turnover and the classic Almond Croissant. Whether you are stocking up for the week, grabbing a quick breakfast, or looking for the perfect bread to accompany a local cheese and wine pairing, Acme Bread Company at the Ferry Building offers an authentic and unforgettable taste of the Bay Area’s bread legacy.

Acme Bread Company

Ferry Building, Bay Trail #15, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA