Beard Papa’s Cream Puffs

Cannot believe this place is closed. Used to come here with the team all the time when working for my old firm. The location is really sweet. Really nice ambiance, cute décor, and great location in downtown RWC. This was the perfect dessert place after having pizza for lunch next door.
The cream puffs were so good, juicy, full of goodness. We would frequent this place every other week or so. Wonder why they closed? It’s not cheap though for what you get.
I would recommend trying it, they have other locations. It is a heart attack though, but worth it every once in a while.

Unfortunately the RWC location is no longer in business.
Not sure about the other US locations but when I went there today, the place was empty.

Has anyone else ever seen the double-​entendre-​loving Craig Ferguson comment on the Late Late Show that: «Sometimes it feels good to bury your face in a Puff»? Craig, you filthy pigeon, I know just how you feel.
Anyway, I am waiting for the day my fellow Asians stop putting margarine, mayo, and other Gross Things in their filled pastries. All I could taste when I first bit into my cream puff was a pronounced, tongue-​coating margarine flavor, and it put me off. (Don’t believe my taste buds? Check out the nutrition facts on Beard Papa’s website.)
Granted, the stuff here is cheaper and, despite the margarine, probably healthier than the stuff you can get at the theater’s concession stands, and I totally second Tracy O.‘s suggestion that you should sneak a couple of Puffs (ahem) into the theater with you if you’re gonna be needing something tasty. Personally though, I’ll get me some Puffs elsewhere (ahem ahem).
P. S. I’m giving more than one star because even if you aren’t that into Puffs (yes, I’m running this joke into the ground) this is an okay place to grab a $ 2 drink and sit and talk with your friends.

So I know everyone looooves Beard Papa’s, and it wasn’t horrible and the cream puffs aaare huge, but they’re still expensive and they don’t even taste that great. I prefer Costco’s frozen cream puffs with actual cream. sorry!

Their cream puffs are heavenly. I’d eat as many as I can but if i did my husband would probably divorce me because I would grow to 500 pounds and would need a new wardrobe.
For every cream puff I eat I’ll run 2 miles.
5 cream puffs = 10 miles but who cares! It’s so worth it!!! I LOVE IT!
I have to drive 45 minutes just to get my hands on them.

Yet Another SF Food Stop. I lost track of the numbers :)
Beard Papa’s sells … cream puffs? My brother-​in-​law kept talking about it, so after Indian food we ran over here and grabbed a box of 8. That was both a good move and a bad move. Good move, because they were awesome (green tea, chocolate, and vanilla custard filling) but bad move because I think I could have eaten 4 or 5…
Suggestion: If you’re grabbing some for a late night dessert, double your order. They do OK in the fridge overnight and are great for breakfast!

I must say, this is probably the best cream puff i’ve ate in the bay area, perhaps, in my life.
Now i’m reviewing not based on service, not based on parking, and not based on other small little problems.
The reason i’m rating is because i got this as a welcome gift when family friends came over to visit. They told me that the puffs were extremely good and that i must try. I was like, «oh really?», still being stuffed from dinner.
Gave it my first bite, and DAMMMNNN, it’s good. The gooey cream just melted away to the side of my mouth. it’s amazing good. i think the one i tried was the regular favored cream puff. i kind thought the box that they put these puffs in looks awesome. (btw this is coming from a guy). definitely a place to drop by if you around the area.
i wonder if they made these in smaller sizes. Like one of those that you can pop in one bite (popcorn style). also i found out that they actually have this in SF

This one is for BFF Jenn! Remember when we drove 30 minutes out of the way when we were in San Jose just to get cream puffs?! Did we need 12 vanilla bean puffs, 6 chocolate puffs, and 2 cheesesticks?! Apparently we did, and everyone thought we were crazy. Well Hon, I miss you tons and besides cream puffs, I’m only crazy for you :)
Something to know about Beard Papa is that they bake the cream puff shells periodically throughout the day. If the cream puffs aren’t sold within a half hour, they throw the shells away and start over. So there are times when you can come into this low key location, and they won’t have enough shells to complete your order, and you’ll have to wait.
My preference is the original vanilla bean filling over the chocolate. The chocolate is still good, but kind of reminds me of creamy chocolate milk. The Green Tea and Strawberry aren’t too shabby either, but vanilla bean is the best choice.
People tend to think these cream puffs are a tad pricey, but I find them to be worth every penny. The shells are unique as they are crispy on the outside, but still a little chewy on the inside. And the cream fillings are more custard and pudding like, rather than just flavored whipped cream. Plus, Papa himself is so dang cute, I wonder if he’s married.

I was excited to get a cream puff from Beard Papa’s cuz of the hype.
The cream puffs are definitely really huge. I got a vanilla and a chocolate cream puff. Both were good, but too much cream for me.lol.

Q: Do I love cream puffs?
A: Yes
Q: Are chocolate-​covered cream puffs better than plain ones?
A: Of course
Q: Do I enjoy wolfing down chocolate-​filled eclairs from Beard Papa?
A: Mos def!
Q: Then why the 3 stars?
A: During normal business hours, you simply should not «run out» of the chocolate éclair cream puffs like we were told the last time we were there. How hard is it to dip a couple extra cream puffs in some chocolate and make more? I can wait a few extra minutes for that. Never had this problem before at any other Beard Papa.

I have reviewed two of the Beard Papa’s locations in San Francisco, now I’ve been to the third Bay Area’s location in Redwood City. Beard Papa has been good to me, despite what I’ve done mistakenly besides eating them. (Too much info, I know!)
Even with the rain, it still didn’t stop me from having one of those addicting pastries. Or two, or three. I came here and bought the popular vanilla flavor and the featured flavor, which is the strawberry. Each pastry costs $ 2.25 and with a small cup of coffee cost $ 2.00. It’s been a while since I’ve been to the BP and the prices must’ve just increased.
And with the rain, I was the only one dining there enjoying my pastries, hot-​drink and listening to Flo-Rida’s-«Low» from the employee’s radio. Since I was the only one there, I had one pastry in each hand and took turn biting each one. It was a good thing that the BP’s employees didn’t see me chomp down those tasty treats, because it wasn’t too pleasant. I literally make the Cookie-​Monster looks more stylish than me.
I enjoyed the three Bay Area Beard Papa’s site, including the Redwood City location. With the love of this franchise from Unilocal,I hope Beard Papa will expand and build more shops in the Bay Area soon.

this place makes me happy. i can’t eat just one! i love all the flavors but i only like the regular puffs. the chocolate covered eclairs are not so good…
the cream filling is so smooth and thick. the only bad thing is that i can’t have just one! i like to start with a chocolate one, then a vanilla. after i pass out for an hour nap, then i’ll dig into my half dozen box again and have another.
good thing it’s not down the street, otherwise we’d have a cream puff fattening crisis on our hands… or is it our mouths… or our bellies?

Gotta give this place at least four stars just for being Beard Papa’s but had to take off one star because of the location. Seems like downtown Redwood City is about to build a lot more things but as of now… zZz! Beard Papa is the only place worth going to and I had to drive (well my boyfriend, I was sleeping in the car) about 30 min from SJ.
The cream puffs were yummy as always but since this location doesn’t have as much traffic as the other ones I’ve been to (SF, Hollywood) the cream puffs shell just kind of sit there for a long time before someone buys them resulting in a bit of a stale cream puff. Still delicious though, the cream filling is really what does it for me.
Anyways, people are hating on «Ohh, it’s not a REAL cream puff» You’re right, it’s a cream puff with a Japanese twist on it so stop getting your panties in a bunch!

I didn’t go in expecting them to be GREAT or anything.
I was BLOWN AWAY! I’m used to Satura Cakes creampuffs and this was wayyy better!
They really are huge! The puff pastry isn’t even a pastry? Very airy and melts in your mouth along with the filling.
I got a box of 6 (2 of each flavor) of vanilla, chocolate, and pumpkin!
Apparently, they have specials and pumpkin happened to be it. Other specials include coffee, green tea, tiramisu, strawberry. However, they change them every week or so and only carry one special at a time.
Wasn’t a fan of the chocolate. Made me nauseous after a while because it was just too much and the flavor wasn’t extraordinary. Reminded me of milk chocolate but pasty.
Vanilla is the BEST! Hard to get sick of these. Pumpkin is unique but gets old after a while.
My boyfriend, when I dropped them off at his work for him, went crazy for them too!
Worth the commute from Cupertino/​San Jose to Redwood City! I just happened to be coming back from SF and didn’t want to stop somewhere too hard (ie the one on Market) and came here.
1.75 for vanilla
1.95? for chocolate or special flavors
Box of 6 for $ 10
Must get box of 20 next time!!! And you bet I can eat 3 or 4 in one sitting. How gross am I?!
UPDATE 9÷4÷07
I keep on coming back here! So glad they are opening one soon in Cupertino! Still as delicious as ever. Strawberry is good. not overwhelming like the chocolate in my opinion.
SEE PICS!

delicious nuggets of belly bliss. That’s what you get here. Seriously, if you are going to complain about the calories or your figure when you order, eat or digest this delish treat — you don’t deserve its unending yummy joy. :-P
The shells are fresh, delicate and toasty and the pudding inside is rich and creamy wthout that gagging overload of sugar. They really do a perfect balance with the cream puff.
I haven’t ever had a pastry experience like this, its very unique and I enjoy it. Definitly come and try this with no expectation and discover your own impression with your very first bite.
Parking is not easy at this location — you have to park on the street with the city meters — so bring a quarter and be prepared to drive around the block a few times.

First off, one of the Unilocal reviews was wondering what the miniature tables and chairs were for. Um, perhaps they’re for the miniature folks like me who couldn’t possibly manage to sit in one of those big people chairs… Beard Papas is so thoughtful, heh.
Ok. So this joint opened up a few months ago. Of all places, why in Redwood City? I don’t know. I also ask why the Lobster Shack exists a few blocks down. Redwood City isn’t on the list of my most exciting places. But hell, Beard Papas is right by the office. So it’s ON.
It’s located in the palm tree covered «Theater District» which sounds like the hustle and bustle area of a big city. Meh, hardly so. Nothing’s ever exciting in RC. No matter how many palm trees they decide to put up. Anyway, it’s right by Century Theaters so I guess after a movie, y’all could walk over to grab a crème puff here so it’s nicely convenient at least. There are parking stalls right in front but I’m sure those rarely open up. Man if I parked there, I’d never move my car either.
So upon walking in, I noticed the place is tiny. Small sitting area up front, small counter. Oh ya, and the small tables and chairs. For me of course. You can see the Beard Papas technicians working hard in the background. It’s cool to watch them inject the puff pastry shells with filling. If you ask nicely, they’ll let you sample a flavor. Ask for strawberry, tell em I sent you. However from what I’ve heard, the strawberry puffs are only served once a week. Which is why you should really get like a boatload of them. You’ll love the friendly strawberry chunks inside. Don’t forget the napkins.
I’ve come to the conclusion that beard Papas cream puffs are a dose of happiness. Bad day? Go to Beard Papas. Boss give you the beat down? Go to Beard Papas. Dog ate your homework? Go to Beard Papas. You’ll live happily ever after. Or happily for however long your sugar buzz lasts. Word.

I think I’m going to make it my mission in life to visit every single Beard Papa’s on earth! So far, 5 down!!!
Anyway, I went here on last Sunday right when they opened. Parking was easy to find. There was already a small line forming when they opened. The reason for a line this early for cream puffs is simple… they are scrumptious! I live in San Jose and before this one opened, the closest one was in San Francisco. I would totally drive to SF just to get some of these bad boys! The vanilla bean is my favorite, but on this visit, I tried a chocolate and it was good too. Vanilla bean is still the best, but chocolate isn’t far behind. Soon, they’re going to have cheesecake sticks at this location. I’ve never tried them before, but if they taste anything like their cream puffs, my scale better watch out! =)
Oh yeah, like I said in another Beard Papa’s review, make sure not to breathe thru your mouth when you bite into their cream puff. The powdered sugar will make you cough! Trust me! Even though I know about it and I try not to breathe in, I still do it! =)

These puffs certainly live up to the hype. The pastry is light and airy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. The cream is cold and creamy, but not heavy. They are not too sweet either, unless you order the chocolate éclair style. This location is quiet, and it was very easy to find a parking spot, but the selection is not as extensive as the SF location. Still, I’m glad to have one relatively close to home. Any closer to home and I would be in danger of éclair overload I’m afraid.
My 2-​year-​old has been saying «cream puff» since we left Beard Papa earlier today, so I think he would give it 5 stars too.

***Review for all Beard Papa locations***
Shoe Cream?!? No, Chou-​Cream!!!
Japan did not invent Cream Puffs, or choux a la crème, but the French import with Japanese twist had been popular for years before Beard Papa came around in 1999. What differentiated Beard Papa’s cream puff was that they would fill the shell with vanilla cream after the order was placed, keeping the crust crisp. Muginoho, the company behind Beard Papa Brand, seems to understand creating scalable food businesses, creating franchise stores all over Japan.
My first Beard Papa experience was in Shibuya, Tokyo, when a dangerous aroma invaded my nose as I was coming out of the subway station. The smell was so inviting that even Hachiko (statue of a dog) was ready to head to Beard Papa. There was a long line, so I waited patiently for my Shoe Cream… I mean Choux-​Cream. From the first bite, I could tell it was something special. No other puff was as crispy and had the fresh vanilla taste. I later learned that they use natural vanilla beans, instead of artificial flavorings. If you see black dots in the cream, it is actually flakes of vanilla. Their shell has a patent in Japan.
I am so glad to see Beard Papa doing so well in the U.S. I am hoping that other Japanese franchises, seeing the success of Muginoho and Delica R/​F-​1 (
) and Santouka Ramen (
), decides to open stores in California. Sure, Bay Area people hate big businesses like McDonalds, but these are the only companies with resources to expand their chains globally. No mom & pop operation in Japan could take the risk to test the market in the U.S. Hey, all I care is that I get to enjoy my cream puffs.
**Review of this location**
How great is it to enjoy Beard Papa cream puffs while waiting for your movie time? When I went there in December 2006, it looked like they opened only recently and did not offer all the other menu items.

Nice little cream puff shop. Although it’s a lot slower (meaning you’re not walking out in 1 minute) than back in it’s home country of Japan probably due to 2 reasons.
1) The larger variety of items on the menu including drinks.
2) Americans like buying these puffs in mass quantities.
Anyways, looking forward to trying more of the weekly flavors, the Strawberry was quite good.