In addition to beautifully browned and perfectly flaky plain butter croissants, Baker & Spice offers varieties like ham and cheese, chocolate, and whole wheat. Other notable laminated pastries include the Katie Bun, in which the croissant dough is rolled like a cinnamon bun and layered with brown sugar, cinnamon, and raisins. Baker & Spice is currently open from Wednesday to Sunday; both pre-orders and walk-ups are available. 

Nationally celebrated baker Ken Forkish has developed a reputation for the breads at this neighborhood artisan bakery. But his croissants are no slouch, either—Ken’s butter croissants are puffy and crisp with a golden shell. The bakery makes up to six batches per morning, ensuring that customers will enjoy them fresh. Other notable laminated pastries include raspberry and passionfruit escargots (croissant dough rolled in the shape of a snail and glazed with the fruit), and chocolate, ham and cheese, and goat cheese and leek croissants. Ken’s is open daily for takeout at their walk-up window; no indoor dining or outdoor seating is currently available.

Nuvrei has always excelled in traditional French baking like flavored croissants, fruit danishes, caneles, and more. Its butter croissant, with its airy crumb and flaky outer shell, reflects this exceptionalism. Nuvrei also offers some extraordinary croissant varieties, including unique flavors like rose, matcha, and sesame. Nuvrei is open daily for takeout; customers can preorder online, but no indoor dining is available.

St. Beatrix, formerly Bushel & Peck Bakeshop, is a relative newcomer to the Portland pastry scene. But its butter croissants are on par with the classics on this list: light and flaky, with an attractive browned crust. Additionally, St. Beatrix likes to experiment with seasonal flavors, coming up with savory croissants like Big Ranch (a croissant tossed in ranch powder and cornmeal) and versions rolled with green onions and oyster mushrooms; sweet varieties are sometimes dipped in Earl Grey chocolate, topped with things like passionfruit curd, banana caramel, and rice pudding. St. Beatrix is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; pickup and delivery is available through their website.

For years, Twisted Croissant made the most exciting laminated pastries in the Portland area, selling seasonal stuffed cruffins (a hybrid between a croissant and a muffin), stunning striped chocolate croissants, and doughnut-croissant mash-ups in various farmers markets. Although it can be hard to pick the plain butter croissant from such an exciting lineup, those who do will be rewarded with a cloud-like crumb and golden crust. Customers can order delivery through UberEats or walk in place an order at the counter inside the small shop. However, no indoor or outdoor seating is available.

Although larger chain bakeries typically don’t invest in the time and care required to make a standout croissant, Grand Central Bakery makes an exceptional butter croissant with a crunchy crust and an open, airy interior. Another notable offering is its pesto and cheese croissant, filled with kale-hazelnut pesto and a mix of three cheeses. Grand Central Bakery currently has seven Portland-area locations, most of which are available for both walk-up and online orders.

Bakeshop makes its croissant dough with Rouge de Bordeaux flour, made from a French heritage wheat known for its rich and nutty flavor. Currently, its butter croissant is available for pre-order from their weekend menu, which typically also includes other laminated pastries like almond croissants, kouign amanns, and wonder buns. Order online for a weekend pickup; Bakeshop also has a limited menu available for walk-up pastry orders.