On weekends, this place gets so crowded the line nearly snakes outside the door. The reason: yummy croissants and other tasty treats (salads, sandwiches, soups, bread, and pastries). The butter croissants are flaky and delicious, even by French standards. On busy days, long wooden tables sometimes force strangers to sit side by side, creating a communal feeling. The well-lit place offers an almost festive atmosphere where the Nutella is free flowing and the coffee is good and strong. The only drawback is that on packed days, everyone congregates near the front end of the line (near the cash register) where the drinks are handed out, creating a thirsty crowd. The Boulange has five other San Francisco locations. This one is a staple in a neighborhood where dogs and children sometimes roam freely — on a sunny day, it's fun to sit outside and watch.