Jinju Patisserie

Before opening Jinju, chefs Kyurim “Q” Lee and Jin Caldwell honed their skills in the high-stakes pastry kitchens of Las Vegas hotels like the Bellagio and Wynn. That background of absolute precision defines the counter here. While the techniques are strictly French, the flavors often pull from the owners' roots in Seoul. The result is a selection of hyper-laminated croissants and petit gateaux that look almost architectural. You’ll find twice-baked pistachio raspberry croissants sitting next to savory options like bacon and Gruyère, alongside the artisan chocolates that previously earned Caldwell recognition as a top North American chocolatier. The shop is located in the Williams District, but the experience is largely characterized by the wait. The space is compact, and the bakery’s reputation – bolstered by a 2025 James Beard win for Outstanding Bakery – means the line frequently loops around the block. Regulars know to arrive before the 8 a.m. opening to secure specific items, often grabbing coffee from the neighboring shop to handle the queue. It is a high-demand operation where showing up late usually means facing empty trays. Note that the business is currently in transition; following the scheduled closure of this storefront in late 2025, operations are shifting to a pop-up model while the chefs secure a new permanent location.