"Gateway Croissant is a coffee/pastry/sandwich shop that provides 24/7 service from a dainty lil ' storefront at the intersection of Golden Gate Avenue Larkin Street (the NE corner, to be exact on the Southern edge of the infamous Tenderloin District. While being known to many as just another of myriad corners used by SF 's 'open air market ' drug dealers, the hyperlocal community has a special place in their hearts (and stomachs for the only 24 hour made to order joint left in the TL. From the wire variety of pastries (ask for a blueberry scone or donut thank me later to the sandwiches of American and Vietnamese origin, Gateway Croissant is a one stop shop for the late night foodie in all of us. Early morning construction workers and federal employees frequently begin their days here, and the local residents have a habit of showing up after the usual 10pm closing time of most restaurants in the area for a quick meal. The quality can be hit or miss, depending on the item itself and who happens to be working at the time. Always remember to ask which donuts are the freshest and examine the employees answer thru the glass showcases to verify their answer. The highlights on this 30yr old TL mainstay 's menu are easily chosen: the breakfast sandwich (any kind, the blueberry pastries, a banana smoothie and the BLT add avocado. The area in which Gateway Croissant resides can be a difficult place to venture into, especially with so many good restaurants in a half mile 's radius that AREN 'T well known corners for drug dealing. However, if you find yourself with an empty stomach and it 's too late for your regular spot give these guys a try. It 's a local family run business, too, so you 're supporting a good cause with your purchase. Just keep your wits about you, and for God 's sake, put your freakin ' phone away for a few minutes! 4/5 Enjoi, Zach G."
