Paris is a long flight from Porter County, but a box of croissants in downtown Valparaiso might make you forget that. A tiny shop near the public library turns out flaky, buttery pastries that have locals stopping in week after week.
One regular has made more than 100 trips and still finds something new on the shelves almost every time. The secret is a family of immigrant pastry makers who brought real French technique to northwest Indiana.
Some of their creations hold their own against what you would find in France. Keep reading to learn who runs the place, what to order, when to go, and how to book a seat at their popular tea time.
A Pastry Boutique Across From the Library
Tucked into downtown Valparaiso sits a little shop that takes French pastry very seriously. BAO’s PASTRY is at 12 Jefferson St, Valparaiso, IN 46383, in northwest Indiana, United States.
The location is easy to find, since it sits right across the street from the Valparaiso public library. That makes it a handy stop for families who want a treat after picking out a stack of books.
Here is one thing to know before you go. BAO’s PASTRY calls itself a pastry shop, not a bakery in the usual small-town sense.
You will not find doughnuts in the case. What you will find are artisan French breads, puff pastries, macarons, tarts, and elegant desserts made with care.
The space is small and charming, with a boutique feel. Most people come in, choose their pastries, and leave with a box tucked under one arm.
The shop has earned a 4.8-star average across more than 600 Google ratings, which is a strong showing for any small business. Croissants come up more often than any other item when people talk about the place.
That is a big compliment in a town best known for its downtown charm and college crowd. Croissants, as it turns out, are only the opening act.
An Immigrant Family’s Sweet Start
Every great pastry shop has a story, and this one began with a big move. The family behind BAO’s PASTRY is of Asian heritage and came to the United States in 2018.
They built the business from nothing. Today, Chef Bao and her team are familiar names to many Valparaiso locals.
The shop blends French technique with Vietnamese influences. Many of the items strike a balance between the two traditions, giving the menu a personality all its own.
That mix sets the shop apart from a typical French patisserie. It feels both classic and fresh at the same time.
The family has said that welcoming every guest with equal respect is simply who they are. That spirit shows in how often the staff is described as friendly and helpful.
Workers often take time to walk first-timers through what is in the case. They will happily help you pick the right pastries when the choices feel overwhelming.
For a small-town shop, that kind of personal touch goes a long way. It is a big reason many customers turn into weekly regulars, and it sets the stage for the main event.
Croissants Worth the Drive
Croissants are the headline here, and they earn the spotlight. They are the most talked-about item at the shop by a wide margin.
The almond croissant is a fan favorite. It comes with an almond cream center and a flaky crust that keeps people coming back.
Savory fans have options too. The ham and cheese croissant gets plenty of love, and so does a green onion cream cheese croissant that some customers wish they could stock up on by the dozen.
Good news for those people. The shop sells take-and-bake croissants, so you can bake fresh ones in your own kitchen at home.
That option is perfect for families who live a little farther away. Grab a batch on a Saturday trip and enjoy a fancy breakfast later in the week.
Some of the other pastries have drawn comparisons to Paris itself. The canelé, a small French pastry with a caramelized shell, has been called better than one bought in the French capital.
For a shop in a small Indiana city, that is quite a claim to fame. It also explains why people think nothing of driving in from neighboring towns just for a box.
Macarons That Became a Family Tradition
Some treats get eaten, and some turn into family rituals. Macarons at BAO’s PASTRY fall into the second group for many local families.
The shop rotates flavors, so there is often something new to try alongside the old favorites. Plenty of boxes never make it all the way home before they are empty.
Gluten-free guests will be happy to learn that most of the macarons are gluten-free. The case does not have many other gluten-free options, so the macarons are the safest bet for those diners.
The shop also builds macaron towers for big events. Couples have ordered them for weddings and praised how fresh and well presented they were.
Planning a party, shower, or graduation in northwest Indiana? A tower could be a showstopper on the dessert table.
Macarons are delicate, so quality can vary now and then. The owners have been open about working to keep every batch consistent.
Generations of families have made this a regular stop, passing the habit from grandparents to grandkids. That is the kind of Hoosier tradition worth keeping alive.
Tarts, Cakes, and Pretty Little Desserts
Beyond croissants and macarons, the dessert case is packed with small works of art. Fruit tarts are a standout, and many people name them as their top pick.
A rhubarb-filled fruit tart has been called the star of a first visit. The lemon tart also has loyal fans.
Cake lovers have plenty to explore. The coffee opera cake slice is a popular choice, and the chocolate cheesecake has a devoted following.
There are also mousses, tiramisu cups, a personal French silk pie, and a strawberry brownie. Seasonal items rotate through the case as well.
These desserts are not the cheapest in town. A mango mousse runs about 13 dollars, which gives a sense of the upper range.
Most people feel the quality matches the cost, since these are desserts few could make at home. Still, each one is a matter of taste, and not every flavor wins over every person.
The best approach is to pick two or three items and share them. That way, the whole car gets a taste, and nobody has to argue over the last bite.
Savory Bites and French Bread
Not everyone has a sweet tooth, and the shop has planned for that. Quiche is one of its most talked-about savory items.
Even people who usually skip quiche have been won over by these. They make a solid choice for a light lunch or a fancy breakfast.
Artisan French bread is another reason to stop in. Baguettes and other bread varieties are part of the regular lineup.
Picking up a baguette for dinner is an easy way to bring a bit of France to your table. It pairs well with a weeknight meal at home.
The shop also serves coffee drinks, and they get plenty of praise. A croissant and a coffee make a simple, satisfying morning stop.
Savory croissants round out the options, giving lunch-minded guests even more choices. The mix of savory and sweet means a whole family can find something they like.
Grandpa can grab a quiche while the kids point at macarons. Everyone leaves happy, and nobody has to settle for a second choice.
Tea Time and Hands-On Workshops
Want more than a quick pastry run? BAO’s PASTRY offers a reserved tea time experience that has become a hit.
Tea time moves from savory to sweet. Guests have enjoyed mini quiches, chicken salad, scones with raspberry jam, cheesecake, and other small pastries.
The tea selection is generous, and the setup is lovely. Servers are attentive and have even been known to snap photos for guests.
It works well for a mother-daughter outing, a friend date, or a couple’s afternoon. Even young children have enjoyed it.
Reservations are a must, and Sunday is a key day for tea time service. The shop currently has only three small tables, so the space can feel snug.
A new, larger location is in the works, which should make tea time more roomy. Keep an eye on the shop’s website for updates.
The shop also hosts pastry workshops where guests learn to make authentic French pastries. Some people have signed up for three or more sessions, which says plenty about how much fun they are.
Hours, Costs, and Smart Timing
A little planning helps you get the best pick of the case. The shop is open seven days a week.
Hours run from 9 AM to 8 PM Tuesday through Friday. Saturday opens earlier at 8 AM and closes at 8 PM.
Sunday hours are shorter, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Monday runs from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Saturday morning is a great choice for early birds who want first dibs. Sunday afternoons can be busy with tea time guests, so walk-in seating may be limited.
Most guests buy their pastries to go anyway. The small tables are mainly used for reserved tea time.
Prices lean a bit higher than a typical small-town bakery. Expect fancy desserts to cost around 13 dollars, while a single croissant or macaron is a smaller treat.
Bring a cooler bag on hot days if you have a long drive home. The shop also sells pastries at the Crown Point farmers market, so you might spot them there too.
Check the website before your trip, since the planned move could change things down the road.
Why the Trip Pays Off
Small towns in Indiana keep surprising people, and this shop is a prime example. A family of immigrant pastry makers has brought true French craft to downtown Valparaiso.
The croissants come first, but they are just the beginning. Macarons, fruit tarts, canelés, quiche, and tea time all give reasons to come back.
It is not the cheapest stop in town. Still, many guests feel the quality is worth every dollar.
Families will find something for everyone. Couples can book tea time, and curious cooks can join a workshop.
The shop is small, so expect a cozy space and mostly takeout. A larger location is on the way, which should give more room to linger.
For a weekend road trip, pair a visit with a stroll around downtown or a stop at the library across the street. It makes for a simple, sweet day out.
Grab a box, share it with the people you love, and maybe start a new tradition. Paris can wait, because a slice of it is already waiting on Jefferson Street.