Walk down Beacon Street on a Saturday morning and you’ll see it before you smell it. The line. It snakes past the storefronts near Coolidge Corner, a restless queue of people staring at their phones or peering through the glass of 1410 Beacon St. They’re all waiting for the same thing: a pastry that looks less like breakfast and more like a piece of high-fashion architecture.
Lakon Paris Patisserie Beacon Street Brookline MA isn't just another bakery. Honestly, it’s a bit of a local phenomenon that has somehow managed to bridge the gap between "Instagram bait" and actual, high-level culinary technique.
You’ve probably seen the cube croissants on TikTok. Or maybe the bicolor ones that look too shiny to be real. But if you think this place is just about the viral hype, you’re kinda missing the point. There’s a lot of real-deal French training happening behind those counters, mixed with a Thai-inspired sense of playfulness that you won’t find at your standard boulangerie.
The Le Cordon Bleu Connection
Most people don't realize the pedigree here. Vichaya “Jenny” Kiangkaew, the co-owner and creative force, didn't just wake up one day and decide to stuff a croissant with cheesecake. She’s an alum of Le Cordon Bleu in both Bangkok and Paris. Before opening Lakon, she cut her teeth at Menton, Barbara Lynch’s legendary fine-dining spot in Boston’s Fort Point.
That matters. It matters because when you bite into a $12 specialty croissant, you aren't just paying for the "goo." You’re paying for 24 hours of labor. You’re paying for butter that is literally imported from France because American butter has too much water and not enough fat to get those razor-thin, shatter-on-impact layers.
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Her husband and co-owner, Urupong “Kope” Kharuharat, often talks about how Jenny treats pastry like fashion. It makes sense when you look at the Ferrero Rocher ring croissant. It’s a literal circle of laminated dough, stuffed with hazelnut cream, drizzled with caramel, and topped with a whole candy and a fleck of edible gold leaf. It’s extra. It’s loud. But the lamination—that geometric honeycomb pattern you see when you cut it open—is textbook perfect.
What to Actually Order (and What to Skip)
If it’s your first time at the Brookline location, the menu can be overwhelming. They have the "everyday" stuff and the "weekend" stuff.
The Heavy Hitters:
- Pistachio Mascarpone Croissant: This is the one. It’s filled with a cream that is rich but not cloyingly sweet. It doesn't taste like fake almond extract; it tastes like actual roasted pistachios.
- The Chocolate Hazelnut Cube: If you want the "viral" experience, this is the safest bet. The filling is more of a pudding texture, and the shape makes it surprisingly easy to share, though it's incredibly messy.
- Rose and Lychee Macaron: This isn't a tiny cookie. It’s a giant, "petit four" style dessert that’s roughly four times the size of a standard macaron. The floral notes are delicate, not soapy.
The Savory Side:
Don't sleep on the savory items. The Squid Ink Danish is visually striking—pitch black dough—and offers a nice break from the sugar high. Their ham and cheese croissant is a classic, but honestly, you’re here for the innovation. If you want a basic croissant, you can get one, and it'll be great, but it feels a bit like buying a base-model Porsche. You want the turbo.
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The Reality of the "Beacon Street Wait"
Let's be real for a second. The experience at Lakon Paris Patisserie Beacon Street Brookline MA can be polarizing.
The space is small. It’s mostly a grab-and-go setup, though they have some limited seating. If you arrive at 11:00 AM on a Sunday, half the specialty items will probably be sold out. People get frustrated. They see the prices—which are definitely on the higher end for the area—and they wonder if a croissant can ever truly be worth $10 or $12.
The answer depends on what you value. If you want a quick muffin and a cheap coffee, this isn't your spot. If you want to see what happens when someone treats dough like a canvas, it's a must-visit.
Pro Tip: You can actually pre-order some of the weekend specials via phone. It’s the only way to guarantee you’ll get the strawberry cheesecake croissant without having to do the "standing around" dance for 45 minutes.
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Why Brookline?
When Lakon expanded from its original Newton Highlands location to Coolidge Corner in March 2023, it changed the vibe of that block of Beacon Street. Brookline has always had good bakeries—places like Clear Flour or Tatte—but Lakon brought something more "haute couture."
It’s the kind of place where you see students from BU, families from the neighborhood, and foodies who drove in from Rhode Island all standing in the same line.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head over, here is the "expert" way to do it so you don't end up disappointed:
- Check the Days: They are usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Always check their Instagram or website before you make the trek.
- The 8:00 AM Rule: If you want the full selection, be there when the doors open. By noon, the "cube" croissants are usually a myth.
- The Tiramisu Latte: If you’re getting a drink, this is the signature. It’s topped with a thick layer of whipped cream that mimics the dessert. It’s basically a meal in a cup.
- Parking Hack: Don't even try to park right on Beacon Street. Check the side streets like Winchester or Summit Ave, but watch the permit signs.
Lakon is a reminder that the Boston food scene isn't just about old-school diners and seafood anymore. It’s becoming a hub for people like Jenny who are willing to take huge risks on "weird" pastries that eventually become the new standard. Whether you love the hype or hate the lines, you can't deny the craft.
Next time you're in Brookline, grab a box. Even if you just get the plain butter croissant, look at those layers. That’s years of Paris training, right there on Beacon Street.
Next Steps for You:
Check the current weekend special menu on Lakon's official Instagram page, as they rotate flavors like Lemon Meringue and Matcha Red Bean frequently. If you're planning a large gathering, call at least 48 hours in advance to secure a Signature Specialty Croissant Box, which includes their top three best-sellers.