All pan dulce tastes pretty great with a cup (or pot) of coffee on a hungover Sunday morning, but anyone sober will tell you that not all panaderias are created equal. Even harder to please are our abuelas, who remind us that San Antonio knows Tex-Mex, but not “real” Mexican food and drink. We’ve found the most authentically delicious panaderias so abuela can put her concha where her mouth is.
Panifico Bakery Shop 602 NW 24th St., (210) 434-9290 Classics like maranitos and pan de huevo are always available in large numbers, perfect for parties or whenever you want to eat like a maranito. Your abuela will be extra impressed by the Pan de Muerto and Rosca de Reyes in observance of traditional Mexican holidays. Photo via Instagram, lovebriecheese
La Panaderia 8305 Broadway, (210) 375-6746, lapanaderia.com Don’t expect unbelievably cheap prices or Mexican-style classics like most panaderias. While abuela might raise her nose at the pan artesano style of baking, she won’t be able to resist these conchas. Photo via Instagram, lapanaderia
Sunshine Bakery 1001 N New Braunfels Ave, (210) 797-2628, sunshinebakerysatx.com The longtime bakery has since been taken over by granddaughters of original owner Juan Valadez, keeping the joint a go-to for classic panadería goodies such as cuernitos, conchas, sugar cookies and marranitos. Cousins Kayla Matta and Crisaeus Valadez have added vegan options for customers including Mexican chocolate, chai and matcha conchas. Photo by Jessica Elizarraras Credit: Jess Elizarraras
La Superior Bakery Multiple locations, (210) 924-1616 If your abuelita has a sweet tooth for cookies, you’ll soon be her favorite when you take her a bag of colorful La Superior galletas next time you visit. Photo via Instagram, leafalu
El Folklor Bakery Multiple locations, (210) 532-3767 A favorite among townies and transplants from the Valley, this local chain will feel like second home for your loved ones after tasting their regalitos and barbacoa tacos. Photo via Instagram, bkschor
Chico’s Bakery 9155 S Zarzamora St, (210) 922-4793 You’ll want to stop by this hidden gem in the South Side for fresh buñuelos before they depart for the season. If not, you can try the churros year-round. Photo via Yelp / Dennis S.
La Poblanita Bakery 2411 N. Zarzamora St., (210) 732-1554 This panaderia has a framed picture of the Virgin Mary, so it’s probably already a hit with abuela. Treat her to a cream empanada just for good measure, though. Photo via Instagram, keith_diarmit
La Condesa 604 Bandera Road, facebook.com These galletas will melt in your mouth, as will everything else you order. Trust us, it’s worth the drive out there. Photo via Yelp, Vinny H.
Panadería Jimenez 1846 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 973-5050, panjimenez.com An off-shoot of Lubbock’s Jimenez Bakery and Restaurant, Panadería Jimenez landed in SA’s Deco District via owners Frank Jimenez and Ramiro Jimenez. The location has focused on pastries and bolillos since its early November opening, but an expansion of beverage options is in the works. Photo via Instagram / stxfoodie
La Familia Bakery 2314 S. Flores St., (210) 320-6079 It’s all in the name with this place, because what better place to treat your abuela to than La Familia? Photo via Instagram, starwheel66
Los Cocos Bakery 3309 West Ave., (210) 349-3373 Don’t miss out on these chamucos or fun empanada fillings like caramel or raspberry. Photo via Instagram, maksimovavava
Las Palmas Bakery 528 Iowa St., (210) 532-2161 They might not have the biggest selection, but they make up for it with flavor. Be sure to order a cinnamon twist and pan de huevo for abuela. Photo via Instagram, champagnelindsay
Bedoy’s Bakery Multiple locations, bedoysbakery.com This San Antonio staple opened in 1961 and has been a favorite since. Get some menudo and barbacoa tacos to accompany your holiday (or every day) pan dulce. You won’t be sorry. Photo via Instagram, eatdrinkandberichard
Mayra’s Bakery 3155 Ackerman Road, 210-310-0100 Whether your abuela wants to stick to the usual pan dulce or treat herself to an good ole American donut, Mayra’s Bakery will have her licking the sugar off her fingers. Photo via Facebook, Mayra’s Bakery
The Bunuelo Pastry Factory 1905 West Ave., (210) 735-3737 Do bunuelos count as bread? Probably not, but abuelita will still want a dozen just for herself. Photo via Instagram, rockin_robyn_14
La Esmeralda Bakery 739 New Laredo Hwy., 210-922-3063 If it’s basketball season, be sure to pick up a bag of Spurs-themed cookies to score a few brownie points with your abuelo. You can’t make a visit without trying (but actually, devouring) their camote empanadas. Photo via Yelp, Grace G.
Mario’s Bakery Multiple locations, (210) 434-2017 The best thing you can do on an early morning is go down to Mario’s and get extra warm sweets. Do abuelita a favor and treat her to some cuernitos. Photo via Instagram, grandpabutcher
Pico De Gallo 111 S. Leona St., (210) 225-6060, picodegallo.com Tourists hit up Mi Tierra for their fix of pan dulce, but locals know about the lesser known gem that is Pico De Gallo. You and abuelita will come for the food and stay for the sweet bread. Photo via Facebook, Pico de Gallo Restaurant
Nuevo Leon Bakery 1106 S. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 533-9086 Tacos, fresh tortillas, barbacoa and pan dulce, of course; what else could abuela ask for? Photo via Facebook, Nuevo Leon Bakery
Las Carretas 3975 Perrin Central Blvd., (210) 590-6254 We know it’s not a bakery, but the pan dulce is a must try. Huge displays in the restaurant tempt you while you eat your food. If you can’t make through your meal and wait for dessert, you and abuela can share some pan and call it an appetizer. Photo via Instagram, keith_diarmit