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Tamales and bakery spots

A bakery should be able to handle a traditional tamale as well as it handles its pastries.

Based on 862 Opinions
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01
Cristino’s Bakery image 1
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Take-out only bakery offers Mexican pastries and hearty burritos with a homey atmosphere. It draws a crowd for affordable tamales and Birria tacos made fresh daily. Small outdoor bench provides limited seating while the bakery closes mid-afternoon.

Tamales feature perfect filling and a delicious taste that stands out. They pair well with other items like chorizo breakfast burritos and traditional sides such as beans and rice.

Freshly made horchata and conchas stand out alongside delicious sweets like cheesecake and tortas. The bakery offers a steady morning crowd and warm, friendly service.

People are saying

"I thought their tamales were the best I have ever eaten."

"You have to try their guava empanadas from the bakery."

Good to know

1

Cristino’s Bakery is take-out only with no seating available.

2

They’re open until 2 AM on Friday and Saturday nights.

3

The bakery only serves drip coffee and does not offer milk alternatives.

02
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Small family-owned bakery offers freshly made pan dulce and large tamales with affordable prices. Atmosphere feels child friendly and welcoming. Bread includes jalapeño varieties and miniature options for sharing.

Tamales come in large sizes and offer strong value with a dozen costing $25. They pair well with champurrado and stand out for their generous portions and affordable price.

Freshly made daily pan dulce stands out with its great taste. This small family-owned bakery offers friendly service and affordable prices, along with tamales and champurrado.

People are saying

"The pan dulce at this bakery is the best I've ever tasted."

"These tamales are huge and totally worth it."

Good to know

1

A dozen tamales costs only $25 at the bakery.

2

Be cautious with transactions as there may be incorrect charges.

3

The bakery is a small family-owned business with friendly service.

03
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Small bakery with no seating offers fresh Mexican bread and pan dulce known for softness and flavor. Early visits provide wide variety including bolillos, conchas, tamales, and tortas. Lines form quickly, reflecting strong local support and high demand.

Tamales come very soft and delicious here with options like red pork and spicy rajas that can make you sweat. A dozen costs around 40 dollars, which feels a bit pricey.

Pan dulce like conchas and bolillos come fresh and delicious here. Friendly staff greet you warmly even when busy, making it a great bakery with a welcoming vibe.

People are saying

"I found this bakery to be the best in town."

"I thought the tamales were good and very soft."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait outside if more than three people are inside.

2

The bakery has no seating available inside or outside.

3

A dozen tamales costs $40, which may seem expensive.

04
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Bakery inside a shopping center with cash-only policy and busy mornings where items like vanilla conchas and tamales sell out quickly. Soft, fresh pan dulce and pastries offer excellent quality and reasonable prices. Most people grab food to go, though seating is available.

Tamales come out fresh in the morning and sell quickly. They taste great and tasty with a variety available alongside other snacks like jello and sweet bread.

Freshness and quality define the pan dulce here, with the vanilla conchas selling out fast. Prices stay very reasonable, and the Tres Reyes cake often gets seconds despite quick sellouts.

People are saying

"I thought the tamales here were awesome and tasty."

"The Tres Reyes cake from this bakery is soft, pillowy, and tasty."

Good to know

1

Ramirez Bakery is a cash-only establishment.

2

Parking is difficult to find near the bakery.

3

The bakery sells out quickly, especially the vanilla conchas.

05
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Bakery offers unique flavors and freshly baked bread with affordable prices. Atmosphere feels peaceful and welcoming with on-site tables for eating. Desserts and pastries carry a distinct Mexican influence.

Chicken tamales stand out for their flavor and freshness. They sell tamales only on weekends, so arriving early is key to getting some.

Mexican-style bread stands out with exquisite flavor and high-quality pastries. The bakery offers excellent service and a unique style that feels different from ordinary spots.

People are saying

"This bakery has the best bolillo bread, so soft and yummy."

"I'm still savoring the taste of these tamales."

Good to know

1

The bakery offers a wide selection of sweet bread and pastries.

2

Tamales are available on weekends.

3

Custom cakes can be ordered upon request.

06
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Small, cozy bakery with tight space and good music playing. Offers fresh Mexican bread, tamales, and pastries with great flavor and soft textures. Atmosphere feels like a mom-and-pop shop with reasonable prices and a loyal local following.

Green Chile Chicken Tamales stand out for their flavor and quality. The tamales come alongside pan dulce and other Mexican bread options that are consistently delicious.

Fresh pan dulce, Mexican bread, and tamales stand out here. Cakes and pastries come with fast service and friendly staff always ready to help.

People are saying

"I found the tamales here to be very delicious."

"The bakery's bread is amazing, soft, and fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking at La Central Bakery is complicated; proceed with caution.

2

Prices are reasonable and fit most budgets.

3

The bakery specializes in Mexican bread, tamales, and masa.

07
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Bakery offers freshly baked bread daily with a soft, fluffy texture and rich flavor. Clean and organized space welcomes a variety of customers, often families enjoying bread and hot chocolate. Known for visually appealing pastries and a wide selection that makes choosing difficult.

Delicious tamales stand out here, paired well with fresh breads. The tamales consistently deliver solid flavor and quality.

Fresh, high-quality bread and visually appealing, flavorful pastries stand out here. The bakery offers delicious tamales and conchitas that surpass nearby options.

People are saying

"I found the bread at this bakery to be delicious and fresh."

"I found the tamales here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The bakery sells fresh bread daily, ensuring quality and taste.

2

A variety of bread options are available, catering to different tastes.

3

Hot chocolate is available, making it a great pairing with their bread.

08
La Playita Bakery Inc. image 1
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Small bakery with a busy atmosphere and authentic Mexican vibe offers a wide variety of baked goods and a full-service meat counter. Space feels crowded but lively, attracting those seeking traditional Mexican flavors and fresh ingredients. A community hub known for its fresh bread and tamales.

Fresh, hot tamales feature homemade masa that stands out for its quality. Varieties include chicken, pork, and tamales de elote, all served with flavorful sides like beans and rice.

Freshly baked Mexican bread comes in a huge variety here, including pan dulce and nuez cookies. The bakery offers authentic, high-quality baked goods with a plentiful selection.

People are saying

"I found the best Mexican bread and pan dulce at this bakery."

"I found the masa for tamales to be the best."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available in the front and back.

2

Fresh bread is available throughout the day.

3

They have a wide variety of baked goods.

09
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Bakery offers custom-made cakes and authentic Tres leches with a focus on moist, creamy fillings. Atmosphere is clean and family-owned, attracting those who plan ahead for special orders. Known for high-quality pastries that balance sweetness and flavor.

Tamales come with a generous amount of meat and include a spicy pork option. They stand out for being meatier than other local tamales.

Clean and inviting bakery with a strong connection to traditional family recipes. Known for its butterfly cookies and consistent quality since the mid-1990s.

People are saying

"I found the tamales here to be very good and filled with meat."

"This bakery's Tres Leches cake is amazing and moist."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for large orders, which must be pre-ordered and pre-paid.

2

Expect to order ahead for popular items as they sell out quickly.

3

The bakery is known for its custom-made cakes and pastries.

10
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Tiny Mexican bakery offers authentic pan dulce with freshly baked, individually wrapped bread that melts in the mouth. Atmosphere feels friendly and welcoming, resembling a clean, cozy cafe where care shows in every detail.

Tamales come in red and chicken varieties priced at three dollars each. Some tamales are half open, and the green chicken tamale tends to be dry and spicy.

Soft, moist bread captures the essence of classic Mexican pan dulce with authentic flavors and aromas. Custom orders like conchas in specific colors add a charming touch to this family-owned bakery.

People are saying

"This bakery is a hidden gem with authentic Mexican flavors."

"You have to try the tamales; my husband loved them."

Good to know

1

They bake fresh bread every morning.

2

The bakery offers custom orders, such as conchas in specific colors for events.

3

They have tamales on Saturdays.

11
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Mexican bakery offers fresh sweet breads and tamales with a variety of delicious breads including chocolate conchas and guava pastries. Atmosphere is casual with reasonable prices and steady demand for items like menudo. Bread quality is generally fresh and tasty, making it a popular local spot.

Tamales feature dry masa and contain very little meat. They pair well with sweet bread and pan dulce.

Offers a variety of delicious breads, with the Pondusa standing out. Also serves Mexican bakery items like tamales and menudo.

People are saying

"I thought the tamales were awesome."

"I found this bakery to be very decent."

Good to know

1

Prices at Ponce's Bakery are reasonable for the quality of baked goods.

2

The bakery offers a variety of pastries and bread options.

3

Expect a friendly atmosphere with helpful staff.

12
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Small bakery and pizzeria in a run-down plaza offers fresh Mexican sweet bread and delicious tamales with a wide variety of pan dulce. Atmosphere feels like a hidden gem with a cozy, authentic vibe and plenty of parking. Prices tend to be higher than typical bakeries, and the selection is somewhat limited.

Two tamale options come in at $3 each: spicy pork skin and shredded pork. Both are delicious and not listed on the wall menu.

Offers basic Mexican sweet breads with a limited selection. Bread and pastries taste great and reflect a solid local bakery style.

People are saying

"I found the tamales to be delicious."

"I thought this was the best Mexican bakery in town."

Good to know

1

The bakery has a limited selection of basic Mexican sweet breads.

2

Prices at the bakery are considered high compared to most bakeries.

3

Parking is plentiful and available near the bakery.

13
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Small bakery with Latina ownership offers a pleasant atmosphere and economical prices. Food includes delicious pan dulce, tacos, and menudo, with some items like tamales showing mixed quality. Local community support keeps the place lively despite some quality challenges.

Tamales come in chicken, pork, and poblano pepper varieties and taste best when freshly made. The beef tamale is good, but the corn tamales can be disappointing. No long wait times for tamales here.

Freshness stands out with daily baked bread and cookies. Unique items like pan de muerto and champorado add variety. Bolillos and menudo maintain excellent quality.

People are saying

"I found the tamales here to be very good."

"The bread and pastries at this bakery are so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect minimal wait times for tamales, but some wait for menudo.

2

Total meal cost is around $30, with fair prices for food.

14
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Bakery offers fresh bread and a large variety of pastries including Mexican bread and 3 Leches cakes. Atmosphere feels quiet and nostalgic, with bread displayed behind glass cabinets. Tamales and champurado are popular morning choices, with prices generally reasonable.

Tamales come in Mini Tamales size now, smaller than before but still delicious and available fresh every morning. They pair well with menudo and fresh bread, though the price stays the same despite the smaller size.

Fresh bread stands out with a clean bakery environment and a friendly staff. The tamales are notable, offering a distinct option beyond typical bakery fare.

People are saying

"I thought the tamales here were delicious."

"The bakery's breads and pastries are delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

The bakery offers a variety of baked goods including Mexican bread, cakes, and pies.

2

Prices at Spike's Bakery are reasonable for the quality of the products.

3

They accept ATM cards for payment.

15
Brizuela's Bakery image 1
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Small bakery with on-site tamales and pastries offers a variety of Mexican sweet breads known for being rich and fresh. Atmosphere feels intimate and cozy, with limited space allowing only a few people inside at once. Cash is preferred, with a small fee for card payments.

Tamales here have rich, unique flavors that stand out. They sell out fast and pair well with champurrado and fresh bread.

Small bakery offers many varieties of tres leches cakes, including chocolate. Mexican bread stands out with bold flavors like bolillo con queso y jalapenos. Service is excellent and the place stays very clean.

People are saying

"I thought the tamales here were the best."

"I loved the cake; it was the best tres leches I've ever had."

Good to know

1

They prefer cash payments but accept cards with a small extra fee.

2

Paying by card costs an extra dollar.

3

The waiting area could only accommodate 4 or 5 people at a time.

16
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Bakery offers fresh pan dulce and meat-stuffed pastries with a family-run atmosphere. Bread quality varies but includes highly regarded tamales and sandwiches. Prices tend to be on the higher side, especially for coffee.

Tamales stand out with solid flavor and good quality. They come alongside dishes like menudo and tacos, offering a varied menu.

Pan dulce and warm bolillos stand out here, offering fresh, flavorful options. The bakery fills the air with a delicious aroma that matches the quality and value found at the Mexican market.

People are saying

"The pan dulce and bolillos at this bakery are always fresh and delicious."

"I thought the tamales here were pretty great."

Good to know

1

The display cases should have prices for all items.

2

Prices may vary from what's displayed in the cases.

3

For 4 meat-stuffed and 2 Creme filled pastries, expect to pay about $16.

17
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Family-owned bakery offers handmade Mexican bread and pastries in a cozy, inviting atmosphere with a serve-yourself model. The space feels like a community hub with warm hospitality and a casual pace.

Tamales feature perfectly seasoned masa with delicious fillings like chicken and Port jalapeno cheese. Both savory and sweet options stand out for their excellent flavor.

Handmade with love baked goods come from a Mom and Pop team running the bakery. It stays open every day but often looks disorganized and a bit dirty.

People are saying

"I thought the tamales here were the best I'd had in a while."

"I thought this was the best bakery I have ever visited."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special orders like rosca de Reyes.

2

The bakery operates on a serve-yourself model; grab items and pay at the counter.

3

The bakery is open every day, making it convenient for visits.

18
La Nueva Mexican Bakery image 1
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Mexican bakery offers wide selection of sweet bread and fresh Conchitas. Atmosphere centers on delicious traditional flavors with some items noted as pricey. Bread quality varies from very tasty to occasionally hard.

Tamales here have a greasy texture and score low on richness, rated 4 out of 10. Some find them delicious and recommend pairing with pollo de salsa verde for lunch.

Bread stands out for its super tasty and delicious quality. Staff are friendly and attentive, adding to the bakery's appeal.

People are saying

"I found the tamales here to be the best in San Diego."

"I love this bakery for its super tasty bread."

Good to know

1

The bakery offers a wide variety of Mexican sweet bread.

2

Prices for bread range from $1 to $3 each.

3

Popular items include conchas and empanadas.

19
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Small bakery offers wide variety of traditional Mexican baked goods with fresh, delicious bread that stays good for days. Clean, organized space serves a friendly atmosphere where tamales sell out quickly in the morning. Cakes and pan dulce stand out for their quality and taste.

Tamales run out quickly in the morning, so arriving early or calling ahead helps secure some. They are extremely small and need salt to bring out the flavor.

Offers a fantastic selection of Mexican baked goods including Pan de dulce and homemade cakes. The bakery stays super clean and organized, with attention to detail like stamping logos on bread boxes.

People are saying

"This bakery's bread is amazing and tastes so delicious."

"I've never had tamales this good before."

Good to know

1

They accommodate dietary restrictions like diabetes and lactose intolerance.

2

Prices for baked goods are generally affordable, with bread costing about a dollar each.

3

Tamales can be reserved by calling ahead, but they sell out quickly in the morning.

20
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Small bakery with a wall of Mexican breads and pastries that fill the space with fresh aromas. Always packed with customers, especially on weekends, offering fresh tamales and soft conchas that stand out for their quality. Takeout only, with a constant flow of new batches keeping the selection full.

Tamales come in a good variety with a hearty chicken green tamale standing out for its filling of both chicken and masa. They are fresh, delicious, and substantive, often considered the best around.

Fresh, authentic Mexican bread fills the bakery, with warm conchas kept on a stand and fresh batches made constantly. Tamales stand out as a fantastic choice, and pastries never run out, all offered at great prices.

People are saying

"These tamales are delicious and made fresh daily."

"The tamales at this Bakery are fantastic and juicy."

Good to know

1

Yvette’s Bakery only offers takeout and does not have dine-in options.

2

They accept both card and cash, including Apple Pay.

3

The bread is priced between $2.50 and $3.50.

21
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Small bakery with cozy atmosphere and lively, welcoming vibes fills quickly with a long but fast-moving line. Offers authentic Mexican pan dulce and vegan options like tamales and bread. Parking is limited, and seating inside is scarce.

Melt-in-my-mouth pork tamales have a perfect ratio of masa to meat. Vegan options like corn tamales are available, and the tamales consistently please at gatherings.

Mexican bakery items like tamales and chili rellenos stand out here. The place offers budget-friendly choices and keeps the bakery super clean.

People are saying

"I tried the tamales and coffees at this bakery and they were amazing."

"I found the tamales here to be melt-in-my-mouth delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is very scarce, with limited street parking available.

2

A cup of coffee costs about $10, which is on the higher side.

3

The line can be long, but it moves quickly during busy hours.

22
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Small bakery fills the air with fresh bread aroma and draws steady lines, especially early morning for tamales and a wide variety of Mexican breads. Bread stays soft and fresh for days, setting it apart from others. Prices vary but remain reasonable, contributing to its consistent popularity.

Tamales come out fresh and warm with a flavorful taste that stands out. They pair well with the Mexican bolillo bread available early in the morning.

Freshly baked Mexican bread stays soft and fresh longer than typical bakery bread. A wide variety of bread options sell quickly, and the bakery offers friendly service with helpful staff and disposable gloves for handling bread.

People are saying

"The bread at this bakery is always so fresh and soft."

"I thought the tamales were delicious."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to get the full variety of bread available.

2

Expect long lines, especially during fall and winter.

3

Tamales are only available early in the morning.

23
Panaderia Jalisco Bakery image 1
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Bakery offers authentic Mexican pastries with fresh, flavorful bread and handmade tamales. Atmosphere feels serious and rushed, attracting many early visitors. Bread quality stands out as best in the area.

Freshly made by hand, the tamales come in chicken and pork varieties. They sell out quickly, so arriving early is key since they aren't ready until about an hour after opening.

Authentic Mexican baked goods stand out with varieties like tamales, champurrado, and birthday cakes. The bakery offers bread with genuine flavors reminiscent of hometown bakeries in Santa Ana.

People are saying

"I loved the sweet bread and authentic flavors at this bakery."

"I found the tamales here to be really good and freshly made."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but arriving early is recommended to avoid sold-out items.

2

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Prices for baked goods can vary, and some items may seem overpriced.

24
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Simple, old-school bakery with freshly baked pan dulce and a large variety of sweet bread. Bread quality varies from soft and pliable to dry and crumbling. Tamales feature lots of meat but sometimes lack expected fillings like cheese or chicken with green salsa.

Tamales have lots of masa and less meat than expected. Cheese and chicken with green salsa are hard to find inside. The price is high for what you get.

Simple and old-school style defines the bakery. Everything tastes yummy and the owner is really nice.

People are saying

"The Mexican bread at this bakery is so delicious."

"These tamales remind me of grandma baking them."

Good to know

1

La ilusion Bakery opens at 5am daily.

2

Tamal prices are $2.50 each.

3

The bakery offers a variety of bread options.

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