Best Mexican Bakery: Tepatitlan Bakery
Tepatitlan Bakery, the excellent Pasadena panadería, has massive, wrought iron-clad doors and a façade reminiscent of a 16-century fortress from Tepatitlán, its Jaliscan namesake. While the latter would have protected precious Mexican artifacts, the former does its very best to send its version of Mexican treasures – pan dulce, postres y pasteles – out into a hungry world. Walk in any day of the week, from five in the morning ‘til 10 at night, and you’ll be greeted and assisted by the bakery’s friendly, blue-shirted staff.
Of course, you’re welcomed to grab a set of tongs and help yourself to the bakery’s assortment of sweet breads, stacked in reach-in cases like sparking jewels. Ironically, the word “Tepatitlán” means “hard stone place” in the Nahuatl language but the baked goods here are fresh, soft and moist, no matter when you’re shopping. The bakery also does beautiful cake design for all sorts of occasions.
Finally, if you’re not feeling sweet, go savory with homemade tamales, one of Tepatitlan Bakery’s signature items. They’re renowned for being massive, but with the perfect masa-to-filling ratio, and are supremely flavorful. No matter what you smuggle from a visit, you’ll be leaving with a bag full of tasty riches.
2622 Spencer Highway, Pasadena
713-947-3616
Tepatitlan Bakery on Instagram
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024.
