Puerto Rico Bakery Guide

Puerto Rico’s bakeries or patisseries are much more than just a place for cakes and pastries in Puerto Rico. A bakery can be anything from a hole in the wall that sells bread and staples to a full restaurant and mini-mart. It’s a great way to experience a slice of daily life (and local bread), no matter what part of the island you are visiting. The most popular bakeries are hangouts and community centers where the neighborhood gathers, especially for breakfast and lunch.

01
of 07

Franco Gypsy Arm

Direction

Get directions

Telephone

+1 787-832-0070

Web

Visit the website

In Mayagüez, this bakery is so famous for its Brazo Gitano (a kind of Spanish jelly roll filled with guava, mango, or other fillings) that it had to expand its operation to meet the demand for this item.

276 Mendez Vigo and Pirallo, Mayagüez

02
of 07

Ceiba

Direction

Get directions

Telephone

+1 787-781-0265

Web

Visit the website

This great bakery has great local specialties, but is well known for its selection of tapas and classic Spanish imported foods. Here you can find authentic classics like mussels, sardines, serrano ham, omelette and nougat . They also serve wine and excellent cheeses.

1239 Roosevelt Avenue, Old Town

03
of 07

Los Cidrines

Direction

Get directions

Telephone

+1 787-758-1005

Web

Visit the website

There are several branches of this popular local chain, which has expanded to include various locations around the island. Depending on the branch you visit, you will find anything from a full-fledged bakery or “express” bakeries. Anyway, come for their quesitos , which are cannoli shaped cakes filled with cream cheese that are one of the staples of any Puerto Rican bakery. Some branches also serve Spanish tapas.

Route 2, Km. 80, Barrio San Daniel, Arecibo

04
of 07

Don Nico Bakery

Direction

Get directions

Telephone

+1 787-809-2737
Bakeries

4.7

When you visit El Yunque, Puerto Rico’s incredible rainforest, you’ll want to stop and eat something along the way, as there are limited options once you enter the forest. You’ll find everything you need for your picnic lunch at Don Nico’s, conveniently located along the road along Route 3. This no-frills bakery is popular across the island for its cheeses, but you can find a variety of sandwiches and pastries. here as well.

Route 3 Km 20.5 Cienaga Baja

05
of 07

The hippo

Direction

Get directions

Telephone

+1 787-767-2660

Located near the main campus of the University of Puerto Rico, El Hipopotamo started life as a busy bakery, but gradually grew into a full restaurant. However, it still retains its bakery roots, offering local pastries and an excellent selection of cold cuts and cheeses. Like many bakeries in San Juan, El Hipopotamo is a popular hangout for politicians and intellectuals. You can rub shoulders with students and senators at all hours here.

880 Muñoz Rivera Avenue, Río Piedras

06
of 07

Pile

Direction

Get directions

Telephone

+1 787-727-7340

Web

Visit the website

Kasalta, an Ocean Park institution, has it all: an excellent bakery, coffee shop, a surprisingly well-stocked gourmet market, catering, and the homey atmosphere of a local bakery. Come for a hearty breakfast, a crunchy cheese, a dessert, a homemade soup or one of a wide variety of sandwiches. On weekends, prepare for long lines of Sanjuaneros waiting for their breakfast.

1966 McLeary Street, Ocean Park, San Juan

07
of 07

La Viequense Bakery

Direction

Get directions

Telephone

+1 787-435-4076

On Vieques, Panadería La Viequense typifies the bakery experience of a small town hangout where the neighborhood gathers. You’ll want to come early on weekends to avoid the long lines of islanders. Plus, this is the perfect place to stock up for a day at the beach – you can buy Majorcan bread, cheeses, donuts, baked goods, or one of the many great and creative sandwiches (the Viequense is a gastronomic giant stuffed with pork, turkey, ham, pepperoni and pickles).

352 Antonio G Mellado, PO Box 370, Vieques