For those living in or visiting Southeast Austin, indulging in a vanilla concha accompanied by a steaming cup of coffee is a must. This delightful combination often evokes fond memories, reminiscent of childhood moments spent sharing conchas and Mexican hot chocolate with loved ones.
Local bakeries, known as panaderías, hold a special place in the hearts of the community. These establishments offer a variety of pan dulce, including the beloved concha, which is characterized by its soft texture and sweet, shell-like topping. Here’s a guide to some of the area’s top panaderías where you can find handcrafted conchas that satisfy your sweet tooth.
**La Reyna Bakery**
5200 E. William Cannon
Early risers will appreciate La Reyna Bakery, where a fresh batch of bread is available each morning. Locals hurry in to grab these soft conchas before they sell out. Not just a bakery, La Reyna also serves hearty lunch and dinner options, including menudo and tacos. The bakery has been a family-run business for three generations, with Francisco Flores Sanchez recalling his early days working alongside his father. “My love is for the labor of the bread,” Flores Sanchez shared in Spanish, highlighting the family’s commitment to quality baking.
**Mi Tradición**
801 E. William Cannon
At Mi Tradición, the selection is vast, boasting conchas, cookies, pastelitos, and sweet empanadas made fresh throughout the day. The aroma of baking bread fills the panadería, where you can often see fresh bolillos emerging from the oven. Established in 2012 by Chuy Guevara, affectionately known as Chuli, Mi Tradición has become a neighborhood staple dedicated to preserving culinary traditions. “Our goal is to keep our traditions and our culture alive,” Guevara said, emphasizing the panadería’s mission.
**Casa Maria**
4327 S. First
Opened in 1997 by Fatima Robles, Casa Maria blends a restaurant and a panadería, allowing customers to enjoy a hearty meal followed by fresh baked goods. Known for a vibrant array of sweet breads, Casa Maria challenges Mi Tradición with a colorful display of pink and yellow conchas. The conchas, which tend to be a bit sweeter than average, maintain that classic light texture. “Everything is made here in-house, with the recipes of our panaderos,” Robles noted, showcasing the bakery’s dedication to traditional practices.
**Las Delicias**
111 W. William Cannon
Located inside La Superior Market #2, or La Fresco Market, Las Delicias may have a more limited selection, but it makes a strong impression with exceptionally soft conchas. These treats truly melt in your mouth and deliver on flavor and texture. Beyond bread, Las Delicias offers a range of pastries, cream-filled treats, and cakes, ensuring there is something for everyone. Owner Ray has provided fresh produce, meat, and pan dulce to the neighborhood for the past ten years, establishing the bakery as a community icon.
**Comadre Panadería**
1204 Cedar
Comadre Panadería presents a unique menu with creative options like red berry conchas and mesquite pecan polvorones, alongside traditional offerings. The vanilla concha variation I sampled stands out with its innovative flavor profile, balancing hints of salt and citrus. Owner Mariela Camacho transitioned from a pop-up shop in 2017 to a brick-and-mortar establishment, aiming to create better access to nourishing and organic ingredients. Comadre embodies a commitment to quality, sustainability, and community engagement, reflecting the evolving nature of Austin’s food landscape.
In Southeast Austin, these panaderías not only serve delicious conchas and pan dulce but also preserve cultural traditions that are cherished by the community. Each location offers a taste of history and a chance to enjoy quality baked goods, ensuring that the joy of conchas continues to thrive.
image source from：https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/food/2025-06-09/where-to-get-your-conchitas-in-southeast-austin/
