For every Austinite, indulging in a vanilla concha paired with a steaming cup of coffee is a must-have experience.
These delightful Mexican sweet breads, known for their soft texture and sugary shell-like topping, hold a nostalgic place in many hearts.
I fondly recall my childhood, where my abuela would drive over bags full of conchas from her local panadería, and we’d savor them alongside mugs of rich Mexican hot chocolate.
For those in Southeast Austin longing to relish handcrafted conchas and a variety of pan dulce, here’s a curated list of local panaderías to explore, presented without any specific ranking.
**La Reyna Bakery** at 5200 E. William Cannon is a local favorite.
Early birds flock to this bakery as the fresh bread emerges from the oven in the morning, often selling out swiftly.
Locals rave about the delightful softness of their conchas, and the ojo de buey, with its caramelized, crunchy surface, is equally irresistible.
In addition to their pan dulce selection, La Reyna Bakery also offers hearty Mexican staples such as menudo and tacos, making it a go-to spot for both breakfast and lunch.
The bakery has remained within the Flores Sanchez family for three generations, with Francisco Flores Sanchez reminiscing about learning the craft from his father during his childhood.
“My love is for the labor of the bread,” he expressed in Spanish.
Just a stone’s throw away is **Mi Tradición**, located at 801 E. William Cannon.
This bakery boasts an extensive array of conchas, sweet empanadas, cookies, and pastelitos, all freshly baked in-house throughout the day.
While visiting, one can easily spot fresh bolillos emerging from the oven, alongside trays of marronitos being prepared for eager patrons.
The vanilla concha offers the perfect blend of texture and sweetness.
Chuy Guevara, fondly known as Chuli, opened Mi Tradición in 2012, turning it into a beloved community institution.
Guevara’s mission is clear: “Our goal is to keep our traditions and our culture alive,” he stated.
At **Casa Maria**, located at 4327 S. First, visitors can enjoy a unique dining experience that combines a restaurant with a panadería.
Fatima Robles launched this establishment in 1997, creating a space where customers can sample dishes like barbacoa or chuletas before making their way to the adjoining bakery for some fresh bread.
Casa Maria’s selection competes with that of Mi Tradición, featuring vibrant pink and yellow conchas displayed under a warm light.
The conchas here tend to lean on the sweeter side but maintain the traditional bread texture.
“Everything is made here in-house, with the recipes of our panaderos,” Robles shared in Spanish.
If you find yourself at **Las Delicias**, located at 111 W. William Cannon, prepare for a delightful surprise.
Nestled within a grocery store, also known as La Superior Market #2 and La Fresco Market, this panadería offers a smaller but impactful selection of bread.
Their conchas stand out for their exceptional softness and melt-in-the-mouth quality, further complemented by a variety of cream-filled pastries and cakes baked daily.
Ray, the owner, started Las Delicias a decade ago, ingraining himself into the neighborhood by providing fresh produce, meat, and delectable pan dulce.
Lastly, don’t miss **Comadre Panadería** at 1204 Cedar.
Known for its adventurous flavor combinations, Comadre features menu items like red berry conchas and jalapeño pan de elote.
The vanilla concha here is a refreshing take on tradition, with hints of salt and citrus that enliven each bite.
Since its beginnings as a pop-up shop in 2017, owner Mariela Camacho has successfully managed to establish a brick-and-mortar location in East Austin.
Camacho expressed her vision: “I wanted to make a difference in this very inequitable food system that we have to participate in,” emphasizing the use of organic and local ingredients cultivated responsibly.
Thus, Southeast Austin stands as a thriving hub of diverse panaderías, each offering a unique take on beloved conchas and sweet treats, ensuring that every bite is a savory exploration of culture and tradition.
image source from：https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/food/2025-06-09/where-to-get-your-conchas-in-southeast-austin/
