I surprised a friend with one of El Bolio's tres leches cakes this past December. The problem? I live in Dallas, so I called for her to pick it up. When I spoke to a rep, I specially noted, "Please write 'Happy Birthday to F-A-R-R-A-H.' F as in Frank. A as in Adam," and so on. I repeated this at least three times to the person whom I spoke to on the phone. I even called later to confirm the cake's proper spelling, and the person read Farrahback to me. The day after, Farrah picked up the cake and found it read, "S-A-R-R-A-H." I anticipated this possible mistake; however, they still did not get it correct despite my efforts. Even though I wanted to drop a three-star review, I will give it a four for three reasons: 1) She noted how delicious the cake was. 2) I found their cakes very affordable (starting at $25). 3) I didn't go on my run this morning, so perhaps I am a bit cranky. Will I support El Bolio the next time I visit Houston? Sure! I don't think I'll ever order another custom cake from them, though! read more

El Bolillo Bakery - Instead of "Farrah," they wrote, "Sarrah." - Bakeries Near Me - Houston, Texas

1st time here i like the way they had everything fresh. The price was normal not over priced always a plus. They had so many goodies I would have wanted to try but I gained 5 pounds just with smelling and looking lol. This is a place I will return when I come to H Town. read more

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Great service! Felix the manager was very kind. Employees are like family here, always smiling and saying nice things very clean establishment ! Coffee and sweet bread were fantastic ! Would definitely recommend this place if you want authentic baked goods read more

Do not come hungry. I would have bought one of everything if I wouldn't have felt ashamed. Most of their pan dulces aren't as sweet as American style pastries, but all that means is you don't feel gross after eating. Haven't tried them, but there were people bunched up like ravenous vultures looking at a sick wildebeast at the kolache section. read more

On cold days like today, a warm chicken tamal , with coffee just hits on a different level . This is a must place try if you are in Houston . read more

El Bolillo Bakery - Mexican bread - Bakeries Near Me - Houston, Texas

Just visited again this weekend. Came all the way from the Woodlands. Well worth the trip. They have 3 locations. This is the only location I've been to. The kids LOVE coming here. We came in late but the selection was still amazing and everything so soft just right sweet and obviously fresh. The cookies perfect. I even got a few extras to carry home on my flight. We will definitely keep coming back. Its just that good. read more

El Bolillo Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Houston, Texas

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By far our favorite panaderia! They have a wide variety of options. Flavor is exactly as you would want and expect. Love the bolillo and fresh made tortillas. And you cannot beat the prices! read more

What a delightful experience we had here a couple weekends ago before heading out of town. It is busy on a Sunday! We loved the energy and there was such a nice mingling of people there. Basically, you walk in, grab a massive platter and tongs, and go to town. We got a ton of pastries as well as a couple bread rolls, and since there was nowhere to sit, we ate them in the car like a bunch of fatties with crumbs and sugar flying everywhere. We have no idea what most things were, but everything was delicious. We tried our first concha--strawberry?--and we loved it! It's kind of like a lightly sweetened bun. There was also a cinnamon-caramel churro that we enjoyed, but one of our favorite was this massive cone thing that was filled with whipped cream. Do not miss that one! We weren't in love with the M&M cookie (a bit too hard for us), and there was a yellow one that we were clueless about that was only OK. We got a danish-type treat that was wonderful, and we used the bread rolls for lunch the next day. Service was friendly as were all the patrons who were trying to show us the ropes despite the language barrier. We really had a pleasant time here and would recommend it as a Houston food destination--we'll definitely be back again. read more

The baked goods were perfect. Very soft and fresh. The pumpkin empanadas had a great filling to bread ratio. Nothing was dry. Will be going back. read more

Pretty cool place, must see. There is a huge selection. I think we were a little disappointed in some of the things we chose but there was so much to choose from, surely there must be something good there. Check out my live action video experiencing it all. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRw9vEsT/ read more

I've never been to a bakery like El Bolillo - my perception of bakeries was only my familiarity with small pastry shops in the NorthEast. When I entered, there was a line filled with people holding circular metal pans with breads & desserts filled. There was so many options to choose from, although I specially came for the concha's. The manager at this location, was a very friendly Hispanic lady. Although we had some language barrier, she was so kind enough to let us try some of the pastries (as we were not sure what it was). I appreciated the family oriented environment. If you have a sweet tooth, I would highly recommend visiting this bakery for a mind-blowing authentic experience. read more

A human tooth was found inside this bread!!! I have been going to this bakery since i was little. I love the bread, the cakes, and the tortillas here but i won't be going there any more. My uncle went to El Bollio and bought some bread. He had guest over his house and brought out the bread. As his guest was eating she felt something hard in her bread and she pulled it out. It was a tooth!!! My uncle went back to the bakery and informed someone. They told him they couldnt control what happens in the back. They didnt appoligize or said they would look into it, nor asured him this wouldnt happen again. My uncle did report this to health department. This is so gross. I have attached a picture. read more

El Bolillo Bakery - A tooth was found inside the bread at this bakery!!! - Bakeries Near Me - Houston, Texas

THE BEST BAKERY! You will never be disappointed with your visit here. Everything is fresh and the whole experience just makes making the trip to this bakery always worth it. Being able to grab your own tongs and tray and load up on your favorite goods is such a fun experience here. (As cheesy as it sounds) there's just a rush of feeling like a little kid at the candy store just only at a bakery instead ha-ha. The price you pay for fresh home made goods just can't be beat. My whole tray I loaded up in my picture cost us about only 7 dollars. With price, quality and atmosphere this place deserves 10 stars read more

El Bolillo Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Houston, Texas

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The best bakery I have ever been to!! Absolutely LOVR this place! The service is exceptional with very little wait time! We are in Houston every three weeks and visit without fail. Best bread, fresh tortillas and cookies I've ever had! Their verde salsa is a must have!! Never leave without a few jar..my family practically puts it on everything from eggs to tacos to sandwiches and rice! read more

Lots of fun to see all the baked goods and they taste good too. Always busy however but it's good.

Si,Si,Si! If you love good Latin panitos ,or baked goods, or have not tried this, EB is the place to go! We were there on Sunday, at 2:30pm,and they were constantly bringing goods out from the ovens. I would suggest going on a weekend if you plan to go later in the day, but any morning will be the same great experience, as well; very fresh products. Grab a tray and some tongs and shop! They do make tortillas fresh, as you watch, breads for sandwiches, and SO many goods and pastries. We chose apple empanadas, conchas, the gingerbread pigs, lightly sugar dusted croissants (Dios Mio!), and Pan Columbiano. All of this was only $6.60! Everything was very good, but we especially loved the croissants, pan, and empanadas. As you enter, look to your right to the open, glass cold case for tres leches, flan and other wonderful treats, individually packaged. Warning: Get your Own, you wont want to share! They did have some Halloween decorated items, and will have some for each of the coming holidays, as well. Just the best in H-Town. The line goes quickly, and you must wear a mask inside ,re all Covid safety rules. Save some of your calories and Wisely spend them at EB this week! read more

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Best bakery ever! Such good food options and I love the ambiance is exciting! Service is quick bc you get to serve yourself.

If your looking for authentic pan dulce (Mexican pastries) this is as good a place as any. They also have flan and cakes and you can order custom cakes here. The good The variety here is crazy! I haven't been to a panaderia (mexican bakery) that offered this many things. Everything is super cheap. You can walk out of there with your arms full of pastries and pay less than $10. They also offer fresh baked flour tortillas that are cooked right in front of you in this rotating tortilla cooker. The pan dulce was tasty and of good quality. The bad El Bolillo has gotten too big. They have multiple locations and often times when that happens you have an inevitable drop in quality. Their huge variety of things is mostly visual. A lot of their items will look different but taste the same. They use the same dough for multiple pastries so they only alter the way they look. The flour tortillas are not authentic. Looking at the ingredients you can tell they were made industrially but you have the novelty of seeing them cooked in front of you. Their pastries are still tasty but you can find better ones at a more local panaderia. I wouldn't return to this location because I have a higher quality panaderia close to my house, however that isn't to say their pastries are good. They are good and if you have never tried pan dulce you should check them out! read more

El Bolillo Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Houston, Texas

Beyond disgusted! I found not one but THREE DIFFERENT HAIRS in my daughters birthday cake. Due to covid, my daughter had two separate birthday parties, therefore we needed two cakes. The first cake (blue one) was awesome, so we decided to order from them again for her second party. At the second birthday party, as I was cutting the cake, I noticed about a one inch hair, I didn't know what to do, I had a line full of guest waiting for cake! Unfortunately I decided to just ignore it and throw that slice out, I continued to slice and pass out cake to our guest. As I'm sitting down, I had TWO separate guest come up to me and show me the hair in there slice of cake. It was beyond embarrassing, all I could do was apologize For a cake this expensive, IT SHOULD BE HAIRLESS! Buyer beware APPARENTLY THEY DONT WEAR HAIRNETS read more

El Bolillo Bakery - Pink baby shark cake (FOUND 3 HAIRS IN THIS CAKE) - Bakeries Near Me - Houston, Texas

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The mocha tres leches (with pecan) was delicious!!! It was my first time there. It was pretty crowded for a Sunday I thought. Now I know why. Totally worth it. Soooo many things to choose from. Breads,cookies,cakes oh my!! read more

This is a hidden gem. I love the Oreo tres leche. It's unique and amazing. It's not super sweet nor Dry. They make fresh tortilla daily here. So many pastries to pick from! read more

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Great selection of pastries. My favorite spot for my pastry needs, reasonably priced, and busy (great sign). read more

El Bolillo Bakery - Churros, danish, and croissant - Bakeries Near Me - Houston, Texas

I've definitely had better tres leches cakes from kroger. half of it had milk and half DIDNT. who is making these cakes??... maybe they need to be taught what tres leches actually tastes like read more

El Bolillo Bakery - half dry half moist "tres leches cake" - Bakeries Near Me - Houston, Texas

These guys keep leaving comments on my Yelp like "ur ann ideot" and "nobody reads ur sh**" and "ppl lyk u r da rezon yelp sux." I may have to rename them EL TROLL-ILLO. But seriously. The Bolillo may be the best thing ever. Seriously. Wow. What to get: Bolillo or Bolillito stuffed with Jalapeno and Cheese (60 cents), or the regular one (20 cents). But that's just my 20 cents. Whan not to get: The E-bolilla Virus. I came here hoping to score the winner for Mexico at the Azteca. Should have gone to EL GOAL-ILLO. Mexican baked goods aren't always my favourite, but my goodness, their little Bolillo rolls filled with stuffed cheese and jalapenos (or even the plain kind) are some of the best treats I've ever eaten in my life! Especially when piping hot! I'm so glad this place is getting a small portion of the masses of Yelp love it deserves. So what is a Bolillo? It's basically a Mexican Roll. Maybe they should rename it to EL ROLL-ILLO. I'm embarrassed to say that I severely underrated El Bolillo the first couple of times I came here. I thought it was a good and eclectic Mexican bakery, but I hadn't discovered the true Wonder of the place. Which is the bread. No pun intended. Wonder. Bread. Get it. Sh** I just got found out as the spy that has infiltrated the CIA at Langley. Now they're renaming this place EL MOLE-ILLO in my honour. The real strength here despite the delicious Tres Leches cakes, lies in the regular bread. The little bolillos and bolillitos (maybe my word, not sure), when they are fresh hot warm and gooey out of the oven. Not the only thing that I like gooey. I came here hoping to buy a pony for my little girl. Oops. Should have gone to EL FOAL-ILLO They also have stuffed ones, which are even better, if that is possible. The regular are $0.20 and the stuffed ones are $0.60. This stuff would be 3 or 5 or 7 dollars at some places in Montrose or The Heights and wouldn't taste a fraction as good or fresh. But here isn't just a few cents. Wow. I came here hoping to post some pictures of cats, of myself in the gym, and of a girl in fishnet and stripper heels, all over their walls. I was asked not to. But in my honour, they renamed themselves EL THAT-GUY'S-OUT-OF-CONTROL-ILLO. The stuffed ones are orgasmic. They're stuffed with delicious creamy cheese and spicy jalapenos, and they are some of the best things you could possibly eat in the Houston area. You really can't get much better than this. Anyway you wanna go out tonight? A movie? Bowling? Bowling at this place? No, they're not EL BOWL-ILLO. They're extremely busy and service is can be brisk, but other servers are lovely and flirtatious (with me) (tosses hair). The security guard girl is really nice. They have a bathroom in the back and do an immense amount of business. Once you taste the breads I just told you about you will see why. You will be hooked for life. I asked how they keep the place warm when it gets cold. I didn't like the answer. They use EL COAL-ILLO. Some of the best Mexican snacks I've ever had in my life. I come here at least once a week and if I lived closer it would be more like once a day. Speaking of once a day, or rather several times a night, Barbie would like a word now to tell you about those sexy jeans she's wearing in the pic. I asked if they have a lot of franchise locations. They assured me that they are the EL SOLE-ILLO. Barbie: "EB is la bomba punto com!!! It feels exactly like a panaderia in Mexico. They have all the traditional Mexican pastries. Their cakes are really good! We had a pineapple cake that was amazing, so moist and delicious! The chocolate tres leches cake is so yummy! They also have different tortillas, from the traditional corn to wheat ones." Moist and delicious is right. So is she. OK so it wasn't about the jeans. But get here and try these rolls. They are the Rolls Royce of rolls. Speaking of rolls, my stripper friend pretty much lives here now because they're so good. They may even rename in her honour: EL POLE-ILLO. read more

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If you are looking for some great sweet bread and some amazing homemade tortillas, this is the place to go! I give this bakery four stars only because of the parking situation there, it's a gray place but just get overly crowded. However I Highly recommend this place for some good sweet bread and tortillas! read more

They have the best bakery in all of Houston. The place is always packed and everything is always fresh. It seems like as soon as something is out on the shelf it will be gone in 5 minutes. They also have tamales. Some of the best I have ever tried. read more

Grab a tray and some tongs and take your pick! I got 3 different bakery items for less than $3. However, it seemed like the bread winner of this bakery was literally the bread (bolillo). There aren't many savory items in store, rather lots of desserts. The one savory item I did find, the Pollo Tamales, were dry and lacked flavor. read more

Probably the best place to buy some pan dulce in Houston. They always have a great selection of breads, I mean you cannot walk in there and just grab one or two. Definitely a must!!! Especially for a cold and rainy day. read more

El Bolillo Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Houston, Texas

Pastries are delicious and I've even bought tamales from them before! I love the desserts too!

The variety is not what it used to be. It's like different. No cookies in the bag. Kind of disappointing. read more

OMG!!! The smells in here are incredible!! Cabinets and cabinets of Mexican breads and sweet! I bought 2 cinnamon cookies, 2 charros, some kind (2)vanilla pudding turnovers, cherry turnover for $4 and some change!!! I bought 2 of each; one for me and one for my husband. I already ate my cinnamon cookie. It was soooo good. The cookie is not sweet but the cinnamon add a little to the flavor! I should have bought more! It is great with coffee. I have to go back for more goodies! Sorry no photos; my phone was acting up in there. I'll try next time. read more

This place is always packed!!! Really really great Hispanic desserts and breads. They had a huge selection and you can take whatever you want. Quick service and very easy. My only complaint is that they do not list a price anywhere and I have no idea what anything is. There is no description on each item and ingredients in the case of allergies. Definitely catered to the Hispanic community. You basically have to guess the pastry or know a specific name and ask the workers. read more

Pros: BEST MEXICAN SWEET BREAD IN TEXAS! Great selection of pastries! Extremely affordable (definitely a one $ place) Friendly staff Delicious free smells Cons: Parking is a MESS bc it is always POPPIN' Everyone needs to try this place at least once and pay their respects because it is hands down the best panaderia (mexican bakery) I have ever tried outside of Mexico! I no longer live in Houston but I visit every time I am in town because it's a family tradition since I was a kid. I grew up on this, and always crave it in Austin. I have lived in multiple cities in Texas and have never found a panaderia with as much variety or as great quality! I always get the following: polvorones, marranitos, all the empanadas, cuernos con queso, mini bolillos, conchas and flan! You honestly can't go wrong with anything there so don't be afraid to try one of each if you dare. :P The only itty bitty inconvenience at this location is the parking situation bc it's always poppin'! People love this place and in recent years has gained significant popularity. This place will always have a special place in my heart since I have been going to this location since I was little kid. Love coming back with my mom so she can spoil me with all the sweets. read more

El Bolillo Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Houston, Texas

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What a gem of a find in Houston. I love me a good bakery and so I came here solo to get me some treats. They were a hit! I brought back the coworkers for some more and they loved it too. I brought the tentative boyfriend and he thought it was great. Fresh rolls, fresh cake, fresh cookies. The cheese selection was on point and who doesn't love a Mexican Coke? Cakes are super affordable and can be pre ordered. read more

ABSOLUTELY YES! Go here for pan dulce and any other kind of Mexican bakery The sweet bread is so authentic and fresh, reminds me of the bakeries in south texas read more

Today was my first visit to this bakery it was very busy. The workers were very nice and helpful. The place was clean and well organized. I'd recommend this to anyone. The next time I'm in Houston I'll be sure to stop by and pick up more of their delicious pastries. read more

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Meet the Disneyland of Mexican bakeries. Conveniently located within a stone's throw of several other authentic Mexican finds like a produce market and piñata maker. What to expect? -super reasonable prices and variety out the wazoo (everything from Mexican wedding cookies and conchas to corn pudding cake and fresh tortillas being made in front of your eyes) -the highlights of our trip included quest samples (both Mexican and Salvadorian), seeing the fresh tortillas flop off the wheel and feeling the hustle and bustle of shoppers picking up holiday orders -fancy yourself some tres leches cake? They have at least four beautifully decorated varieties! -come hungry, grab a tray and load up! Heads up: the parking lot can be a super cluster. read more

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This Mexican bakery is out of this world! A total feast for the senses, and taste being # 1 of course! I've never seen or experienced such excitement over pastries, rolls, tortillas. Soon as you walk into this colorful bakery this surge of energy shoots through you. It's like you lose control and must have it all, devour it all! We 2 moms with our 2 daughters started running around plucking up all sort of items with our tongs to place on our tray. Moms also got coffee to enjoy with our treats, as this was our breakfast. Since there is no real seating to dine in, we took our bags of goodies across the street and ate outdoors in front of another lovely business (see my other review). We loved the churros. The other flaky buttery pastries were also delicious as was the flan ...that was the egg portion of our breakfast! By far, this is the most incredible bakery I've ever stepped into. My 9 year old daughter says she loved visiting Houston and she is still dreaming of this lovely bakery! Churro dreams, ahh good night. read more

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They don't put prices on the bread.So you kinda go crazy grabbing bread cause it looks good.Once you go and paid.Youre paying 30 plus so yes it's expensive.They need to put and lower prices. read more

El Bolillo is a popular institution of a Mexican bakery here in Houston. Come visit for a veritable panadería experience. Expect a crowded shop floor with walls and rolling bake trays packed with assorted pastries, including cochito (gingerbread pig), concha (seashell sweet bread), empanadas (fruit-filled), oreja (ear-shaped flaky pastry), churros, and more. Honestly, most of the time I didn't know what I was picking up - I just found the ones that looked good. You'll walk around with a platter and tongs and just load up your tray with what you want to buy. It's all super cheap - around $1 per item - so you can get a whole bag of pastries fit for a family for like $5. It's also all super authentic - most of the time, I was the only non-Mexican (or at least non-Spanish speaker) inside. To be honest, I don't LOVE Mexican baked goods. But El Bolillo has some great ones, and the experience is just fun. Stop by for a unique activity and tasty treats! read more