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    Universal Bakery

    4.4 (146 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

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    UNIVERSAL BAKERY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Universal Bakery

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    Menu, August 2023. Cc's accepted.
    Cherylynn N.

    Stop. And, stare. If people aren't stoppin' and starin' when you walk through the doors...you're going to the wrong places! J/k. Well, kinda. Even when I go to AZN restos, it happens cuz you know how nosy aunties are.... Not even a booger hangin', they'll stop, stare, and whisper *something something*. Universal Bakery has been a staple in the local community for three decades (second location is in Daly City) and I've slept on them because I wrongly assumed they only sold pan dulce (bread). They have an entire menu of Guatemalan breakfast and lunch fare that you do NOT want to miss out on. Walked in, got some stares so I knew I was in the right place! Universal Bakery is open for takeout and dine-in only. No delivery. No outdoor seating. M E N U Array of Guatemalan pan dulce (bread), breakfast, pan con todo, tortas, snacks, tamales, entrees, tostadas, and atole (hot bevs): https://tinyurl.com/2atcmhrc. Cc's accepted. Order at the counter, pay, and your order will be delivered to your table. F O O D * Doblada: Shredded beef, cabbage, grilled onions, salsa, handmade tortilla ($7.75): https://tinyurl.com/y7sm93v4 You've had a quesadilla and you may have had a [Honduran] baleada but have you had a doblada? It's a deep-fried flour tortilla that's stuffed with shredded beef, stewed cabbage, grilled onions, and mild red salsa. It's crunchy, savory, and deeply satisfying. I like that the shredded beef had crispy caramelized edges. While it looks to be a knife and fork situation, they only have plastic utensils so you're going to have use your hands to attack this bad boy...with plenty of napkins on deck. Make sure to ask for a side of their habanero sauce that packs a spicy tang. They're so generous with the shredded beef that one is good enough for a meal...not a "little craving"/snack that the menu indicates. * Pollo en Crema y Loroco: Chicken in cream sauce, herbs, vegetables, rice, choice of tortillas or pan francés ($16.95): https://tinyurl.com/bdfsurb5 They were sold out of the pepián de res (Guatemalan beef stew) and I saw several people eating the pollo en crema so went with this. It did NOT disappoint. Two skinless, bone-in chicken thighs stewed in a savory cream sauce with edible flowers (loroco) served with a side of flavorful arroz (rice) and creamy frijoles (mashed black beans). I choose the pan francés which is freshly baked on the hour. The mini french baguette was lightly crisp with an airy, fluffy softness. Really good for sopping up the cream sauce and frijoles. S E R V I C E Friendly and prompt. Staff spoke minimal English but I got by with my terrible Spanish. The young lady in the hairnet at the front of line preparing all the hot food orders was so sweet! A M B I A N C E Casual with a handful of tables. You'll probably have to share tables with strangers because it's busy during peak hours. P A R K I N G Very challenging street parking but that's the city. Overall, Universal Bakery is an awesome hidden gem serving delicious Guatemalan food. They've been in business for 40 years and with just 120 reviews...it proves longevity has nothing to do with social media, trendy novelties, or hype.

    Carne asada with over easy eggs
    Laura R.

    Five stars all around. The food was fresh and flavorful. If you haven't been to Universal Bakery, it's a must. *Local Hidden Gem*

    El Universal, Desayuno de Platanos y Atole de Elote
    Angela T.

    AMAZING SALVADORIAN BREAKFAST!!! My plate was super delicious. Service was fast even if it was during the busier times. Definitely recommend if you're craving a Latino breakfast.

    Pan con Todo y Platano
    Christine D.

    Craving a breakfast sandwich and was feeling like trying something new. Universal Bakery hit the spot! I was welcomed with wonderful service and recommendations since I probably looked a little lost. I had the Pan Con Todo Y Platano. The soft roll had beans, eggs, cheese, and fried plantains. Now, I love fries plantains, but I hadn't had them in a sandwich. It was delicious! Since I love spicy food, I was offered their habanero sauce, and it was so good. I'm not dying after it, but I'm pretty sure it's because the sweetness of the plantains helped. Might die if I didn't get plantains. But so worth it!

    Pan con todo y adobado
    Lynn N.

    The pan con todo y adobado is a fantastic breakfast sandwich. Black beans, eggs, cheese, sour cream and grilled meat in a French roll. Easiest to order in Spanish. They were busy but food is prepared quickly. We did takeout but there are tables available for those dining in.

    Pan con Todo y Platano
    Naty D.

    Ordered Pan con Todo y Platano, and a couple of sweets; two pastries and small quesadilla (not what you think it is) Sandwich was not at all what I expected. The roll is soft and surprisingly could stand up to the fillings. The sweetness of the platanos complemented the rest of the ingredients. Add their sauce for a little spice and it's perfect. I can't wait to try the other Pan con Todo! Quesadilla was also muy delisioso! It's like a pound cake with cheese and a texture that reminds me of kouign aman. Crusty outer with soft delicate center. I haven't tried the other two pastries I bought so can't report on it but definitely try the sandwich and quesadilla! To top it off customer service was excellent. Super friendly and helpful.

    Desayuno Típico
    Shirley W.

    Loved Universal Bakery! I've missed having the breakfast from Guatemala and Universal is such a fantastic breakfast place. I got a Desayuno Típico which includes eggs, cheese, cream and beans. But if I'm honest what keeps me coming back is their French roll. I love Guatemalan bread because it does tend to be fluffier and more flavorful than other Latin breads. It was soft and pillowy on the outside and had a good bite on the crust. Perfect for stuffing with eggs or just dipping into the beans.

    Derrick K.

    Neighborhood gem! The breakfast sandwiches are excellent. There are several different variations to try. They all come on pillowy-soft bolillo rolls that are baked continuously throughout the day. I'm never here late enough to have lunch, but the options look tempting. Everything is consistently fresh. The selections in the pastry display case seem to change periodically. If you see the pineapple empanadas, you better grab a few. Flaky crust, filling isn't too sweet, just right. Brush up on your Spanish. I've only once been helped by someone who spoke English. It's not a problem for me, but others may find some difficulty. Well worth the extra effort on your part!

    Darin E.

    Sometimes you just need a torta that hits and this place makes them with runny beans, soft squishy bread, soft eggs, cheese and proteins that are made fresh. While not exactly a deal price wise, everything you get here is fresh and assembled well with prompt service. They've got a solid selection of tortas to choose from plus some platters that look really good. I got a carne asada torta and while it presented big it wasn't super heavy.

    Pan con Todo

    Demasiado frío por las mañanas, no se siente acogedor sentarse a desayunar ahí. La comida está bien.

    Leanna C.

    Service was great! Food was good, a little oily. I ordered a sort of taco and it had meat and lettuce in it. The sauce was a little spicy, but it was so good. To drink, I ordered a small champurrado. It didn't have a lot of flavor and there was chunks of maza in the drink. I would definitely come back! (: they have so many items on their menu I would love to try more.

    Variety of sweet breads!

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    7 years ago

    Fast friendly service. Good pan dulce. Solid breakfast with great strong coffee. Love the tamales!

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    14 years ago

    For the holidays I always come to this place to buy tamales. Its worth the drive, delicious and great pasteries. ;)

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    10 years ago

    Creamed chicken like Mom use to make, pork tamales. Delicious pan dulce' (sweet bread) authentic arros con leche'..

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    Page 4 of 4

    Universal Bakery Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Universal Bakery

    Are they open on sunday?

    Last I went, yes. However, their Mission location is currently closed for remodeling.

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    Universal Bakery - bakeries - Updated September 2026

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