Universal, you are incredible. As an American whose father is from Guatemala and been there, let me say these frijolitos and plátanos were so good for the soul. The bakery selection was also spot on and I was able to purchase some champurradas to go. The huevos revueltos were ordered by my friend and she spoke nothing but good words about them. My other colleague ordered a torta and was silent while eating, speaking to how yummy it was. I love to be able to share Central American foods with my friends and this truly enabled us to share in my family's culture. COVID info: walk in, 6 feet, order, wait, and wear your dang mask! read more

The best Guatemalan bakery and food in the Bay Area the dobladas are to die for!! Worth the hour drive to this place

My parents came to San Francisco from Guatemala in 1986. This is their favorite Guatemalan bakery in the bay to this day. They say the bread and food in general are the most authentic tasting to what they know and love, and considering my grandfather was a baker in Guatemala I take their word for it. They moved to the central valley in 2003 but whenever they got the chance while visiting my grandma (who remained here in the city) they would come to Universal to buy at least $40 worth of bread and chuchitos. Now that I live here again, you best believe I won't get my empanadas chapines, rellenitos, chuchitos, or conchas from anywhere else. Whenever they ask me to visit, I know it's partly because they want to see me, and partly because they want me to bring them some Universal Bakery. read more

If you are the kind of very patient person that doesn't mind waiting 38 mins for a torta adobada with no flavor please do , but me most likely not ever coming back , is more like a coffee and donuts type of place, btw my torta came out cold ! read more

Excellent service. The food is delicious. It is a must when you go to San Francisco if you like Guatemalan food.

Great local spot with simple but tasty sandwiches. The custard empanadas has great texture and goes well with a warm cup of Atole. We'll be back.. read more

Universal Bakery - a variety of breads and pastries - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

the pan con todo is the best breakfast sandwich in san francisco. you have to get it with the hot sauce!

This might be one of the best places in SF. Food is flavorful, bread is warm, service is great every time.

Food service and ambiance are AMAZING!!! Please check this place out and I recommend their sandwiches

This is the spot to get your hot bread, delicious pan de todos and arroz con Leche!! Parking sucks, but if you're willing to find parking or take the bus, you should be fine. Service is nice and not a disappointment! read more

My first time here. I was the only white guy. Families, locals, workers ...a very nice feeling. I didn't understand most of the menu, but that was ok. Got morning breakfast, French roll, coffee....I'll be back! Service is friendly and fast, a constant line. And yes, very clean. The menu is Guatemalan. read more

I come in for the Pan Con Todo and fresh squeezed OJ .. Very good sandwich ... Ive been coming back for a few weeks now !

Shhh...I've been avoiding writing a review because I don't want people to find out about this hidden gem. I took my mom here when she visited and she still jokes every time I call her to send her some pan dulce. I recommend going for breakfast. Black beans and plantains are staples, though I would recommend anything on the menu. The chiles rellenos are great. I just tried the pollo en crema and that was on point. If you're Guatemalan, you HAVE to stop by...and if you're not, please come discover some authentic food. read more

I love Universal Bakery!! I always order the Pan Con Todo y Platano and it does not disappoint! I come in once every week or two because I crave it. I think it is the most affordable and delicious breakfast/lunch option in the neighborhood. Everything tastes fresh, the bread is great, plantains are ripe, and the beans are delicious! We came here on the recommendation of a friend, and have since recommended it to many others. A hidden gem for sure. Not to mention the service is great! The manager is very friendly, welcoming, and helpful and has given me great recommendations. There is often a line but it moves pretty fast and is always worth the wait! read more

It's really good. Especially for food on the go. I recommend pan con todo and aroz con leche

Wow! That's all I can say. The best breakfast I have had in ages. And the man behind the counter was hands down the nicest most informative person I have had the pleasure of interacting with at a restaurant in...,well ever. And fast, my plate was done in a minute and I ate it almost as fast. Eggs with tomato, onion, peppers and black beans, fresh cheese a soft fresh roll AND coffee included !! 10.85 total. I will be back. read more

Universal Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Awesome Central American breakfast that includes Salvadoran, Honduran, and Guatemalan food. Everything we've tried here is good, the staff is super friendly, and the prices are great. My first time here, the nice gentlemen that worked behind the counter let me try the arroz en leche and I'm now hooked! Highly recommend this place if you want to break away from the typical pancakes and waffles breakfast experience. read more

Universal Bakery - Huevos Estilo Salvadoreno - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Guatemalan chao mein...I had to find out what it was like. The chao mein ($7) comes with a side of black beans, crema, and a soft white roll. The thin, short noodles were soft and mushy. The noodles were served with pieces of boneless chicken, red and green bell pepper strips, and celery. Interesting...but only a step above frozen Westernized chow mein. I did like the black beans and the fresh, crusty, warm white roll but those were just sides. I was also curious about Guatemalan empanadas. The exterior was a thick, doughy corn shell. Deep frying made them greasy and golden. The stewed chicken filling, the crunchy, tangy slaw and hot sauce were very good but I didn't like the heavy exterior shell. They remodeled a few months ago. It looks nicer now but the crowd hasn't changed (mostly immigrants). read more

Universal Bakery - Empanadas - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

I had an idea for a picnic at day two of my McNear's weekend getaway and wanted to buy some fresh rolls for sandwiches. Fresh bread makes all the difference. I stopped into Universal Bakery on Mission and picked up some rolls, best described as the ones they use for Tortas. They were ridiculously cheap and made that same day. I paid about $2.50 for 4 Rolls and a Large Coffee, which was such a great deal. ;) The food here seems pretty popular and noticed one of my Chef friends ordering from one of my old lunch spots downtown, he's got good taste in food too. I will definitely be back to try it out for myself. read more

Delicious breakfast with eggs, beans, cheese, sour cream and salsa. Comes with coffee and bolillo (bread) for $8. Not only that but their pan dulce is the best I've had in San Francisco. My personal favourite is the empanada de crema. Service is always excellent with David. read more

Universal Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Love the pan con todo for breakfast! And the tamales to go for later. Of course grab some sweet bread for your cafe

Had the chili relleno it was different and still delicious, but the Tamales are the best I have ever had and I grew up make tamales best ever! The conchitas are so yummy! I totally recommend this unique restaurant. read more

Popped in today for lunch and ordered a pollo tamal, concha roll, and campecha (?) roll. I think I got the name of the last bread wrong. The tamal was ok, but the breads were cleaned off in one sitting - concha has a slightly crunchy swirl on top of the bread and was slightly dense and milky. Campecha (?) looked like a roll with sugar sprinkled on top. It was light, buttery, and gently sweet. Its crumb was much airier than the concha. Now, I don't know anything about Central American breads/rolls but I do know what these 2 rolls were delicious. I saw someone order a torta with a huge slab of cotija and I know I have to go back to figure out which one it was. I'm definitely returning here for weekend brunch, and to slowly try everything in their bakery. So lucky I live right next to this business. Looking forward to trial and error! read more

traditional guatemalan food and bread. food is delicious and great customer service. Pan con todo, arroz con leche, chuchitos and fresh baked bread is a must. family friendly and family owned read more

I tried to find a bakery that served Guatemalan style baked good. I was referred to this bakery by a friend. Once I have entered the bakery with a friend ,there was a line. But this wasn't a line because the food was good. No there was because the service was extremely bad. The cashiers were extremely slow and constantly misplaced people's orders. There was only one serve preparing the food for possibly eight people at once. My order for example which was a drink and a certain type of chicken tamale took 15 minutes. This was unacceptable. Some people waited and suddenly walked out. This was really bad service and the restaurant was in dire need of management. I did not bother taking a picture of my food because it was OK. read more

Universal Bakery - These guys on line got their order after 15 minutes! - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This place is Poppin! We grabbed a quick breakfast, and the line was to the door, it did go pretty fast and we got to watch them prepare all the yummy goodness. Food itself was awesome, we got the pan con todo w/ platanos and an empanada, this was more of a snack and def hit the spot. Super juicy and flavorful, and the bread and cheese were both super fresh. The empanada had some red sauce and pickled veggies and was BOMB. I really enjoyed it. Overall, quick easy wonderful breakfast for a decent price. I'm def coming back. read more

This wonderful family owned restaurant has been in the neighborhood forever and is consistently well priced, delicious and filling. I always get the Pan con todo con platano. It's a breakfast sandwich on a fresh roll with eggs, black beans, fresh cheese and a sweet plantain. For under $6, I'm full for the day! They are always kind and are taking COVID-19 precautions seriously. read more

It is always a wonderful treat when we can stop by Universal Bakery. The pan dulces are just soooo good. I also need to always get the tamales and chile rellenos to go as my comfort food read more

This spot in the Mission between Cortland and 30th is a real true GEM. The food is so tasty. I absolutely love their breakfast options. Where else will you go and have breakfast with a fresh pirujo (roll) and cup of coffee free with a purchase of a breakfast plate. I hear people complain about prices. This business is in San Francisco where the minimum wage is $16hr. Can people just sit and think how much money they must pay every payday. How about the water bill and their trash. I'm sure there's more bills on top of that. As of for me and my friends and family we will continue to support this lovely spot in the Mission. Don't let the long line scare you. It passes by fairly quickly. read more

Affordable, awesome staff, delicious options! I can get a yummy breakfast sandwich under $5 with fresh, homemade ingredients. Love this place read more

My family and I came all the way from Antioch to Universal bakery today. We are Guatemalan, and we were craving some Guatemalan food. I have to say that while it was really busy it was 100% worth the wait. I specifically want to say that Carlos was really kind and catered to us. Especially because there was 6 of us. We tried the corn atole and it was just like my grandma used to make. The bread is also delicious. I had the carne asada lunch, and it was amazing. The cheese (queso fresco) was also really fresh, and good. We will be coming back again!! read more

My one and only Guatemalan food place. I only wish they had a full menu online ad one could order the pan dulce. Simple comfort food prepared fresh daily. Also, that they were more consistent in having food readily available. read more

I am from Guatemala and even there I have tamales like that just simple delicious yummy my husband is a white guy and he loves them but also love the black beans purée and pan con Chile yummy yummy and yummy. read more

Universal baker has been my to go to ever since I discovered it hidden gem great food great staff there's always a line out the door for a reason highly recommended read more

The food is great. And costumer service is good only when the owner is here. The ladies running it now were so rude and they would just stare at you without making you feel welcomed. Next time I come here I'll make sure the owner is here. read more

This place is like waking up at your moms house. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day so what better way to start your day than having your typical Guatemalan breakfast. The Pan Dulce is perfect to dip in your coffee or champurrado. They have arroz con leche too! Don't let the line scare you, it goes by fast. I love this place. They make you feel like family. It's like a big family gathering. It impressed me to be remembered by name. The hot sauce is super spicy so caution there, but it's delicious! Los plátanos! Las empanadas de manjar! I'm drooling just typing a review lol I wish there was a location in LA! I'm gonna miss living in SF! read more

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I never write Yelp reviews, but I will for this one. My favorite place in the neighborhood. Great food, kind service, prices not too awful by SF standards. Popular with Latino workers and families; lines can be long for breakfast. Excellent conchas and a nice balance of traditional and modern. read more

This place is amazing. We lived around the corner for years and finally got around to trying this spot. It always has a mine wrapped around but it moves fasT. We love their breakfast sandwiches, stuffed with eggs, queso, black beans, cream and whatever meats and veggies you want. Cheap and delicious! read more

My place to go in the morning to have breakfast. Everything is Fresh and baked daily. It is also very affordable. I don't speak Spanish, but still get the respect and service there. I totally would recommend this place to anyone!!! Great family own place. read more

Love this eatery! Super tasty fresh hot food, and some oven hot tasty baked treats to go!