Charito Bakery & Pastry

### Introduction / Overview: A Taste of Ecuador and Global Pastries in Fridley

Minnesota's culinary scene is richer and more diverse thanks to hidden gems like **Charito Bakery & Pastry**, located conveniently in Fridley. This unique establishment, found at **7610 University Ave NE**, is far more than just a local bakery; it's a vibrant international experience. Charito is part of an Ecuadorian bakery franchise established back in 1978, bringing decades of authentic baking tradition and flavor to the heart of the North Metro.

Charito Bakery & Pastry distinguishes itself by blending traditional Ecuadorian cuisine with a broad array of European-inspired treats. As local customers rave, you'll find "pastries with French, Hispanic, and Italian flare," showcasing a truly global approach to baking. This means that whether you are craving a delicate, fruit-filled croissant, a classic Latin American pastry, or a hearty cultural breakfast, Charito has something to satisfy. The bakery's selection is described as "huge," with everything in the display cases looking "great."

Beyond the incredible sweets and breads, Charito also offers savory dishes—including signature Ecuadorian items—and a full coffee menu, making it a complete destination for breakfast, a quick snack, or a sweet treat. The tone here is one of quality, variety, and the "pure kindness from the owners," fostering a welcoming environment for all Minnesota users.

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### Location and Accessibility: University Avenue Convenience with Drive-Thru Access

Charito Bakery & Pastry is perfectly situated at **7610 University Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432, USA**. This address places it along a major and accessible corridor in the North Metro, making it a simple stop for residents of Fridley, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, and other northern suburbs.

The establishment's layout prioritizes convenience for busy Minnesota locals. While the indoor seating area is noted to be "a little limited," there is often "plenty of seats available" during off-peak hours for those wishing to relax. Crucially, the location offers highly valued amenities for those on the go:

• **Drive Thru Option:** For commuters or parents who are "on the go," the availability of a drive-thru window makes grabbing coffee and pastries exceptionally fast and efficient.
• **Free Parking Lot:** A dedicated, complimentary parking area eliminates the stress of searching for a spot.
• **Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot:** Ensuring ease of access for all community members.

The Fridley location’s emphasis on a "Quick visit" ensures that quality and speed go hand-in-hand, supporting the hectic schedules of local staff, commuters, and families.

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### Services Offered: Global Flavors with Local Efficiency

Charito Bakery & Pastry provides streamlined, flexible service options tailored for a modern metropolitan clientele, all while keeping a focus on freshly made products:

• **Onsite Services:** Customers can dine in and enjoy the inviting atmosphere, with a clean eating area and the full selection of food, pastries, and coffee available.
• **Takeout:** Simple and fast service for grabbing your morning coffee, breakfast, or a box of treats to share with staff or family.
• **Drive-Thru:** The ultimate convenience for a quick pick-up of pre-ordered or spur-of-the-moment items.
• **Catering/Group Orders:** As noted by a customer, the delicious and "beautiful" pastries make this an excellent choice for buying treats for groups, such as during Nurses Week or other workplace occasions.
• **Diverse Beverage Menu:** The bakery offers a complete coffee service, including hot coffee drinks, iced lattes, mochas, and specialty beverages to complement their baked goods.
• **Accepted Payments:** For speedy transactions, the bakery accepts major methods, including **Credit cards** and **Debit cards**.

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### Features / Highlights: A Menu That Spans Continents

The menu at Charito Bakery & Pastry is its most compelling feature, offering a truly unique combination of Ecuadorian authenticity and classic pastry selections:

• **Signature Ecuadorian Savory Dishes:** Experience authentic cuisine with options like **Bolón De Verde** (plantain dumpling) and **Tigrillo** (likely a plantain-based breakfast dish).
• **Weekend Authentic Specialties:** Don't miss the traditional, often labor-intensive, weekend-only meals, including **Sancocho** (a hearty soup) and **Hornado** (roasted pork), which offer a genuine taste of South America.
• **Global Pastry Selection:** The impressive pastry case features a blend of influences, including:
  • **French-style Croissants:** Including delicious filled varieties like **Strawberry Croissant**, **Mango Croissant**, and **Choco Cream Croissant**.
  • **Hispanic-Style Treats:** Items like the **Strawberry/Mango Cream Concha**, **Melva Ring**, and **Cono Dulce De Leche** (dulce de leche cone).
  • **Italian Flair:** Represented by treats like the **Cannoli**.
• **Classic Comfort Desserts:** Find familiar favorites and Latin American staples like **Tres Leches**, **Flan**, and various mousses (**Oreo Mousse, Chocolate Mousse, Strawberry Mousse**).
• **Affordable Breakfast/Lunch Options:** A range of well-priced sandwiches (e.g., **Classic Ham & Cheese Croissant**, **Roast Pork Sandwich / Pernil Sandwich**) and appetizers (**Tamales, Empanada De Pollo/Carne**) are available for a quick, fulfilling meal.
• **In-House Fresh Baking:** The pastries are consistently described as "absolutely delicious" and baked fresh, ensuring quality across the extensive selection.

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### Contact Information: Your Link to International Flavors

For inquiries about catering, weekend specials like Sancocho and Hornado, or general business information, please use the direct contact information for the Fridley location:

Address: **7610 University Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432, USA**

Phone: **(763) 710-7783**

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### What is Worth Choosing: Cultural Authenticity Meets Convenience

Charito Bakery & Pastry in Fridley is truly worth choosing for the local Minnesota user because it successfully merges unique, cultural authenticity with high-demand metropolitan convenience. It offers a culinary journey that is hard to find elsewhere in the Twin Cities area.

First, the authenticity of the food is a primary draw. The establishment’s roots as a long-standing Ecuadorian franchise ensure that when you order **Bolón De Verde** or one of the traditional weekend meals like **Hornado**, you are getting a genuine, carefully prepared dish. This is an exciting opportunity for local Minnesotans to expand their palate and experience high-quality Latin American comfort food.

Second, the sheer variety and quality of the baked goods make every visit a treat. Unlike bakeries that specialize in just one style, Charito offers French-style croissants with delicious fillings, comforting Hispanic breads like the **Concha**, and Italian influences, all under one roof. The staff's commitment to "pure kindness" and fresh products—as noted by the local nursing staff who keep returning—transforms a simple purchase into a pleasant part of the day.

Finally, the convenience factors, including the **free parking lot** and the crucial **drive-thru option**, make this international bakery accessible even on the busiest of mornings. For an outstanding international breakfast, a box of beautiful and delicious pastries, or a taste of authentic Ecuadorian cooking on the weekend, Charito Bakery & Pastry at **7610 University Ave NE** is an unmissable destination in the North Metro.

Charito Bakery & Pastry

7610 University Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432, USA