La Moderna Bakery

Introduction / Overview

For over four decades, La Moderna Bakery has stood as a culinary cornerstone in the Whittier, California community, offering a genuine taste of Mexico that has captured the hearts and appetites of generations of Southern California residents. Established by Martha and Guillermo Chavez in 1977, this family-owned Mexican bakery has grown from a local spot serving weekend menudo and tamales to a beloved institution renowned for its incredible variety of scratch-made, authentic Mexican fare. In a region celebrated for its diverse food landscape, La Moderna Bakery distinguishes itself by maintaining a commitment to traditional recipes and fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring that every visit feels like stepping into a traditional Mexican kitchen.

While the name suggests a focus on baked goods, La Moderna Bakery is much more than just a place for bread; it is a full-fledged destination for savory Mexican classics. It is a dual-threat establishment, celebrated equally for its extensive selection of delicate and rich pan dulce (sweet bread) and its spectacular savory offerings like legendary tamales, crispy chicharrones, and arguably the best carnitas in the area. This unique combination of sweet and savory authentic Mexican food makes it an indispensable stop for anyone in the greater Los Angeles County region seeking a true, high-quality local experience. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick morning concha and coffee or picking up a weekend feast of fresh carnitas and tamales for the family, La Moderna Bakery consistently delivers an authentic and satisfying culinary tradition that has stood the test of time.

Location and Accessibility

La Moderna Bakery is conveniently located in Whittier, a city known for its vibrant community and historical charm, making it an easy drive for residents across the greater Southern California area. The bakery’s exact address is 8035 1/2 Norwalk Blvd, Whittier, CA 90606, USA. This location offers excellent accessibility for all visitors, including designated wheelchair-accessible features. Specifically, the establishment provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that the delicious offerings are available to everyone in the community.

For those planning a visit, a key feature is the availability of a free parking lot on-site, which simplifies the process of quickly stopping in for a pickup or a casual, quick visit. The bakery is well-situated for locals and those traveling from nearby cities, becoming a regular weekend ritual for many who seek their specific Mexican delicacies. Their operational hours generally run from early morning to evening throughout the week, with slightly earlier opening times on weekends to accommodate the high demand for popular breakfast and brunch items like menudo. Due to the immense popularity of their staple items, especially tamales and carnitas, locals often advise arriving early in the day—sometimes before 9:00 AM—to ensure you can purchase the full selection before they sell out.

Services Offered

La Moderna Bakery is dedicated to making its exceptional food and baked goods as accessible as possible to the California community. They offer a comprehensive range of service options designed for convenience, speed, and safety:

• Delivery: For those days when you can't make it to the bakery, delivery options are available through various platforms, bringing their renowned menu items right to your door.
• In-store Pickup: Customers can place an order ahead of time for quick and easy in-store pickup, perfect for busy schedules.
• In-store Shopping: The traditional bakery experience is available, allowing patrons to browse the large selection of baked goods and prepared foods in person.
• Takeout: All menu items are available for takeout, making it simple to grab your favorites and enjoy them on the go or at home.
• Payment Options: For a quick and easy transaction, the bakery accepts major forms of payment, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Beverage Offerings: To perfectly pair with their baked goods, freshly brewed coffee is available.
• Prepared Foods to-go: Beyond the traditional bakery fare, they offer savory Mexican dishes available by the pound or in other sizes, such as Carnitas, Chicharrones, Refried Beans, and Salsa, great for family meals or celebrations.

Features / Highlights

What makes La Moderna Bakery a true standout in the competitive California food scene is its commitment to tradition, quality, and community. The combination of classic bakery items and authentic savory dishes creates a unique and irresistible draw.

• Legacy of Family Ownership: Since 1977, the bakery has been owned and operated by the Chavez family, starting with Martha and Guillermo. Today, the business is served by their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, preserving the original recipes and a genuine, warm family atmosphere.
• Famous Carnitas: Customers consistently rave about the carnitas, which are described as being "crispy on the outside and soft and flavorful on the inside." It's an absolute must-try item that frequently earns 100% positive reviews on delivery platforms and is one of the most popular and highly-rated items on the menu.
• Legendary Tamales: The tamales are considered a specialty of the bakery, made fresh daily in a homemade style that has garnered a loyal following. The selection includes Green Cheese (a top-liked item with Monterey Jack cheese, poblano chile strips, and onions), Red Pork, Red Beef, and Green Pork. During the holiday season, they can cook tens of thousands of tamales to meet the high demand.
• Variety of Pan Dulce: The bakery offers a large, rotating selection of sweet bread, including popular items like White Concha, Elote, and Tortuga, along with highly-rated Soft Crust Bolillos.
• Special Weekend Offerings: On weekends, the menu expands to include classic, comforting Mexican dishes such as Menudo, which has been a staple since the bakery first opened its doors.
• Homemade Salsa: The perfect accompaniment to the carnitas and tamales is the mild, fresh salsa, which customers describe as being "on another level of goodness."

Contact Information

Planning your visit or placing an order is simple with the following contact details:

• Address: 8035 1/2 Norwalk Blvd, Whittier, CA 90606, USA
• Phone: (562) 695-9414 or +1 562-695-9414

What is Worth Choosing

When visiting La Moderna Bakery, the overwhelming consensus from long-time patrons and first-time guests alike points to a few essential choices that define the bakery’s local fame and reputation for quality. It is a place where you should aim to cover both the bakery side and the savory food side of their expertise. While their sweet bread, or pan dulce, is the foundation of the bakery and offers a satisfying start to any morning—with the soft, freshly baked Soft Crust Bolillos and the richly flavored pan dulce being highly recommended—it is the savory items that truly draw crowds from across Southern California.

The Tamales are not just a menu item; they are a tradition. The homemade style is a distinguishing factor, and the Green Cheese Tamale, in particular, is consistently celebrated as a top-tier choice. For those seeking a hearty, spicy kick, the Green Cheese tamales, stuffed with spicy Monterey Jack cheese, green chile sauce, poblano chile strips, and onions, are a must. However, a trip to La Moderna is incomplete without purchasing their famous Carnitas. Praised for their perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a juicy, soft, flavorful interior, they are considered by many to be among the best you can find, and the complimentary side of fresh, mild salsa elevates the experience to another level. For a comforting weekend meal, don't miss the classic Menudo, available Saturday and Sunday, which provides a soulful and traditional Mexican experience that the Chavez family has been perfecting since the beginning in 1977. La Moderna Bakery is more than a quick stop; it's a taste of history and a celebration of authentic Mexican culinary tradition right here in Whittier, CA.

La Moderna Bakery

8035 1/2 Norwalk Blvd, Whittier, CA 90606, USA