San Antonio Bakery

Introduction / Overview

For over 60 years, San Antonio Bakery has stood as an authentic and enduring local gem in the heart of Compton, California, serving generations of residents with traditional Mexican sweet bread and custom-made cakes. In the diverse culinary landscape of Southern California, finding a bakery with such a long-standing history and commitment to traditional recipes is a true find. This modest, family-focused bakery has cultivated a dedicated local following who rely on it for their daily dose of pan dulce and special occasion treats. It is highly regarded by many in the community, with long lines forming even before the doors officially open, signifying its status as a highly sought-after local favorite. This is the place where local users come for a taste of tradition, with the knowledge that the establishment has been a steadfast presence in the community for six decades or more.

San Antonio Bakery is known for its wide selection, reportedly offering as many as 40 different kinds of sweet bread, which speaks to its depth of expertise in Mexican baking traditions. While this deep history and popularity are undeniable, the bakery maintains a modest and "tiny" presence, contrasting with the expansive and often corporate feel of modern chains. Customer service is frequently noted to be very friendly, with the staff working hard to manage the steady stream of patrons. However, like many beloved local spots, the demand for truly fresh product can sometimes outpace supply, leading to some variability in the perceived freshness of general items. Yet, specific, highly-rated items—like the famous Guayaba (Guava) Empanadas—are consistently praised for being soft, flavorful, and clearly baked fresh that day, demonstrating the bakery's capacity to deliver exceptional, high-quality products.

Location and Accessibility

San Antonio Bakery is located conveniently for the Compton community at 344 Rosecrans Ave, Compton, CA 90222, USA. Its address on Rosecrans Avenue, a major artery running through the city, ensures it is easily accessible by car or public transit for those living and working in the area. Rosecrans Avenue is a well-known thoroughfare, making the bakery an easy waypoint for residents going about their daily errands.

Despite being a "tiny and modest" establishment, a crucial feature for accessibility in a dense urban environment like Los Angeles County is the provision of on-site parking. The bakery thoughtfully offers a dedicated parking lot on the side of the building, which alleviates the typical stress of finding street parking and makes quick stops more feasible for busy Californians. The high customer volume, which often leads to lines forming—even on a Tuesday morning—suggests that the location is a prime spot that attracts a steady flow of dedicated patrons. The staff’s efficiency in moving the line quickly ensures that this high traffic does not severely impact the customer experience, allowing locals to get their morning treats without significant delay.

Services Offered

San Antonio Bakery specializes in delivering a comprehensive selection of baked goods centered on authentic Mexican recipes and traditions, complemented by customized services for special occasions. The focus is squarely on a deep and varied selection of traditional sweet bread and custom cakes.

• Authentic Mexican Pan Dulce: A vast selection of sweet bread, including highly popular items like conchas (in white, yellow, pink, and chocolate varieties), marranitos (gingerbread pig-shaped cookies), cuernos, mantecadas, and other traditional selections. Reports indicate a variety of up to 40 different types of sweet bread offered daily.
• Specialty Empanadas: An array of fruit and sweet-filled pastries, including their highly praised Guayaba (Guava) Empanadas, as well as pineapple, apple, sweet potato, pumpkin, strawberry, and cajeta (caramel) filled options.
• Custom and Sheet Cakes: Offering cakes made to order for all special occasions, including traditional options like Tres Leches and Cuatro Leches, as well as flavors like Chocolate, Vanilla, and Piña Colada.
• Filled Pastries and Cookies: A variety of other filled pastries such as Repulgada with various fillings (vanilla, guava, apple, strawberry) and traditional cookies like Polvorones and Galletas.
• Savory Options: Including breads like Pan de Jalapeño and staples like Bolillo, as well as traditional Mexican food items such as tamales (pork or chicken), and Barbacoa.
• Delivery Services: For the convenience of corporate clients and local businesses, the bakery offers delivery of its sweet bread, ensuring local workplaces can easily enjoy their offerings.

Features / Highlights

San Antonio Bakery’s position as a long-standing local favorite in Compton is built upon several compelling features that resonate deeply with the California user base seeking authenticity and reliability.

• Longevity and Heritage: Operating for over 60 years, the bakery provides a tangible link to the community's history and a consistent quality of traditional baking that is rare to find. This longevity speaks volumes about its deeply rooted local trust.
• Guava Empanada Excellence: The Guayaba Empanadas are repeatedly highlighted by customers as a standout item—"amazing," "so flavorful and soft," and "not overcooked"—confirming their reputation as a must-try, freshly baked specialty.
• Vast Selection of Pan Dulce: With up to 40 different kinds of Mexican sweet bread, the bakery offers an unparalleled variety, allowing customers to curate a personalized selection of classic favorites and new finds on every visit.
• Friendly and Professional Service: Despite the small size and the busy morning lines, the front staff are consistently described as "very friendly," ensuring that the customer experience is welcoming and efficient.
• Dedicated Customer Parking: The provision of a side parking lot in this urban setting is a highly valued convenience that makes the bakery a practical and easy stop for customers on the go.

Contact Information

San Antonio Bakery is easily reachable and located in a key area of Compton for local convenience.

Address: 344 Rosecrans Ave, Compton, CA 90222, USA

Phone: (310) 638-1763

Mobile Phone: +1 310-638-1763

What is worth choosing

For any Californian in the Compton area deciding what to purchase at San Antonio Bakery, the choice must start with their consistently praised, signature items—specifically, the sweet and soft Guayaba Empanadas. These delicate, fruit-filled pastries are not only highly rated but are explicitly mentioned as being a clear indicator of the bakery's commitment to baking fresh. At a budget-friendly price point (as low as 2 for $2.50 according to a customer review), they represent a high-value, authentic treat.

Beyond the empanadas, exploring the sheer breadth of their pan dulce is a worthwhile endeavor. While one newcomer noted a slight inconsistency in the perceived freshness of some general items early in the morning, the prevailing consensus from regulars and the bakery's high overall rating suggest that selecting items known for their freshness—like the Conchas, which are described as "light, soft and fluffy"—will ensure a satisfying experience. For special occasions, opting for one of their Custom Cakes, particularly a traditional Tres Leches or Cuatro Leches, leverages their decades of expertise in authentic Mexican baking. Ultimately, choosing San Antonio Bakery means selecting a piece of Compton history, supported by genuinely friendly service and anchored by its truly exceptional, fresh-baked specialties like the famous Guava Empanada.

San Antonio Bakery

344 Rosecrans Ave, Compton, CA 90222, USA