Mana Bakery

When I think of pan dulce, I think of this bakery. I grew up around the corner and remember risking my life running across seventh street on weekend mornings that my parents decided to treat us to pan dulce for breakfast. They have been in the same location for at least twenty years I’m pretty sure with pretty much no signage or advertising as far as I can tell. I didn’t even know that they had a name beyond «la panaderia en la siete y Rose.» All this time, they’ve made it on reputation alone. It is very small but like every one has said, their goods are delicious and what does a panaderia need other than a couple racks of pastries anyways?

Mana bakery will always have a special place in my heart…
This little bakery is hidden along 7^th street, easily missed but not hard to find. Once entering, you will find yourself in an abundance of fresh, warm, Latin American baked goods ranging from the typical Mexican pan dulce (sweet bread), to Guatemalan cookies, and flan.
My favorite is their beso (kiss) which you can try for only $ 1. It is a Mexican pastry consisting of two very large, thick, muffin top-​like bread domes on top and bottom, with a thin filling of either jam or icing in the middle. I always buy the Guatemalan breads which are 3 for $ 1, for people to try at work. They’re very soft and delicious, in comparison to the the subtle thickness of most Mexican pan Dulces. Their conchas (shells) are chocolate or vanilla and they are .50c! They are huge and if you stop by in the morning they will be freshly made, meaning warm! Delicious… They’ve also got cuernos (horns) which they will fill for you with custard for only $ 1! Most of the bread is either .50c or $ 1. All of the Guatemalan bread is 3 for .99c. Great prices!
Along with these delicious baked goods, there is also coffee available for a buck! They have a fridge with drinks such as milk, soda, Monster energy, and flan! They take orders for Birthday cakes or a cake for any occasion! But available daily are their Magdalena’s, a very delicious small cake (no icing or decoration, just the bread itself) from their country of origin. It is $ 5.99 and absolutely worth it!
**Let me add, on Dia de Los Reyes (a Hispanic religious holiday) my family bought a Rosca from them and it was excellent.
The texture of all the baked goods here is nothing like the bread from big chain supermarkets. I have noticed it is very dry everywhere. Here, you will almost instantly taste a difference. Very soft, very generous sized, quality bread for a very low price!
Service is delightful! Every time I stop by for some goodies, the owner (a very kind Guatemalan man) greets me warmly and even knows me (and my mother) by name. His friendly customer service is also a major reason as to why I keep coming down here for the occasional morning bread and coffee.
Mana bakery brings this part of town quality, authentic Guatemalan and Mexican Pan Dulce, and friendly service. I’m always walking out of here with a smile. Thank you Mana! 5 stars, well earned!

Wow. Super super good. It’s small but the owners have a big heart. Fresh Latin American bread baked freshly all day everyday! Prices are reasonable!