Great place to come for breakfast, tamales, pastries and especially the bread rolls. Prices are very reasonable, food comes out quick and it's usually packed with people eating breakfast and other things. I am a big fan of the breakfast sandwich with plaintains, eggs, beans, cheese and crema and usually get some bread rolls to take home to make my own sandwiches. Parking can be a bit tricky in the area but I have found that it is usually fairly easy to find a spot on one or the side roads as opposed to on mission itself. Staff seem friendly. Majority of customers seem to be Latin which is always a good sign for a place like this. read more

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Just happened to stumble in on my way to work and found this hidden gem. This cafeteria style Guatemalan bakery serves a hardy breakfast and other unique drinks that looks freshly made every morning. The ladies are extremely friendly and had no issues ordering what I wanted. Once I paid in front, the food came out immediately, very efficient! My plate comes with my choice of scrambled eggs ( a few styles that I can choose from), a slice of cojita? cheese?, and a hearty serving of beans. I also ordered a rice drink thats not too sweet. Perfect The meal came with a bread roll that by far is my favorite. It brought the whole breakfast together. The bread had a nice crust and pillowy soft inside. It's a bakery after all the serves breakfast and other meals. Would definitely come back again :) read more

Universal Bakery - Desayuno de tipico - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Stop. And, stare. If people aren't stoppin' and starin' when you walk through the doors...you're going to the wrong places! J/k. Well, kinda. Even when I go to AZN restos, it happens cuz you know how nosy aunties are.... Not even a booger hangin', they'll stop, stare, and whisper *something something*. Universal Bakery has been a staple in the local community for three decades (second location is in Daly City) and I've slept on them because I wrongly assumed they only sold pan dulce (bread). They have an entire menu of Guatemalan breakfast and lunch fare that you do NOT want to miss out on. Walked in, got some stares so I knew I was in the right place! Universal Bakery is open for takeout and dine-in only. No delivery. No outdoor seating. M E N U Array of Guatemalan pan dulce (bread), breakfast, pan con todo, tortas, snacks, tamales, entrees, tostadas, and atole (hot bevs): https://tinyurl.com/2atcmhrc. Cc's accepted. Order at the counter, pay, and your order will be delivered to your table. F O O D * Doblada: Shredded beef, cabbage, grilled onions, salsa, handmade tortilla ($7.75): https://tinyurl.com/y7sm93v4 You've had a quesadilla and you may have had a [Honduran] baleada but have you had a doblada? It's a deep-fried flour tortilla that's stuffed with shredded beef, stewed cabbage, grilled onions, and mild red salsa. It's crunchy, savory, and deeply satisfying. I like that the shredded beef had crispy caramelized edges. While it looks to be a knife and fork situation, they only have plastic utensils so you're going to have use your hands to attack this bad boy...with plenty of napkins on deck. Make sure to ask for a side of their habanero sauce that packs a spicy tang. They're so generous with the shredded beef that one is good enough for a meal...not a "little craving"/snack that the menu indicates. * Pollo en Crema y Loroco: Chicken in cream sauce, herbs, vegetables, rice, choice of tortillas or pan francés ($16.95): https://tinyurl.com/bdfsurb5 They were sold out of the pepián de res (Guatemalan beef stew) and I saw several people eating the pollo en crema so went with this. It did NOT disappoint. Two skinless, bone-in chicken thighs stewed in a savory cream sauce with edible flowers (loroco) served with a side of flavorful arroz (rice) and creamy frijoles (mashed black beans). I choose the pan francés which is freshly baked on the hour. The mini french baguette was lightly crisp with an airy, fluffy softness. Really good for sopping up the cream sauce and frijoles. S E R V I C E Friendly and prompt. Staff spoke minimal English but I got by with my terrible Spanish. The young lady in the hairnet at the front of line preparing all the hot food orders was so sweet! A M B I A N C E Casual with a handful of tables. You'll probably have to share tables with strangers because it's busy during peak hours. P A R K I N G Very challenging street parking but that's the city. Overall, Universal Bakery is an awesome hidden gem serving delicious Guatemalan food. They've been in business for 40 years and with just 120 reviews...it proves longevity has nothing to do with social media, trendy novelties, or hype. read more

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Good authentic Guatemalan food and pastry. My favorites are the pan con todo, chapinas ( custard filled empanada) and the tamal chapin and of course their black beans, Go give them a try for a tasty experience read more

Really yummy breakfasts!! I would swing by after an overnight shift of work to grab a quick bite to eat after a long night. The food and customer service has always been on par! Thankful for a local diverse food cafe in the neighborhood! Stop on by when you get the chance. the vibe is great! read more

Five stars all around. The food was fresh and flavorful. If you haven't been to Universal Bakery, it's a must. *Local Hidden Gem* read more

Universal Bakery - Carne asada with over easy eggs - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

AMAZING SALVADORIAN BREAKFAST!!! My plate was super delicious. Service was fast even if it was during the busier times. Definitely recommend if you're craving a Latino breakfast. read more

Universal Bakery - El Universal, Desayuno de Platanos y Atole de Elote - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

The pan con todo y adobado is a fantastic breakfast sandwich. Black beans, eggs, cheese, sour cream and grilled meat in a French roll. Easiest to order in Spanish. They were busy but food is prepared quickly. We did takeout but there are tables available for those dining in. read more

Universal Bakery - Pan con todo y adobado - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Loved Universal Bakery! I've missed having the breakfast from Guatemala and Universal is such a fantastic breakfast place. I got a Desayuno Típico which includes eggs, cheese, cream and beans. But if I'm honest what keeps me coming back is their French roll. I love Guatemalan bread because it does tend to be fluffier and more flavorful than other Latin breads. It was soft and pillowy on the outside and had a good bite on the crust. Perfect for stuffing with eggs or just dipping into the beans. read more

Universal Bakery - Desayuno Típico - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Craving a breakfast sandwich and was feeling like trying something new. Universal Bakery hit the spot! I was welcomed with wonderful service and recommendations since I probably looked a little lost. I had the Pan Con Todo Y Platano. The soft roll had beans, eggs, cheese, and fried plantains. Now, I love fries plantains, but I hadn't had them in a sandwich. It was delicious! Since I love spicy food, I was offered their habanero sauce, and it was so good. I'm not dying after it, but I'm pretty sure it's because the sweetness of the plantains helped. Might die if I didn't get plantains. But so worth it! read more

Universal Bakery - Pan con Todo y Platano - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Ordered Pan con Todo y Platano, and a couple of sweets; two pastries and small quesadilla (not what you think it is) Sandwich was not at all what I expected. The roll is soft and surprisingly could stand up to the fillings. The sweetness of the platanos complemented the rest of the ingredients. Add their sauce for a little spice and it's perfect. I can't wait to try the other Pan con Todo! Quesadilla was also muy delisioso! It's like a pound cake with cheese and a texture that reminds me of kouign aman. Crusty outer with soft delicate center. I haven't tried the other two pastries I bought so can't report on it but definitely try the sandwich and quesadilla! To top it off customer service was excellent. Super friendly and helpful. read more

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Neighborhood gem! The breakfast sandwiches are excellent. There are several different variations to try. They all come on pillowy-soft bolillo rolls that are baked continuously throughout the day. I'm never here late enough to have lunch, but the options look tempting. Everything is consistently fresh. The selections in the pastry display case seem to change periodically. If you see the pineapple empanadas, you better grab a few. Flaky crust, filling isn't too sweet, just right. Brush up on your Spanish. I've only once been helped by someone who spoke English. It's not a problem for me, but others may find some difficulty. Well worth the extra effort on your part! read more

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Demasiado frío por las mañanas, no se siente acogedor sentarse a desayunar ahí. La comida está bien. read more

Universal Bakery - Pan con Todo - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

The tables available for seating were not cleaned, there were crumbs on the seats and the floor was dirty. Seems like they are too busy for cleanliness. The prices have gone up and the portions have gone down. read more

3 words.... Empanada de Piña One of my favorites but you have to go in early because they run out fast!! read more

Sometimes you just need a torta that hits and this place makes them with runny beans, soft squishy bread, soft eggs, cheese and proteins that are made fresh. While not exactly a deal price wise, everything you get here is fresh and assembled well with prompt service. They've got a solid selection of tortas to choose from plus some platters that look really good. I got a carne asada torta and while it presented big it wasn't super heavy. read more

Universal Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Wow! We popped in for breakfast sandwiches this morning and were impressed! Great food, friendly service, and a Covid-safe environment. My husband and I both got the "Pan Con Todo with Longaniza" - it was delicious! The Longaniza, a spiced Guatemalan sausage, is excellent. Be sure to get the hot sauce on the side, too. The service was friendly and we appreciated that social distancing and masking was being prioritized. The prices were quite reasonable. We look forward to returning. read more

Plantains have never really played a role in my life. But I was reading a review from Christine D. who suggested I might be missing out on something. So I stopped by for a Pan Con Todo Y Platano. She was right. It was eye opening. Literally, in the sense that it was early in the morning and I needed something to give me the energy to be awake. And figuratively, because I realized that I need to open up some space in my life for the delight that is a plantain. The sandwich was really, really good. Fresh baked soft roll with eggs, beans, a delicious firm cheese I did not recognize but now love, and those yummy plantains. They also offer to add onions and peppers to the eggs. I was expecting a round roll but it's actually a longer shape, more like a small sub roll. What really sticks out about the food though is how fresh it is. Clearly the bread was freshly baked that morning and the eggs were prepared to order. All the ingredients worked well together. Such a nice way to start the day... Even early in the morning, the place was crowded, but they had plenty of people working and the manager was fun to watch. High energy, super friendly, and managed the chaos in a way that was respectful to his employees and the customers. The entire experience was really impressive. It's easy to understand why this place has become so popular. I only wish they offered pre-order for pickup. But it's not a big deal. The line moves quickly. Looking forward to returning soon... read more

Had a yummy breakfast torta that skyler and I picked up on our way out of the city on a weekend 8 want to come back for a full breakfast

Service was great! Food was good, a little oily. I ordered a sort of taco and it had meat and lettuce in it. The sauce was a little spicy, but it was so good. To drink, I ordered a small champurrado. It didn't have a lot of flavor and there was chunks of maza in the drink. I would definitely come back! (: they have so many items on their menu I would love to try more. read more

Universal Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

The food and bread here are really good!! And the prices here are unmatched! The guatemalan sweet breads are such a steal! So is the sandwich "Pan con todo". I've been going every morning for the past week so that i can try every sweet bread! Haha! Sometimes i ask the lady what a sweet bread is called. i hope im not annoying her! NOTE: this place is very popular in the mornings and lunchtime. there is always a line! but it goes pretty fast. :) read more

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Very delicious Pan con todo I recommend it- very nice service Friendly. Parking little hard - but it's San Francisco so I'm used to to it read more

Mannnnnn this place hits the spot!!! I loveeee coming here. Always buy my households bread here. Theres always a line and they run out of bread fast but generally they have more baking if you are willing to wait. The service is nice and the people are very kind. Yummy authentic food cooked just like my mom used to make it :) read more

Still our favorite Guatemalan food spot in the Bay. Always friendly, foods always tasty, portions a perfect, and since they're always busy you know the food is fresh. read more

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Well worth the wait in line! I've been here a few times and usually get the scrambled eggs with chorizo, but today I mixed it up and got the pan con todo with plantains. SO GOOD, holy cow. It is a perfect blend of sweet and savory and it will fill you up. For my drink I also mixed it up and got atol de elote, which is a hot drink with corn and cinnamon. It's so tasty, like a more filling horchata but with a slight corn taste. Universal Bakery is incredible, and I always make a point to stop there when I'm on that side of the city. read more

I was curious about this family-run Guatemalan bakery cafe when I passed by on the 14 and then later noticed how enthusiastic the reviews have been for what looked like a hole-in-the-wall. It's not much on decor, but there's no denying the popularity of this spot in the morning. In fact, it took me a couple of failed attempts before I felt comfortable enough to peruse the menu on the wall during an uncharacteristically slow period late in the morning. All the dishes are in Spanish, but the descriptions underneath are gratefully in English. The only items I recognized on the menu were the Chile Relleno and Chow Mein. Chow Mein? Guatemalan-style, whatever that means. I decided to try the $9.95 Huevos Estilo Salvadoreno, which consisted of a couple of eggs scrambled with bits of tomato, onion, and bell pepper accompanied by perfectly puréed black beans, a wedge of queso fresco, and a dollop of sour cream (photo: http://bit.ly/2QsBEhS). It was really delicious with the eggs particularly fluffy, but what surprised me even more were the extra items I received free of charge, There was the soft, freshly baked roll and the cup of rich coffee that came with my breakfast soon after I sat down (photo: http://bit.ly/2D1Pq8G). The formica tables are set up communal style probably to accommodate the big families that come in here. The woman who served me couldn't have been nicer, and now I feel confident to order without having to apologize for not being bilingual. The baked goods in the display case looked most alluring as any good panaderia should, though they don't focus on the sugary confections here. I'm sure I'll weaken and get a bunch of carbs next time. FOOD - 4 stars...exceptional breakfast plates here with nice extras AMBIANCE - 3 stars...very much a lunch room with no frills SERVICE - 4 stars...I was treated very well since I was clearly a Universal virgin TOTAL - 4 stars...mi familia, si? RELATED - Looking for breakfast? Here are the local places I've tried and reviewed: bit.ly/2At2LFz read more

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Quick bite. Panes con todo are really filled up and super quick. Platanos and queso are not skimped out on in the bolio. Hot sauce has some habanero flavoring in it. Tried some other items just were too oily for my taste. Tortilla just had too much of a oil taste. Just a quick spot to get quick food or Breakfast. I'll go back to try more items. Did ask for some recommendations but I think I was told to try some breakfast plates. I saw everyone ordering these small tamales tho. I think I'll have to go back and try some more stuff tho soon. read more

Great place for breakfast. Family, Casual venue. Check out the bakery section. Yes, I recommend this place. Service is friendly.

If you go there for breakfast expect a line. Be patient, the food is worth it. I'm a creature of habit, I order the same thing each and every time. The #6, scrambled eggs with chorizo, beans, queso, a roll, hot sauce, and it comes with coffee. I also add a side of fried plantains. Delicious! read more

Pan con todo I add chicken. There is no better breakfast sandwich in the City I have been looking for years! read more

Universal Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Food especially pastries are fresh and much time has been given per menu option to make sure it tastes great. Staff here is quick and experienced too. read more

Good Guatemalan food and bread! Moving from LA to The Bay Area, I was skeptical of finding a good Guatemalan bakery/restaurant like back home. But this place definitely hits home and the staff are so friendly. Food was great and everything tastes fresh. Definitely coming back here anytime I get homesick. read more

Universal Bakery - Desayuno con longaniza, desayuno con chorizo, plátanos a lado - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Good food, pricy but good. The flavor is on point and it's different from your regular breakfast places.

Omg I'm getting one maybe three today. It's been a year and I can't find anything like this place in the east bay. My coworker/ friend brought me here and I've been in love for the last 4 years. The beans, the plantains, the pan con todo!!! I can't say how much I love it here. This is why you need to have friends from different backgrounds and cultures. I love my whole life and never knew pan con todo was thing until my friend hooked me up. I should be mad at her because I crave this place all the time but I'm kinda far unless I'm going t to work in SF. However today is our day to get food from here ! Can't wait! Love love love this place read more

Really great authentic Guatemalan food!! The breakfast plate is always the best with the lovely bread

4 stars for the bread which baked fresh daily. Their food is 3 stars. I used to come here when they made the food fresh, now everything is prepared in batches and served. Universal, please go back with making the food fresh from skillet to plate. read more

The bakery is quite spacious, and was relatively busy on a Friday around noon. I stopped by for a quick bite to eat, and ordered one of the sandwiches (pan con todo y salchica) and a concha bread. Both were delicious. The French roll was super soft and and the concha bread tasted a bit like a pineapple bun but breadier 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 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

The best Guatemalan bakery by far!! I've checkout a few other bakeries in the Bay Area and they do not compare! They have yummy breads, cookies and sweet breads. You can even dine in or order to go dishes from breakfast to dinner. All very yummy! My son and I love the breakfasts! Coffee and sweet bread or a champurrada (cookie) so so good! Ok my mouth is watering right now for some deliciousness! Drop by! You won't be disappointed!! read more