From its unassuming storefront on Alum Rock Avenue, Mexico Bakery unveils a treasure trove of baked goods that will surprise and delight. Stepping inside is like entering a magical space, expanding beyond expectations to showcase a vibrant and diverse array of colors, shapes, and flavors. This San Jose institution is a testament to the rich tradition of Mexican baking, offering an overwhelming bounty of freshly made treats.
The first impression is one of abundance. Every display case is brimming with trays, each meticulously arranged and overflowing with freshly baked desserts and pastries. The long, L-shaped counter presents a tempting selection: doughnuts, turnovers, mini-fruit pies, sliced jelly rolls, and thumbprint cookies, leading the eye towards the vibrant pan dulce. The shorter side of the counter is equally impressive, featuring elaborately decorated cakes perfect for any celebration, alongside sheet cake slices, fruit and custard tarts, more jelly rolls, and glistening gelatina cakes.
Thumbprint cookies at Mexico Bakery.
A Taste of Tradition: Exploring Pan Dulce and More
While Mexico Bakery offers a variety of European-style desserts, the heart of its offering lies in its authentic Mexican pan dulce. With over 25 varieties, there’s a pan dulce to tempt every palate. Among the highlights are the Polvorónes, playfully nicknamed “cookie clown” by co-owner Melchor Landin, these rich tricolor cookies offer a delightful combination of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. The Pink Cuernitos are another must-try, dense crescent rolls with a charming pink hue and a subtle strawberry flavor. For a taste of warmth and spice, the Puerquitos, chewy pig-shaped cookies reminiscent of gingerbread, deliver the deep molasses notes of Mexican brown sugar. Cono con Azucar Glass, pastry cones filled with creamy custard and dusted with powdered sugar, offer a delicate sweetness, and of course, no visit is complete without trying the Conchas. These iconic domed, seashell-shaped cookies are topped with a flavored sugar paste and are a staple in any mexico bakery.
Melchor Landin himself admits a soft spot for the conchas, acknowledging their universal appeal in Mexican bakeries. “My favorite is the conchas,” he shares, “It is not just a favorite for me, but a favorite at any Mexican bakery.”
Melchor Landin showcasing Polvorónes cookies at his Mexico Bakery.
Beyond the Sweet: Savory Selections and Hearty Tortas
While the dazzling array of desserts and cakes might initially capture your attention, Mexico Bakery offers much more than just sweet treats. Breakfast croissants, burritos, and quesadillas are available for a morning bite, but the true savory stars are the tortas. Mexico Bakery boasts a dozen different tortas, served on perfectly thin and crusty rolls. The classic Cubano is a popular choice, alongside other tempting options filled with chicken, pork tenderloin, cheese, ham, egg, or even hot dogs. For a more adventurous palate, the Hawaiian torta with ham and pineapple provides a unique and flavorful experience.
Regular customer Yan Jones raves about the generous portions, “Their tortas could feed a whole family,” he notes, also praising the smoothies, doughnuts, and “sprinkly breads.”
Melchor Landin holding a tray of freshly baked conchas at Mexico Bakery.
A Family Legacy Rooted in Community
The story of Mexico Bakery is deeply intertwined with the Landin family. It began over 45 years ago when Melchor Landin’s father, also named Melchor Landin, brought his family from Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico to Salinas. After working in the fields, he moved to San Jose in 1980 and found work at a Safeway bakery before realizing his dream of opening his own mexico bakery. The first Mexico Bakery opened on Story Road, followed by the Alum Rock location and another on Santa Clara Street.
When the family patriarch passed away in 2020, his legacy was carried on by four of his five sons. They continue to operate the existing locations and are working to expand, honoring his vision with a fourth location planned for Hollister. Melchor Landin Jr. emphasizes the importance of his father’s teachings and recipes, “My father taught me how to make bread and gave me the recipes,” he explains, highlighting the bakery’s commitment to fresh, scratch-made goods, a stark contrast to factory-produced items. For Landin, baking is more than just a business; “The bakery became my passion.”
Customer Yan Jones pointing to his favorite doughnut at Mexico Bakery in San Jose.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mexico Bakery demonstrated its commitment to both its employees and the community. With the help of government loans, they navigated the difficulties without layoffs or closures. Landin proudly recounts their efforts to support their workers and the wider community, “We made sure our workers had food and gave them baskets with rice, beans and other things,” he says. “The little bit we had we shared with them.” They extended their generosity to those who had lost jobs, providing food boxes and simple necessities like bread and coffee, reinforcing their deep connection to their loyal customers and community.
Visit Mexico Bakery:
Connect on Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/Mexicobakery/
Locations:
2811 Story Rd., San Jose, CA 95127
- (408) 272-3838
- Open Daily: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
1560 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose, CA 95116
- (408) 272-0410
- Open Daily: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
87 E Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95113
- (408) 920-2518
- Monday-Saturday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Closed Sunday
