La Mejor Bakery

Even in a cutthroat city like San Francisco, some places are still run with love--with the kind of welcoming kindness you'd expect to see in a small village, not a few steps from a BART station. The owner of La Mejor Bakery is generous and thoughtful, once allowing me to come back hours after buying a pastry to pay for it, since I ran out of cash.

One block away is Arizmendi--overpriced, overrated, and perpetually staffed by douchebags. It's a perfect reflection of the New Mission. In La Mejor, the Old Mission lives on.

We loved everything we got here! The custard pastry was my fave but the strawberry jam roll was a close second.

I came here for the pan dulce, and was not disappointed. It's very tasty, and I plan to return when I'm in the area to get some more treats. I believe they only accept cash. Very friendly staff, quick service even on busy days. It was crowded near closing hours, which really is no surprise.

I come here once in a while, and every time I have, the ladies behind the counter are always so friendly and kind. What's more is that despite that there's no prices written, it seems to not be a worry, because I will order multiple pastries and it will be much cheaper than I expected, like 2 big conchas was $3 last time I went. I have ordered multiple cookies and a pastry or two and still was under $5 too.
They only accept cash so that is something to be aware of.

It’s a San Francisco staple — it’s been in the Mission neighborhood for longer than most people in SF. And it has a wide selection of pastries for reasonable prices. Plus, they have so many locals who visit the place everyday. And they help local artists. Check out the photos below.

I hope it stays in business for another 20+ years.

This place is amazing. The owner is wonderful, started the bakery 30 years ago and had great stories to tell. Says it's open from 5am to 10 pm and whenever I make it to SF I plan to eat myself through the menu ,!!?!??!!!

As the name says, this really is the best little bakery. One of the women working behind the counter reminded me of my late grandmother. She was very kind. I was asking what the pig-shaped bread was called and my friend was translating for me. I then jokingly said that I was a sweet pig too and it made her laugh. I asked for a second piece of bread and they told me it was called a worm and I said well hey I am worm coloured. She seemed to be delighted. I really hope she has a wonderful day.

Thank you so much for the free banana bread piece! I don't usually like banana bread but this was so delicious! You really are a fantastic baker. I hope to come back soon before I go back to Canada. Thank you thank you thank you.

Muchas Gracias!

Delicious treats! I can’t wait to try everything. Make sure to bring cash!

I love la mejor so much. Lived by it for a few years. They’re always super welcoming, stocked with tons of fun and variety Mexican pastries, and open very accommodating hours. One of my favorite SF bakeries!!

Great lil spot for pan dulce gotta try all of them ! Awesome Salvadorian chicken tamales. I've had a crush on the morning register girl for years ❤

All kinds of traditional Latin American baked goods tucked away on 24th St not far from the SW BART entrance.
My favorite is the raisin bread pudding. It's really closer to a cake than a pudding but more moist than a cake. It's often kept nearly out of sight at the far right end of the pastry display case, so it's best to ask if they have it that day. Just $2, cash only, for a very large slice, enough for 2 people.

Cash only.
The most genuinely welcoming and warm hearted women work here.
Always treated warmly.
Street parking is limited but this is SF.
The selection is a wide assortment of classic and traditional pan dulce.
Coffee and milk available.
The lady always add a few extra cookies.

One of the few authentic Mexican "panaderia" in SF, baking in the style of Mexico City's pastries. An iconic meeting point for first generation latinos from all over. The perfect coffe place to practice your Spanish and experience the latin culture 😉

cute little bakery ! they were super cheap prices and gave us lots of extras galletitas when we only order 3 things ! si es la mejor

La Mejor is a staple in the mission that I have visited since childhood and now frequent with my children. They are the go to spot for Roscas and Pan de Muertos on holidays(order in advanced for guaranteed sweets) and pan dulce on any ocasión. This bakery has the true spirit of La Misión. I'm so glad they are around! (They only accept cash so go prepared 😉)

I started coming in here because it would smell so good on my way to Bart in the mornings. Now it's one of my favorites bakeries! Friendly staff and top notch pastries.

Such a nice bakery good crowd, excellent service.

Wonderful, personal service and the cookies and breads are AMAZING. I love the pumpkin bread - spicy and mildly sweet! It's hard for me to walk by without getting something "for later".

Really good, fesh pastries. I asked them for a mix of a dozen pastries for work, all were great. I think they gave me a few extra cookies in the box as well. I was so excited that I forgot to take a picture.

The most genuinely welcoming and warm hearted women work here. I always come in for tamales and a cookie when I’m starved. Always treated warmly.