Every now and then, a come across a bakery that really sticks with me. The quality, the vibe, the people, the uniqueness of the products… something about it makes me think, “I am definitely coming back here.”
If you’re looking for something new to try – maybe you need pick up something for a small social event or just want to treat yourself with high-quality goodies – use this guide as a starting point!
Comadre Panaderia
I got a small box of pastries from Comadre Panaderia recently and they will not be my last!
Comadre Panaderia is a women-owned, Mexican American bakery. In Spanish, “Comadre” is a term of endearment and reverence between women. The name just makes me love this bakery even more. Mariela Camacho was named one of 2025’s Best New Chefs by Food & Wine, is now a two time James Beard Foundation semi-finalist, and has been recognized by local and national publications including Eater, Bon Appetit, the NY Times, & TX Monthly.
There aren’t a ton of seats, just a few in the back, so plan on taking your delicious pastries to go with you. Their menu changes frequently, so just pop in and buy whatever happens to look good to you at the time. They also have a full cafe drink menu, with espresso, chocolate drinks, tea, horchata, and more.
Mercado Sin Nombre
I visited Mercado Sin Nombre on a Sunday and the alley was bumpin’! The seating in the alley really blends Mercado Sin Nombre with their community nicely. People walk up, mingle around the outdoor tables and chairs, chat with the baristas, have a snack, and move on with their day. Occasional weekend markets and parties make Mercado Sin Nombre a true east Austin gathering space.
I of course had to get their very popular masa twinkie (delish) and the atole cortado. But they have other stuff on their menu! Biscuit sandwiches, pancakes, biscuits with jam… I’ll be back soon to try more.
Mercado Sin Nombre has been recognized by the Michelin Guide, voted “Best New Cafe” by Eater Austin, and more. They’re making quite a name for themselves and I can see why!
Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop
Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop on South First has been serving sweet treats to Austin since 2008. It was one of the first bakeries I went to when I moved to Austin in 2014 and I continue to go back 12 years later.
I’m a chocolate girl through and through, but I have to admit, their “Beckett” – buttery vanilla pound cake topped with luscious vanilla buttercream – is the best vanilla dessert I’ve ever had. I’ve ordered it in cupcake form and round cake form. We didn’t have a wedding cake, but if we did, it would have been the Beckett.
A bonus for Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop is that they share a space with Sightseer Coffee! Sightseer Coffee is women-owned and they source their beans exclusively from women producers.
The Bougie Foodie
The variety of the menu is what really gets me hyped about The Bougie Foodie. Bri is baking up huge, loaded cookies, cookie bars, bread pudding, pound cake, tiramisu, Rice Krispie bars, brookies, cake slices, and so much more. You seriously can’t go wrong with whatever you choose, it’s all so delicious.
Her cute little shop on South Congress has a few tables, so you can dine in, take it to go, or order on DoorDash for those immediate cravings.
Brown Sugar Bake Shop
If you’re a cookie person, Brown Sugar Bake Shop is the place for you. They’ve got a truck in the Webberville Food Truck Park (along side Desnudo, Veracruz Tacos, and Kerlaches – it’s a pretty stacked little park). Again, you can’t go wrong with whichever cookie you choose, but my recommendation would be either the funfetti or the butter crunch. Their menu rotates, so be sure to check their hotplate regularly to see what they’re baking!
