Panaderia Nuevo Leon

"Panaderia Nuevo Leon has been a Pilsen family-owned favorite for almost 50 years, but the intoxicating smell of freshly baked bread that hits you as soon as you walk by is just the beginning. Stop in and pick up a tray, a set of tongs, and browse the overwhelming selection of Mexican pan dulce, like cocoa-dusted conchas and molasses-y marranitos. If you’re looking for something savory to take home, they also sell a dozen flavors of homemade tortillas like spinach, chile de arbol, and black bean jalapeño." - veda kilaru, john ringor

"Panaderia Nuevo Leon has been a neighborhood favorite for almost 50 years, but the intoxicating smell of freshly baked bread that hits you as soon as you walk by is just the beginning. Stop in and pick up a tray, a set of tongs, and browse the overwhelming selection of pastries to pick out your two or 20 favorites. This family-owned spot carries a wide variety of Mexican pan dulce, and your tray is sure to be full of fresh cookies, conchas, fruit-filled empanadas, and more by the end of your tour around the bakery. If you’re looking for something savory to take home, they also sell a dozen flavors of homemade tortillas like spinach, chile de arbol, and black bean jalapeño." - adrian kane, alyssa reyes, veda kilaru, john ringor

"The authentic Mexican panaderia has been providing sugar highs since 1973. Grab a pair of tongs when you walk through the door (it’s self-serve) and go to town on sugar cookies, butter cookies, shortbreads, and much more. The shop's low prices also mean you’ll be able to try everything without breaking the bank." - Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff

"A popular destination for pan dulce for nearly 50 years, Panadería Nuevo León sells hundreds of pieces of pan de muerto each day. The bakery creates dense, butter-and-anise-flavored round loaves with or without pink sugar. Human shapes are also available. Call ahead. They sell out quickly." - Brenda Storch

"Looking for more than a basic vegan cookie? Me too. This Pilsen bakery offers more than 10 vegan options, many of which are classic pan dulce, or “sweetbreads.” While you may instantly recognize the pastel pink or cocoa-dusted conchas, Nuevo Leon has other classics you should try, starting with the abanico, or fan, made of palotiado, a flaky Mexican pastry. Sweet with a buttery crust, these are perfect for dipping into coffee. Another coffee-friendly treat is the marranito, a molasses “polvorón” or shortbread cookie shaped like a pig. And yes, much like animal crackers, these are still vegan despite their resemblance to the real thing. This cookie is a comforting blend of spicy and sweet, and the top is crackly in the most satisfying way. The cutest part? They mark the cookie with a little “v” so you know it’s vegan-friendly." - cyd seifert