Brazo Gitano Franco

During our visit to Mayagüez Puerto Rico. We stop at Franco to get some brazos gitano. The hotels recommended Franco Bakery, but my last purchase was unacceptable. I bought a brazo gitano and, to my disgust, found fungus growing on it when I opened the box at home. Clearly, this product was old or stored improperly. It’s extremely disappointing to see such poor quality control — food safety should be a top priority in any bakery. It wasn’t one but both the strawberry and the guava flavored rolls a flavored. My intention is to to damage their reputation of these 30+ year store, but make sure You Open them Up Before You Take On The trip Back to continental USA because there’s no way you can change it now.

First time at this place and I was impressed with the variety of sweets they have. Never imagined so many kinds of Brazos Gitanos. And the winner as always the original cream cheese and guava🎊 The quesitos with a cup of coffee are always an explosion of flavor in your mouth.

So I saw what appeared to be a delicious role cake with jelly filling on a television show and decided to have it shipped to me from Puerto Rico to florida. I was going to complain about the cake being kind of dry and definitely not worth the extra cost associated with shipping. Thinking about it, I realized that what could I possibly expect from a cake that was made 5-7 days ago, put in a box, transfered to the post office then placed in a plane, crossed a body of water, then driven to my house. So even with this cake going through that much of an ordeal it wasn't terrible and the filling was nice. I can just imagine how delicious this cake would have been if I visited the bakery on my next trip to Puerto Rico and gotten a fresh one made that day. Unless you pay for next day shipping, I believe it will not be the true representation of what appears to be a delicious Puerto Rican favorite.

Loved going in the pasted. I don't know if it's because it is tuesday but very little options, no coffee to drink. I asked and the guy ignored me. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I bragged to my friends and when we arrived, not what I remembered. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Nice place to stop for locally made items, treats and a meal. There are tables and a diner type counter. Street side parking. This is located in a unique and historic area.

This is one of my favorite place to go because the experience and all the little details they have it's really rich in culture... it's a five stars Worthy

The food was delicious (We had the Special of the day). No wonder it's rated so high. We would buy more,but our suitcase is overpacked 🤣

The best brazo gitano, and the original. Good place por spanish style food, great sandwiches.

A must go! It took me back to great memories. They had a great selection on treats and their specialty Brazo Gitano. For those that don't know... a type of cake roll field with your favorite filling. There is a favorite for everyone. My top pick it's the cream cheese field one. It's so delicious. But wait! There is more :) walk towards the back and you will find fresh made quesitos. I mean, delicious quesitos. It was so good that I did not make it back to the car when I decided to turn back and get another one. Not kidding. The bakery/store has local products. The place it's very clean and well organized. I'm not a coffee drinker, but my sister went crazy for a coffee she saw and have not had it in a while. So it must be good. Definitely a place to stop by if you are around the west coast. I'm sure I'll be back next time I'm in PR.

Food is really good. Pastrami sandwich is great. The wait was long that is why the low review. The place is very clean and the brazo gitano is amazing !

Let's be real, I have NOT been to Puerto Rico yet. However, my buddy at work is from Puerto Rico and he brings us a box of this stuff from time to time. Let me just say that it's a winner. That guava jelly filled tube pound cake is practically the Sara Lee version for the island. It's perfect with a nice cup of coffee in the morning. Remember to refrigerate it especially after you unravel the foil and saran wrap for the first time. To get that nice, soft texture again, try placing it in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. For optimal taste and texture, I wouldn't let it sit around for too many days after you crack it open even if you refrigerate it. It'll start to dry out as each day passes by. I was told there are an abundance of other flavors such as coconut, guava with cheese, pineapple just to name a few. All I know is their guava and honestly, I'm content with it. A box of this delicacy will run you about $6-7 USD. My coworker tells me this shop has stood its ground for decades if not at least a century. Supposedly, their breakfast/lunch sandwiches are one of the best in town. Sandwiches then some pound cake for dessert with a side of café perhaps? ¡Sí, por favor! The Don Enrique Franco shop and food items are truly legendary. If you're ever in town and have a mode of transportation, travel to the west side of town to give this place a shot. I was also told that you can purchase this pound cake at the airport(s). I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't as fresh or if it costs more there. Nevertheless, it's worth bringing back especially to share with the peeps at work. Coronel, muchas gracias señor.

The breakfast was good. I don't eat pork so I would suggest more of a variety with the meats. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The best part was the slice of Brazo Gitano after breakfast... on the house

During a trip last week to the island I drove out to Mayagüez and stopped by this old favorite for what I think was the best Brazo Gitano. Unfortunately all good things most come to an end. I picked up three of these and flew back home next day. Never giving a though to open them since I had bought these so many times before. Well well well to my surprise, the ones I picked were old hard and with mold spores growing under eh cellophane wrapping. At to make things matter worse I gave them out to my office staff without even looking only to have them come back and point out to me that they were disgustingly mold ridden. I called them and they said they would send three news one. Which I was surprised to hear. A week later that has just not happened. And I do not hold up hopes that they will be replaced. Adiós to an old time favorite. Adiós to outdated moldy brazo gitano from franco Update I didn't receive the replacement goods a bit late but resolution was favorable

A great place for a fast, local breakfast or lunch. The coffee is great and you can get a Mallorca con queso, scrambled eggs, or a sandwich. We bought the Brazo Gitano with pineapple and guava and it was delicious. We also had the cream Brazo a different day and it was also very good.

Historically the best place in Mayaguez Puerto Rico for breakfast and lunch. And for launch, you get a free sample of a "brazo gitano" made that day! It is like a pound cake filled with different flavors!!!! Best place for breakfast and lunch , if you are looking for a real traditional puertorican place and it has a lot of history. Sometimes you can spot here puertorican politicians and business executives from major companies. Prices a good and the food is excellent including the service.

Excellent bakery with every flavor of brazo gitano they make. It's a true staple of puertorrican dessert and perfect treat to bring back "home", share with coworkers, etc. they also have all other traditional candies, coconut treats and pasties I grew up with. Excellent cafe con leche too! The locator "pin" on the map is wrong. Address is right. It is about 1 block north of US Customs office/about 3-4 blocks from the beach (west of Carr. 2-not east)

Brazo Gitano means "gypsy's arm". Who cares? This tasty cylindrical cake, which comes in numerous flavors - from cheese to pineapple is DELICIOUS, moist, fruity, and just yum. This place has been around since my mom was a kid - I can't say how many years - but it is a lot.

Best Brazo Gitano in Puerto Rico. Must try the one filled with Guayava. I have been coming here since I was 4 years old and always stop in when I visit Mayaguez.

This is quintessential PR taste, flavor of the island...for me!! If you ever visit PR and return to your home without a taste of this well balanced sweet jelly roll, you have not experienced the fullness of PR. There are others there that have similar tastes, and respected, but Brazo Gitano has its own uniqueness. Thanks and don't forget to pack a few prior to your return home for family and friends!!

The original Brazo Gitano (guava filled cake) dusted with powder sugar and made with real butter, and eggs.....yummmyyyy!!!!!