“ 3 words.... Empanada de Piña One of my favorites but you have to go in early because they run out fast!! ”

“ AMAZING SALVADORIAN BREAKFAST!!! My plate was super delicious. Service was fast even if it was during the busier times. Definitely recommend if you're craving a Latino breakfast. ”

“ The pan con todo y adobado is a fantastic breakfast sandwich. Black beans, eggs, cheese, sour cream and grilled meat in a French roll. Easiest to order in Spanish. They were busy but food is prepared quickly. We did takeout but there are tables available for those dining in. ”

“ Panadería Universal isn't just a bakery; it's like stepping into a slice of my childhood. It all started on 24th and Potrero, where my mom and I would stop by for fresh Champurradas straight out of the oven. Now, with two locations serving the vibrant Hispanic Latino community in San Francisco, it still holds that same welcoming, nostalgic charm. You walk in and are instantly greeted with phenomenal service and a sense of family. The place is always buzzing with laughter, the latest Latin American gossip, and a warm, lively atmosphere that feels like home. It's truly a little piece of Guatemala right here in SF, where you're bound to leave with a smile and a full heart. ”

“ Just happened to stumble in on my way to work and found this hidden gem. This cafeteria style Guatemalan bakery serves a hardy breakfast and other unique drinks that looks freshly made every morning. The ladies are extremely friendly and had no issues ordering what I wanted. Once I paid in front, the food came out immediately, very efficient! My plate comes with my choice of scrambled eggs ( a few styles that I can choose from), a slice of cojita? cheese?, and a hearty serving of beans. I also ordered a rice drink thats not too sweet. Perfect The meal came with a bread roll that by far is my favorite. It brought the whole breakfast together. The bread had a nice crust and pillowy soft inside. It's a bakery after all the serves breakfast and other meals. Would definitely come back again :) ”

“ Loved Universal Bakery! I've missed having the breakfast from Guatemala and Universal is such a fantastic breakfast place. I got a Desayuno Típico which includes eggs, cheese, cream and beans. But if I'm honest what keeps me coming back is their French roll. I love Guatemalan bread because it does tend to be fluffier and more flavorful than other Latin breads. It was soft and pillowy on the outside and had a good bite on the crust. Perfect for stuffing with eggs or just dipping into the beans. ”

“ Good authentic Guatemalan food and pastry. My favorites are the pan con todo, chapinas ( custard filled empanada) and the tamal chapin and of course their black beans, Go give them a try for a tasty experience ”

“ Five stars all around. The food was fresh and flavorful. If you haven't been to Universal Bakery, it's a must. *Local Hidden Gem* ”

“ Stop. And, stare. If people aren't stoppin' and starin' when you walk through the doors...you're going to the wrong places! J/k. Well, kinda. Even when I go to AZN restos, it happens cuz you know how nosy aunties are.... Not even a booger hangin', they'll stop, stare, and whisper *something something*. Universal Bakery has been a staple in the local community for three decades (second location is in Daly City) and I've slept on them because I wrongly assumed they only sold pan dulce (bread). They have an entire menu of Guatemalan breakfast and lunch fare that you do NOT want to miss out on. Walked in, got some stares so I knew I was in the right place! Universal Bakery is open for takeout and dine-in only. No delivery. No outdoor seating. M E N U Array of Guatemalan pan dulce (bread), breakfast, pan con todo, tortas, snacks, tamales, entrees, tostadas, and atole (hot bevs): https://tinyurl.com/2atcmhrc. Cc's accepted. Order at the counter, pay, and your order will be delivered to your table. F O O D * Doblada: Shredded beef, cabbage, grilled onions, salsa, handmade tortilla ($7.75): https://tinyurl.com/y7sm93v4 You've had a quesadilla and you may have had a [Honduran] baleada but have you had a doblada? It's a deep-fried flour tortilla that's stuffed with shredded beef, stewed cabbage, grilled onions, and mild red salsa. It's crunchy, savory, and deeply satisfying. I like that the shredded beef had crispy caramelized edges. While it looks to be a knife and fork situation, they only have plastic utensils so you're going to have use your hands to attack this bad boy...with plenty of napkins on deck. Make sure to ask for a side of their habanero sauce that packs a spicy tang. They're so generous with the shredded beef that one is good enough for a meal...not a "little craving"/snack that the menu indicates. * Pollo en Crema y Loroco: Chicken in cream sauce, herbs, vegetables, rice, choice of tortillas or pan francés ($16.95): https://tinyurl.com/bdfsurb5 They were sold out of the pepián de res (Guatemalan beef stew) and I saw several people eating the pollo en crema so went with this. It did NOT disappoint. Two skinless, bone-in chicken thighs stewed in a savory cream sauce with edible flowers (loroco) served with a side of flavorful arroz (rice) and creamy frijoles (mashed black beans). I choose the pan francés which is freshly baked on the hour. The mini french baguette was lightly crisp with an airy, fluffy softness. Really good for sopping up the cream sauce and frijoles. S E R V I C E Friendly and prompt. Staff spoke minimal English but I got by with my terrible Spanish. The young lady in the hairnet at the front of line preparing all the hot food orders was so sweet! A M B I A N C E Casual with a handful of tables. You'll probably have to share tables with strangers because it's busy during peak hours. P A R K I N G Very challenging street parking but that's the city. Overall, Universal Bakery is an awesome hidden gem serving delicious Guatemalan food. They've been in business for 40 years and with just 120 reviews...it proves longevity has nothing to do with social media, trendy novelties, or hype. ”