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Welcome to Popular Portuguese Bakery of San Jose

At the Popular Portuguese Bakery of San Jose, tradition meets warmth in a cozy family-run establishment. Located at 1636 Alum Rock Ave, this beloved bakery is a haven for authentic Portuguese treats. Patrons rave about the flaky pastéis de nata and fresh bread, prepared with love by the same couple who have delighted locals for years. With their friendly demeanor, they create a welcoming atmosphere where customers feel at home. While cash-only operations may present a slight inconvenience, the delicious pastries, including special malsadas on Thursdays, make every visit worthwhile. Experience the heart of Little Portugal right here in San Jose.

Popular Portuguese Bakery of San Jose: Reviews & Ratings

Tyler S.
Tyler S.

Nicest lady and best pastie del nata make sure to go and buy a lot she could use it!!

Alessandro D.
Alessandro D.

Does not get any more authentic or better than this place. I was born and raised in Little Portugal. I have lived here my whole life. The couple that runs the bakery is the exact same couple as when I was just a kid. There isn't a single thing in this bakery that is not absolute perfection! I love that Sra. has not turned into a bakery Nazi! LOL. You would think after so many years she would be cranky and mean. Nope. She is lovely. Smiles, laughs, engages with all the customers. I literally can not say enough about this place. When I walk in, I am home.

Susana M.
Susana M.

I've been here multiple times, the bread is always fresh, the employees are kind and easy to talk to. It's a small family shop, not a place to stay and hangout but perfect for dropping by and getting fresh baked Portuguese goods. I'll always return!

Michael Y.
Michael Y.

Adorable little Portugese bakery. Mary, the owner is super friendly and helpful. Many cool pastries here, all delicious. They have malsadas on Thursdays.

Nohemy C.
Nohemy C.

I went in today to pick up dinner rolls and desserts for an early Thanksgiving with my family. Parking is awkward in their lot so people tend to park at the Beauty Supply which threatens to tow you and charges for parking. CASH ONLY and NO ATM so with $13, I was only able to buy the dinner rolls. Most of my family liked them but some felt they were not soft enough. I thought they were soft but hardy enough to withstand food like bbq and gravy. They definitely smelled fresh and at $4.25 per dozen, you can't beat that for fresh bread. I know it is easier to handle cash only for a mom n pop, but it definitely isn't millennial friendly because we don't carry cash. Nonetheless, I plan to go back and try the pastries!

Jennifer D.
Jennifer D.

My mission is to find the best pastel de nata in the Bay Area, and this is where I have found it. I could eat a dozen of their nada's due to the crispy and flavor of the custard with hints of lemon. Best around!!! This little mom and pop bakery is ran by the sweetest couple who are from the Azores. The other desserts at this bakery are beautiful and very tasty. If you need to bring a nice dessert for any party, I would recommend stopping here first to see how beautiful their pastries and cakes are.

Katrina V.
Katrina V.

I was in the area and decided to stop by Popular Bakery after reading many positive reviews about their Portuguese egg tarts (Pasteis de Nata). I'm a huge fan them and haven't had them in years, so I popped in the small bakery. Parking can be confusing, since there's no street parking. I parked in the lot right next to the bakery. The signage around was intimidating and made it seem like I could get my car towed. I made the trip very quick. I came in around 11am on a Saturday morning. The place wasn't busy, but there was a steady stream of customers. As I came in, someone was heading out. When I was ready to leave, customers strolled in. Customer service was excellent. The server that morning was so friendly and welcoming, and she walked me through all the desserts that were on display. There was no way that I was going to go home with just Pasteis de Nata. I ended up trying one of almost everything including an orange tart, milk tart, almond tart, chocolate rum ball, and a cinnamon tart. I absolutely loved everything I tried. The crust on the Pasteis de Nata was so flaky, and I enjoyed the sweet egg custard inside. The milk tart had a nice mild flavor. Wasn't as sweet as the Pasteis de Nata. The orange and cinnamon tarts were bursting with flavor, and I just loved the almond tart. It reminded me of marzipan, and the texture was so gooey.

Phil I.
Phil I.

Located in an area known as Little Portugal is this small bakery shop been in business for 37 years and run by an elderly Portuguese couple so polite and attentive been here a few times always greeted wlth a friendly smile and would sample a few treats a nice gesture. Their Portuguese sweet breads are a real winner along with pastel del nata or commonly known as egg tarts for a $1.50 and meringue cookies for .60 cents only wished they extend their hours longer and they are closed on Monday and Sunday. They do have a customer parking on the right side and in the back lot. Definitely my go-to for freshly baked Portuguese bread, rolls and custard tarts.

Ben T.
Ben T.

I really enjoyed this little bakery. Run by a sweet Portuguese couple, they were great to us. She even complimented me on my ability to pronounce the baked goods and talked to us about Portugal, as she learned we had visited in the not-so-far past. We got Pasteis de Nata, and they were solid. The texture was just spot on. Were they a Pasteis de Belem or Manteigaria level pasteis? I'd probably put these a tier below, but they were quite delicious! They had a little taste at the end that was different from those two Lisbon powerhouses, I think it was a bit of vanilla/sweetness. They were quite good, and I wouldn't hesitate to order again when feeling a need for those delicious Portuguese treats. We also got Portuguese sweet breads, and I ate those up. They were great! I really enjoyed this little bakery, and I'll definitely be back. They also accept credit card, which is nice.

Location

Welcome to the Popular Portuguese Bakery of San Jose, a beloved gem located at 1636 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116. This quaint establishment captures the essence of Portuguese baking, where every pastry tells a story and every loaf is crafted with care. Renowned for its authentic flavors and warm atmosphere, this bakery is more than just a place to grab a quick bite—it's a nostalgic nod to home for many.

Entering the bakery, you are greeted by the delightful aroma of freshly baked goods that waft through the air. It's no wonder customers rave about their experience here. From the famous pastéis de nata—a must-try treat loved by locals—to an assortment of savory breads and pastries, each item is a testament to the couple who has dedicated their lives to preserving these traditional recipes. One customer, Alessandro D., shares, "There isn't a single thing in this bakery that is not absolute perfection! When I walk in, I am home."

The bakery not only offers a wide range of options, including many vegetarian choices, but also provides convenient amenities such as takeout and delivery, making it easy to enjoy their delights from the comfort of your own home. The bakery is wallet-friendly too, accepting credit cards and Apple Pay, and while they operate on a cash-only basis, the prices for fresh baked goods are unbeatable—like the dinner rolls at just $4.25 per dozen.

  • Location: 1636 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116
  • Telephone: (408) 258-2800
  • Recommended Pastries: Pastéis de nata, breads, and malassadas (available on Thursdays)
  • Amenities: Offers takeout, delivery, street and bike parking, many vegetarian options

While the bakery is more of a stop-and-go shop than a sit-down cafe, its charming atmosphere is enhanced by the owner, Mary, whose friendly demeanor makes customers feel like part of the family. As one reviewer noted, "Mary is super friendly and helpful," which adds to the inviting feel that keeps people returning for more delights.

As you explore the offerings at the Popular Portuguese Bakery, allow yourself to savor the rich flavors and the love that goes into each baked good. This is an experience that transcends mere consumption; it’s about embracing the warmth and tradition of Portuguese culture, all in one delightful visit.