Aztec Bakery

I stopped by at about 5:30 for some Tamales. I had never been to this bakery before. They were out of Tamales. I wanted to be cordial and give them a chance. Out of a mixture of guilt and curiosity I purchased two raisin cookies and two Calabaza Empanadas. Holy smokes! First of all, nobody ever scammed Aztec bakery into using Vegetable Shortening to make their raisin cookie. This was Manteca, baby! Oddly a much healthier fat than hydrogenated vegetable shortening, and a beautiful, fresh as can be cookie with a slight hint of the sheen of egg on top. I felt a little bit sad for the pig and then quickly got over it. The deed was already done. I had purchased the cookie. It was a fabulous cookie. Melting in my mouth. Not overly sweet. Just baked. After I got home I decided to try one of the little Pumpkin hand pies. I'm not going to lie, my absolute favorite Empanadas that I have ever had were savory and made by a Cuban named José. José ran a Cuban Pizza and BBQ joint that everyone in Palo Alto referred to as "Josés cocaine emporium." Not being a coke head myself, I'm not certain that it really was or wasn't a front for blow. All I know for sure was that those empanadas were filled with chicken and cheese and olives and raisins and every kind of goodness. The restaurant was legit about their amazingly good Cuban food! But I digress.. Aztec serves the Mexican and sweet version of Empanadas. Usually I order these at other places, take a bite, and am mildly disappointed because they seem to be soggy and stale or don't have much flavor. Not this Empanada, compadres! This was perfect! Slightly spiced pumpkin. Perfectly fresh and not overly doughy or soft. A light sprinkling of just melted crisp sugar crowned this queen of an empanada. Thank you for introducing me to empanadas as they are meant to be experienced Azteca. Glory to you!

This bakery has been there since I was small and they continue to make some of the best white bread I have tasted. It's a small bakery with not a whole lot of parking but the bread is worth it. They have good doughnuts and cookies also. Along with all the other normal bakery goods that make your Sunday menudo that much better.

Best Bakery in El Paso, probably in the world! Very friendly and the breads are so delicious! Honestly I don't ever want to go to any other bakery or Dunkin or Krispy Kreme... This place will want you wanting more! I went on late Thursday afternoon and my kids and husband want another dozen lol. The doughnuts are big and the best doughnuts I've ever had and the other sweet breads are definitely the best breads I've ever had. So delicious. Great job Aztec Bakery. You put other places to shame. El Paso don't waste your time at any other place just go straight to this place, trust me! It's worth the 30 min drive for me.