There’s something undeniably magical about a cup of coffee — the way its aroma stirs us awake, its warmth cradles our hands and its presence invites us to pause. Only one thing can elevate the coffee experience: a perfectly paired pastry. Here is where to find croissants, pan dulce, donuts and more sweet treats in the Coastal Bend.
Central Kitchen
A delightful part of the Water Street Restaurants lineup, Central Kitchen focuses on great food made from quality ingredients. The local scratch bakery opened to fill the only gap in the Water Street family, breakfast. The talent behind the scenes is evident in artisan breads, elegant pastries and addictive home-baked goods of all kinds.
Go here for: House-made croissants and kouign-aman are no-brainers, but the citrus cronut alone is enough to make this a regular morning pitstop.
Location: 320 Lomax St., Ste. C
Bien Mérité
Confectionary works of art abound at this local French bakery. Executive Chef Marjorie Pettigrove heads up the pastry team which fills its glass cases with the likes of croissant varieties, macarons, eclairs, beignets, tarts, eclairs and more. As the only French-focused eatery in Corpus Christi, Bien Mérité blends tradition with creativity, elevating the art of pastry making in the area.
Go here for: a box of macarons or a decorative and delicious entremet.
Location: 1336 S. Staples St.
La Mexicana Bakery & Tortilla Factory
The perfect spot for homemade tortillas and pan dulce, this local bakery offers an excellent selection of fresh-baked goods daily. Pick up a dozen flour tortillas to complete a delicious meal at home or a box of scratch-made Mexican pastries at breakfast.
Go here for: conchas, empanadas, rosca de reyes, pan de polvo and more.
Location: 6337 SPID
Hester’s Cafe
Hester Rodriguez, Hester’s Cafe’s namesake, has become a beloved name in Corpus Christi’s pastry scene, known for crafting treats that bring both flavor and comfort. From cookies and scones to muffins and cinnamon rolls, her creations satisfy any sweet tooth while offering a perfect pairing for a quick coffee stop to kickstart your day at either of the Hester’s locations.
Go here for: Sweet & savory scones and giant, decadent cheesecake slices to share.
Location: 3812 S. Alameda St. & 1714 S. Alameda St.
Sugarbakers
This neighborhood joint is known for a number of things: a great diner-adjacent breakfast, unbeatable lunch specials and a fabulous pastry case. Its contents are made from scratch with local ingredients when possible, and owner Christan Bernard’s commitment to quality hospitality and service is evident in every bite.
Go here for: The meringue pies.
Location: 2766 Santa Fe St.
Cookie + Crumb Bakeshop
Becoming a baker wasn’t necessarily something Cookie + Crumb owner Katherine Nicholson planned, but rather something that happened to her. In 2007, she began studying at Del Mar Culinary and the French Culinary Institute to make bread at her family’s restaurant, Hamlin Pharmacy. She mastered breadmaking but felt drawn to desserts of all shapes and sizes. Now, at her own bake shop, Nicholson and company offer cookies of all kinds, macarons with fun flavors, brownies and cake pops.
Go here for: Iced cookies, brown butter pecan cookies or the personal cheesecake.
Location: 1220 Airline Road, Unit 140
The Galley Bistro & Bake Shop
Four talented chefs make up the powerhouse team behind this bistro and bakeshop. Chef Adrienne Cardanes, who formerly owned Sweet Chefs, heads up the baked goods portion of the program, and for starters, her biscuits are some of the best in town. The friendly service and quaint atmosphere make you feel right at home. The pastry case’s contents vary depending on the day and the fresh ingredients available.
Go here for: Biscuits and anything from the pastry case.
Location: 924 S. Staples St.
Ninja Mochi Donut Dessert
Have you ever walked into a place where the positive energy instantly elevates your mood? Ninja Mochi Donut is that place. Surrounded by whimsical food murals and colorful menus, Charoenrat “Melissa” Kaewmanorom, owner, operator and head chef, has created a fun atmosphere with a playful vibe. Even more uplifting is the mouth-watering menu of treats that will have you coming back again and again.
Go here for: Mochi donuts in flavors such as chocolate, crumble cookie, nutty butter and strawberry melt in your mouth.
Location: 6181 Saratoga Blvd. #107A
Gates Donuts Shop
A beloved staple in Corpus Christi — when it comes to donuts, no one does it quite like Gates Donuts. Jack Gates opened the shop over 85 years ago and has since passed it down to his grandson, Aaron Gates. The drive/walk up stand is a fixture in the community, and behind its glass windows you’ll find donuts that run the gamut — cake, twisted, glazed, iced, sprinkled. Just make sure you get there before they’re all sold out.
Go here for: cake donuts and mini donuts
Location: 4417 S. Alameda St.
Pretty One Cake Co.
Chef/owner Juliana Besinaiz knows a thing or two about baked goods. She’s a firm believer in pastries being works of art that don’t skimp on the flavor. On the breakfast side of the menu, you’ll find croissants, muffins and scones. The bakery menu delights with macarons, dessert bars and cookies. There is also a full-service coffee bar to help wash things down.
Go here for: any of the dessert bars
Location: 6702 S. Staples St., Suite A
JB’s German Restaurant and Bakery
Juergen and Brigitte Kazenmayer opened JB’s German Bakery and Cafe in 2011 with a mission of bringing traditional German baked goods to the Coastal Bend area. With a focus on homemade goods, you’ll find a variety of breads, rolls and pies.
Go here for: The real star here is strudel.
Location: 4141 S. Staples St., Suite 10
