Tia Maria Panaderia y Pasteleria — Restaurant in Santa Rosa

I stopped by this Mexican bakery and café around 5:30 PM—they close at 6—and was hoping to grab a sweet treat and a cafecito. Unfortunately, I was disappointed to find that the coffee bar was already closed, even though the shop was still open. It would’ve been nice to enjoy a warm drink with my pastry, so that was a bit of a letdown.

On the bright side, parking is easy and convenient—there’s a pebble lot right next to the building, as well as ample street parking. The atmosphere inside is lovely, with music playing and amazing smells wafting from the bakery area. It’s definitely a cozy spot, and I noticed they offer free WiFi, which would make it a nice place to do some computer work or unwind with a pastry earlier in the day.

I ended up picking out an éclair ($7.50). The price felt a little steep, but I have to say the quality was impressive. The chocolate ganache on top was silky smooth, rich, and not grainy—a clear sign it was made well. The crème pâtissière filling had a pleasant vanilla flavor, and the texture was spot-on: stable, smooth, and not separated.

The choux pastry itself had a nice texture on top, though the bottom was a bit soggy, which may be understandable given the time of day. Traditionally, éclairs are filled by piping crème through holes, but I’ve noticed more bakeries—like this one—are now splitting them open to allow for more generous fillings, which I didn’t mind at all.

Overall, despite the coffee bar being closed, this bakery is charming and clearly focused on quality. I’d definitely return—just earlier in the day—to enjoy the full experience with coffee and maybe try a few...

Your bakery was recommended by a friend. I showed up on 5/11/24 right as you had opened. It was nothing like described to me by my friend. The display cases were nearly empty. After waiting in line for 15 minutes with only two people in front of me, the lady at the front counter locked the front door, put up the closed sign and came back and asked how she could help me. I told her that I would like the concha bouquet and she told me she needed two hours notice which I did not see on your website. I then asked for individual Conchas and she said we are only taking cash right now. I understand things happen but you could let your customers know it was cash only before standing in line for 15 minutes. Unfortunately, I had no cash on me and had to leave empty handed along with the two gentlemen behind me without any Conchas...

I love coming here for pan dulce, pastries, and their delicious coffee. The service has usually been very kind and welcoming. Recently, though, my mom had a negative experience. When she spoke Spanish, a staff member replied, “I don’t speak Spanish,” with attitude. It’s fine not to know Spanish, but given the bakery’s Spanish name, website, and cultural focus (Mexican bakery), it’s natural for customers to expect some accommodation. No one expects staff to learn the language, but there’s no need to be rude—customer service should feel welcoming no matter what language someone speaks. I truly enjoy this bakery, and I’d love to keep supporting it, so I hope this was a one-time...