La Mascota Bakery

Known for its tamales more than anything else, this Boyle Heights mainstay is our favorite Mexican bakery in the city. The tamales are deserving of their reputation, but they're not the only things worth eating here. Is the taco stand set up out front? If so, order a couple. Featuring fresh tortillas and charcoal-grilled meats, they're an ideal savory prelude for the guava-cream-cheese pastry you'll surely be picking up.