The Bakery
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Arthur & Maxine: Av. Portugal, 1 or C/ Huesca, 38. This is actually a French bakery. My friend Chandler demanded I try it to finally get my hands on a real French croissant, and she was right; they're just that good. This is now a regular stop.

Artesian: Gran Via Juan Carlos 1, 4. Known for their "mateitos" which, from what I have gathered, are their specialty super buttery mini chocolate-covered croissants. The teens love them. This café also serves more American-style drinks like a mean chai latte, flavored lattes, frappes, and at least *says* they have acai bowls. 

El Ángel (Portales): Various locations; I frequent C/ Portales, 30. This may be the "fast food" chain of pastry shops here in town, but it's great for a candy craving and I love grabbing a Too Good to Go bag of pastries to throw in the toaster for the week (recommendation from another auxiliar at my school, shoutout to you, Dani!). We agree it's a great way to try pastries you might not normally order! 

Papín: Tr.ª San Juan, 2. When I asked my students at the beginning of the year what their favorite bakery was, this was without doubt the most popular response. Its tagline is "Gastronomía Dulce" and I couldn't describe it better myself--the pastry chefs create and serve their little creations with a whole lot of care. I love bringing friends here to experience it conmigo! Favorites are the carrot bread and chocolate ganache thing, whatever it's called.

Garpesa: Various locations; I like the location at Av. Pérez Galdós, 30. Offers all of the traditional Riojan pastries at a more elevated level. Try the milhojas and the creme-filled cookies!

Aromas y Semillas: Parque de los Picos de Urbión, 4. An adorably comprehensive bakery and café. I could spend hours here. I tried the spiced banana bread, and I will be back for the pancakes.

Veritas Panis: /. Carmen Medrano, 35. A very legitimate panadería serving up deep bread smells and some incredible bread--I like the masa madre and 100% integral loaves to set me up for a week of great dinners.

Ohana Coffee & Pastry: C/ Siete Infantes de Lara, 11. Cozy American-style spot for coffee and pastries to do some laptop work, writing, reading, or enjoy a quiet chat with a friend. 

Deli Pastelería: C/ Portales, 69. Newly opened, they'll do traditional specialty cakes and cookies but also specialize in Argentinian-style sweets like alfajores and milhojas with dulce de leche. The owners are sweethearts.

Café Victoriano Ninette: C/ de la Merced, 4. Beware of the hours, but here you can find an adorable place for a slice of cake, milkshakes, ice cream, and coffees. The owner takes a lot of pride in her shop, and I believe she does menú-type lunches, too, if you need a good spot for comida with a friend ;). It would be possible to work here at a table in the back if you're not planning to take a call.