La Victoria Mexican Bakery, 2937 24th Street @ Alabama, San Francisco
415.642.7120, Map it here.
Mini Park: 24th and York, Map it here.
Parking: Metered parking on 24th St. and street parking in the vicinity.
Neighborhood: La Misión
Many of you know well the child friendly 24th Street of Noe Valley – the one with a playground, many eateries, little stores and sweet shops… Now translate that list into Spanish and on the East of Mission side of this street you will find all of these same diversions, but with a whole lot of Hispanic flair! The streets may have a bit more grit and gum on them, but they are tree lined, full of energy and make for a pleasant stroll as you admire murals and window shop while exposing your child to one of the most interesting, oldest and richest neighborhoods in our diverse town.
Who Me?!
We recommend starting a 24th Street excursion with the famous La Victoria Bakery, a family owned and operated establishment since 1951. They specialize in pan dulce, an authentic Mexican sweet bread treat, not quite as buttery as pastries and much more colorful. The shop is full of character, as is the sidewalk right outside, and may suddenly feel transported to Mexico upon entry. Their extensive menu includes licquados, Mexican milk shakes – a great choice for children as they are made by blending fresh milk with fruit. The sign outside boasts they that serve tamales – a quick and easy lunch to go with some pan dulce – ask for the daily tamale selection when you come in. La Victoria also hosts classroom field trips, where owner Jaime Maldonado, previously a main figure on a local Spanish speaking television show, demonstrates how the ingredients combine to make pan dulce and lets each child decorate his or her own treat to take home. (Call for more information if you are interested in planning a field trip. Usually field trips are geared towards Dia de los Muertos, around Halloween time).
Nice Dragon . . . nice Dragon . . .
After you wipe off your crumbs, get walking and about two and a half blocks east you will find the another colorful sight – the Mini Park (on 24th St. between Bryant and York St.). Detailed artwork makes this gem pop out like a speckled rainbow of glittery sunshine. Recently remodeled, this park is the only place in town we know that allows children full permission to play on gorgeous tiled mosaic artwork!! Yes, the park still has the normal plastic structures, benches and all the fixings, but this playground is a unique setting – the walls surrounding the park are filled with brightly colored murals and the tiled mosaic structures seem to tell you a story. Children can even hit a button in the middle the design, sending spurts of water into the air to thrill them and cool them off in this warmer side of town. For a mini park, you sure get a generous amount of fun!
The East side of 24th Street, with its panaderias, taquerias, coffee and ice cream shops, produce markets and miscellaneous tiendas (selling anything from clothing to discos) do a good job of taking you on a Latin American getaway without ever leaving our town. Play at the park, run some errands, take home a sack of pan dulce or just observe with your child, this Spanish speaking side of 24th Street.
