Dish & Drink KC: Pan dulce and birria at Westside’s Panaderia de las Americas and Tacos El Gallo

Sweet breads from Panaderia de las Americas. // Photo by Lauren Textor

Panaderia de las Americas

Panaderia de las Americas is tucked into a row of storefronts in the Westside, where it lures in customers through the mouthwatering smells of freshly baked bread. It’s not fancy, but it serves filling and inexpensive treats to-go.

It’s a simple self-serve setup. Metal trays and tongs allow buyers to pluck colorful pastries from the glass cases. Then, you pay at the register, and your goodies are deposited in a paper bag. 

There isn’t room to loiter in Panaderia, especially if there’s a line forming behind you. Grab whatever catches your eye—at $1.29 for los panes and $1.99 for los rellenos, you can afford to experiment. 

The marranitos, Mexican pig-shaped gingerbread, sell out quickly. If those are on your list, then you’ll want to plan ahead. But you’ll find plenty of conchas, elotitos, orejas, and galletas on the shelves. Several items are filled with guava or other tropical fruit, further sweetening them. 

I prefer to dip my pan dulce in my morning coffee. I even occasionally eat one accompanied by a hot chocolate before bed. It’s the perfect time of year to let your hot drink soften your pastry.

Brighten your holiday shopping by bringing a bag of pan dulce along for the trip. Whether you’re shopping for vintage jewelry at Westside Storey or comparing sizes at Madi Apparel, knowing that you have dessert in the car will surely sweeten the deal. 

Panaderia de las Americas is located at 826 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108. 

Birria fries at Tacos El Gallo. // Photo by Lauren Textor

Tacos El Gallo

A mural of two grinning calaveras. Piñatas for all holidays and occasions hanging from the ceiling. Potted aloe plants by the doorway. Paintings of the Last Supper. A chicken statue wearing a Corona t-shirt. 

Tacos El Gallo is a one-stop shop. It’s a grocery, a gift store, and a restaurant rolled into one. You’ve got your rosaries and your $2 Tuesday tostadas. Your beers and your embroidered Virgin Mary baseball caps. Truly, what more could you ask for? 

Birria, marinated meat cooked in a broth, is both trendy and yummy. When I saw a sign posted at the register about Tacos El Gallo’s birria fries ($9.99), I knew I’d be trying them. The crinkle-cuts are topped with pico de gallo, cilantro, melted cheese, and (of course) birria. They’re then served with a side of lime, salsa, and consommé. I’ll admit that I drank two glasses of almond milk after dousing my fries in the salsa. Yes, I am embarrassed. But let that be a lesson to you—if you can’t handle the heat, then keep a coolant on hand. 

Tacos El Gallo is right down from Panaderia de las Americas and on the same strip as many other Latino and Mexican-American businesses. Parking is limited, but it’s worth the walk to explore the colorful buildings, especially if you’re itching to get out of the house with the winter weather. 

Tacos El Gallo is located at 806 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108.