Iris Serrano
Editorial Coordinator/Bucket List Community News
Hello, Bucket Listers! As fall settles in and Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, approaches, we’re taking a look at some traditions that make this holiday so special. Celebrated on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, Día de los Muertos is a time to honor loved ones and welcome their spirit back home.
One traditional food is pan de muerto, or “bread of the dead,” a citrusy bread shaped like bones and dusted with sugar. If you’re looking to try for yourself, we’ve rounded up our recommendations for bakeries where you can find pan de muerto and other delicious baked goods!
1.) Panadería Rosales
We’re starting our recommendations with Panadería Rosales, a family-owned and run bakery that has been open for almost 40 years!
The bakery has become pretty popular in the Highland neighborhood and was actually one of the first Mexican bakeries in Denver. In addition to their famous conchas (sugar-covered bread loaves) and pan de muerto, they’re well known for their fresh sandwiches.
Panadería Rosales, 2636 W 32nd Ave, Denver. HOURS: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day
2.) Panadería El Paisa
This is one of my favorites! My family has been going to this bakery for as long as I can remember. Located in Aurora, El Paisa Bakery offers high-quality pastries and the best cheap coffee in town.
Apart from pastries, they also specialize in making cakes and desserts for any event you have coming up.
Panadería El Paisa, 9541 E Colfax Ave, Aurora. HOURS: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
3.) Kenia’s Bakery
Kenia’s Bakery is one of the newer bakeries in the Denver area, having only opened in 2025, but it’s already become a favorite among locals. Customers keep coming back for everything from pastries to cakes and drinks.
Stop by today and find some spooky Halloween-themed pastries to go with your pan de muerto!
Kenia’s Bakery, 655 S Federal Blvd, Denver. HOURS: 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
4.) Panadería y Taquería Chihuas
If you’re heading to the airport and need some food before a flight, you have to stop by Panadería y Taquería Chihuas.
Choose from dozens of fresh pastry options or fill up on traditional Mexican foods like tacos, enchiladas, tamales and more. No matter what you get, don’t forget to grab some pan de muerto for the road.
Panadería y Taquería Chihuas, 4810 Chambers Rd, Denver. HOURS: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
5.) Panadería Sabor a Mexico
Last but not least, we have Panadería Sabor a Mexico, the only Mexican bakery in all of Boulder. This bakery has awesome prices, an endless amount of pastries to choose from and a popular tres leches cake you need to try.
But there’s more to browse than just baked goods. You can also find piñatas, cooking spices, candy, snacks and other goodies that will give you a little taste of Mexico!
Panaderia Sabor a Mexico, 2839 28th St, Boulder. HOURS: 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Whether you’re looking for pan de muerto or just want to try some delicious pastries, there are many options to explore around the Denver metro area. Satisfy your sweet tooth this week and let us know which bakery you decided to try on our Instagram.
Thank you so much for reading and we will see you here next week!
Do you have a listicle in mind? Any ideas can be sent to irisserrano989@gmail.com. And don’t forget to check out our events calendar on our website to see what else is happening in our area.
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