La Gloria sits at the edge of Mexicantown in Detroit with the Ambassador Bridge just jump, skip and hop away. We used to avoid that area of Mexicantown, as it has the most touristy restaurants, but curiosity brought us to La Gloria's doors some few years ago and we have been returning faithfully ever since. They have the usual assortment of Mexican sweets, but what brings me to them is their flour tortillas and churros.
They have the most delicious flour tortillas I have ever had. Hands down, the best. (You all are welcome to offer your nominations for best flour tortillas available in the Metro Detroit area, and I'll happily try them. I try to keep an open mind.) If you get tortillas at La Gloria, make sure to get theirs as sometimes they also stock other companies tortillas, too.
La Gloria's beautiful cases of baked goods
Like all Mexican bakeries I've visited, they also offer an assortment of American and European-style pastries like cakes and napoleons. On Easter Sunday, La Gloria had chocolate cupcakes decorated chocolate frosting and a squiggle of white frosting, looking so much like a giant version of a Hostess Cupcake, and these delightful bunnies...
La Gloria Bakery
3345 Bagley Ave.
Detroit, MI
(313) 842-5722
Why buy tortillas, even good ones? You can make them as good or better at home. Plus, you can dial in exactly how you like them... lots of shortening for ultra-light, crispy tortillas that are wonderful with nothing more than a pat of butter; use canola oil instead for a more flexible tortilla for burritos or soft tacos. I was raised on my grandmother's tortillas filled with eggs, bacon, and potatoes for breakfast. For me, that is still the pinnacle of comfort food.
Posted by: Dave | April 17, 2005 at 12:54 AM
I've never made tortillas, but I've made parathas, and it probably isn't too different. Do you want to share one of your recipes? (I'm partial to ones that don't use lard, but only because I don't keep lard in my kitchen.)
Posted by: Kitchen Chick | April 18, 2005 at 09:18 PM
La glorias carries the best tamales ,Iever tasted this side of san antonio tejas !!
Posted by: | May 11, 2005 at 06:44 PM
Oh! those bunnies are so beautiful :)
Posted by: Melissa | November 27, 2005 at 02:20 PM
LA GLORIA IS THE BEST BAKERY IN DETROIT I LOVE THERE Churros and tamales i should know my mom works there
Posted by: anthony | July 13, 2007 at 09:38 PM
Their dulce de leche empanadas are THE BEST!!!
Posted by: mariana | October 23, 2007 at 07:08 PM
I love the tamales at La Gloria bakery. I've been going there since the 1970's. I live in Port Huron and gladly travel the distance for their bread, tamales and barbacoa. Mmmm mmmm!! My grandfather use to own "La Paloma" on Bagley. Only the old timers would remember that.
Posted by: Gloria Tenorio Wright | January 24, 2008 at 09:59 AM
I live in NYC but always when i come to Detroit i have to go to La Gloria and get a dozen caramel turnovers... I dream about them day and night... incomparable!
Posted by: Rachel | July 14, 2008 at 11:32 AM