New Old School at Kay Bakery on Summer Ave.

New Old School at Kay Bakery on Summer Ave.

After a recent breakfast at the Pancake Shop, a bakery across the street caught my eye.

Kay Bakery, Memphis, Tenn.

It looked like an old-school Memphis bakery with a Hispanic twist. It looked so interesting that I had to go in (that, and because I'm a total sucker for baked goods).

As it turns out, I was right. Kay Bakery is a place where the old is colliding with the new. All of the cases have ancient sliding glass doors and some of the white model cakes on the top shelf are yellowing with age. Inside the cases, classic danishes, rolls, cookies and creme horns share shelf space with exotic Mexican pastries. Across the room, international phone cards hang on the wall and bins of plastic cake toppers labeled "Dora the Explorer" and "Grim Reaper" are stacked behind the counter. The cookie case is full of wedding cookies and those fabulous not-too-sweet iced cookies.

Kay Bakery, Memphis, Tenn.

I picked up two empanada-style pastries with apple and strawberry filling, a cookie with sprinkles, and a cinnamon-covered pastry cup filled with apples.

A strawberry-filled pastry from Kay Bakery

The shell of the pastry was super fresh, not too thick, and had just a hint of sweetness. Inside, the hollow pastry had a layer of thick, sweet strawberry jelly lining one side.

All of the pastries that I've tried from Kay Bakery have been incredibly fresh. They're also incredibly inexpensive. My four-pastry haul rang up to $3.50.

Kay Bakery also sells bread, and the items in the bakery cases change daily. When you get there, grab one of the big flat metal trays and a pair of tongs and load up on deliciousness, both familiar and exotic.

Go There:

Kay Bakery / Panaderia Monterrey

667 Avon Road
Memphis, TN 38122

Kay Bakery on Urbanspoon

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marjorie
Kay Bakery is also known for its petit fours, little glazed cakes made especially for bridal or baby showers. They are like little square cupcakes with strangely textured icing. If you are a Memphis bride, you've got to have them at your shower!!
January 26, 2010 2:38pm
pam
They have these little white cookies that will really just melt in your mouth!
August 11, 2010 4:42pm
secret!
Is this place still open????
May 30, 2012 6:51pm
Kerry (Admin)
Yep!
May 31, 2012 9:46am