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Top pastel de tres leches in every state



As historians, food experts, and Latinx communities continue to debate the exact origin of pastel de tres leches – and with no definitive answer – there is one thing we can all agree on: It’s delicious.

Pastel de tres leches, as its name reveals, is a moist and delightful cake soaked in three milks: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk (or heavy cream for an extra level of decadence). The cake bread itself varies from a dense, poundcake-like consistency to a light and airy spongecake. Complete with a whipped topping and a medley of fruits and nuts, this “three milk cake” – best served cold – makes for a pleasant summertime (and anytime) treat.

In the US, the tres leches continues to grow in popularity, and some local businesses have conceptualized their own spin on the confection, such as The Salty Donut‘s wildly popular tres leches donut in Miami, along with the tres leches latte from Tribute Coffee in Orange County.

But as much as we are in favor of tres leches anything, in this 50-state roundup, we pay homage to the more traditional pastel de tres leches. ¡A comer pastel! Translation: Let’s eat cake!

Methodology: This is an all-time list of the best tres leches in every state according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the restaurants and food categories with a large concentration of reviews mentioning relevant keywords then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews mentioning those keywords. If a chain appeared on the list more than once, we only included the highest rated location. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of September 4, 2020.

  • Porto's Bakery, photo by Jenni T

Alabama (Birmingham) El Barrio
Alaska (Midtown) Nilda’s Party Creations 
Arizona (Tucson) Dolce Pastello
Arkansas (Rogers) Havana Tropical Grill
California (Burbank) Porto’s Bakery & Café
Colorado (Denver) Cuba Cuba Café & Bar
Connecticut (Ansonia) Crave
Delaware (Rehoboth Beach) Nuevo Taco
Florida (Fort Lauderdale) Café Seville
Georgia (Smyrna) Porch Light Latin Kitchen

  • Con Huevos, photo by Izmene P

Hawaii (Waianae) Coquito’s Latin Cuisine Restaurant
Idaho (Moscow) Sangria Grille
Illinois (Chicago) Jennivee’s Bakery
Indiana (Indianapolis) Livery 
Iowa (Des Moines) Raquel’s Pastry 
Kansas (Wichita) Sabor Latin Bar & Grill
Kentucky (Louisville) Con Huevos
Louisiana (New Orleans) Maïs Arepas
Maine (Bar Harbor) Havana
Maryland (Rockville) La Brasa Latin Cuisine

  • Anna's Mexican Grill, photo by Dawn N

Massachusetts (Somerville) Casa B Tapas and Cocktail & Rum Bar
Michigan (Detroit) Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine
Minnesota (Minneapolis) Chimborazo
Mississippi (Jackson) Babalu
Missouri (Saint Peters) Rosy’s Cakes & Paco’s Tacos
Montana (Whitefish) Mama Blancas Cocina Latina
Nebraska (Lincoln) Pan Dulce Bakery
Nevada (Reno) Anna’s Mexican Grill
New Hampshire (Manchester) Dulces Bakery
New Jersey (Bloomfield) El Matador

  • Bar Bombón, photo by Veronica G

New Mexico (Santa Fe) Pantry Restaurant 
New York (New York) Tres Leches Café
North Carolina (Charlotte) Miro Spanish Grille
North Dakota (Fargo) Tacos Trompo
Ohio (Columbus) Si Señor Peruvian Sandwiches and More
Oklahoma (Oklahoma City) Barrios Fine Mexican Dishes
Oregon (Portland) Pambiche
Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) Bar Bombón
Rhode Island (Providence) Los Andes Restaurant
South Carolina (Sampsonville) Mad Cuban Café

  • Photo by Bocata Latín Grill

South Dakota (Hill City) Maria’s Mexican
Tennessee (Nashville) Panaderia La Conchita
Texas (Houston) El Bolillo Bakery
Utah (Pleasant Grove) Cravings – Alisha’s Cupcakes
Vermont (Woodstock) Melaza Bistro
Virginia
(Richmond) Bocata Latín Grill
Washington (Seattle) Cubes Baking
Washington DC Oyamel
West Virginia (Charleston) The Block
Wisconsin (Milwaukee) La Merenda
Wyoming (Gillette) The Coop

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