Rico Bakery & Cafe

At 6 a.m. every morning, the denizens of Little Havana awaken to the sweet scents that escape from the kitchens of nearby Rico Bakery & Cafe. A local institution for more than 25 years, the charming bakery has earned a dedicated following due to its fresh breads, Cuban and European desserts, and steamy coffee drinks. No item, however, flies off the bakery racks faster than the pastelitos, which come with sweet or savory fillings of coconut, cheese, beef, ham, guava, or piñata candy.