On my recent fleeting visit to New York, I had just enough time to check out what was happening on the bakery scene in the city and sample my way around some old favourites. Below you will find my handpicked selection of the 10 best bakeries in NYC and what each of them specialises in to make over-the-counter ordering a breeze!
The 10 Best Bakeries in New York City
Supermoon Bake House (The Cruffin)
New on the scene and only open a few days before my arrival, the creator of the cruffin (an Aussie himself) has departed Mr Holmes Bakehouse (West Coast) and branched out on his own with Supermoon Bake House in the lower east side. Of course, the speciality is still the croissant-muffin hybrid “the cronut”, but you’ll have to arrive bang on opening time to get your hands on one. If you miss out, the croissants are really good in terms of technique and flavour, but be ready to flake the whole thing all over you. Bonus: the coffee is great thanks to some Aussie baristas.
120 Rivington Street, Lower East Side, New York
Woops! Bakeshop (The Cuteness)
Over in Williamsburg I came across this little gem of a place that I’ll admit, looked better than it tasted. The macarons would taste okay if you’ve never had one before (and therefore don’t know what you’re missing out on), but for the most part, the flavours are pretty mediocre.
548 Driggs Ave, Williamsburg, New York
MILK (The cereal milk soft serve)
If you haven’t tried cereal milk soft serve in your lifetime, I’m telling you now, you’re missing out! MILK is one of my favourite pitstops on a hot summer day, but even in the cold of my recent visit I made it my business to divert via an oldie but a goodie. There are baked goods, too, but you’ll be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t go for the soft serve (with crunch!)
251 E 13th Street, East Village, New York
Dominique Ansel (The Cronut)
Amazingly after so much time has passed, the cronut continues to draw the crowds. Dominique Ansel is where you will find the original (and the best) of these sugary creations, but you’ll have to be prepared to wait in line.
189 Spring Street, Soho, New York
Bouchon Bakery (Thomas Keller)
After reading his bakery book, I was adamant that I had to visit Bouchon Bakery on this trip to New York. While the quality and techniques are really good, I left a little flat after my visit. The decor is a bit tired and lacklustre, but for a takeaway treat this is a great option. Grab a coffee and a croissant to go, before making your way over to Central Park to enjoy your selections.
10 Columbus Circle, Central Park, New York
Breads Bakery (Bread, DUH!)
If you just want gluten and lots of it, head to Breads Bakery. They can do no wrong.
18 E 16th Street, Union Square, New York
Levain Bakery (Cookies)
Although a little out of the way (okay, a lot), the freshly baked cookies at Levain Bakery in the Upper West are totally worth it. Sure, it’s a little hard to justify travelling all that way uptown just for a cookie… but you’ll thank me for it once you get there! Be prepared to wait in line, everyone else has the same idea as you. While you’re there, be sure to drop by Central Park and walk off your cookie coma.
167 W 74th St, Upper West Side, New York
Sweets by Chloe (Vegan treats)
Vegans rejoice, CHLOE is your answer to everything in New York City! This vegan fast food chain has been taking over the city at the speed of light and as someone who loves both dairy and sugar, I was a little sceptical at first. Turns out the flavours are delicious and the food really filling!
185 Bleecker Street, New York
DO Cookie Dough Confections (Cookie Dough)
If you’re anything like me and eat at least half the mixture before putting your cookies in the oven, you’ll love DO cookie dough confections. As the name suggests, they’re serving up cookie dough in ice cream cones. When the novelty wears off, be prepared to deal with a sickly stomach (sharing might be a better option!)
550 LaGuardia Pl, New York
Magnolia Bakery
Touristic as it is, I feel like I would be doing this article a disservice not to include the creators of the cupcake craze: Magnolia’s! Although the hype has died down, the quality of cupcakes have not. My favourite flavour is still the Hummingbird cake with cream cheese frosting: to die for! As far as the best bakeries in New York City go, you can’t skip out on Magnolia Bakery.
401 Bleecker Street, New York
Planning a trip to New York? Check out our guide:
Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.
