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MR. LEE'S BAKERY

Updated

Phone: (929) 888-4384

Address: 283 WEST 118 STREET 10026

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TLDR

Legendary Harlem bakery famed for its signature crisp, nut-studded rugelach and cozy, decades-old neighborhood charm.

Reddit Sentiment for MR. LEE'S BAKERY(based on 8 Reddit opinions)

75% Positive13% Neutral

Tags

jewish 4bakery 2rugelach 6View All

Neighborhoods

Harlem

Featured Articles

Dedicated reviews and comprehensive features focusing directly on this restaurant.

Lee Lee's Baked Goods
positive

Sonal Shah reviews Lee Lee's Baked Goods, a Harlem bakery famed for its crunchy rugelach, pies, and cookies, highlighting its decades-long neighborhood presence and cozy atmosphere.

Sonal Shah • May 3, 2025
Read More →
Infatuation

Details

A Harlem institution since the 1980s, this bakery is renowned for its exceptional, crisp rugelach that draws visitors from across the city [1]. Founded by Alvin Lee Smalls, the shop serves a variety of classic baked goods including pies and homemade-tasting cookies in a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere [1]. It remains a quintessential neighborhood destination, perfect for picking up treats for the family [2].

Food Overview

The bakery is best known for its rugelach, which features a signature crisp, nutty, and raisin-studded texture [1]. Other highly recommended items include sweet potato, peach, and apple pies, moist carrot muffins, and classic black-and-white cookies [1].

Highlights / Recommended

"The assorted rugelach are the primary recommendation, particularly when served warm [1]. Other notable favorites include the sweet potato pie and the moist carrot muffins [1]."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • •rugelach(4)

Customer Sentiment

Customers consistently praise the quality of the baked goods and the kindness of the owner [3], making it a highly regarded local staple [2]. While almost all feedback is glowing, personal preference occasionally leads some to compare it with other local pastry shops [4].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About MR. LEE'S BAKERY

What to bring the family from NYC?
This post features multiple recommendations to bring these famous pastries home to family members.
Looking for unique dessert spots in NYC with a story?
The author shares their love for the bakery's exceptional rugelach and high-quality baked goods.
Need to gift desserts for a family friend from out of town?
Highly recommended for gift-giving, with mentions of the owner's generosity and kind service.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Need To Gift Desserts For A Family Friend From

"Highly recommended for their rugelach; the owner is very kind and generous."

Positive
Jul 23, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For Unique Dessert Spots In Nyc With

"The commenter loves the baked goods from Lee Lee's in Harlem, especially their exceptional rugelach."

Positive
Jun 25, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Local Spots Pastry Or Nycesque Items Would

"Rugelach from Lee Lee's Baked Goods is recommended."

Positive
Feb 24, 2026View Comment →

From post: What To Bring The Family From Nyc

"This user specifically recommends rugelach from Lee Lee's."

Positive
Nov 24, 2025View Comment →

From post: What To Bring The Family From Nyc

"This user recommends Lee Lee's rugelach in Harlem, mentioning they used to bring them home along with Levain cookies."

Positive
Nov 24, 2025View Comment →

From post: Crunchyhard Cookies Recs

"The commenter has had Lee-Lee's rugelach as they live in Harlem and considers Sweet Chef's rugelach their absolute favorite of the two."

Neutral
Nov 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Crunchyhard Cookies Recs

"Lee-Lee's rugelach is mentioned as an option, though not as crispy as Tate's cookies."

Positive
Nov 13, 2025View Comment →

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