TLDR
Famous for iconic chocolate babka and flaky, award-winning croissants. A must-visit NYC destination for authentic, high-quality Jewish and French-inspired pastries.
Details
Renowned for its iconic chocolate babka and Parisian-quality croissants, this popular bakery is a staple for New York City visitors and locals alike [3], [40]. While many patrons celebrate the bakery's consistent quality across its various locations, others have noted recent concerns regarding value and potential declines in product size and richness [30], [42], [53]. Despite these debates, it remains a highly recommended destination for authentic Jewish and French-inspired pastries [13], [33], [40].
Food Overview
The bakery specializes in Jewish and French-style baked goods, with the chocolate babka frequently cited as a life-changing, must-try item that travels exceptionally well [3], [21], [33]. Other highly regarded items include cheese bread sticks [44], [45], rugelach [34], and croissants [40], though customers have noted mixed experiences with honey cake [19] and chocolate chip cookies [27].
Highlights / Recommended
"The chocolate babka is the most frequently recommended signature item, often noted for being moist and travel-friendly [3], [21], [33]. Other standout recommendations include cheese bread sticks and chocolate almond croissants [40], [44]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •babka(27)
- •chocolate babka(16)
- •chocolate rugelach(5)
- •cinnamon roll(3)
- •rugelach(3)
- •cinnamon babka(3)
- •croissants(2)
- •caprese sandwich(2)
- •chocolate banana bread(2)
Customer Sentiment
Customer feedback is generally highly positive, particularly regarding the bakery's signature babka and croissants [3], [40]. However, some frequent patrons have expressed disappointment in recent years, citing concerns over high prices and perceived declines in product quality compared to other specialty shops [30], [42], [53].
Caveats
Some customers feel the bakery is overpriced, specifically citing high costs for items like babka pizza slices and simple salads [53], [55]. Additionally, those with allergies should be aware that the bakery is not strictly nut-free [38].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About BREADS BAKERY
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Need To Gift Desserts For A Family Friend From
"The bakery's babka is a reliable hit with Asian relatives and offers a good shelf life; a berry variety is suggested for those who prefer fruit over chocolate."
PositiveFrom post: Need To Gift Desserts For A Family Friend From
"An Asian user finds their babka enjoyable because it is not too sweet."
PositiveFrom post: Need To Gift Desserts For A Family Friend From
"The user considers the cinnamon babka to be the best flavor."
PositiveFrom post: Need To Gift Desserts For A Family Friend From
"The user prefers the chocolate rugelach over the babka."
PositiveFrom post: Need To Gift Desserts For A Family Friend From
"The user believes babka is a great choice and suggests a fruit-based option because it is not overly sweet."
PositiveFrom post: In Search Of The Best Morning Bun Or Kouign Amann
"The commenter agrees with the original poster's list, stating that this is one of the top three spots in NYC."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Find The Best Scones In
"The user notes they have good scones."
PositiveFrom post: Decently Priced Lunch Options Around Rockefeller
"Offers good, affordable sandwich options."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Buy Some Bussin Pastries Near
"Highly recommended, specifically for their signature baked item."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Buy Some Bussin Pastries Near
"Mentioned as having a branch near Rockefeller Center."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Buy Some Bussin Pastries Near
"Recommended as a good bakery near Bryant Park."
PositiveFrom post: Which Restaurants Recently Exceeded Your
"This user states that Breads Bakery is excellent every time they visit."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Get Some Sort Of Good Chocolate Bread
"This user asks if Breads Bakery has chocolate babka."
NeutralFrom post: Where Can I Get Some Sort Of Good Chocolate Bread
"The user confirms that Breads Bakery offers 'full chocolate' items, implying non-babka options."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Get Some Sort Of Good Chocolate Bread
"The user asks if Breads Bakery has non-babka chocolate bread options."
NeutralFrom post: Where Can I Get Some Sort Of Good Chocolate Bread
"This user simply recommends Breads Bakery."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Food That Transports Well For 6 Hour Roadtrip
"This user recommended the Nutella babka from Breads Bakery, suggesting it be kept in its bag and then a Tupperware for travel."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Food That Transports Well For 6 Hour Roadtrip
"This user seconded the recommendation for the chocolate babka from Breads Bakery."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Food That Transports Well For 6 Hour Roadtrip
"This user recommended babka from Breads Bakery as a dessert option."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bakery Near Grand Central Station These Days
"Breads Bakery on 6th Ave is recommended."
Positive