TLDR
Iconic, travel-friendly babka and Parisian-quality croissants. A go-to NYC destination for top-tier Jewish and French-style baked goods.
Details
Renowned for its iconic babka and exceptional French-inspired pastries, this bakery has solidified its status as a must-visit destination in New York City [30], [31]. While the chocolate babka is frequently hailed as a 'life changing' treat [47], the bakery also offers a variety of high-quality items including croissants [60], [61], cheese sticks [75], and seasonal specialties like honey cake and hamantaschen [11], [84]. Although some diners have noted a decline in quality or concerns over pricing [36], [92], [94], it remains a staple for locals and visitors alike, with convenient kiosks in popular areas like Bryant Park [23], [49].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on Jewish and French-style pastries, with the chocolate babka serving as the most recommended item [12], [53], [55]. Other favorites include cheese sticks [75], croissants [60], [61], and rugelach [70], while items like the black and white cookie [7] and honey cake [12], [13] have received more mixed or unremarkable reviews.
Highlights / Recommended
"The chocolate and cinnamon babkas are the most frequently recommended items [32], [33], [47], alongside the highly praised cheese bread sticks [75], [76]."
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)
Caveats
Some customers have noted that the pricing can be steep for certain items [12], [92], [94], and it may not be suitable for those with severe nut allergies [80], [81].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About BREADS BAKERY
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: 96th And Broadway To Columbus Circle A Walk With
"Mentioned in a list of food spots."
NeutralFrom post: Bangbang Recommendations For Parents Night Out
"Suggested as part of a bang-bang recommendation."
NeutralFrom 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."
Positive