TLDR
An essential Lower East Side bakery known for phenomenal potato sauerkraut knishes and creative, high-quality pastries. Arrive early to snag their signature savory and sweet treats before they vanish.
Instagram Posts References
The post features a 'Cornbread Cake Donut with Salted Honey Butter Glaze' from Elbow Bread. The donut appears to be a specialty item, suggesting a unique bakery experience.
The author has been wanting to try the cornbread cake donut from Elbow Bread for years. They describe the donut's texture as perfect: soft, moist, and slightly gritty, characteristic of cornbread cake. The glaze is noted as being pleasantly salty, which complements the sweetness of the corn. Initially, the author found the donut too salty, but after continuing to eat it, they concluded that the sweet and savory combination was wonderful.
Elbow Bread is noted for its Berry Shortcake, presented as a delightful dessert option.
The 'Elbow Dog' is featured, which appears to be a gourmet hot dog served on a bun, topped with a creamy green sauce and other savory elements. This is presented as a unique and appealing take on a classic fast-food item.
Elbow Bread is described as a cute bakery with delicious items. The author specifically recommends the garlic bialy, stating it was perfection and that customers should arrive early as they sell out.
Will Hartman reviews Elbow Bread, a bakery in Chinatown, praising its Jewish American-influenced pastries like the challah honey bun and savory items such as the potato knish.
Details
Located at the intersection of Ludlow and Canal streets, this bakery has become a city favorite for its exceptional Jewish American-influenced pastries and breads [1]. Patrons frequently laud the menu, highlighting the high quality of their danishes, bialys, and sourdough loaves [2]. While the food receives universal acclaim, visitors are advised to arrive early as popular items often sell out [3], [4].
Food Overview
This bakery specializes in Jewish American-inspired baked goods, with the potato sauerkraut knish consistently highlighted as a standout, phenomenal menu item [1], [5], [6]. Other highly recommended items include their garlic bialys, danishes with unique jam combinations, and a variety of savory knots [1], [2], [4], [7]. Customers also praise the sourdough boules and creative doughnut offerings, though the kasha latte has been noted as an unsuccessful combination [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About ELBOW BREAD
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Anywhere To Find A Stuffed Pretzel Sweet Or Savory
"The commenter recommends their soft pretzel as the best, even though it is not stuffed."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Bread Any Kind In Manhattan
"Mentioned as a notable bread maker in the state."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Bread Any Kind In Manhattan
"The user suggests their everyday sourdough loaf."
PositiveFrom post: Delightful Berry Shortcake At Elbow Bread One Of
"The user considers this bakery their favorite in the city."
PositiveFrom post: Delightful Berry Shortcake At Elbow Bread One Of
"The user highlights the honey bun as one of their favorite NYC pastries."
PositiveFrom post: Delightful Berry Shortcake At Elbow Bread One Of
"The user praises the cheese danish for its pastry quality and tangy filling compared to inferior versions found elsewhere."
PositiveFrom post: Delightful Berry Shortcake At Elbow Bread One Of
"The user enjoyed the pastries but had a negative experience with the staff."
NeutralFrom post: Delightful Berry Shortcake At Elbow Bread One Of
"A positive mention of the knish, kolaches, and the turkey clutch sandwich."
PositiveFrom post: Delightful Berry Shortcake At Elbow Bread One Of
"The user is a big fan of the bakery's danishes, though they warned against the kasha latte."
PositiveFrom post: Delightful Berry Shortcake At Elbow Bread One Of
"The user expresses love for the bakery and specifically mentions their sourdough boules."
PositiveFrom post: Delightful Berry Shortcake At Elbow Bread One Of
"This user describes the bakery as an old-school Jewish bakery revival and suggests the bialys are the best item."
PositiveFrom post: Best Buttery Pastry Eg Croissants Scones Quiche
"This user listed the Schmaltz dough knot from Elbow Bakery (likely referring to Elbow Bread) as a recommended item."
PositiveFrom post: Best Buttery Pastry Eg Croissants Scones Quiche
"This user recommended the potato sauerkraut knish from Elbow Bread, describing its creaminess as reminiscent of buttery pastry and praising its phenomenal flavor, though noting it's not overtly buttery."
PositiveFrom post: Which Coffee Shops Have Both Great Coffee And
"This user recommended Elbow Bread."
PositiveFrom post: Whats The Best Berry Dessertpastry In Manhattan
"This commenter had an amazing blueberry sour cream donut at Elbow."
PositiveFrom post: Rhubarb Season 2026
"This commenter mentions an Elbows rhubarb and strawberry donut."
NeutralFrom post: Rhubarb Season 2026
"This commenter saw that Elbow Bakery in the Lower East Side has a rhubarb doughnut that looks incredible and is only available on Saturdays and Sundays."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For A Dish With An Obscene Amount Of
"Elbow Bakery was mentioned for its amazing garlic bialy, similar to the garlic croissant recommendation from Radio Bakery."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Slightly Overpriced Nyc Treat That
"This user compared the danish from Elbow Bread to a memorable rose pistachio croissant from Librae, indicating a high level of satisfaction with Elbow Bread's pastry."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Slightly Overpriced Nyc Treat That
"This user finds the danishes at Elbow Bread to be exceptional, mentioning a specific sheep's milk and Clementine jam one."
Positive