Post Overview: Best East Village Bakeries
New York City has a big reputation to maintain. The city is known for having the best of the best in all aspects of life. NYC is where the dreamers come to dream, the believers come to live and the big dogs come to play.
So when it comes to the topic of baked goods, you can bet your bottom dollar The Big Apple is home to the best bakeries.
But more specially, in this post we are going to cover the best East Village bakeries. With so many exceptional spots to try in the whole city, it can become overwhelming. By niching down by neighborhood, our team of locals is able to share a much larger list in a more digestible manner.
The best East Village bakeries all have one thing in common, the ability to make you weak in the knees by the mere scent of freshly baked goods. If that doesn’t sound like a version of heaven to you, then I’m afraid this list isn’t meant for you. 😉
Now, I know the real reason you’re here, so I’ll just wrap it up. Without further ado, let’s get right into the best East Village bakeries (and what to order at each!).
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East Village Bakeries
#12. Milk Bar
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you’ve seen a picture of Milk Bar (especially the iconic cookie dough cake) at some point in your life. This spot isn’t one of the most unique bakeries in the East Village, but it’s still one of the best and it deserves the hype.
Okay, so the cereal milk ice cream from MILK is practically world famous at this point. The line is usually very long, but if you come later in the evening, you can almost avoid it altogether.
But let’s be real, it wouldn’t be one of the best East Village bakeries without a line (right?).
Do not miss the famous ice cream here! It’s the perfect mix of sweetness and slight saltiness. Oh, and definitely pick up one slice of the crack pie, I guarantee you’ve never had anything like it before.
Address: 251 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003
#11. Bread Story
Have you ever walked into a place and your mouth instantly starts salivating? Well for me, that place is Bread Story, one of the best East Village bakeries.
Bread Story has been a neighborhood staple and dedicates its purpose to one mission — bringing French baked goods to New Yorkers and explaining the history. The name of this bakery is fitting since the story behind the magic is just as important as the mission.
Chef Yann Ledoux had baked and perfected his skill in multiple different countries before settling in New York City. For eight years he was the head baker of Maison Kayser (a beloved NYC bakery that didn’t survive the pandemic).
Ledoux had a hand in opening over 20 stores in his career but Bread Story is the first shop he is able to show his craft on his own terms. And we are all better for it. This East Village bakery churns out some of the flakiest, doughiest and butteriest (for the sake of time let’s agree these are real words) pastries and baked goods.
Address: 264 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009
#10. Spot Dessert Bar
One of the most innovative East Village bakeries I’ve stumbled upon is Spot Dessert Bar. I feel confident in saying the menu here is unlike anything you’ve ever seen and the flavors can’t be replicated.
Opened in 2009, Spot Dessert Bar takes classic confectionaries and adds a twist, creating some of the best desserts New York City has to offer.
Creative treats like the “Harvest”, are served in a planting pot (I’m talking like a mini terra-cotta pot from Home Depot) and meant to look like a fresh pot of soil with herbs growing. It isn’t until you dig into the pot that you find layers of fresh fruit, cake, whipped cream and Oreo crumbs that resemble dirt.
It’ll be tough picking just one thing to try since this is one of the best East Village bakeries, so come with friends and be prepared to share!
Address: 13 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003
#9. Confectionary!
Confectionary is a bakery that serves all sorts of goodies from assorted boxes of chocolate to full sized cakes. But the best part is, it wasn’t until my third time visiting Confectionary that I realized this East Village bakery was entirely vegan!
The reason it took me so long to realize is because Confectionary offers one of the most extensive menus for a vegan dessert shop.
But what really makes them one of the best East Village bakeries is that they have something called a “Mitzvah Wall”. I know, what is that? Allow me to explain.
Basically how it works is customers can pre-pay for one of the confections and leave a note on the wall for someone else to use. For example I can purchase a cookie for the wall and my note would read “1 free cookie for anyone having a bad day”. Then if you walk in and you’re having a bad day you’re able to take the note off the wall and cash in!
It’s a sweet way to build a community with strangers and to make someone’s day without even realizing it. You’ll find all sorts of notes from silly ones to some that cut a little too deep.
Address: 440 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009
#8. Elisa’s Love Bites
Elisa’s Love Bites is one of the few East Village bakeries that is entirely gluten free. Offering exceptional treats for those with dietary restrictions. Every item on the menu is chock full of flavor and baked to perfection.
The banana bread deserves a shout-out, as does the chocolate cake, which is satisfyingly moist and gives off an intensely rich flavor.
You don’t have to take my word for it. This bakery can stand its own and after one bite you’ll see why we consider it one of the best East Village bakeries.
Address: 441 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009
#7. From Lucie
One of the newest East Village bakeries is From Lucie, but don’t let that fool you into thinking they can’t compete. In fact, it’s quite the contrary!
Owner Lucie, was raised on the French countryside baking cakes with her mother for the BNB the family owned. Using ingredients from the family farm and tapping into those earthy-flavors Lucie was able to create something great.
Interestingly enough, baking wasn’t the path Lucie ventured down until the world went into lock down in 2020. With so much time on her hands, Lucie began creating small cakes and decorating them with whatever flowers and ingredients were at her disposal.
The cakes went viral during the pandemic and allowed Lucie to open a brick and mortar store, thus creating one of the best East Village bakeries to date.
Now having opened her own shop, Lucie infuses flavors she grew up using into her creations and refers to work like an “ever-changing bouquet.” The bakery uses seasonal ingredients and no two cakes are the same.
Address: 263 E 10th St, New York, NY 10009
#6. Petit Chou
Petit Chou is one of those East Village bakeries you constantly find yourself coming back to so you can try “one more thing”.
For starters, the pastries are straight up beautiful. Full of colorful and fresh ingredients, you’ll have a hard time picking just one treat to try. Add to that the fact that the creations here are downright delicious, it’s no wonder why this is one of the best East Village bakeries.
Petit Chou is a French inspired bakery that specializes in “choux pastry” which is the dough used to make eclairs and cream puffs. Everything is baked in house daily and I can’t recommend the croissants or the pistachio eclair enough!
Address: 229 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003
#5. La Cabra
La Cabra’s name translates to “the goat” in Spanish, and after discovering La Cabra has been sourcing and roasting their own coffee since 2013, it’s safe to say they’re well on their way achieving GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) status.
Based out of Denmark, they boast locations in Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. By putting an emphasis on simple, ethically sourced ingredients they’ve managed to grow quickly and I don’t anticipate that’ll change anytime soon.
This East Village bakery is the first U.S. location to open. It has a clean and airy design and is usually sprinkled with locals clicking away on laptops.
Thanks to them serving some of the best coffee and being one of the best East Village bakeries, their popularity isn’t going anywhere but up.
Address: 152 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
#4. Lady Wong Pastry & Cake
This next spot on our list of best East Village bakeries needs no introduction. The quality and flavor of this bakery speaks for itself.
What’s really mind blowing is that this bakery didn’t exist before the pandemic! Quickly rising to fame and receiving a lot of (well deserved) recognition, the treats here are unlike anything you’ve had before.
Lady Wong is made up of a husband and wife team, serving Southeast Asian inspired desserts. Seleste and Mogan hail from Malaysia, and after spending a few years in Singapore, came to New York City where they both cooked for Michelin starred restaurants.
Using all the skills and flavors they gathered over the years, they decided to open up one of the best East Village bakeries.
You can expect to find flavors like pandan, ube and calamansi. I still dream about the the black sesame tart with passionfruit filling. Lines are not uncommon at this popular East Village bakery, but I swear it’s worth the wait.
Address: 332 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003
#3. Veniero’s Pasticceria & Caffe
Veniero’s Pasticceria has been around since 1894, (yes you read that correctly) they truly don’t make East Village bakeries like they used to! This old-school Italian bakery is family-owned and operated, over 120 years later.
What originally started as a pool hall serving espresso and candy, eventually shifted from billiards to baked good (lucky us!).
Using fresh ingredients, this East Village bakery serves every treat under the moon you can think of.
You want a cookie? Veniero’s has you covered. You want a cannoli? Veniero’s has you covered. You want a full sized cake for the party you’re having next week? Guess what, Veniero’s has you covered.
This is one of those East Village bakeries where you get the full New York experience from the moment you walk in. You’ll be forced to choose from what feels like hundreds of tempting options all while feeling like you’re apart of the family.
Address: 342 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003
#2. Smør Bakery
Finding Smør Bakery felt like winning the lottery. That sounds so dramatic, but it truly felt like I’ve found this secret little gem and I didn’t want to share it with anyone.
But alas, I believe we should give credit where credit is due and Smør Bakery deserves a spot on our list of best East Village bakeries.
This Nordic bakery offers a gorgeous assortment of baked goods along with a handful of brunch items that shouldn’t be skipped on.
The cinnamon rolls are some of the best in the game. They’re not the traditional cinnamon roll we’re used to that’s smothered in icing. These are better and perfectly crunchy on the outside only to be greeted with a doughy, air-pocket filled inside.
All the goods are made in house and while you wait in the (inevitable) line, you’ll be able to peak behind the scenes thanks to the glass windows that give us access to the hard work at play.
This is one of the few East Village bakeries I would encourage running towards. Even if that means you have to leave your partner in the dust — trust me they’ll understand.
Address: 437 E 12th St, New York, NY 10009
#1. Librae Bakery
Librae is one of the best East Village bakeries for anyone obsessed with pastries and baked goods.
Serving delectable goodies (the croissant is to die for) and a mean cup of coffee, Librae Bakery checks every box when searching for a place to linger for hours.
Upon entry you’re greeted with the heavenly scent of baked goods and your mouth instantly starts watering just eyeballing the selection of treats. Trying the pistachio rose croissant is non-negotiable!
Fair warning, this East Village bakery is very popular and long lines tend to form. I suggest coming early or on a weekday since things sell out quickly, you want to have a fair chance at a good selection.
Address: 35 Cooper Sq, New York, NY 10003
Bakeries East Village (Post Summary)
- Milk Bar
- Bread Story
- Spot Dessert Bar
- Confectionary!
- Elisa’s Love Bites
- From Lucie
- Petit Chou
- La Cabra
- Lady Wong
- Veniero’s Pasticceria & Caffe
- Smør
- Librae
Map of the Best East Village Bakeries
And there it is my friends! 12 East Village bakeries you can’t miss out on, according to yours truly. Let me know if there’s any you recommend I try – if it’s good enough I’ll add it to the list. 😉
Cheers!
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