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Local picks in NY

Babka and sourdough

There is a specific comfort in tearing into a fresh loaf of sourdough and following it up with a dense, sweet piece of babka.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
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Bakery space feels homey and welcoming with a family-friendly vibe and thoughtfully curated design. Gluten-free baked goods stand out for their high quality and variety, including sourdough and forbidden rice bread. The atmosphere reflects a strong sense of community care and passion for craft.

Babka comes in cinnamon and Nutella flavors, with a gluten-free option available. The bread has an earthy quality, made with forbidden rice.

Gluten-free sourdough stands out with a chewy and airy texture. Varieties include plain, sweet chili, and cranberry walnut, offering a unique twist on traditional sourdough.

People are saying

"I couldn't tell this amazing food was gluten-free."

"You wouldn't guess this sourdough is gluten-free, vegan, and soy-free."

"You can't even tell this babka is gluten-free; it's so good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is completely gluten free, catering to those with dietary restrictions.

2

You can buy pre-frozen goodies to bake at home, perfect for later enjoyment.

3

The bakery offers completely vegetarian options alongside gluten-free treats.

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Crust Baker image 1

Sourdough bread and dairy babka dominate the menu, with crispy crusts and soft, sticky interiors that draw a loyal crowd. Pickup requires advance reservation, creating a semi-secret vibe with long lines and no walk-in sales. Prices run high, reflecting the kosher specialty and consistent quality.

Babka comes in a dairy cake style and costs around $20. It stands out as a gift-worthy option despite being a bit pricey. Various bread types like olive and seeded also appear alongside the babka.

Sourdough bread here is known for its quality and kosher preparation. Loaves require advance reservation and cost around $15 for seeded sourdough, sliced.

People are saying

"I found the sourdough bread to be the best."

"I thought the babka was the best I had ever tasted."

"The bread here is rare and dependable for what they specialize in."

Good to know

1

The cutoff day to reserve challah is Wednesday for Friday pickup.

2

You must reserve in advance to get challah; walk-ins are not accepted.

3

The bakery is only open specific days of the week.

03
Elbow Bread image 1

Small bakery with rustic wooden accents and bright, airy lighting creates a cozy, friendly atmosphere. No seating inside encourages a grab-and-go experience amid a bustling vibe. Aromas of fresh bread and pastries fill the space, adding to its charm.

Chocolate babka blends coffee and chocolate with a stronger coffee flavor, making it a good match for coffee. It sells out fast, so arriving early is key to get this popular item.

Sourdough bread here has a crispy crust and is exceptionally fluffy inside. The taste is delicate and sour, pairing well with butter or jam, and the black sourdough offers a rich flavor.

People are saying

"You have to try their chocolate babka from the bakery; it sells out fast."

"The sourdough bread has a distinct flavor and character."

"You have to get here early for the chocolate babka; it sells out fast."

Good to know

1

A double pretzel costs $15, while a single pretzel usually costs $7.

2

Expect no line on Friday mornings around 9:45am.

3

The bakery does not start serving pretzels until later in the day.

04
Orwashers Bakery image 1

Artisanal bakery layout with a display case to the left creates a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. The space offers outdoor seating and fills with the aroma of fresh bread. Known for wide variety of baked goods including bagels, babkas, and croissants, it maintains a long-standing reputation for quality.

Chocolate babka stands out with its rich flavor and consistent quality. Sticky Bun Babka earns a reputation for its unique sweetness. Nutella babka offers a milder taste but is less remarkable compared to others.

Sourdough loaves come out incredible and fresh. The bread has a well-made texture and flavor that stands out among other options.

People are saying

"I found the sourdough bread to be one of the best I'd ever tasted."

"I found the sourdough here to be one of the best I had."

"I thought the babkas here were great."

Good to know

1

If you have an online pick-up order, have your confirmation email ready.

2

Customers should expect to wait a long time for their drinks.

3

There is no sitting area in the bakery; it's just take out.

05
Breads Bakery - Upper East Side image 1

Roomy bakery with varied seating options including sofas, high tops, and cushioned chairs creates a cozy atmosphere. Multiple music sources play simultaneously, contributing to a lively but sometimes noisy vibe. Pet-friendly space offers wifi and power outlets, supporting work and relaxation.

Chocolate babka stands out with its rich, decadent flavor and moist texture. Cheesecake babka offers a unique, creamy twist, while chocolate hazelnut babka adds a nutty depth. All babkas here are consistently delicious and well-crafted.

Sourdough bread here has a fantastic crust and a perfect crumb. It tastes exactly how bread should, with a flavor that impresses every time.

People are saying

"I found the pastries here to be fresh, fragrant, and delicious."

"I found the chocolate babka here to be next level."

"You have to try the French sourdough; it's the best in NYC."

Good to know

1

Cash is not accepted at the coffee stand.

2

You need to order while you are in line even if you don’t see what they offer.

3

The prices are on the high side, with croissants costing $5 to $6 each.

06
Librae Bakery image 1

Open kitchen with glass viewing showcases bakers at work, creating a modern, natural decor atmosphere. Space includes indoor and outdoor seating but often feels crowded and competitive for seats. Aromatic scents of za'atar and pistachio fill the air, adding to the sensory experience.

Loomi babka stands out with its fluffy texture and strong lemon flavors that avoid dryness. Lime babka delivers a vibrant citrus punch that leaves a lasting impression.

House sourdough bread stands out with a phenomenal taste and quality. Options include an oat and seed sourdough loaf and a sourdough baguette praised for its crispiness.

People are saying

"I found the pistachio croissant crispy, creamy, and delicious."

"The loomi babka is soft inside with a crispy outside."

"Their house sourdough bread is phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Seating is quite limited if it’s busy, especially during the day.

2

Get here early because the place gets packed.

3

You should avoid the lines by visiting during the week.

07
Breads Bakery - Upper West Side image 1

Modern bakery offers a warm atmosphere with covered outdoor seating and heaters. Chocolate babka is moist and addictive, while apple and black sesame coconut babkas provide unique flavors. Sourdough is fresh with a lovely texture, though some varieties use yeast instead of starter.

Chocolate babka stands out for being moist, not too sweet, and addictive. Apple and black sesame coconut babkas offer unique, delicious variations. The babka is often considered world class and worth buying by the loaf.

Sourdough bread here is often very fresh with a lovely texture. Some varieties, like the French sourdough, use yeast rather than a true sourdough starter, which can be disappointing.

People are saying

"The bakery's almond croissants are buttery, flaky, and so delicious."

"I loved the babka here; it's the best in the city."

"I thought this sourdough was the best I had."

Good to know

1

The bakery doesn't have seating options inside and has few tables outside.

2

If you go at the last hour, the cheesecakes are $5.

3

The price for two cups of tea is $10 plus tax.

08
La Farine Pâtisserie et Café image 1

Bright bakery offers a cozy, Parisian vibe with natural light and comfy seating. Chocolate babka shines with thick swirls and rich flavor. Sourdough impresses with perfect chewiness and pairs well with fresh mozzarella for a simple delight.

Chocolate babka features thick chocolate swirls throughout and looks more appealing than other desserts. It tastes delicious and is a heavenly treat that’s hard to resist.

Sourdough here stands out for its perfect chewiness and authentic French style with olives. The bread pairs well with fresh mozzarella, creating a simple but satisfying sandwich experience.

People are saying

"The pastries here are phenomenal and taste so balanced."

"The sourdough here is heaven, with a crisp crust and soft, stretchy inside."

"The chocolate babka is rich, chocolatey, and one of the best."

Good to know

1

Gloves should be worn when touching food and removed before returning to the register.

2

Expect 8-10 minutes to get your order taken if there's one person ahead.

3

Prices are higher than at Starbucks and other local cafes.

09
Sixteen Mill Bakeshop image 1

Minimalist bakery space offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere with friendly energy. Gluten-free and refined sugar-free baked goods stand out for their quality and inventiveness. Regulars appreciate the gluten-free focus, refined sugar-free products, cozy vibe, and minimalist design.

Chocolate and Cinnamon Babka Muffins offer a buttery, classic flavor with a rich, gluten-filled texture. The chocolate babka stands out as incredibly delicious and satisfying when fresh from the oven.

Seeded sourdough bread offers a rich texture with many seeds. The sourdough ciabatta bread stands out for its intense flavor. Various sourdough items like loaves, scones, and muffins deliver a taste that surpasses regular baked goods.

People are saying

"The gluten free baked goods here have amazing flavor and texture."

"I tried the sourdough focaccia and it was incredible."

"The babka here is soft, flavorful, and perfectly textured."

Good to know

1

All baked goods are gluten-free and refined sugar-free.

2

The bakery offers a variety of vegan options alongside gluten-free items.

3

Payment methods include credit cards and mobile payments.

10
Otway Bakery image 1

Tiny space with limited seating offers freshly fried donuts and unique pastries featuring Middle Eastern spices. Lines form early as many items sell out by mid-morning, creating a fast-moving, bustling atmosphere. Bakery balances neighborhood charm with top-tier baking quality.

Mini and chocolate babkas show good flavor and stunning quality. The babka loaf has less chocolate and is less favored compared to other versions.

Sourdough here has a great crust and a tangy flavor that stands out. The bread feels fresh and well-made every time.

People are saying

"I found the pastries here to be amazing and delicious."

"The mini chocolate babka was really good."

"I found the sesame sourdough to be extremely delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a line on the weekends, but it moves quickly.

2

There is no seating available; it is grab and go.

3

Pastries are priced at $4.5-5.5 and sell out quickly.

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