Thursday, November 7, 2013

Breads Bakery- Union Square

My photo was no good so I am using one from internet

Local place that looks nice

Let us see what Yelper's say

Well, very good reviews , lots of raves

One woman was disappointed because they were out of everything she wanted...especially the babka ( sounds like something from "Seinfeld")

Lots of love for the almond croissants and of course that babka..people say even the rugelach is good here, which is rare, because most rugelach tastes like dry board

Another had heard all these raves and felt let down by reality

Breads Bakery

4.0 star rating
100 reviews Rating Details
Category: Bakeries  [Edit]
18 E 16th St
(between W Union Sq & 5th Ave)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhoods: Union Square, Flatiron
(212) 633-2253
Nearest Transit Station:
14 St. - Union Sq (N, Q, R)
Union Sq - 14 St. (L)
14 St. - Union Sq (4, 5, 6, 6X)
Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 9 pm
Sat 6:30 am - 8 pm
Sun 7:30 am - 8 pm
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street

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100 reviews in English

  • Review from

    Vancouver, Canada
    10/16/2013
    Love their stuff. Selection varies day to day but all of it seems good. Lots of choices. Can be overwhelming.

    And spending over $10 nets you a free loaf of bread (up to $7.50 value which I'd their most expensive loaf).

    Marzipan filled braided loaf with sliced almonds is golden, crispy, crunchy, sweet and addictive. (Bubka?)

    Chocolate twisty-loaf... massively addictive.  Loaded with high quality chocolate.  Friends lucky enough to try some are considering sending me back to NYC to retrieve more.

    Mushroom onion focaccia is awesome. If you need to reheat, a few minutes in a medium pan and then a hot broiler will do the trick.

    Will report back on the north rye loaf and cinnamon raisin twist loaf soon.

    Will go back often when I'm in the city.
    Comment from Sara F. of Breads Bakery 10/17/2013   
    This is all so great to hear, Ben! Thanks for sharing your… More »
  • Review from

    • 1 friend
    • 50 reviews
    New York, NY
    10/9/2013
    I wandered in here and had a taste of the babka.

    Wow.

    Finally a babka that tastes exactly how I always imagined it *should* taste as I've never been 100% happy with anyone else's. I also tried their financiers, marzipan cookies, and chocolate chip cookies. All were excellent except for the chocolate chip cookie. It was a bit large, which is a warning sign, but it tasted minty -- which was NOT what I wanted at that moment. Their breads and other pastries all look like they are worth trying at least once :)

    The cafe also had a solid cappuccino.
  • Review from

    Brooklyn, NY
    10/9/2013 2 photos 1 check-in here
    One fine day, I was walking back to my office when a cheerful employee outside Breads Bakery offered me a piece of cheddar bread.

    Since one of my life rules is: "Never turn down cheddar bread," I gladly accepted. After I'd already popped it into my mouth, the Breads representative said, "You just have to come inside and check out the place now."

    Unfortunately, I was in a hurry and didn't have time to inspect the space. But I promised that Breads Bakery employee that I'd return and justify his gift of delicious, buttery cheddar bread. And since I'm nothing if not a man of my word, you're damn right I went back.

    Now, I love fresh bread. There's very little in this world that's better than a slice of good bread with butter (and maybe some honey and/or salt). And Breads Bakery certainly makes some really, really good bread. Considering its proximity to my office, I was hoping Breads would be my new go-to spot to grab a loaf on the way home. And it would be, if I had a lot more money.

    Unfortunately, $6 is too much for me to pay for a loaf of ciabatta on the regular, and $7.50 is too much even for the loaf of fluffy, delicious challah. I understand that good ingredients cost money, and that Manhattan rent is absurd...but that's a solid 30-40% markup over my already overpriced Brooklyn bakeries.

    So going forward, I'll just have to content myself with the occasional treat from Breads Bakery, and maybe one of those tasty sandwiches every so often.
  • Review from

    • 6 friends
    • 20 reviews
    ASTORIA, NY
    9/29/2013 1 check-in here
    Nutella rugalach!! Amazing.
    its pretty cool place with good food.

    only issue, one restroom for the whole place.
    Comment from Sara F. of Breads Bakery 9/30/2013   
    Thanks for coming in, Ross, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the… More »
  • Review from

    • 13 friends
    • 8 reviews
    Staten Island, NY
    10/19/2013 1 check-in here
    In love with the chocolate babka.
    Comment from Sara F. of Breads Bakery 10/21/2013   
    We're so glad you found love with our babka, Jessica. It… More »
  • Review from

    • 107 friends
    • 228 reviews
    New York, NY
    10/7/2013 1 check-in here
    Went in at 10:30 AM on a Sunday Morning. A croissant was recommended by a friend, so I decided to pick one up from the shelf on the wall, but was disappointed by what I got. The taste was not bad, but for some reason, it just tasted old. Not stale, but like it has been sitting out for a few hours. The outside was no longer crisp and flaky, but soft and floppy. I would expect that a bakery would have hot fresh croissants coming out all day, not just make one batch in the morn and let them sit out. Staff was friendly, and an olive-cheese stick was alright, but the croissant really killed my sunday buzz here. I probably won't be going back with City Bakery -- and their fantastic pretzel croissants -- right around the corner on 19th.
  • Review from

    New York, NY
    9/4/2013 4 photos 2 check-ins here
    Omg the chocolate babka is full of chocolate and its decadent, yummy, gooey and chewy. It was pretty good at $9.95 for the loaf. I can't believe I'm saying this, it could have used a smidgen less chocolate. Soooo chocolate-y. I guess a black coffee would have helped me.

    The day I went to Breads Bakery, there was a deal where if I spent $10 or over I could get one tea bread for $5. I got the carrot cake.

    The carrot cake is also a bit too sweet but with some black coffee it's perfect. It has plenty of walnuts in the carrot cake, awesome.

    Financiers, on the day I visited, located by the counter, were on sale for $3.50 for 8 small pieces. It had black sesame seeds on it. I enjoyed it with...black coffee. Seems like they like to make their products overly sweet. Nothing some black coffee won't fix.

    I also tried some of their multigrain Focaccia is sooooo good. I just can't believe how expensive it is for a tiny little focaccia. $5 is over priced for a little piece. I thought for the size, $2 to $2.50 would be fair given the size. $5 is too much for a tiny piece of bread.

    I also had some samples of their garbanzo bean salad and of their quinoa salad. To me it was a bit bland. Needed more flavor and seasoning. It was certainly fresh.

    All in all, I would go back or see what else is on sale.
    • Yum
    • Chocolate babka
    • Carrot cake (was $5 today with a $10 bakery purchase)oh boy!
    Comment from Sara F. of Breads Bakery 9/5/2013   
    It sounds like you're certainly a fan of enjoying treats… More »
  • Review from

    Las Vegas, NV
    8/18/2013 9 photos 1 check-in here
    Items sampled:

    Canele
    Chocolate Babka
    Cocoa Ruglach
    Almond Croissant

    Located near Union Square and suggested by a friend of Jewish heritage I made my way into Bread's Bakery on a Sunday morning knowing I'd at least sample the signature Chocolate Babka (unfortunately not available in an individual portion but well worth the substantial hype at nearly $10 even if you have to throw some out...and all the more so if you have friends with whom to share,) but little did I know I would also find a truly outstanding Almond Croissant consisting of Marzipan as opposed to Frangipane, and a top notch rugelach that shattered to the tooth, exuding creamy cocoa and a light cinnamon note within.  Overall an excellent bakery with plenty of space and a daunting number of options the only low point of the morning was the canele - the exterior soft and the interior too sweet; on one hand a tremendous disappointment, but on the other just a reason to eat more Babka.
    • Canele, Reuglech, Almond Croissant
    Comment from Sara F. of Breads Bakery 8/19/2013   
    Thank you for the very aptly written review, Michael. Please… More »
  • Review from

    • 79 friends
    • 11 reviews
    Austin, TX
    9/13/2013 1 check-in here
    Just VERY excellent bread. Had a feta/olive loaf and scarfed that thing like carbs were a worry of yesteryear. Their herbal teas were excellent as well. They were quite pricey for no refills, but that's my only negative.

    Great place to get refreshed and to take a breather from that mid-July New York heat.
    Comment from Sara F. of Breads Bakery 9/16/2013   
    We're glad you stopped by to see us over the summer, Jamie.… More »
  • Review from

    • 14 friends
    • 38 reviews
    ASTORIA, NY
    9/12/2013
    Hello Delicious,

    BABKA'S, RUGALA'S, CROISSANTS... OH MY!!

    Find one thing in this bakery that is not delicious. Go ahead, I dare you. I was lost in this world, until i found their  Chocolate Babka. And whats so great, is they have FOOD FOOD there. Their sandwiches are fresh and delicious.  Hate egg salad?? oh so did I.... UNTIL I had Head Chef Uri's egg salad. LITERALLY amazing.
    CHALLAH bread for days! Foccacias that are delicious.

    this is a MUST. MUST. MUST. MUST.
    Comment from Sara F. of Breads Bakery 9/13/2013   
    We're glad our babka has helped you find your way in this… More »
  • Review from

    • 1 friend
    • 16 reviews
    Brooklyn, NY
    Updated - 10/15/2013
    Almond croissants! still warm out of the oven is the best. My fiance got the regular croissant which was a bit chewy and no longer crispy (probably more than 2 hours old), but i was quite satisfied! :D

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 8/22/2013
      Good Bobka and wonderful bread. tarts a little too sweet though. Wonderful staff, too! Too bad it's… Read more »
    Comment from Sara F. of Breads Bakery 8/23/2013   
    Our babka has gained quite a following, Alice, and we're… More »
  • Review from

    • 27 friends
    • 8 reviews
    Toronto, Canada
    10/11/2013
    Great challah, and multi-grain loaf. The babkah was very good, but my nephew has a nut allergy, so I couldn't buy. The person giving out samples should warn about nuts, it was a good thing that I don't have a nut allergy. Maybe also have a nut free zone with stuff that has no nuts. I will be back for more the next time I'm in New York.
    Comment from Sara F. of Breads Bakery 10/14/2013   
    Thanks so much for the great review, Jeremy, and I… More »
  • Review from

    Hewlett, NY
    8/29/2013 5 photos 1 check-in here
    For the love of all things carby, get yourself to Breads Bakery ASAP.

    After hearing only good things about this newish bakery in Union Square, I finally made a pit stop this morning. The second you walk in you are confronted by an army of baked goods...croissants, chocolate babkas, cookies, rugelach., etc. Walk further and you pass the seating area. Head to the back and you find the café portion of the bakery. Here, you can purchase assorted hot foods, sandwiches, and coffee.

    I opted for the frittata sandwich: a baguette (we're talking about a foot long here) topped with an egg frittata, Gouda cheese, lox, tomato, cucumber, and greens. It was so hearty and delicious. It was salty, creamy, and refreshing all at the same time. I must add that the sandwich was pricey at $14.95, but we're talking smoked fish here, not a turkey sandwich. AND I was able to eat it for 2 meals and was fully satisfied each time.

    I got an iced coffee which was perfectly brewed and I stopped myself at the rugelach. As a Jew, I can confidently say that the rugelach are THE best I've ever had. Better than any kosher bakery I've been to.
    Comment from Sara F. of Breads Bakery 8/30/2013   
    "For the love of all things carby." I love that, Michelle!… More »
  • Review from

    • 28 friends
    • 188 reviews
    Cape May Court House, NJ
    10/6/2013
    Delicious delicious delicious. Savory to sweet croissants and pastries that are awesome. Good coffee and nice people. It gets very crowded so we didn't get to eat there yesterday.  There aren't enough tables and chairs to accommodate their high demand.
  • Review from

    New York, NY
    6/22/2013 1 check-in here
    I found this place to be extremely disappointing.  I had heard that the chocolate chip walnut cookies were awesome, so of course I had to stop in and try one.  Unfortunately, my late arrival (10:30 AM!!!!) left a dearth of these choice treats i.e. zilch, zero, nada.  Seriously???  They didn't even have any of the famed chocolate babka either.  Therefore, I was coerced into trying something else.

    Everything I tired was "meh."  The rugalech was fine.  The quiche was kind of gross.  The Toscana was nothing to write home about.

    Maybe I just ate the wrong items.  However, I don't see that as my fault as they didn't have any of their popular items.  Oh well.
  • Review from

    New York, NY
    9/14/2013 3 check-ins here
    If theres any correlation btw quantity consumed and expertise in a food item, I like to think I'm an almond croissant connoisseur, and the almond croissant at breads was mind blowing!! It's the best ice ever had and I still think about it everyday! I tried some of the other stuff at the bakery but just didn't love it as much, almond croissant ftw!!
    Comment from Sara F. of Breads Bakery 9/16/2013   
    It's quite the compliment to make the top of your list, you… More »
  • Review from

    • 63 friends
    • 119 reviews
    West Hollywood, CA
    9/22/2013 1 check-in here
    I've only had take-out here. I had some pound cake that was deliciously moist. Every time I pass this place, I want to go inside because it looks very inviting. Definitely worth a try if you're in the area.
    Comment from Sara F. of Breads Bakery 9/23/2013   
    We hope you do stop in some time to enjoy yourself, James!… More »
  • Review from

    • 3 friends
    • 27 reviews
    Brooklyn, NY
    10/19/2013
    Competent selection of fresh bread. Addictive cheese sticks.
    Comment from Sara F. of Breads Bakery 10/21/2013   
    We agree that those cheese sticks can get you hooked --… More »
  • Review from

    • 66 friends
    • 29 reviews
    New York, NY
    6/4/2013
    Excellent tuna sandwiches. I am the pickest person on earth when it comes to tuna sandwiches... (only because my Mom makes the best tuna sandwiches on earth) and the tuna salad sandwich on a roll ALMOST mirrors my Mom's. It's on a small sesame seed roll but it does the job. The sandwich was fresh, filling and I especially liked the sliced boiled eggs and perfectly sliced cucumber. It was refreshing for the perfect 75 degree day in the city!

    Not only is this place a bakery but it's also a cafe. Bakery-Cafe hypbrid-- if you wanna get fancy. They have this chocolate/nutella spread onto what seems to be a braided croissant roll... needless to say, I stood at the sample counter and sampled the wholedamnthing. It's AMAZING and even better when it's fresh out the oven in the AM. Brought one in for my coworkers and it was an instant hit! I had to go buy two more for the rest of the team.

    I haven't tried everything else but this is my new go-to spot for clients who want something light and fresh for work meetings. I'm glad it's so close to work!
  • Review from

    • 8 friends
    • 284 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    9/4/2013 1 photo 1 check-in here
    They make good artisan breads. Tried the Walnut bread loaf and liked it. The place is spacious for a bakery. Good place to grab a coffee, a pastry and chat with a friend.
    • Walnut bread
    Comment from Sara F. of Breads Bakery 9/5/2013   
    Great choice on the Walnut Bread, Venkata! I'm happy to hear… More »
  • Review from

    • 18 friends
    • 29 reviews
    New York, NY
    9/1/2013 1 check-in here
    Stopped in for a cookie and cappuccino after shopping. They were okay but for some reason I thought it would be a more earth shattering experience. Wouldn't go out of my way to return but it's a less congested alternative to Starbucks.
    Comment from Sara F. of Breads Bakery 9/3/2013   
    Really sorry to hear that you weren't that impressed,… More »
  • Review from

    Queens, NY
    4/27/2013 2 photos 1 check-in here
    At the awakening hour being locked in this punitive prison called life... Breads Bakery provided bread and water to jump start my day.  One apple turnover at $2.75 and one Pain Au Chocolate at $3.25 were fresh and quick eat.  A very good selection of baked goodies and hard to find in NY.  I could care less for artisan breads but I do appreciate good quality freshness.  There are many options which are not an easy food find in NY:  Chocolate Babka, French Baguette, and Festive Challah.

    Service is efficient with professional courtesy.  Price is reasonable for individual items but very steep for whole loaves of bread.  Seating is available but in the interest of time I was unable to do so in a New York minute.

    All in all and all in the bread it was as sweet as honey.
    What's your daily bread?
    Comment from Sara F. of Breads Bakery 4/29/2013   
    Wow, Tina, thank you for the excellently written review! You… More »
  • Review from

    Manhattan, NY
    8/19/2013
    The cheese straws are reason to stop by. They are flaky, buttery and just the perfect amount of cheese..even at room temperature they were delicious. I am pretty sure if I had it fresh from the oven, I would just die and enter bread heaven. I would say these suckers would complement a nice bowl of tomato soup perfectly!
    Comment from Sara F. of Breads Bakery 8/20/2013   
    You're starting to make me hungry too, Eve! Thank you for… More »


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