The list, in my order
9 I’d go back to. My verdict on every one, and the ones nearby from my other lists.
Fabrique Bakery

- SubwayA, C, E, L to 14 St, 3 min
- Address348 W 14th St, New York, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Fabrique Bakery dishes up some of the best baked goods in Chelsea. Made from scratch daily, these heavenly creations can be smelled from blocks away. Originally from Stockholm, this Swedish bakery has locations in London and New York City, the neighborhood is lucky to have them.
The dense cardamom buns are a must-try. I think of them more like a cross between cinnamon rolls and pull-apart bread, they’re irresistible.
Frenchette Bakery
Located at the Whitney Museum, Frenchette Bakery is a destination in its own right. Baked goods are divided into two types, breakfast pastries like croissants that pair perfectly with coffee and sweet treats like caneles and really good eclairs.
My adviceOrder the chef’s special if they have one. I’ve never been disappointed, and it’s usually the freshest thing coming out of the kitchen that day.
If it’s your first time, I’d.
Alf Bakery

The brainchild of Amadou Ly, veteran pastry chef of several prominent NYC restaurants (including Tribeca’s defunct Arcade Bakery), Alf Bakery had a reputation to live up to long before opening day. Breads, pastries and savory pies, Chef Ly is engrossed with fermentation, exceeding expectations. The laminated brioche is a show stopper and feels like an ideal breakfast indulgence.
You can tell they put thought. I’ve watched this place grow from a quiet neighborhood gem to a genuine destination, and they haven’t lost their touch.
Amy’s Bread

- Address75 9th Ave, New York, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Walk into Amy’s Bread on any weekend morning and you’ll find yourself lost in a sea of locals eager to get their hands on a baked good from this popular Chelsea bakery. The chocolate cake is exceptional, rich, moist, and perfectly airy, the masterpiece is crowned with “chocolate silk” frosting.
If savory baked goods are more your speed, that’s not a problem. Amy’s Bread bakes delicious loaves of bread (on site) as well.
Empire Cake

- Address112 8th Ave, New York, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Empire Cake is conveniently located two blocks from the High Line, one of my favorite parks in New York City. This Chelsea bakery specializes in sweet treats like cupcakes and cakes (the red velvet cupcakes are particularly good).
Another crowd favorite is the gourmet “snack cakes,” which is a creative twist on Twinkies. Snack cakes are available in flavors like lemon and passion fruit. Better still, Empire Cake is one of the best bakeries in Chelsea if you find yourself needing a custom cake for special occasion, the cakes are gorgeous!
Unpopular opinion. Controversial take. Most NYC bakeries are overpriced and underwhelming. These are the exceptions.
Sullivan Street Bakery and Pizza

- Subway2 to Wakefield-241 St, 12 min
- Address236 9th Ave, New York, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Jim Lahey, founder of Sullivan Street Bakery, brought a touch of European artistry to the heart of Chelsea. Having studied art in Europe, he returned to New York City only to find himself in want of artisan bread.
Determined to address the oversight, Lahey took matters into his own hands and founded Sullivan Street Bakery in 1994. Sourcing the finest ingredients, the bakery adheres to time-tested traditional baking methods. From airy loafs to irresistible bombolini (Italian donuts filled with jelly or custard), Lahey’s skill is undeniable.
There’s two bakeries in town, but the Chelsea location is special because it serves pizza Tuesday-Saturday from noon until sold out. The leek and sausage pie is a personal favorite.
Modern Bread and Bakery

- Subway1, 2, 3, F, L, M to 14 St, 2 min
- Address139 W 14th St, New York, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Modern Bread and Bagel is undeniably one of the best gluten free bakeries in Chelsea. They’ve mastered the art of delicious treats and bagels without compromising on taste or texture. With a diverse menu of gluten-free delights, it’s no wonder Modern Bread and Bakery is a favorite haunt for locals with celiac disease.
I love the energy in here, especially on weekday mornings when it’s mostly locals grabbing their usual orders. It’s one of those things that.
Seven Grams Caffe

- Address275 7th Ave, New York, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Seven Grams Cafe is famous for serving warm gooey cookies and excellent espresso. The cafe’s name comes from the belief that a perfect shot of espresso requires exactly 7 grams of coffee grounds. While the Chelsea bakery is not exclusively gluten-free, Seven Grams stands out by offering options for dietary restrictions, including gluten-free and vegan goodies like cookies, scones, and granola bars.
I love the energy in here, especially on weekday mornings when it’s mostly locals grabbing their usual orders. Don’t overlook the most popular item here. It might not be the flashiest thing on the menu, but it’s consistently excellent.
Bourke Street Bakery

- SubwayA, C, E, L to 14 St, 2 min
- Address162 8th Ave, New York, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Bourke Street Bakery hails from Australia, where the bakery’s flagship location opened 15 years ago. Offering an exciting selection of Australian-inspired goods, this Chelsea bakery is best known for award-winning meat pies and sausage rolls. Don’t sleep on the sourdough bread either, it’s my favorite in the city.
