It's on 4 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Address1294 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Breads Bakery is easily one of the best bakeries in Upper East Side (also one of the best bakeries in New York City).
With 6+ locations, the bakery has grown like wildfire mostly thanks to their award-winning chocolate babka (a traditional Jewish pastry made from yeast dough and garnished with cinnamon or chocolate). It’s delicious, you can’t regret ordering an entire loaf to go.
But the chocolate babka isn’t the only thing this Upper East Side bakery has mastered, quite the contrary. Anything you order at Breads is bound to impress, especially the croissants and seasonal delights.
When the Upper East Side (UES) location opened, the owner of the bakery decided to create a special treat exclusive to the UES bakery. The winner? The most unique black-and-white cookie in NYC! Half-croissant, half-traditional cookie, I happily trek a mile for it most Sundays.
There’s a few Breads Bakery locations spread across NYC, but the one in the Upper East Side is the most special. The reason? To celebrate their newest location (at the time), the owner decided to create a special treat exclusive to the UES location. a unique twist on the iconic black-and-white cookie.
Think of it as a mix between a cookie and croissant (that’s the best way I can think to describe it). Flaky and chewy, the texture is very unique. When paired with the sweetness of the sugar glaze, it’s simply perfection. This undoubtedly one of the most popular cookies in New York City (they sell out by noon most days). However, you might get lucky if you show up while a fresh batch is being pulled from the oven.
Breads Bakery is undoubtedly one of the best bakeries in all of New York City. Gaining popularity for their award-winning chocolate babka, their excellence extends beyond the loaf of bread to include uniquely flavorful black and white cookies.
These cookies, featuring a croissant-like texture from laminated dough, boldly redefine tradition. There’s also a surprise chocolate layer that adds a really good touch of sweetness. My only complaint is that this beloved New York City black and white cookie is that it’s only sold at Breads’ Upper East Side location. But trust me when I tell you the trek is worth the treat.
Breads Bakery is my favorite bakery near Central Park, and I (gladly) make the trek into the Upper East Side for the black and white cookies at least once a week. Most famous for babka (voted the best in NYC), this traditional Jewish bakery turns everything to gold.
Seriously, anything you order at Breads is bound to impress, especially the croissants and seasonal delights. Every baked good is executed to perfection, so swing by if you’re in the area!
Further Reading: Need more suggestions? Here are 8+ Satisfying Cafes in the Upper East Side.