Discover the Best Baguettes in New York City
New York City is a melting pot of culinary delights, and one of its beloved staples is the baguette. From artisanal bakeries to international chains, the city has a baguette that suits every palate. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top places to find the best baguettes in NYC, including their unique flavors and textures.
Top Recommendations for the Best Baguettes in NYC
Tartine - West Village
For those who appreciate artisanal bread, Tartine in the West Village is a must-visit. Known for its classic French baguette, Tartine’s bread is crusty and flavorful, offering a delightful culinary experience. Its traditional bread-making techniques ensure the perfect balance between crispy crust and tender interior.
Bakeri - Williamsburg
Located in the trendy Williamsburg neighborhood, Bakeri is a cozy bakery with a Scandinavian influence. Their baguettes are renowned for their crusty texture and are a favorite among locals. The bakery offers a cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a warm baguette on a chilly day.
La Parisienne - Upper West Side
A gem for those seeking authentic French pastries and bread, La Parisienne in the Upper West Side is a top choice. Their baguette is often praised by locals for its delightful flavor and texture. The bakery's ambiance is reminiscent of a Parisian café, making it a perfect spot to savor a freshly baked baguette.
Maison Kayser - Multiple Locations
Maison Kayser is a well-known French bakery chain with multiple locations throughout NYC. Their baguettes are meticulously crafted, offering a great balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re in Midtown, Lower East Side, or another area, Maison Kayser is a reliable choice for quality bread.
Amys Bread - Multiple Locations
Known for its diverse range of breads, Amys Bread is a favorite among locals. They offer a fantastic baguette that is both chewy and flavorful. With several locations across the city, it's easy to find one near you to satisfy your baguette cravings.
Breads Bakery - Union Square
Since its founding in the 1980s, Breads Bakery has been a staple in the Union Square area. Famous for its fresh bread and pastries, the bakery offers a lovely baguette that is both crusty and soft. Stop by for a taste and you may find it hard to leave without a baguette in hand.
Visiting a few of these places will give you a good sense of the different styles and flavors available. Each bakery has its unique take on the classic French baguette, making the journey to find your favorite one a delightful experience.
Personal Favorites: A Culinarian’s Perspective
As a Frenchman, my standard for a great baguette is that it should be sturdy when you pick it up, with an irregular pattern and coloration from being baked by a person rather than a machine. The exterior should be brown and crispy, and the inside should be pale-ivory, exuding the scent of flour and yeast. The mie (the white stuff inside) should be chewy but not plasticky, melting in your mouth almost effortlessly.
Eric Kayser and Maison Kayser
Both Eric Kayser and Maison Kayser are top contenders for providing the most authentic baguette experience in NYC. Maison Kayser, with its Parisian roots and several locations in Manhattan, offers a baguette that is the epitome of French bread. It’s my go-to choice, with the perfect crust and a delightfully tender inside. Be prepared to buy more than you expect, as it’s a crowd favorite!
Bien Cuit
Situated in Brooklyn and the West Village, Bien Cuit is renowned for its high-quality baguettes. Before Eric Kayser’s arrival, Bien Cuit was the standard bearer. While Bouley was a close contender, it has since closed. Bien Cuit offers a well-crafted crust and a decent inside, making it a worthy contender for the best baguette in the city.
Bouchon Bakery
While I wasn’t as enthusiastic about the mie, Bouchon Bakery in the East Village excels in crust quality. The bakery’s atmosphere is reminiscent of a Parisian café, adding to its charm and appeal.
Silver Moon Bakery
Located in uptown Manhattan, Silver Moon Bakery is experiencing a renaissance in French cooking. Their baguettes are incredibly fluffy, making them a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. The bakery’s dedication to quality and traditional methods contributes to its popularity.
New Almondine and Balthazar
For sweet-toothed baguette lovers, New Almondine in Brooklyn offers a unique experience. Their baguettes are more like a dessert bread, similar to what we call pain viennois in France. Balthazar, while not a traditional baguette, offers a slightly doughy texture and mild flavor, closer to a sourdough bread. It’s still quite nice and worth a taste.
Le Pain Quotidien
Le Pain Quotidien, although decent, is not a standout. Its offerings are perfect for most days but may not impress as a special event bread. It’s a go-to for reliable quality, but it’s not the most memorable choice.
In conclusion, the best baguette is the one that you enjoy the most. The options in New York City are vast, and each bakery has its unique take on the classic French baguette. It’s worth exploring these places to find your personal favorite. Enjoy your baguette-hunting journey!