The Union Square bakery behind NYC’s famous chocolate babka
Breads Bakery is an all-day bakery café just off Union Square, and this 16th Street shop is the original — the brand’s first New York home and production hub. It’s best known for its award-winning chocolate babka, repeatedly named a “Best of New York,” alongside rugelach, burekas, croissants and crusty breads baked on-site. Grab a seat at the shared tables and watch the bakers work.
Beyond pastry, there’s a full espresso bar pouring the bakery’s custom Brooklyn-roasted blend, plus sandwiches, salads and cakes for a quick breakfast or lunch. It’s a reliable stop on Greenmarket days and an easy grab-and-go a block from the Union Square subway. The Israeli-influenced menu has earned nods from New York Magazine, the New York Times and French Morning’s baking competitions.
What to Expect
Breads Bakery does not run a happy hour. It’s a bakery and coffee café, open every day from morning through early evening, focused on baked goods, coffee, sandwiches and salads rather than discounted drinks. If you’re after the babka, it’s often best in the morning when the shelves are freshly stocked.
The Room
The Union Square space is a bustling, light-filled bakery café with a long pastry-and-bread display, an espresso bar and communal shared tables. It’s casual and quick-moving rather than a sit-down restaurant, geared to counter service, takeout and delivery. Expect a steady flow of neighborhood regulars, students and Greenmarket shoppers.
Who Breads Bakery Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Morning coffee run | Full espresso bar and fresh pastries steps from Union Square. |
| Babka pickup | The famous chocolate babka is the reason most people come. |
| Casual lunch | Sandwiches, salads and burekas at shared tables. |
| Grab-and-go treat | Rugelach, cookies and cakes packaged for the road. |
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Breads Bakery FAQ
Does Breads Bakery have a happy hour?
No. It’s a daytime bakery and coffee café, not a bar, so there’s no happy hour or drink specials.
What is Breads Bakery known for?
Its award-winning chocolate babka, plus rugelach, burekas, croissants, artisan breads and sandwiches. Union Square is the original NYC location.
What are the hours?
The Union Square bakery is open daily, roughly 7am to 8pm, for breakfast, lunch, coffee and takeout.
What’s the nearest subway?
It’s an easy walk from the 14 St–Union Square station, served by the 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, W and L trains.
Happy hour times and deals last verified June 2026. Details can change — confirm with Breads Bakery before visiting for a specific deal.