For my money, bakeries are among the most important shops in a neighborhood and the least recognized.
They have something for everyone: savory or sweet; meal-worthy or quick snacks; breakfast, lunch, or dinner; increasingly, gluten-free options for those with gluten intolerance and other digestive ailments.
We asked you, dear readers, to tell us your favorite bakeries in the neighborhood, and you responded, nominating Latin, Italian, American, and vegan bakeries from Bushwick, East Williamsburg, and Ridgewood.
The winner will be taking the title in a downright runaway, but first…
The Runners Up
Bringing home third place is Bushwick Bakery, at 127 Central Ave., with 44 votes. The French-focused spot was opened in 1987 by the team that would go on to open Mominette. They are a little more restaurant than dedicated bakery — their menu includes things like empanadas, pot pies, salads, and smoked turkey — but they boast an assortment of fancy French sweets on hand.
With 54 votes, second place goes to Circo’s Pastry Shop, 312 Knickerbocker Ave. Circo’s is a classic Italian bakery in business since 1945. They’re a do-it-all type of place with cakes for all occasions, Italian pastries such as sfogliatella and cannolis, and well over a dozen varieties of Italian cookies. Circo’s has been owned by the same family, the Pierdipinos, since 1973.
And the Winner is…
According to a whopping 134 Bushwick Daily readers, the best bakery in the neighborhood is L’imprimerie.
L’imprimerie, located at 1524 Myrtle Ave., is among the younger bakeries in Bushwick; French banker-turned-baker, Gus Reckel, opened it only three years ago. Everyday, Reckel churns out croissants, chocolate chip cookies, granolas, curlicue pastries called escargots, and plenty of French breads, like sourdough and the classic baguette. L’imprimerie also serves coffee, espresso, and a limited menu of sandwiches.
Reckel starts baking L’imprimerie’s goods every morning at 4:00 a.m. for the 7:00 a.m. opening. Here’s what he had to say about the news:
“Merci Bushwick! We will be celebrating our 3 years at then end of the month and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our amazing community since day 1,” said Reckel. “We are so grateful to be part of such a diverse and inclusive community with so many fantastic bakeries around. You are all family to us.”
Profile
L’imprimerie
French bakery housed in (and named after) a former print shop. The focus is on crusty breads, but sweet French pastry, coffee, and a lunch menu round things out.
1524 Myrtle Ave, Bushwick (off the Myrtle-Wyckoff stop on the L and M trains)
Mon-Sun: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
+1 929 295-6464
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Cover photo courtesy L’Imprimerie
