New York is known for its many delicatessens and bakeries, but locals, especially those who have particular diet restrictions, whether for religious or health reasons, as well as those who want to remember the family bakeries of the "good old days" know there's two which are truly the best of the best.
Baby Cakes
Baby Cakes is a bakery that specializes in foods that are (deep breath) sugar-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free, casein-free, and egg-free. It is also a vegan bakery and one of the best-known kosher bakeries in New York City.
Locals who would otherwise not be able to enjoy anything sweet or made in a way that doesn't involve animals can find exactly what they want or need here. Likewise, those New Yorkers who still abide by the Jewish dietary laws don't have to worry about something being advertised as kosher, but actually containing foods that may be considered non-kosher.
This makes Baby Cakes a very popular bakery. You can find cakes for all occasions, including birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations. Locals know that they can serve Baby Cakes confections without fear of exacerbating someone's allergies or disrespecting one's religious practices and beliefs.
Magnolia Bakery
This shop opened in 1996, but locals will tell you that you'll feel like you've returned to the old days when you could go to a place for a good cup of coffee and something sweet to eat. The bakery is located right in the middle of the famous Greenwich Village, so locals are very familiar with it. Out-of-towners can make it just one of their stops as they shop or tour the Village
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Magnolia Bakery has been family owned since it opened, and just recently change hands (or oven mitts, as the case may be.) The new owners have maintained the same old-fashioned feel, but have expanded into five other locations, for a total of six Magnolia Bakeries. Locals and out-of-towners should have no trouble finding one near them.
