Alla's Bakery

Introduction / Overview

For over six decades, Allan's Bakery has stood as a cornerstone of the community, representing not just a place to buy bread, but a vibrant piece of Brooklyn, New York's cultural and culinary history. As a third-generation family-owned and operated Caribbean bakery, Allan's has perfected the art of West Indian baking, supplying generations of locals with the authentic tastes of the islands. This is the place you visit for truly foundational Caribbean staples that are difficult to find made with such genuine tradition anywhere else.

Allan's Bakery is celebrated for its commitment to quality and consistency, producing essential items like their legendary Hardo Bread and their highly sought-after Rolls. These baked goods are more than just food; they are an integral part of weekly tradition for many families in the area and a source of deep local pride. The bakery’s reputation is so strong that on weekends and holidays, dedicated customers often line up well before opening time, eager to secure their favorite fresh-baked goods right out of the oven.

While the menu is deep with traditional sweet and savory items, the bakery's identity is firmly rooted in its authentic Caribbean specialties. From the distinct texture of their unsliced Whole Wheat Hardo Bread to the sweet, spiced flavor of the Cross Bun and the flaky goodness of the Codfish Patty, Allan’s offers a comprehensive taste of Caribbean baking. It’s a dedicated Takeaway spot designed for a quick visit, catering to the fast pace of city life while delivering a comforting taste of home. Whether you're a lifelong Brooklyn resident or someone new to the area looking for an authentic experience, Allan's Bakery provides a friendly, professional, and reliably delicious service.

Location and Accessibility

Allan's Bakery maintains its iconic presence in two prominent locations in New York City, solidifying its status as a widely accessible and essential local business. The primary, longstanding location is deeply embedded in the Little Caribbean neighborhood of Brooklyn, while a second location serves the Lower East Side in Manhattan.

Brooklyn Location (Little Caribbean)

The Brooklyn shop is the heart of the operation and is easily accessible for residents across the borough.

Manhattan Location (Lower East Side)

The Manhattan outpost extends the bakery’s reach, making its sought-after goods available to a broader audience in a bustling, central neighborhood.

The general operating hours for the Brooklyn location are:

Tuesday - Saturday: 7:30 am - 8:00 pm

Sunday: 7:30 am - 6:30 pm

Monday: Closed (Open for Delivery Only)

The general operating hours for the Manhattan location are:

Tuesday - Saturday: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm

Sunday: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm

Monday: Closed

Accessibility is a key focus for serving the community. The facilities offer wheelchair-accessible car parking, which is an important convenience in a highly dense urban environment. For patrons planning their visit, be aware that the bakery is known for its incredible popularity, especially on Sundays and holidays, where arriving early is recommended to avoid longer queues. The service model is primarily Takeaway, ensuring a focus on quick, efficient transactions.

Services Offered

Allan's Bakery specializes in a focused selection of traditional Caribbean baked goods and quick-service items, providing an authentic taste experience. The services and product categories available include:

• Specialty Breads: Baking and selling traditional Hardo Bread and Whole Wheat Hardo Bread, both typically sold unsliced to maintain their integrity and freshness.
• Iconic Rolls and Buns: Offering famous Currant Rolls (a popular vegan option) and Coconut Rolls, available in customizable styles: Ends and Middles, Only Ends, or Only Middles, catering to specific texture preferences.
• Sweet Buns: Producing seasonal and year-round favorites like the Cross Bun and the Cinnamon Bun, perfect for snacking or breakfast.
• Coconut Pastries: A variety of coconut-based baked items, including the dense, flavorful Coconut Drop and the classic Coconut Turnovers (Salara).
• Savory Bites and Sandwiches: Serving quick and satisfying savory options such as the traditional Codfish Patty and the hearty Bake and Codfish Sandwich.
• Takeaway Service: The core service model focuses on efficient takeaway, making it perfect for customers needing a quick visit to grab their goods on the go.
• Nationwide Shipping: Providing a vital service for former locals or those outside the NYC area, allowing customers to Shop Now for Nationwide Shipping of their favorite items.

Features / Highlights

Allan's Bakery is distinguished by several unique features that highlight its long-standing commitment to culture, community, and quality baking in the Brooklyn and Manhattan areas.

• Over 60 Years of Heritage: Operating as a third-generation family-owned business for over six decades, Allan's is a true institution and a symbol of enduring excellence in the local food scene.
• Authentic Caribbean Focus: Unlike general bakeries, Allan's specializes entirely in authentic Caribbean recipes, delivering flavors and textures true to their heritage.
• The Hardo Bread Standard: The bakery's signature Hardo Bread is a regional staple, renowned for its density and versatility, setting the benchmark for this essential Caribbean loaf.
• Cult Following and Dedicated Patrons: The bakery commands a highly dedicated customer base, which often results in lines, especially on weekends and holidays, testifying to the sustained high demand and loyalty to their products, particularly their Rolls.
• Vegan and Specific Options: The inclusion of a Currant Roll (Vegan) option and the choice to select "Ends and Middles," "Only Ends," or "Only Middles" for their rolls demonstrates an attention to customer dietary needs and personal preferences.
• Shipping Availability: Offering Nationwide Shipping allows them to serve a community that extends far beyond the geographical boundaries of New York City, connecting with former locals and fans across the United States.

Contact Information

As a well-established local business, Allan's Bakery provides clear contact information for its operations. Please note that hours of operation are subject to change and may vary slightly between the Brooklyn and Manhattan locations.

Brooklyn Location:

Address:

Little Caribbean, Brooklyn, NY

Phone:

+1 718-774-7892

Manhattan Location:

Address:

Lower East Side, New York, NY

For the most accurate directions and to check on product availability, especially during peak times, it is always recommended to use the phone number provided for general inquiries.

What is Worth Choosing

For the local New York resident, or anyone seeking an authentic taste of Caribbean baking, several items at Allan's Bakery are absolute must-tries, embodying the essence of what makes this establishment a legendary spot.

First, you must try the Rolls. These are arguably what the bakery is most famous for. Whether you choose the spiced, dried-fruit goodness of the Currant Roll (a great vegan option) or the sweet, comforting flavor of the Coconut Roll, you should experience the "Ends and Middles" customization. Choosing Only Ends is a favorite among those who appreciate a slightly firmer, crustier bite, while Only Middles offers a softer, denser texture. Locals queue up early for these, making them a true benchmark of quality.

Second, the Hardo Bread is essential. This dense, unsliced loaf is the backbone of many Caribbean meals and sandwiches. It’s perfect for slathering with butter, dipping into stews, or making substantial sandwiches that won't fall apart. The choice between the traditional Hardo Bread and the Whole Wheat Hardo Bread allows you to tailor your purchase to your preference, but either option provides that classic, fulfilling density.

Finally, for a complete experience, grab a savory item: the Codfish Patty or the Bake and Codfish Sandwich. These are flavorful, satisfying, and represent classic Caribbean grab-and-go cuisine. The flaky pastry of the patty and the soft 'bake' bread paired with seasoned codfish offer a rich, authentic flavor profile that you simply won't find replicated with this level of expertise anywhere else. Choosing Allan’s means choosing a piece of Brooklyn history and a truly authentic taste that has been perfected across three generations.

Alla's Bakery