Atla's Conchas

atlas conchas

In the vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood of East Harlem, a special spot known as Atla's Conchas has been making waves in the New York City food scene. This micro-bakery, a passion project of husband and wife team Caroline Anders and Mauricio Lopez Martinez, is a testament to the power of traditional recipes and modern, meticulous baking. With a combined thirty years of experience, the owners have dedicated themselves to celebrating the Oaxacan pan dulce tradition, with a particular focus on the iconic concha. What sets Atla's Conchas apart is its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community. They source ingredients from local and Latin American farmers, and even mill their own "full-inclusion" flour in-house daily, a process that ensures their baked goods have a nutty, complex flavor and serious depth.

Atla's Conchas is more than just a bakery; it's an experience that feels both authentic and innovative. The owners' passion and creativity are evident in every single item, as they build upon a family recipe passed down from Mauricio's parents in Oaxaca. They've reimagined the traditional concha, experimenting with different grains like Appalachian and Sonoran wheat, and using small-batch butter to create a pale, patterned crust that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. The bakery has quickly gained a reputation for its "incredible conchas, cookies, and more" and the "kind and warm owners" who make every visit special. This personal touch and dedication to their craft have earned them a loyal following, with customers eager to return to try "whatever else they dream up."

The bakery's menu is dynamic and changes regularly based on available grains and produce, creating a sense of excitement and discovery for every visitor. This focus on seasonality and small-batch production means that while they might sell out quickly, the items you get are always fresh and made with heart. The owners' vision of integrating a passion for grain with a love of Oaxacan tradition has resulted in a truly unique and "incredibly special spot" in the city. For New Yorkers looking for a genuine taste of Mexican baking that is both rooted in history and pushing creative boundaries, Atla's Conchas is an essential destination that offers an unforgettable culinary experience.

Atla's Conchas is located at 347 E 109th St, New York, NY 10029, placing it in the heart of East Harlem, also known as Spanish Harlem. This neighborhood is known for its rich cultural history and vibrant community, making it a natural fit for a bakery that celebrates traditional Mexican cuisine. The location is easily accessible for locals in Upper Manhattan, and it is also a worthy destination for people traveling from other boroughs. The bakery is within walking distance of several subway stations, including the 103rd Street and 110th Street stations on the 6 train, providing a convenient and straightforward public transportation option.

For those who prefer to drive, while street parking in East Harlem can sometimes be challenging, it is generally manageable. The bakery's presence on a residential street provides a more intimate, neighborhood feel, as opposed to a bustling commercial avenue. Its status as a "micro-bakery" further contributes to this small-scale, community-focused identity. The location is perfect for New Yorkers who want to explore a hidden gem and support a local, independent business that is dedicated to its craft. The journey to the bakery is part of the experience, as it allows visitors to immerse themselves in the unique culture and energy of East Harlem.

Atla's Conchas offers a focused but creative menu that changes regularly, ensuring that their offerings are always fresh and tied to the seasons. While they are best known for their conchas, they also offer a variety of other baked goods and drinks.

• Conchas: The star of the show. They offer a classic "Vanilla Concha" made with real vanilla, and a "Spiced Chocolate Concha" featuring fair trade dark chocolate, Ceylon cinnamon, and a hint of Chile de Onza. They also have seasonal conchas that change regularly, providing customers with new and exciting flavors to discover. The conchas are made from their signature full-inclusion flour, giving them a nutty and complex flavor profile.

• Cookies and Other Baked Goods: In addition to conchas, the bakery offers other creative and delicious treats. A popular item is the "Black Emmer Chocolate Chip Cookie," which is made from a full-inclusion Black Emmer flour, giving it a unique flavor. Other offerings have included a "raspberry concha" and a savory "manchego and Calabrian chili focaccia," showcasing the owners' versatility and creativity.

• Hot Chocolate: The "Chocolate Caliente" is a standout item on the menu. Made to order in a handmade clay pot with ethically sourced cacao, single-origin cinnamon, and a hint of cayenne, it is a perfect accompaniment to the sweet pastries. One customer praised it for being "so dark" and the "perfect balance to the sweet pastry."

• Coffee: They serve ethically sourced, organic, and fair trade coffee from local partners, Moka Origins. Their drip coffee comes in a single origin medium roast with notes of raisin and black tea, and a dark roast with notes of caramel and toasted nuts, ensuring a high-quality coffee experience.

Atla's Conchas has several key features and highlights that make it a truly special place in the New York City bakery scene.

• Authenticity and Innovation: The bakery successfully blends traditional Oaxacan recipes with a modern, high-quality approach. The owners, Caroline and Mauricio, have a deep passion for their craft and a respect for the history of the concha, which they've reimagined with creative flavors and high-quality ingredients. This blend of tradition and innovation makes their products truly unique.

• High-Quality Ingredients: The commitment to sourcing local, organic, and fair trade ingredients is a major highlight. The bakery's practice of milling its own "full-inclusion" flour in-house daily is a testament to its dedication to flavor and quality. This process results in baked goods with a superior texture and nutty flavor.

• Warm and Welcoming Owners: Customers consistently praise the owners for being "kind and warm." This personal touch creates a welcoming and friendly atmosphere that makes every visit a pleasant experience and reinforces the bakery's status as a community-centric business.

• Dynamic and Creative Menu: The menu changes regularly based on seasonal availability and the owners' creativity. This keeps the offerings fresh and exciting for loyal customers, who are always eager to see what new flavors and treats they will "dream up" next.

For more information or to contact Atla's Conchas, you can use the following details.

Address: 347 E 109th St, New York, NY 10029, USA

Phone: No public phone number is available for this business.

Atla's Conchas is an ideal destination for New Yorkers who are passionate about authentic, high-quality food and who appreciate the story and heart behind a small business. Its location in East Harlem makes it a perfect fit for a community that values cultural heritage and local entrepreneurship. For locals, it's a neighborhood gem that provides a taste of home and a sense of community. For those from other parts of the city, it’s a destination worth the journey, offering an unforgettable taste of beautifully crafted pan dulce that stands out from the rest. This bakery is not just a place to buy a concha; it’s an experience that celebrates tradition, creativity, and the simple joy of a perfectly baked pastry.

Atla's Conchas

347 E 109th St, New York, NY 10029, USA