Clemente Bakery

For New Jersey locals who appreciate the rich traditions of Italian-American cuisine, Clemente Bakery in South Hackensack is more than just a place to grab a bite – it’s a culinary landmark. Established in 1974, this beloved establishment has been a household fixture for half a century, evolving from a humble beginning with a single brick oven into a bustling, multi-faceted destination.

Clemente Bakery represents the quintessential New Jersey Italian experience, run by three generations as an all-hands-on-deck family business. It’s a place where authenticity, freshness, and generous portions are not just buzzwords, but a way of life. From their legendary, piled-high Italian subs made on their housemade bread to an array of baked goods, desserts, and hot food specials, Clemente Bakery offers a taste of true Italian heritage right here in the Garden State.

Whether you’re a long-time regular or a first-time visitor, you'll immediately sense the dedication and love poured into every item. It's a testament to enduring family tradition and a commitment to quality that has kept locals coming back for decades.

Clemente Bakery is conveniently situated at 120 Leuning St, South Hackensack, NJ 07606, USA. This location in South Hackensack makes it easily accessible for a wide range of New Jersey residents, particularly those in Bergen County and surrounding areas. Leuning Street is a well-known thoroughfare, simplifying navigation for customers.

Its proximity to major roadways ensures that whether you're coming from Hackensack, Teaneck, Lodi, Ridgefield Park, or even a bit further afield, reaching Clemente Bakery is a straightforward journey. The area typically offers convenient parking, making visits hassle-free for those picking up lunch, ingredients for dinner, or a special treat. The bakery's established presence on Leuning Street means it's a familiar landmark for many in the local community, contributing to its status as a reliable and accessible destination for authentic Italian provisions.

Clemente Bakery offers an extensive range of services and products, making it a comprehensive one-stop shop for Italian culinary delights.

• Artisan Breads: Rooted in their original brick oven baking tradition, they offer housemade breads, including their famous "Pane d'Altamura," which is the foundation for their renowned subs.
• Piled-High Italian Subs/Heroes: Specializing in generous and flavorful Italian subs, a top choice among New Jersey's Italian-American population. Examples include the "Bella Ciao hero" with Roast Beef, Chicken Cutlet, Fresh Mozzarella, and Roasted Pepper on various breads or wraps. They also offer a wide variety of other specialty heroes and wraps.
• Hot Food Specials: A highly sought-after selection of hot dishes, with items like their "lenguas" (flakey flatbread with super tasty tomato sauce) being particularly addictive. These hot foods are known to sell out quickly, often before 2 PM. Other hot food options include daily soups, garlic bread, arancini, panzerotti, strombolis, chicken parm, meatballs, and more.
• Baked Goods and Desserts: A wide array of traditional Italian baked goods and desserts, including various cookies, pastries like sfogliatelle and cannoli, lobster tails, and cheesecake cones.
• Deli Counter: A big store "full of counters of food" offering a wide selection of authentic Italian deli meats (like prosciutto di parma, sopressata, mortadella, roast beef, homemade baked turkey) and cheeses (like fresh mozzarella, provolone).
• Small Market with Ingredients: Beyond prepared foods, they offer "all the ingredients to make an authentic Italian home-cooked meal," including various pre-made salads (macaroni, potato, coleslaw, pickled eggplant), grilled vegetables, and pasta dishes for catering.
• Catering Services: Offering hot and cold catering for all occasions, along with special bread orders.
• Pizza and Focaccia: Including by-the-slice options, personal pies, and specialty pizzas, as well as focaccia Barese.
• Breakfast Options: A selection of breakfast sandwiches, omelets, and pastries.

Clemente Bakery stands out due to a unique blend of historical tradition, exceptional quality, and diverse offerings that create a truly authentic Italian experience.

• Half-Century Legacy and Family Ownership: A household fixture since 1974, operated by three generations, emphasizing a deep-rooted family commitment and authentic "Old World Flavor." This long history is a testament to their enduring quality.
• Authentic Italian Subs on Housemade Bread: Their Italian subs are consistently praised for being "packed and full of flavor," built on bread baked in-house, ensuring unparalleled freshness and taste. The specific "Bella Ciao hero" is noted for its healthy portion size and premium ingredients.
• Highly Addictive Hot Food: The hot food selection, particularly items like "lenguas," garners rave reviews for its unique and "addicting" flavors. The fact that these items "always sell out" before 2 PM speaks to their immense popularity and quality.
• Freshness and Quality: Customers highlight the "freshness" and "authenticity" of their offerings, acknowledging that while not "cheap," the quality justifies the price, providing excellent value in terms of taste and portion size.
• One-Stop Italian Market Experience: Beyond being just a bakery, it functions as a "big store full of counters of food and a small market," allowing customers to get everything from a hot lunch to all the necessary ingredients for a homemade Italian meal. This comprehensive offering is a significant convenience.
• Friendly and Welcoming Staff: The staff are consistently described as "friendly," contributing to a welcoming atmosphere that makes regulars feel at home and new customers feel comfortable.
• Original Brick Oven Baking: Their origins in baking bread out of one brick oven signify a traditional approach that likely contributes to the distinct quality of their baked goods.

To experience the authentic tastes of Clemente Bakery, here is their contact information:

Address: 120 Leuning St, South Hackensack, NJ 07606, USA

Phone: (201) 488-2161

Clemente Bakery is exceptionally well-suited for New Jersey locals, embodying the very essence of our state's rich Italian-American heritage and culinary expectations. Its suitability for residents stems from several key factors that make it a cherished community staple. Firstly, as a three-generation family business established in 1974, it offers a deep sense of authenticity and tradition that is increasingly rare. Locals appreciate supporting a business with such a long-standing history and a clear passion for preserving "Old World Flavor."

Secondly, its comprehensive offerings cater to virtually any Italian food craving. Whether it's the legendary, "piled-high Italian subs on their housemade bread" for a quick, satisfying lunch, or the hot food specials like the "addicting lenguas" that demand an early visit, Clemente Bakery delivers on both quality and variety. Furthermore, its dual role as a bakery and a small market selling ingredients to "make an authentic Italian home-cooked meal" makes it an incredibly convenient one-stop shop. This functionality is perfect for busy New Jersey families looking for fresh, high-quality provisions without multiple stops. The slightly higher price point is widely accepted by customers, who recognize it as a fair exchange for the unparalleled taste, freshness, and generous portions. In essence, Clemente Bakery isn't just selling food; it's offering a piece of New Jersey's cultural fabric, a consistent taste of home, and a truly authentic Italian culinary experience that keeps locals coming back for generations.

Clemente Bakery

120 Leuning St, South Hackensack, NJ 07606, USA