Essen Bakery

Essen Bakery, whose name fittingly means "to eat" in Yiddish, has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination in the Philadelphia food scene. Helmed by the talented, James Beard-nominated Pastry Chef Tova du Plessis, Essen brings a professional and deeply personal touch to traditional Jewish pastries and baked goods. While the original location gained a loyal following in Passyunk Square, its second, larger shop at 110 W Berks St, often referred to as Essen North, has further solidified its reputation for quality and exceptional flavor. For Pennsylvania residents seeking everything from a perfect weekend challah to a satisfying breakfast sandwich, Essen Bakery offers an authentic and elevated experience.

This is more than just a bakery; it is a cultural touchstone that blends traditional, comforting recipes inspired by du Plessis's childhood with modern, French-trained pastry techniques. The result is a menu of classics—like the famous Chocolate Halva Babka and tender Jewish Apple Cake—that consistently draw crowds. Whether you're grabbing a quick coffee and pastry before work or stocking up on bread for the week, Essen Bakery is committed to baking everything from scratch every day using the best ingredients.

Essen Bakery's newer, larger location, sometimes known as Essen North, is conveniently located near the border of the Fishtown and Norris Square neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Its address is:

110 W Berks St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA

This location makes it easily accessible for residents across Northern Philadelphia and is a popular stop for those passing through the area. Being near the Berks Station provides excellent public transit access, linking it efficiently to the wider Philadelphia region for customers commuting from other parts of the city and surrounding Pennsylvania suburbs. The area is known for its open, spacious atmosphere, though seating within the bakery has been described as having a more industrial style compared to a cozy, sit-down café. Customers often recommend visiting earlier in the day to ensure the best selection of their famously fresh-baked goods, as the most popular items, like the babka, can sell out quickly.

Essen Bakery provides a comprehensive range of products and services, making it a perfect spot for quick stops or for preparing a full meal at home.

• In-Store Purchase and Takeout: The primary service is retail bakery sales, allowing customers to pick up pastries, breads, and coffee.
• Coffee and Drinks: A full menu of espresso-based beverages is offered, including lattes, cappuccinos, cortados, and cold brew, often featuring a special in-house blend.
• Sandwiches and Bagel Fixings: A selection of substantial breakfast and lunch sandwiches, including smoked fish options, is available.
• Retail Items: Customers can purchase house-made schmears (cream cheese spreads), loveneh, and specialty spice blends like La Boite Za'atar.
• Quick Visit Planning: The bakery is well-suited for a quick visit, catering to customers on the go.
• Schmears & Fixin's: Various sizes of schmear (4oz, 8oz) as well as sides of lox (6oz) and whitefish (4oz) are available for purchase.

Essen Bakery has earned widespread acclaim and a dedicated following thanks to the unparalleled quality and flavor of its core offerings. These specialties represent the heart of the Jewish bakery tradition, elevated by the chef's expertise.

• Chocolate Halva Babka: This is arguably the most famous item, often cited as the bakery's signature creation. It’s a rich, decadent braided bread swirled with chocolate and distinctively laced with halva for a unique, satisfying texture and flavor.
• Fresh Challah Bread: A Friday favorite for Shabbat preparation, the challah is noted for being sweeter and softer than many traditional versions, often available in a plain loaf, or savory versions like the one crusted with poppy, sesame, and pumpkin seeds.
• Jewish Apple Cake: A moist, classic bundt-style cake layered with apples, highly praised by customers for its flavor and texture.
• High-Quality Bagels and Schmear: Essen is lauded for serving some of the best bagels in Philadelphia. They are described as dark blonde, tender on the inside, and perfect for their well-loved bagel sandwiches like the Lox Bagel & Schmear or Smoked Whitefish Bagel Sandwich. They are famous for using generous amounts of cream cheese, including flavor options like Scallion and Roasted Veggie.
• Rugelach: The bakery’s chocolate and cinnamon walnut rugelach are consistently top sellers, beloved for their tender, flaky pastry and sweet fillings.
• Za'atar Croissant Sandwich: A unique savory offering that showcases the blend of traditional Jewish and French pastry techniques. The buttery, flaky croissant is infused with the Middle Eastern spice blend za'atar and is available as a standout sandwich option.
• Basque Cheesecake: A slice of this rich, slightly burnt-topped cheesecake, made with house-made ricotta and lemon zest, is a highly recommended decadent treat.

To plan your visit or inquire about specific items, you can use the following contact details for the Essen Bakery location at 110 W Berks St:

Address: 110 W Berks St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA

Phone: (215) 921-5025

For first-time visitors or loyal customers in Pennsylvania looking for a recommendation, the biggest draws at Essen Bakery are the items that showcase the chef’s award-winning talent and unique cultural focus. The Chocolate Halva Babka is a non-negotiable choice—a truly excellent example of this Jewish sweet bread that has earned national attention. Follow that up with a dozen Chocolate Rugelach, the perfect bite-sized cookie that’s buttery, flaky, and richly flavored.

For a savory breakfast or lunch, ordering one of their bagels with a generous portion of Scallion Schmear is a must. The bagels are celebrated for their quality and chewiness, providing the ideal foundation for their house-made spreads. Alternatively, the Za'atar Croissant Sandwich offers a compelling savory and flaky experience that merges the chef's culinary training beautifully.

Finally, do not overlook the baked goods inspired by childhood memory, such as the moist Jewish Apple Cake or the perfectly-iced Cinnamon Bun with cream cheese frosting. Many customers have noted that the pastries are best enjoyed earlier in the day when they are at their absolute freshest, making a morning stop the best way to experience everything Essen has to offer. In a city rich with food history, Essen Bakery stands out as a genuine Philadelphia treasure.