Holtermann's Bakery

Holtermann's Bakery is more than just a place to buy bread or a sweet treat; it is a true Staten Island institution and a treasured part of New York City's culinary history. Established by German immigrant Claus Holtermann in 1878, this bakery has been a cornerstone of the community for over 145 years, making it one of the borough's oldest family-owned and operated businesses. While the city around it has transformed, Holtermann's has preserved its vintage decor, inviting atmosphere, and, most importantly, the traditional family recipes passed down through five generations. It embodies the essence of an authentic, old-school bakery, where every item is still made with a commitment to perfection, love, and a handmade touch. For locals and visitors alike, a trip to Holtermann's offers a delightful step back in time and a chance to indulge in some of the finest, freshest baked goods in the New York metropolitan area.

The bakery’s remarkable longevity speaks volumes about its unwavering quality and commitment to its customers. They pride themselves on providing a wide array of delicious pastries, fresh loaves, and custom cakes, ensuring there is a favorite for every palate. From everyday delights to specialty items that are nearly impossible to find anywhere else in the city, Holtermann's maintains a tradition of excellence that is rarely matched in today's fast-paced world. This deep-rooted history and dedication to authentic baking techniques are key reasons why generations of New Yorkers continue to make the journey to this Staten Island staple, often reminiscing about childhood memories with every bite. The atmosphere itself contributes to the experience, where the welcoming staff ensures a personable visit, helping to maintain the bakery's reputation as a family-oriented destination.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently situated in Staten Island, Holtermann's Bakery is easily accessible for those throughout the New York region looking for a taste of authentic, high-quality baking. The physical location remains in the brick storefront built by Claus Holtermann’s son, Albert, in the 1930s, standing as a historical landmark in the Great Kills neighborhood.

Address: 405 Arthur Kill Rd, Staten Island, NY 10308, USA

Accessibility is a priority for Holtermann's, making it a welcoming stop for all customers.

• The facility includes a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, ensuring ease of access for everyone.
• For those arriving by car, there is a large, Free Parking Lot with Wheelchair Accessible Parking available adjacent to the bakery, which is a significant convenience on Staten Island.
• The bakery is a destination that supports a Quick Visit, perfect for grabbing your favorite items on the go or fulfilling special occasion orders.

Services Offered

Holtermann's Bakery provides a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the needs of their diverse New York customer base, whether you are planning a large event or simply craving a morning pastry.

• In-Store Pickup: Easily place your order and pick it up directly from the counter.
• Takeout: The classic grab-and-go option for daily treats and fresh bread.
• Delivery: Have your favorite cakes and pastries brought right to your door.
• Onsite Services: The bakery offers their services for various needs, though more specific details would require direct inquiry.
• Custom Cake Orders: Customers can place special orders for birthdays, weddings, and other momentous occasions, allowing for personalized designs and flavors for their gatherings.
• Wide Payment Options: Accepted payments include Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments, ensuring a smooth and convenient transaction.

Features / Highlights

Holtermann’s Bakery is renowned for a variety of specialty items, a testament to their long history and dedication to classic, often German-influenced, recipes. The following highlights are must-try items that solidify the bakery's legendary status in New York City.

• The Charlotte Russe: Arguably the bakery’s most famous and iconic item, the Charlotte Russe is a New York "lost food" that Holtermann's is helping to preserve. This "push-pop" style confection features a moist yellow sponge cake base, layered with sweet raspberry jam, topped with a generous swirl of real whipped cream, and finished with a Maraschino cherry, all encased in its signature scalloped, polka-dotted cardboard container. It is a true, one-of-a-kind New York dessert experience.
• Buttery Crumb Cake: Many reviewers and locals consider Holtermann's Crumb Cake to be among the best on Staten Island, praised for its rich, buttery base and ample, flavorful crumb topping. The crumb cake is a perennial favorite and a perfect partner to a cup of coffee.
• Freshly Baked Donuts: Their donuts, including light and airy Jelly Doughnuts with cinnamon sugar and classic Old Fashioned cake-style donuts, are widely praised for their freshness and perfect balance of sweetness. Glazed versions are a Sunday specialty that often draws a crowd.
• A Full Line of Pastries and Sweets: The display case is always packed with tempting selections, including Eclairs, Lemon Flips, Pecan Rings, Kringler (a filled Danish pastry), Coffee Rings, Cinnamon Buns (which are delicious when warmed), and a variety of freshly baked Cookies and Cupcakes.
• Fresh Bread and Loaves: Beyond the sweets, Holtermann's is a classic bakery that provides fresh loaves and buns, with their French bread noted for its crispy crust and airy interior.
• Historic Legacy: Operating continuously since 1878, Holtermann's is Staten Island’s oldest family-owned business, offering an authentic, old-world baking experience that few modern establishments can rival.

Contact Information

The friendly and dedicated staff at Holtermann's are always ready to assist you with your order, whether for a daily pastry run or a large custom cake.

Address: 405 Arthur Kill Rd, Staten Island, NY 10308, USA

Phone: (718) 984-7095

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Holtermann’s Bakery means choosing a piece of authentic New York history and a commitment to quality that has stood the test of time for over a century. The choice is less about a single item and more about the entire experience—it’s about supporting a multi-generational, family-run business that still bakes with "perfection, love, and 'made by hand.'"

When considering what to purchase, the Charlotte Russe is an absolute must-try. As one of the few places in New York City that still regularly offers this nostalgic dessert, tasting it is akin to participating in a local tradition. Its combination of textures—the light sponge cake, sticky jam, and cloud-like whipped cream—is truly unique and a delightful throwback. The buttery Crumb Cake and the light, fluffy Jelly Doughnuts are also consistently top-rated items that embody the quality of their traditional German-style baking.

Furthermore, for those planning celebrations, customer reviews consistently praise their custom cakes, noting that the icing is delicious and the cake itself is always nice and moist. The bakers have mastered the art of creating fresh, high-quality cakes that serve as the centerpiece for any New York event. From a quick coffee and pastry stop to a carefully designed special occasion cake, Holtermann's delivers a delicious and memorable experience every time. The overall positive consensus from the community underscores the fact that this historic bakery remains an essential destination for any New Yorker with a sweet tooth.