Lithuanian Bakery

**Lithuanian Bakery** in **Elizabeth, New Jersey**, stands as a true culinary anchor for those seeking authentic, high-quality Central and Eastern European baked goods. This small, **family-owned establishment** has built an enduring reputation, proudly serving the New Jersey region for **over 76 years** in the same location, with ownership under the same family since 1974. Across generations, they have tirelessly offered their **artisan-crafted breads and cakes** to a diverse clientele who appreciate hearty, wholesome baking rooted in **traditional Lithuanian** recipes.

More than just a standard bakery, this location functions as a culinary bridge, connecting locals—including those of Lithuanian, Polish, German, Russian, Slovak, Czech, and other European heritage—to cherished cultural flavors. While the menu has expanded over the years to embrace a wider array of baked goods common to European consumers, the bakery's identity remains firmly centered on its specialties. The **signature rye bread** is a standout, widely praised for its crisp crust, full-bodied flavor, and impressive ability to remain delightful and fresh for **up to an entire week**.

The expertise extends far beyond daily bread. The bakery is also renowned for its custom specialty cakes, particularly the traditional Lithuanian **Šakotis**, or "tree cake," which has been celebrated for its **gorgeous and delicious** presentation at special events. This commitment to both daily staples and grand custom desserts solidifies Lithuanian Bakery's position as a cherished Elizabeth institution.

This is a place designed for a **Quick visit** and local **Takeout**, providing immediate access to authentic, lovingly crafted goods. The personalized service, often provided by the owner, enhances the experience, fostering a friendly and welcoming environment for every visitor stepping into this generational bakery. The focus here is on product excellence and maintaining cultural heritage through food, ensuring that every purchase, from a simple loaf of rye to a complex torte, evokes fond memories and satisfies deep-seated cravings.

## Location and Accessibility

The Lithuanian Bakery is situated in the heart of Elizabeth, New Jersey, providing a conveniently accessible spot for residents in the immediate area and surrounding Union County communities. The precise address for in-person visits and **Takeout** is **131 Inslee Pl, Elizabeth, NJ 07206, USA**.

As a traditional, small, local business focusing on authentic Eastern European goods, the establishment primarily operates via **Takeout** service. Patrons should note the hours of operation, which focus heavily on mornings and early afternoons, running typically from Tuesday through Saturday. Given its location, the bakery is best suited for a **Quick visit** stop during the day.

In terms of accessibility for transportation, the location relies on **Street parking only**. Customers should plan accordingly for their visit, especially during peak morning hours. This traditional neighborhood setting contributes to the authentic, local charm of the bakery, contrasting with the large, often impersonal chains found elsewhere in New Jersey.

## Services Offered

The Lithuanian Bakery specializes in authentic baked goods rooted in Central and Eastern European traditions, offering products for everyday consumption and large-scale celebrations:

• **Authentic European Rye Breads:** The cornerstone of their offering, featuring dark, dense rye breads that boast a crisp crust and robust, full-bodied flavor, with varieties often including **Sourdough Rye** (sometimes with caraway and onion), **Pumpernickel** (dense and hearty, often called "Kommis Brot"), **Country Rye** (a blend of sourdough and Pumpernickel), and specialty options like **Cranberry-Walnut Sourdough** and **Bohemian Rye**. These are praised for staying fresh for about a week.
• **Signature Specialty Cakes:** They create elaborate, multi-layered desserts, most famously the traditional Lithuanian **Šakotis** (Tree Cake), which is often custom-ordered for weddings and special events, and the **Napoleon Torte**.
• **Napoleon Torte:** A key offering, this masterpiece typically involves a painstaking, multi-day process, combining eight wafer layers with creamy vanilla and lemon buttercreams, often featuring an apricot filling. A chocolate version, sometimes with raspberry and mixed nuts, is also offered.
• **Eastern European Pastries and Treats:** The bakery offers a selection of regional favorites, often highlighted by customers, including **sour cream pound cake**, **cheese babka**, **filled strips**, and other **seasonal and special treats**.
• **Local Retail and Market Supply:** The bakery serves as a primary source for **Polish and Central/Eastern European food markets**, supplying their artisan-crafted breads and cakes throughout the New Jersey area and beyond.
• **In-Store Takeout:** The primary service for customers visiting the Inslee Place location is straightforward **Takeout**, allowing for a fast and efficient transaction during a **Quick visit**.
• **Special Event and Wedding Cakes:** They provide custom cake services, notably the Lithuanian **Tree Cake**, for significant life events, ensuring authentic representation of cultural roots.
• **Advance Reservation Options:** Customers can often **reserve certain baked goods in advance** to guarantee availability, especially for highly popular items like crumb cake.
• **Online Ordering and Shipping:** For customers outside the immediate Elizabeth area, the bakery provides **convenient online ordering options** with reliable **shipping** for various baked goods, bridging the distance to deliver their authentic European flavors.

## Features / Highlights

The Lithuanian Bakery distinguishes itself in the New Jersey food landscape through several unique and compelling features:

• **Generational Heritage and Longevity:** The bakery has operated in the same Elizabeth, NJ, location for **over 76 years** under multi-generational family ownership, underscoring a deep commitment to tradition and community.
• **Award-Winning Rye Bread:** The bakery's signature rye bread is an essential feature, having received accolades such as **ABOUT.COM's 2012 Reader Choice Award for the Best Rye Bread**, confirming its high quality and authentic flavor profile.
• **Specialty Cultural Desserts:** They are one of the few places in New Jersey specializing in the authentic Lithuanian **Šakotis** (Tree Cake), making it a focal point for weddings and major celebrations seeking cultural representation.
• **Authentic European Baking:** The establishment caters to a wide European diaspora, ensuring that the baked goods—including ryes, babka, and tortes—are crafted using **Old World recipes and techniques**, providing an authentic taste that resonates deeply with cultural heritage.
• **Product Freshness and Shelf Life:** The rye bread is specifically noted by customers for its exceptional freshness, often remaining delightful for an **entire week**, a significant convenience for consumers.
• **Personalized Customer Experience:** The friendly atmosphere and **personalized service** often provided by the owner and family members create a welcoming and familiar environment, highly valued by patrons.
• **Central Hub for European Food Markets:** As a supplier to various Central and Eastern European food markets, the bakery acts as a major regional source for these specialized products.

## Contact Information

The Lithuanian Bakery is open for **Takeout** services typically Tuesday through Saturday, offering a convenient stop for local residents and those visiting the Elizabeth, NJ, area.

Address: 131 Inslee Pl, Elizabeth, NJ 07206, USA

Primary Phone: (908) 354-0970

Mobile Phone: +1 908-354-0970

## What is Worth Choosing

For New Jersey residents, choosing the **Lithuanian Bakery** is an investment in authenticity, quality, and heritage. What makes this establishment genuinely worth choosing is its unparalleled commitment to **specialized Eastern European baking**. If you are looking for a true, full-bodied rye bread—a product difficult to find in many modern bakeries—the Lithuanian Bakery is the definitive choice. Their rye bread is the **"winner"** product, praised for its crisp texture, robust flavor, and long-lasting freshness, making it perfect for daily sandwiches or as an accompaniment to a hearty meal.

Beyond the daily breads, this bakery should be the preferred stop for anyone planning a special event that requires a traditional, unique centerpiece dessert. The custom **Šakotis, or tree cake**, is a rare and exquisite offering that serves not only as a delicious treat but as a stunning focal point, ensuring cultural representation for weddings, anniversaries, or baptisms. This is a local gem that provides a strong link to cultural roots through food.

Finally, the bakery’s character as a multi-generational, family-owned business operating for over seven decades ensures a level of care, personalized service, and product quality that is rare to find today. The ability to make a **Quick visit** for **Takeout** and the option to **reserve items in advance** combine Old World quality with modern New Jersey convenience, making it a highly valuable culinary resource in the region.

Lithuanian Bakery

131 Inslee Pl, Elizabeth, NJ 07206, USA