Made by Raquel

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey residents seeking a truly authentic taste of the Caribbean, Made by Raquel is a must-visit local establishment located in the heart of Perth Amboy’s vibrant downtown. More than just a traditional bakery, Made by Raquel is known for specializing in homemade, delicious Dominican cakes, alongside a variety of other enticing baked goods, including cupcakes, cakepops, and daily pastry specials. It firmly holds the dual identity of a professional bakery and a cozy coffee shop, providing both a culinary experience and a comfortable spot for a break.

This Middlesex County gem stands out for its strong cultural roots, proudly identifying as a Latino-owned business. Furthermore, it is a women-owned enterprise, adding another layer of community significance and entrepreneurial spirit to the Smith Street corridor. The bakery's reputation is built on its specific dedication to high-quality Dominican and Latin American sweets, which are beloved by a wide customer base across Central Jersey.

Offering a range of services from delivery and takeout to a comfortable spot for an in-store pickup and a sit-down breakfast, Made by Raquel caters effectively to the diverse needs of the Perth Amboy community. The focus is on providing a quick, satisfying visit, making it an ideal destination for commuters or locals running errands on Smith Street. As evidenced by real customer feedback, visitors often find the atmosphere lovely, the staff professional, and the service welcoming. One reviewer specifically noted feeling "comfortable enough to sit in their small coffee bar to have my breakfast," highlighting the welcoming environment for a brief, enjoyable respite. This makes it more than just a place to grab a cake—it's a valued neighborhood stop for a moment of quiet pleasure.

While the bakery garners much positive attention for its delicious pastries—like the highly-regarded Dominican Cake Slice and Tres Leches—it is important to acknowledge the dual nature of customer feedback often encountered in local business reviews. The vast majority of customers are drawn in by the specialized menu and quality, yet the bakery maintains a firm focus on professionalism and customer comfort, striving to provide a consistent and positive experience for all patrons across New Jersey.

Location and Accessibility

Made by Raquel is perfectly situated at 71 Smith St, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861, USA. This address places it squarely in the bustling Downtown Perth Amboy District, a main commercial hub for the city and a historic cornerstone for the greater community. Smith Street is widely recognized as the area’s primary shopping and dining destination, celebrated for its unique character and high density of foot traffic.

The bakery’s location offers outstanding accessibility, which is crucial for New Jersey locals. Downtown Perth Amboy is classified as a "Walker's Paradise," boasting an exceptionally high Walk Score, meaning most errands can be accomplished on foot. This makes Made by Raquel a quick, easy destination for nearby residents and workers.

For those traveling from further afield in Middlesex County or even from Staten Island (via the Outerbridge Crossing), the location is highly convenient. It is a compact downtown, with the Perth Amboy NJ Transit Train Station—offering a one-seat ride to Penn Station, Manhattan—less than a ten-minute walk away.

Drivers will find that Made by Raquel anticipates their needs by offering multiple parking solutions: paid parking lot and paid street parking. This acknowledgement of the urban parking challenge ensures that patrons can access the bakery without excessive stress over finding a spot.

Being on Smith Street also means the bakery is surrounded by other local assets. The area benefits from being an Urban Enterprise Zone, which has funded revitalization efforts like redbrick sidewalks and Victorian streetlights, enhancing the overall atmosphere for shoppers and diners. Furthermore, the Perth Amboy Waterfront, a major recreational asset with marinas and walkways on the Raritan Bay, is only a short walk from the bakery, making it a perfect spot to grab a coffee and a pastry before heading to the water.

Services Offered

Made by Raquel provides a comprehensive and modern suite of services designed for ultimate customer convenience, emphasizing both in-store and offsite enjoyment.

• Delivery Service: Partnered with online platforms, the bakery offers delivery, allowing New Jersey customers to enjoy their famous cakes and pastries from the comfort of their home or office.
• In-store Pickup and Takeout: The quick-service model is ideal for a quick visit, enabling customers to order ahead online or in person for immediate collection.
• Onsite Services / Coffee Bar: Customers are invited to sit and enjoy their treats and coffee within the shop’s small, comfortable environment, perfect for a brief break or an intimate breakfast.
• Specialty Latin American Baked Goods: Offering a core menu of authentic items, including slices of Dominican Cake, Tres Leches, Flan, and whole cakes for special occasions.
• Hot and Cold Beverage Offerings: A full range of coffee and other drinks, such as the popular Nutella Frappe, to complement their sweet and savory items.
• Savory and Lunch Items: Including items like Pan con Jamon y Queso (bread with ham and cheese), providing non-sweet options for a quick meal.
• Modern Payment Options: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions fast and secure.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Made by Raquel apart in the competitive Central New Jersey food scene are its unique characteristics, blending cultural heritage with operational excellence.

• Dominican Cake Expertise: The bakery is locally well-known and specializes in authentic Dominican cakes, a distinct and delicious offering that appeals to a diverse and discerning customer base across New Jersey.
• Latino and Women-Owned Enterprise: This dual classification highlights the business’s role as a key fixture in Perth Amboy’s culturally rich downtown, demonstrating local economic empowerment and community pride.
• High-Demand Signature Items: Featured menu items like the Dominican Cake Slice, Tres Leches Portion, and Flan Slice are consistently top-sellers, indicating a reliable standard of flavor and authenticity.
• The Croissant Quality: Beyond the Latin specialties, the mention of a "delicious croissant" in a review suggests the bakery maintains a high standard across various pastry types, making it a great stop for both traditional and international tastes.
• Customer-Centric Operating Hours: Operating from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays (and 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM on Sundays) ensures they are available to catch the early commuters, the lunchtime crowd, and evening dessert seekers.

Contact Information

To order a custom cake, inquire about daily specials, or confirm current hours before visiting, please use the contact details provided below.

Address: 71 Smith St, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861, USA

Primary Phone: (732) 661-7769

Mobile Phone: +1 732-661-7769

What is Worth Choosing

For New Jersey residents, choosing Made by Raquel means selecting a destination that offers not just a pastry, but a piece of authentic Dominican culture and a dedicated local service experience. This bakery is worth choosing for several compelling reasons that resonate with the local consumer:

Firstly, the Authenticity and Quality of the Dominican Cake is unparalleled in the area. These cakes and the popular Tres Leches are the main draw, consistently rated among the most liked items on the menu. For those planning a special event, or simply seeking a superior dessert experience, the full Tres Leches Cake or a custom-ordered Dominican cake represents a level of craftsmanship and flavor depth that specialty patrons in Middlesex County seek out.

Secondly, you are supporting a vital part of the Perth Amboy economy: a Latino and Women-Owned business. By choosing Made by Raquel, you invest directly in the diversity and entrepreneurial spirit that defines the vibrant Smith Street business corridor. The staff’s professionalism and dedication to providing a "lovely bakery" experience, as noted by happy customers, ensures your visit will be as pleasant as the baked goods are delicious.

Finally, the sheer Convenience and Accessibility of the location seals the deal. Whether you are rushing from the train station, driving into the city and utilizing the dedicated paid parking, or simply walking from a nearby residence, Made by Raquel is built for the New Jersey lifestyle. The blend of a quick visit model with options for onsite enjoyment and delivery means there is no barrier to enjoying their delightful selection of sweets and savory breads. It is a genuine local treasure that brings unique, homemade Dominican flavors to our community, making it essential to the Perth Amboy culinary map.

Made by Raquel

71 Smith St, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861, USA