THE local bakery! Shop local and the best bakery in the UES. Known for the best bread and black and white cookies... and maybe filled donuts! There can be a wait on the weekends, and things quickly get sold out, so put an order in or come early. No seating.Enjoy!
May 5 · Connie KwokBAKERY PROFILE
Orwashers Bakery
★ 4.0765 recorded reviewsUS$10–20
308 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075, USA
Directory information can change. Confirm current hours, prices, products, dietary needs, and custom-order requirements directly with the bakery.
PLAN THE VISIT
Essential details
- Address
- 308 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075, USA
- Phone
- (212) 288-6569
- Website
- Visit official site
- Rating signal
- 4.0 from 765 recorded reviews
HOURS
Listed operating hours
- Monday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
About and visit notes
Introduction / Overview
For over a century, Orwashers Bakery has been a quintessential part of the New York City culinary landscape. Founded in 1916 by a Hungarian immigrant family, this beloved establishment began as a small storefront on the Upper East Side, quickly becoming a staple for the local Eastern European community. Today, Orwashers continues its rich legacy, offering an incredible array of freshly baked goods that resonate deeply with New Yorkers. It’s more than just a bakery; it's a testament to timeless baking traditions, a place where the aroma of freshly baked bread evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort. From their renowned artisanal breads to classic New York treats, Orwashers has solidified its reputation as the go-to local bakery for residents who appreciate quality, tradition, and an authentic taste of the city. Whether you're a long-time patron or new to the area, a visit to Orwashers is an essential New York experience, promising delicious baked goods that reflect a century of passion and craftsmanship.
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Location and Accessibility
Orwashers Bakery’s flagship location is conveniently situated at 308 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075, USA, right in the heart of the vibrant Upper East Side. This central position makes it easily accessible for residents across Manhattan and beyond. The bakery is nestled within a bustling neighborhood, allowing for a delightful stroll through tree-lined streets before picking up your favorite loaf or pastry. While Orwashers is primarily a grab-and-go establishment, focusing on the quality and freshness of its baked goods rather than extensive seating, its street-level presence ensures easy access for all customers.
Public transportation is readily available, with several subway lines and bus routes serving the Upper East Side, placing the bakery within convenient reach. For those driving, street parking can be found in the surrounding area, though, like much of Manhattan, it may require a bit of patience. Given its popularity, especially on weekends, you might find a line forming, a clear indicator of the high demand for their exceptional products. Planning your visit for earlier in the day is often recommended, as their most popular items tend to sell out quickly.
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Services Offered
Orwashers Bakery offers a meticulously curated selection of baked goods, reflecting both its heritage and a commitment to modern artisanal baking techniques:
- Heritage Breads: At the core of Orwashers' offerings are their legendary heritage breads. These include classic New York Rye Bread, renowned for its bold flavor and caraway seeds, and their signature Pumpernickel, a traditional dark bread with a subtle sweet and sour taste.
- Artisanal European-Style Breads: The bakery has expanded its menu to include a range of exceptional European-style breads. These include the Levain Locale, a classic French country loaf, and Pane Di Casa, a rustic loaf made with natural yeast. They also offer a hearty Morning Spelt bread and perfectly crusty Baguettes.
- New York Classics: Orwashers excels at iconic New York treats. Their sourdough bagels, steamed instead of boiled for a chewier and more complex flavor, are a highlight. They are also famous for their classic Black & White Cookies, Rugelach (buttery cookies with nuts and fruit preserves), and their unique Babka, described as a crave-able mashup of a gooey pecan roll and a classic babka.
- Sweet Treats and Pastries: Beyond bread, you’ll find an enticing selection of sweets. These include their large Chocolate Chip Cookies made with Valrhona dark and milk chocolate chips, which boast a crisp exterior and soft interior. They are also known for their delicious filled donuts with upstate NY fruit preserves and buttery Croissants.
- Savory Breakfast and Lunch Items: While primarily a bakery, they offer delicious items like the New York Breakfast, featuring a house-made everything bagel schmeared with dill cream cheese, lox, onion, and lemon zest.
- Wholesale Distribution: Orwashers extends its reach beyond its retail locations, distributing its exceptional breads and baked goods to many of New York City's top restaurants, gourmet grocery stores, and select retailers nationwide.
- Online Ordering for Pick-Up & Delivery: For ultimate convenience, customers can order online for pick-up at their Upper East Side location. They also partner with third-party delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash.
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Features / Highlights
Orwashers Bakery stands out for several compelling reasons, making it a true New York gem:
- Over a Century of Tradition: Founded in 1916, Orwashers boasts a remarkable history, having continuously served New Yorkers for over 100 years. This deep-rooted tradition is evident in the quality and authenticity of their baked goods.
- Reputation for Best Bread: They are widely regarded as a top contender for the "best bread" in New York City, particularly on the Upper East Side. Their commitment to high-quality ingredients and traditional baking methods shines through in every loaf.
- Iconic New York Treats: Orwashers is celebrated for perfecting quintessential New York treats like their famous Black & White Cookies and highly sought-after filled donuts. These are local favorites that draw customers from all over.
- Artisanal Quality: Every item is made with meticulous care, emphasizing artisanal techniques and fresh, quality ingredients. They even source some ingredients locally, such as yeast starters from Long Island wineries and flour from upstate New York farms.
- Community Hub: As "THE local bakery," Orwashers fosters a strong sense of community. Despite the potential for weekend queues, customers consistently return, appreciating the connection to a local business that prioritizes quality.
- Sold-Out Popularity: The fact that items frequently sell out, especially on weekends, speaks volumes about their popularity and the freshness of their products. It encourages customers to come early or place orders to secure their favorites.
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Contact Information
To experience the rich tradition and delicious offerings of Orwashers Bakery, you can visit their Upper East Side location or contact them directly:
Address: 308 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075, USA
Phone: (212) 288-6569
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Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals
For anyone living in or exploring New York City, particularly on the Upper East Side, Orwashers Bakery is an essential destination. It's more than just a place to buy bread; it's a piece of living history, a culinary landmark that has continued to evolve while staying true to its core values of quality and tradition. Locals consistently praise Orwashers as "THE local bakery," a testament to its deep roots within the community and its unwavering commitment to producing exceptional baked goods.
The bakery's reputation for having some of the best bread in the city, alongside iconic New York treats like their black and white cookies and filled donuts, makes it a frequent stop for residents. While there might be a wait on weekends or popular items selling out quickly, this only reinforces its status as a beloved local institution – a sign that you're getting the freshest, most sought-after products available. Supporting Orwashers means investing in a local business that not only provides delicious, high-quality food but also contributes to the unique character and charm of the Upper East Side. It’s the perfect spot for picking up daily essentials, a special treat, or even a catering order for a gathering. For a true taste of New York, Orwashers Bakery remains an unparalleled choice for locals seeking authentic flavors and a connection to the city's rich culinary heritage.
VISIT FEATURES
Services and accessibility
These attributes come from the directory record and should be confirmed when essential.
Service options
- Kerbside pickup
- Delivery
- In-store pick-up
- In-store shopping
- On-site services
- Takeaway
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free of charge street parking
- Paid multi-storey car park
- Paid street parking
PHOTOS
See the bakery
VISITOR FEEDBACK
Reviews and recurring themes
Read individual comments as personal experiences, not verified guarantees.
bagels 65black and white cookies 23babka 21jelly donuts 19loaf 15rugelach 10challah 9rainbow cookie 8almond chocolate croissant 8bialys 7
Orwashers BakeryLayout/atmosphere*Artisanal bakery; display case to the leftFood/drink*New York Breakfast (house made everything bagel schmeared with dill cream cheese, lox, onion, and lemon zest) - Good; fresh; tasted the lemon; bagel not over seasoned*Chocolate Chip Cookie [large] (Valhrona dark and milk chocolate chips) - Good; crisp exterior, soft interior
Mar 21 · Daniel PinoAnything short of 5 star review could only be written by a competitor trying to talk trash. Impossible because it’s awesome. It’s amazing. Incredible. Stupendous.Best black and white cookie. Best in New York? No, best of all times. That’s it. It’s simple.My kids got the donuts and loved them endlessly.
Mar 13 · Michael CarlinMy morning bun (cinnamon bun) didn’t taste that fresh for a Sunday morning. Their awarded chocolate chip cookie had overpowering burnt brown sugar taste and lacked what vanilla extract adds to more classic version (in my humble opinion). Very short wait for summer Sunday morning 10am.
Jul 21 · B GilbertOrwashers is a neighborhood staple! Been around since 1916, my mom actually worked there when she was a teenager. Definitely get some bread and donuts for sure as well as well as focaccia, you cannot go wrong. The sourdough and raisin pumpernickel are my favorites - and the jelly donuts are top tier (cherry apricot is my fave) as you can see they are not shy about the jelly & it’s delicious!
Jan 18 · Nicole KunstNEARBY ALTERNATIVES
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