Second Daughter Artisanal Bakery

Second Daughter Artisanal Bakery is a true gem in the heart of South Philadelphia, standing out not just for its exceptional baked goods but also for its inspiring location and business ethos. Led by a team of artisans, this Black-owned and women-owned small business is dedicated to crafting playful, sophisticated, and flavorful desserts using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. It’s a bakery that goes beyond the standard offering, specializing in everything from everyday pastries and a hearty breakfast menu to elaborate, custom-designed wedding cakes.

The bakery has quickly garnered significant attention, earning prestigious accolades like a "Best of Philly" award for its celebrated brownies and receiving recognition as a semi-finalist for the James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Baker award. Their style is described as whimsical, abstract, and minimalistic, with art, botanicals, and architecture serving as major influences on their unique creations. For Pennsylvanians seeking high-quality, thoughtfully-made treats—or a stunning custom cake—Second Daughter Artisanal Bakery offers a delightful experience.

Second Daughter Artisanal Bakery is nestled in a unique and vibrant location within the historic BOK Building at 1901 S 9th St Unit 403, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA. This South Philly address places it in a community-focused hub known for housing numerous creative businesses and studios.

Finding the bakery is part of the adventure. It is located on the fourth floor of the BOK Building, making it a destination spot for those in the know. Visitors should enter on 9th Street (looking for the distinctive BOK blocks signage), proceed down the hall to the central elevator, and ride up to the 4th floor. Once on the fourth floor, take an immediate left, another left, and follow the hall to the end where the bakery’s space, Suite 403, is located. The space itself is described as a quaint bakeshop with surrounding windows, creating a bright and welcoming environment.

While the BOK Building has public hours, the bakery’s retail shop hours are more specific and are best for walk-in visits. Generally, individual items are available for purchase without pre-order during their retail shop hours, which are typically Friday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (or until they sell out). For those needing an ADA-accessible entrance, one is available on Mifflin Street. While dedicated parking is not specified, customers can typically find nearby street parking or use public transportation to reach this lively South Philadelphia neighborhood.

Second Daughter Artisanal Bakery offers a wide array of services to accommodate all types of customers, from those popping in for a quick breakfast to clients planning major events:

• In-store Pickup and Takeout: Customers can walk in during retail hours for immediate purchases or pick up pre-orders conveniently from the fourth-floor location.
• Online and Phone Ordering: Orders for same-day or future pickup can be placed directly on their shop page or by calling the bakery. Advance ordering is encouraged, especially for specialty items.
• Delivery and Shipping: The bakery offers local delivery options, as well as shipping services via FedEx for non-perishable goods like brownies, cookies, and babka, making their treats accessible across the East Coast and beyond.
• Custom Cake Design: They specialize in custom cakes for weddings and special occasions, with a preference for creating unique, one-of-a-kind designs. A minimum of 1-3 weeks’ notice is requested for custom work.
• Catering to Special Occasions: As a full-service wedding bakery, they provide specialized dessert services for large events, earning high praise for their creative designs and delicious flavors.
• Flexible Payment Options: For ease of purchase, the bakery accepts major credit cards and debit cards.
• Farmers Market Presence: They maintain a presence at local farmers markets, such as the Rittenhouse Farmers Market, providing another accessible outlet for their seasonal goods.

This bakery stands out in the Pennsylvania culinary scene for several key reasons, going beyond just its delicious menu:

• Black-Owned and Women-Owned: Second Daughter is an actively proud Black-owned and women-owned small business, adding to the rich diversity of Philadelphia’s entrepreneurial landscape.
• Award-Winning Brownies: Their signature brownies, which earned a "Best of Philly 2021" award, are known for their thick, fudgy chocolatey center, crackled top, and sprinkle of sea salt, and are available by the pan.
• Unique Artisanal Approach to Cakes: The custom cakes are distinguished by their whimsical, abstract, and minimalistic designs, often featuring fresh flowers, macarons, and gold leaf accents, influenced by art and botanicals.
• Creative and Seasonal Pastries: The rotating selection features seasonal pastries like babka, galettes, sourdough focaccia, tarts (e.g., Cherry Almond Pie, Brownie Tart), and unique cookies like the Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Jawn.
• Focus on Savory Breakfast: They offer substantial savory options, including a famously large breakfast sandwich, which many customers find easily shareable, and egg-filled quiches.
• LGBTQ+ Friendly Environment: The business is an openly LGBTQ+ friendly space, ensuring a welcoming environment for all members of the community.

To place an order or inquire about custom services, you can contact Second Daughter Artisanal Bakery using the following details:

Address: 1901 S 9th St Unit 403, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA

Phone: (215) 350-2207

Navigating a menu full of artisanal treats can be a pleasant challenge, but certain items at Second Daughter Artisanal Bakery are repeatedly highlighted as essential choices for a local Pennsylvanian seeking the best experience.

For a substantial and savory start to the day, the Breakfast Sandwich is a definite "must get." Described as massive and easily split between two people, it provides excellent value and flavor with its decadent bacon and incredible bread, making it a satisfying morning meal.

When it comes to sweets, the bakery’s cakes and tarts receive particularly high praise. The beautiful Custom Cakes—with their unique flavors such as Lavender with Chocolate, Raspberry Chocolate, or the “Topanga” Lemon Cake with raspberry—are the ideal choice for any major celebration. The attention to detail in the flavor pairings and the stunning, artistic decoration make them worth the investment. For an everyday treat, the galettes, such as the cherry almond option, are lauded for their quality and deliciousness.

A note of caution is often mentioned regarding pricing; some individual items are described as expensive. Customers are advised that the experience is one of quality and artisanal craftsmanship. While opinions on the famous "Best of Philly" brownies are mixed—some customers find them average despite the awards—the bakery's overall commitment to bold, thoughtful flavors in their broad range of pastries, from babka to sourdough focaccia, confirms its reputation. As one devoted customer put it, "You can’t call yourself a baked goods fan if you haven’t been to second daughter." A visit to the charming fourth-floor bakeshop is highly recommended to explore the full variety of sweet and savory items on offer.

Second Daughter Artisanal Bakery

1901 S 9th St Unit 403, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA