About
A New Jersey pastry shop known for its layered honey cake opened its first Manhattan storefront on York Avenue this August. Central Asian baking, plus a coffee counter.
Dan Bakery built its New Jersey following on honey cake, the many-layered Central Asian pastry, and this August it crossed the river for the first time. The Upper East Side shop is its second location overall, selling that honey cake alongside beef samsa, croissants and a coffee list that stretches to a creamy strawberry matcha. It is a counter rather than a sit-down room, and York Avenue is a quiet block to eat on.
What to expect
Order the honey cake first - it is the reason the New Jersey original has a following, and it travels well if you want to take one home. Pair it with a coffee or, for the house signature, the strawberry matcha. This is a bakery counter rather than a cafe with tables, so plan on taking things to go or walking east to Carl Schurz Park.
Good to know
- The honey cake is the signature - tall, many-layered, and the item the original is known for.
- It is a counter operation, so seating is limited. Carl Schurz Park is a short walk east.
- Nearest subway is the Q at 72nd Street; York Avenue is a few blocks further east.
Common questions
What is Central Asian honey cake?
A tall dessert built from many thin layers of honey-scented dough stacked with cream, then rested so the layers soften. It is a fixture of Central Asian and Russian bakeries.
Is this their only location?
No - it is the second overall and the first in Manhattan. The original is in New Jersey.
What else is worth getting?
Beef samsa, the flaky baked meat pastry, plus croissants and other pastries. On the drinks side the creamy strawberry matcha is the house specialty.