ZipPicks Awards
Best Bakery in Bushwick
Master Critic Review
Circo's Pastry Shop
8.6
An old-school Italian pastry shop that’s built its reputation on cookies, cannoli, and celebration cakes rather than modern café theatrics. It’s best when you order like a regular: one cream-filled classic, one cookie box lane, and stop before the sugar haul gets unfocused.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cannoli, Rainbow cookies, Holy Cannoli Donut
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Legacy Italian bakery staples with a deep cookie-and-cannoli bench.
Who should go: Cake orders and Italian pastry loyalists
When to visit: Late morning for full case
What to order: Cannoli, rainbow cookies, cake slice
Insider tip: Pick one cream dessert plus one cookie box—don’t scatter across every case section.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable during the day but tighter on weekends and evenings along Knickerbocker Avenue.
Dress code: Casual—anything from errands attire to weekend walk-around clothes fits right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly counter chatter and neighborhood foot traffic.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes during peak dessert hours; longer near holidays.
Weekday lunch: No wait or just a few minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most items are vegetarian, including cookies, pastries, and cakes.
Vegan options: Very limited—occasionally plain cookies or breads, but not a vegan-focused bakery.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some packaged or naturally flourless items may be available, but no dedicated gluten-free program.
Best For
Better for: Classic Italian cookies, cannoli, and celebration cakes with old-school consistency.
Consider Alternatives If: You’re looking for café seating, modern pastry plating, or strong vegan/gluten-free options.