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Dominique Ansel Bakery
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Dominique Ansel Bakery
8.7
Since opening in 2011, pastry chef Dominique Ansel’s original SoHo bakery has drawn daily lines for inventive French pastries from the Cronut to the DKA. It functions as both a neighborhood coffee stop and a destination dessert shop, trading table-service comforts for creativity and a constant stream of limited-run sweets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cronut, DKA (Dominique’s Kouign Amann), Frozen S’more
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: World-famous French pastry counter where the Cronut and DKA were born.
Who should go: Dessert-obsessed visitors and locals chasing inventive pastries.
When to visit: Early mornings on weekdays to minimize lines and sellouts.
What to order: Daily Cronut flavor, DKA, Frozen S’more or Cookie Shot.
Insider tip: Pre-order online for specific items when possible and line up before opening for Cronuts on busy weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in SoHo, especially mornings; rely on nearby paid garages along Spring St. and Thompson St.
Dress code: Casual—most guests come in everyday wear since it’s a grab-and-go bakery.
Noise level: Moderate—steady foot traffic and espresso-machine noise, but still fine for solo visits or quick chats.
Weekend wait: N/A — the bakery closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Short to moderate lines; 5–10 minutes for most items, longer for limited releases.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many pastries, sandwiches, and drinks are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Very limited—occasional vegan pastries but not guaranteed daily.
Gluten-free options: Some options like flourless cakes and meringue-based items, but no dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure meetup—especially if you’re bonding over pastries—but it’s not ideal for long conversations due to limited seating and constant crowds.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is limited and first-come, first-served, so expect to hover during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids enjoy the playful desserts, though strollers can be challenging in tight spaces. Best during off-peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Creative, boundary-pushing French pastries and limited-time sweets that you won’t find at traditional patisseries.
Skip if: You want a relaxed sit-down café experience, ample seating, or a quiet space to linger.
Dominique Ansel Bakery
9.0
James Beard Award–winning pastry chef Dominique Ansel’s Soho flagship is still one of the city’s busiest destinations for inventive French pastries, from the Cronut to DKAs and Cookie Shots. Lines form early for limited-run creations, but regulars also lean on it for coffee, savory bites, and a small patio break from Spring Street crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cronut (monthly flavor), DKA (Dominique’s Kouign Amann), Chocolate Chip Cookie Shot with vanilla milk
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Pastry lab–style bakery where globally hyped creations like the Cronut started.
Who should go: Pastry obsessives and visitors chasing downtown dessert landmarks.
When to visit: Early morning on weekdays to avoid peak cronut lines.
What to order: Cronut, DKA, Cookie Shot with vanilla milk.
Insider tip: Check the monthly Cronut flavor in advance and preorder online when possible.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in SoHo is limited and highly competitive; metered spots open early morning only. Paid garages on Thompson and West Broadway are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual—athleisure, jeans, and everyday wear are all appropriate for a grab-and-go bakery visit.
Noise level: Low to moderate indoors; the space is compact but conversation is easy while waiting in line or enjoying the patio.
Weekend wait: Not applicable; the bakery closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes depending on pastry drops; peak lines align with Cronut releases and noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—many pastries, croissants, and sweets are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Very limited—most pastries use butter, eggs, or dairy; a few seasonal items may qualify but not consistently.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some cookies and cakes rotate in, but most signature items (Cronut, DKA, croissants) contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual daytime date—sharing pastries on the patio feels light and fun, though the line and tight space are less ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is first come, first served. A few indoor spots and a small patio are available, but turnover is quick and you may need to hover briefly during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families visit frequently, though the tight interior and line management can be tricky with strollers. Best for kids 5+ who can handle waiting.
Best For
Better for: Signature, inventive pastries and limited-edition creations you won’t find elsewhere—ideal for pastry enthusiasts and visitors seeking iconic sweets.
Skip if: You want a relaxed sit-down brunch, extensive gluten-free or vegan options, or no-wait coffee; alternative cafés or full-service bakeries may suit better.