Bakeries are a dime a (baker’s) dozen on Long Island. Take a stroll down Main Street or any given side street and you’re bound to find at least one. But the best have a special place in our hearts—and stomachs. The smell of fresh-baked pies brings back memories of long-ago Thanksgivings at grandmas and a juicy jelly doughnut makes a good morning great. I set out to find the Long Island bakeries locals regard as novelties.
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The Tulip Bakery, Floral Park
This neighborhood gem earns a spot on the list for its rainbow cookies. The dark chocolate is rich, the almond paste is creamy and the moist rainbow filling can make even rainy afternoons bright. Phone: 516-354-1105 | Address: 138 Tulip Ave. Click to taste
Alpine Pastry Shoppe, Smithtown
A café tour in Italy is a total bucket list-worthy item, but Alpine’s Italian pastries provide Islanders with a daily taste. Think Pignoli cookies covered in pine nuts and almond paste and cannolis with the sweetest fillings this side of the south of France. Phone: 631-265-5610 | Address: 59 NY-111 Click to taste
Stanley’s Bakery, East Islip
Consistency has been key for this South Shore sweet shop—Stanley’s Bakery has been serving breads, pastries, specialty cakes and even pizza dough since 1948. Even doughnut haters—apparently there’s such a thing!—rave about the not-too-sweet jelly doughnuts, which are known to sell out quickly. Fondant may be pretty but customers who opt for buttercream aren’t settling at all. It’s light, fluffy and makes occasions special. Phone: 631-581-1230 | Address: 68 E. Main St. Click to taste
Park Bake, Kings Park
This Italian kosher Long Island bakery is known for its massive selection of breads and sweet treats, but those in the chocolate family get extra love from customers. The rich brownies and red velvet cakes are popular choices. Phone: 631-269-3825 | Address: 112 NY-25A Click to taste
Country Boy Bakery, Long Beach
Any Islander knows life gets better by the beach. Turns out the pastries do too. Those who have moved off Long Island have sweet dreams about the strawberry shortcake made with real whipped cream, peanut butter cookies and marble cake. Phone: 516-7295 | Address: 256 E. Park Ave. Click to taste
Blue Duck Bakery Café, Various Locations
Blue Duck Bakery Café started in Southhampton in 1999 and people fell sugar-over-spoon for the fresh-made pies and crusty breads. These days, it’s a favorite on both Forks and beyond. People can pop into cafés in Greenport, Riverhead and Southold for a treat or find Blue Duck Bakery products in grocery shops from Montauk to Manhattan. Southampton Phone: 631-204-1701 | Address: 30 Hampton Road, Greenport Phone: 631-333-2060 | Address: 130 Front St., Riverhead Phone: 631-591-2710 | Address: 309 E. Main St., Southold Phone: 631-629-4123 | Address: 56275 Main Rd. Click to taste
Malverne Bakery, Malverne
Drivers on Hempstead Ave. are known to break for tiramisu. Unlike at many Long Island bakeries, Malverne’s treat is creamy and not too sweet. Those looking for something seasonal should sprint for the peach tart, which regulars say is fresh and light. Pro tip: Cash only. Phone: 253 Hempstead Ave. | Address: 516-599-3087 Click to taste
Tilda’s, Rocky Point
Bring a box of assorted cupcakes home from Tilda’s and expect them to be gone in a Long Island minute. The peanut butter cupcake’s frosting is rich, thick and fragrant and the strawberry cheesecake is part smooth, part crunchy and completely indulgent. Phone: 631-744-3762 | Address: 640 NY-25A Click to taste