Bake for You
Try: Scones
Albany’s bitty bakeshop makes a big statement with its commitment to quality ingredients like organic sugar, free-range eggs, and Vermont butter. Make a visit whenever you’re in the mood for a little slice of homemade goodness, since sweets taste like they are straight out of grandma’s kitchen. The goods sell out regularly, so be sure to visit in the mornings when the tiny café is fully stocked. For a real treat, try the coffee cake or the Italian cookie scone. Both are moist, rich, and just sweet enough.
540 Delaware Ave, Albany, 518.207.5430
Bella Napoli
Try: Cannoli
Bella Napoli is the familiar Italian deli of your childhood. The bakery is simple, open, and full of all the delectable treasures that define a classic Italian bakery. The shelves, lined with pastries, look straight out of a scene from a European shop. Browse the goods beforehand, and then sample lighter-than-air crème puffs and decadent Italian cheesecakes. On the savory spectrum, the fresh breads and rolls are equally delicious.
672 New Loudon Rd, Latham, 518.783.0196
721 River St, Troy, 518.274.8277 (Rensselaer)
Bountiful Bread
Try: Tuscan bread
When it comes to bread, Bountiful Bread doesn’t cut any corners. The from-scratch kitchen bakes fresh loaves every day and supplies restaurants throughout the Albany region. Look to the menu for a substantial selection of daily loaves and rolls as well as a number of specialty and seasonal offerings. In addition, the bakery accepts custom cake orders and works with gluten free and vegan eaters too. Stick around for the massive portions at lunch or dash out with a crusty loaf of Tuscan bread for later. It just so happens to make an excellent base for grilled cheese.
1475 Western Ave, Albany, 518.438.3540
The Fifth Tier Baking Studio
Try: Cinnamon rolls
The Fifth Tier in Albany is a powerhouse of a baking studio. Scoot into the small shop for cookies the size of your face or cinnamon rolls that win you over in the first bite. For foodies with intolerances, the bakery delivers major flavor with its gluten free vegan scones and treats. If frosting makes you go weak in the knees, brace yourself for the heavenly buttercream. One taste of it on a custom cake or cupcake and you’ll be begging for the recipe.
54 Columbia St, Albany, 518.560.7240
Fiorello Bakery & Deli
Try: Italian cookies
It can be hard to do sweet and savory well. Yet Fiorello manages just fine. With cheap prices and hearty portions, the Albany bakery and deli is a godsend for SUNY Albany students. Stop by for a homemade bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich in the morning, grab a chicken sub for lunch, and pick up a box of Italian rainbow cookies for a late night snack. Not only are the breads and sweets homemade, but the cannoli are stuffed to order.
1180 Western Ave, Albany, 518.482.8171
Hong Kong Bakery & Bistro
Try: Egg tart
Pastries might not be the first thing you think of when you step foot inside Hong Kong Bakery. Lo mein? Sure. Dumpling? You bet. Yet the savory menu is only half of the equation at this Asian eatery. Look to the bakery listing for authentic sweets like creamy egg tarts, sticky rice cakes with black bean filling, and adorable taro buns. As with most Asian desserts, everything is just sweet enough and often contains a pleasant savory note to balance the sugary overtones.
8 Wolf Rd, Albany, 518.431.6520
Prinzo’s Bakery
Try: Hard rolls
Prinzo’s Bakery doesn’t look like much from the outside. That’s all the more reason to step right inside, of course. The quaint shop is beloved by locals for its bargain price hard rolls. We know you’re wondering why a hard roll deserves this much love, but it’s one of those things you just need to taste to understand. With crusty exteriors and perfectly plush centers, these rolls are a dream for deli sandwiches or on their own with a pat of butter.
344 Delaware Ave, Albany, 518.618.3231
Schuyler Bakery
Try: Old-fashioned donut
Schuyler Bakery is the type of place you don’t want to share with your friends. It’s just that good. Take a drive to Watervliet to experience the difference that 60-plus years of experience make. The bakery is peanut and nut free, which means that allergy sufferers can eat with ease. Prices are so low you’ll wonder if there’s a typo (which there wouldn’t be, since everything is written by hand). As for the eats, grab a bag of rolls to go and treat yourself to a fresh donut while you’re there. The food isn’t over the top, but it is simple and delicious.
637 3rd Ave, Watervliet, 518.273.0142
Yonder Farms Bake Shoppe
Try: Cobbler
Yonder Farms may just be Albany’s best-kept secret. The farm shop and bakery is the place to go for just made pastries and treats. Locals love it for cider donuts, cobblers, cookies, and pies galore. Stop by to pick up a few bits for later or sit down for a midweek lunch. For dessert, savor a massive slice of raspberry chocolate chip cobbler or a buttery lemon cookie. Both are equally delectable.
4301 Albany St, Albany, 518.456.6823
