Dominique Ansel Bakery
Dominique Ansel Bakery is much more than just a pastry shop in the heart of SoHo, Manhattan: it’s the epicenter of New York’s pastry innovation, where creativity seems limitless. Known worldwide as the birthplace of the Cronut®, with its creative energy and influx of food lovers each year, this place represents the sweet and avant-garde soul of New York. 🥐
Located at 189 Spring Street, Dominique Ansel Bakery is a must-visit stop for anyone seeking unique flavors in the city—and also for those returning in search of the month’s newest creation. Whether starting your day or taking a sweet break, its unique atmosphere and delicious creations make it an unforgettable experience combining technique, art, and pure culinary pleasure.
Why Visit Dominique Ansel Bakery? 🥐
Visiting Dominique Ansel Bakery means directly accessing the innovative heart of New York pastry. It’s a legendary New York spot that combines quality, originality, and flavor like few others in the world. Here you’ll find iconic creations, top-quality ingredients, and a passion for pastry that can be felt in every bite.
Its cultural importance is undeniable: it has revolutionized the sweet world with inventions like the Cronut®, the Cookie Shot, and the Frozen S’more, generating lines and global anticipation. Furthermore, its location in the vibrant SoHo neighborhood makes it an ideal starting point for exploring one of Manhattan’s chicest areas.
Dominique Ansel Bakery is also a symbol of the American dream and culinary excellence. What began as a small pastry shop has become an international phenomenon, always maintaining an extremely high standard of quality and creativity. If you want to try something truly special and feel the magic of accessible high-end pastry, this is the place. ✨
How to Get to Dominique Ansel Bakery by Subway? 🚇
Main Stations
The main station providing the most direct access to Dominique Ansel Bakery is Spring St, served by the C and E lines. Another very close station is Prince St (N, Q, R, W lines). Both are just a few minutes’ walk from the bakery, right in SoHo.
Subway Lines to Dominique Ansel Bakery
Dominique Ansel Bakery is well-connected by the New York City subway, with several lines stopping nearby in the SoHo neighborhood. The lines that conveniently take you to this destination are:
- C, E (blue lines) – Stop at Spring St
- N, Q, R, W (yellow lines) – Stop at Prince St
- 1 (red line) – Stop at Houston St (a few minutes’ walk)
- 6 (green line) – Stop at Spring St (a few minutes’ walk from the east side)
How to Get to Dominique Ansel Bakery from:
Central Park / Columbus Circle
If you are in Central Park or near Columbus Circle, simply take the C or E line southbound (Downtown) and get off at the Spring St station. You’ll be just steps away.
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)
From Wall Street or the World Trade Center, you can take the C or E line northbound (Uptown) to Spring St. You can also take the R or W line (Uptown) from Cortlandt St to Prince St.
Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)
From the DUMBO neighborhood in Brooklyn, take the F line towards Manhattan to Broadway-Lafayette St and walk a few minutes, or transfer at West 4th St to the C or E line (Downtown) to Spring St. If coming from Williamsburg, you can take the L line to Union Square, and then transfer to the N, Q, R, or W lines (Downtown) to Prince St.
Queens (Long Island City / Flushing)
If you’re coming from Long Island City in Queens, you can take the E line directly (Downtown) to Spring St. From Flushing, take the 7 line to Times Sq-42 St and transfer to the N, Q, R, or W line (Downtown) to Prince St.
Harlem
From the north, in Harlem, you can take the C line southbound (Downtown) directly to the Spring St station.
Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)
From JFK Airport, you can take the AirTrain to the Howard Beach station and then transfer to the A line (Uptown) to West 4th St, and there switch to the C or E (Downtown) to Spring St. From LaGuardia, you can take a bus (like the Q70-SBS) to Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av and then switch to the E line (Downtown) to Spring St. If arriving at Newark, take NJ Transit to Penn Station, and then the C or E lines (Downtown) to Spring St.
What to Enjoy at Dominique Ansel Bakery? 😋
Dominique Ansel Bakery is one of New York’s most visited sweet temples, not only for its fame but also for the quality and originality of its products. It offers a delicious variety of experiences that will make you feel the magic of high-end pastry. Tempting aromas, colorful display cases, and the happy buzz of customers—every corner has something to offer.
Try the Famous Cronut®
The star creation that brought it worldwide fame: the Cronut®, a hybrid between a croissant and a donut. Each month they release a new and unique flavor, available in limited quantities. To secure one, you have to get up early! ⏰ It’s a crispy, creamy, and absolutely delicious experience.
Discover Other Unique Creations
Beyond the Cronut®, the bakery shines with other marvels. Don’t miss the DKA (Dominique’s Kouign Amann), with its caramelized and crispy layers, the fun Cookie Shot (a cookie cup filled with vanilla-infused milk), or the spectacular Frozen S’more, torched to order. There are always seasonal novelties!
Relax in the Back Garden
The bakery features a charming covered back garden, open year-round. It’s a small oasis of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of SoHo, perfect for sitting down to enjoy your sweets and a coffee, whatever the weather. 🌿
Watch the Kitchen and Preparation
From some areas of the shop, you can glimpse the meticulous work of the pastry chefs in the kitchen. Watching the precision and artistry with which these delicacies are made adds an extra dimension to the visit and allows you to appreciate the effort behind each creation.
Capture the Perfect Moment 📸
Dominique Ansel Bakery is the ideal place to take irresistible photos. Every pastry is a work of art, perfectly presented. From the iconic Cronut® to the most elaborate tarts, you’ll want to capture these sweet beauties for your Instagram or personal memories.
Attractions Near Dominique Ansel Bakery
Dominique Ansel Bakery is located in the vibrant SoHo neighborhood, surrounded by some of New York’s most interesting and stylish areas. If you decide to explore beyond the bakery, you’ll find a wide variety of cultural sites, shops, and charming streets within walking distance.
Explore the Streets of SoHo
The bakery is located right in SoHo (South of Houston Street), famous for its cast-iron architecture, cobblestone streets, and sophisticated atmosphere. Strolling along West Broadway, Prince St, Spring St, or Greene St is a delight for the senses.
Visit Art Galleries
SoHo remains an important center for contemporary art in New York. Near the bakery, you’ll find numerous art galleries showcasing works by emerging and established artists. An excellent way to complement your sweet visit with a dose of culture.
Go Shopping in SoHo and Nolita
This area is a paradise for shopping lovers. In SoHo, you’ll find everything from luxury designer boutiques to international brand stores and unique concept stores. Crossing Houston St, the neighboring Nolita district offers smaller, vintage, and very charming shops. 🛍️
Stroll Through Washington Square Park
About a 15-20 minute walk north lies the iconic Washington Square Park, with its famous arch and lively, bohemian atmosphere. It’s a perfect place to relax, people-watch, and enjoy street musicians.
Discover Little Italy and Chinatown
A short distance south and east of the bakery are the historic neighborhoods of Little Italy and Chinatown. You can take a walk to immerse yourself in different cultures, enjoy their specific cuisines, and find interesting products.
New Museum
For those interested in contemporary art, the New Museum, located on Bowery (about a 15-minute walk), is a highly recommended visit. Its unique architecture and avant-garde exhibitions make it a cultural landmark in the area.
Tips for Visiting Dominique Ansel Bakery ✨
Although visiting Dominique Ansel Bakery is a delightful experience, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your visit, especially if you’re looking to try its most famous creations.
Best Time of Day to Go
If your goal is to get a Cronut®, it’s essential to go early in the morning, even before they open, as they sell out quickly (they usually limit 2 per person). For other treats or to enjoy the atmosphere with fewer people, weekday mornings are typically quieter than weekends.
Avoiding Crowds
The bakery is very popular and the indoor space is limited, so there can be lines, especially during peak hours and on weekends. Be patient. If you just want something quick like a DKA or a coffee, the line might move faster. The back garden offers a respite from the bustle.
Safety
SoHo is generally a safe area, but the bakery can get very crowded. Keep your belongings secure while waiting in line or sitting down. Pay attention to your surroundings, as you would in any busy tourist spot in New York.
What to Bring and What Not To
Wear comfortable shoes, in case you have to wait standing in line. Don’t forget your phone or camera to take photos of the beautiful creations. The bakery accepts credit cards, but carrying some cash is never a bad idea. And most importantly: bring patience and a good appetite! 😋