When we lived in Williamsburg, these were our favorite stops for cake, croissants and cookies. Some have moved or changed how they serve customers, so we have kept our memories separate from what you can plan to visit now. Two stops are in neighboring Greenpoint.
We visited with a stroller, so we have included what we experienced at the entrances and seating. Accessibility can change with renovations, furniture and crowds; if step-free access matters to you, check directly with each bakery before going.
Here is where we would start, followed by three places we remember from earlier visits.
Martha’s Country Bakery
175 and 263 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn Martha's locations
Martha’s serves an impressive array of creamy cake slices (and whole cakes), apple pie, cheesecake, cookies, macaroons, and cupcakes. We’ve been fans for years and with two locations on Bedford Avenue, it’s difficult to resist not stopping by for a slice of heaven. Martha’s Country Bakery especially excels in their cake slices. They never seem to have an off-day and are always heavenly light and moist.
Over the years, we’ve tried quite a few of their cake slices and while we occasionally try something new we always seem to go back to our favorites: the ‘Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake’, the ‘Chocolate Layer Cake’ and the ‘Oreo Layer Cake’. Try at least one of them (or all three!). You will not be disappointed.
Our stroller experience: the 263 Bedford Avenue location felt roomier than the smaller shop at 175. We liked the end table at 175. Confirm current step-free access and seating with the bakery if you need it.
Nick + Sons
892 Lorimer Street, Brooklyn, near McCarren Park Nick + Sons locations
We first loved this bakery at its small East Williamsburg shop on Leonard Street. Its buttery pastries and seeded sourdough were worth going early for. Co-founder Nick Heavican's baking journey began after a visit to Brauð & Co in Iceland.
The team moved the Brooklyn bakery to Lorimer Street in 2024. Check its current hours and menu before visiting; popular pastries can sell out.
Our stroller experience: the old Leonard Street shop was narrow and had no seating. That observation does not describe the newer Lorimer Street bakery; ask the team about its current access and seating.
Maman
80 Kent Street, Brooklyn Maman Greenpoint
Technically, Maman is located in the nearby neighborhood of Greenpoint. But it’s also one of our favorites and so we squeezed it in. This highly Instagram-friendly café offers the most delicious pastries and cake as well as tasty salads and sandwiches.
Our stroller experience: the communal table near the entrance made it easier to stop with a stroller, though the room could feel tight at busy times. Check directly for current step-free access.
Former stops and changed service
The Bakeshop by Woops
Formerly 548 Driggs Avenue, Brooklyn Woops store finder
We used to stop here for macarons, cookies and pastries near the Bedford Avenue subway station. The brand still operates elsewhere, but we could not confirm this old Driggs Avenue bakeshop as a current walk-in location. Use its store finder before planning a visit.
Our stroller experience at the former shop: we could squeeze an Uppababy Vista through its narrow door. There was a raised entrance, so we would not rely on this old observation for accessibility planning.
Luckybird Cakes
163 Montrose Avenue, Brooklyn Luckybird Cakes
We remember Luckybird for its handmade cakes and small bakery atmosphere. It now describes itself as a made-to-order cake studio at the same address. Arrange a cake or tasting in advance; do not plan on buying a slice at a walk-in counter.
Our stroller experience at the former bakery: there were steps at the entrance. Contact the studio about access for a scheduled appointment.
Ovenly
Formerly 43 North 5th Street, Williamsburg
We liked Ovenly's small Williamsburg shop for muffins, cookies and brownies. That branch closed in 2023, and the Greenpoint storefront later paused service. Keep it on the memory list rather than an itinerary. For more places across the city, see our New York City guide.
Our stroller experience at the former shop: the Williamsburg doorway was wide enough for our large stroller, though there were few tables. It is no longer a current access recommendation.