La Nueva Bakery

On the Grid : La Gran Uruguaya Cafe

"Uruguayans have a deep love for their baked goods, clear to see here at La Gran. In order to truly get how special this place is, you have to grab a seat and soak it in. Fútbol paraphernalia and yerba mate gourds of all shapes and sizes line the walls. Buzz of locals chatting while waiting in the ever-present line (no matter the time of day) fills the air along with the sweet, unmistakable smell of freshly baked pastries. The demand for their huge assortment of traditional Uruguayan desserts and bizcochos is so high, it's enough to keep two storefronts open and constantly bustling. La Nueva, their sister bakery, is just down the block and offers the same items. Snack on bizcochos salados (savory pastries), empanadas, sandwiches de miga (a perfect stack of crustless tea sandwiches) and dulce de leche-laden alfajores. Or go all out and order a postre chajá, an extreme creation of sponge cake and peaches covered in chards of merengue." - Diane Shaw