Simple Loaf Bakehouse

"If you had a French friend visiting, and you took them to get a croissant—which, why would you do this, but stick with us here—we’d tell you to bring them to Simple Loaf. The Park Slope bakery’s plain version hits every note: it’s equal parts flaky and buttery, with just a little chew, and we’d consider it a perfect specimen. We’ve even heard that the person who makes them learned to do so in France. Go find out for yourself." - willa moore, bryan kim, sonal shah, will hartman

"For one of the city’s best croissants, head to Simple Loaf. The 5th Avenue bakery makes them equal parts flaky and buttery, but we also like their kouign amann, and the savory roasted tomato kale danish. Pick up a box and take it on your Saturday morning stroll, or stay for a full breakfast or lunch—there’s a big seating area in the back, and a quiet patio for the warmer months. Either way, make sure croissants are a part of the equation. Besides the plain, we like the over-the-top chocolate and almond, and the somehow-even-more-over-the-top ham and cheese. They often sell out, especially on the weekends, so plan accordingly. " - willa moore, neha talreja, will hartman

"Neighborhood Bread started out delivering fresh loaves to select neighborhoods in Brooklyn back in March 2020. Since then, they’ve expanded their pastry menu to include a bunch of excellent pastries like cardamom buns, Portuguese egg tarts, and danishes topped with poached pears and sweet potato cream. The restaurant is currently taking orders via Instagram DM, and delivering to a few Brooklyn neighborhoods Monday through Wednesday." - nikko duren

"If you don’t want to spend your whole morning waiting in line at Winner, pop down the street to Simple Loaf Bake House. The pastries here tend to be enormous and fluffy rather than tiny and precious, and we’re very into that. Some of our favorites are the kouign amann—which isn’t as aggressively sweet as some others—and the savory roasted tomato kale danish. You can either grab some baked goods and go, or sit down and order a full cafe-style meal here. This place tends to get packed on the weekends, so plan accordingly." - Carina Finn

"Baker Shari Call and her business partner Julissa Escobedo opened Simple Loaf last year after nearly a decade of experience in baking and pastry. The Park Slope bakery has become popular for their morning buns, spirals of cinnamon sugar, but the crusty breads, thick biscuits, and chewy cookies are all also worth a taste. The selection varies, and bread sells out early. Check the Instagram page before going." - Daniela Galarza, Eater Staff