Hamentashen - still very popular even though they are out of season

I visited William Greenberg Desserts last week and I have to report that this bakery, open since 1942, is still as popular as ever.  It’s one of the few places I have visited that really feels like an old fashioned neighborhood bakery.   In the short time I was there, the super-friendly staff greeted a number of moms and their small children by name.  There were also older, neighborhood  regulars too.  I got the feeling some had been coming here for their favorite comfort baked good for many years.  It was a huge contrast to the feeling I get from in the bigger chains like Crumbs.  That experience is more like fast food–a bit cold.  Like nearby Martines Chocolates–William Greenberg gave off a very warm vibe and reminded me of the New York City I grew up in.

Black and white cookies (small $1.50, large $3.50) are one of the top sellers

Clearly, many locals visit William Greenberg for the black and white cookies, available in small and large and also in a variety of colors.  They often have a special flavor tied to a current event such as the Yankees being in the world series.

Chocolate Brownies ($3.00) individually wrapped

The brownies are also very popular.  They’re most, chocolaty and perfect for transporting since they’re individually wrapped.

Raspberry tart

Though I didn’t try some of the more fancy offerings, the raspberry tart and meringue tarts looked fantastic.

Schnecken (Pecan sticky buns -$2.00 small, $3.50 large)

The schnecken (aka pecan sticky buns) are also very popular with the locals.

Poppy Hamentashen

My favorite item at the bakery is definitely the hamentashen–I know it’s out of season–but I think it’s one of the best in the city–buttery and browned to perfection.  Available in many flavors (raspberry, prune, poppy, and apricot) and in small ($1.50) and large ($3.50) sizes.

William Greenberg Desserts is located at 1100 Madison Avenue (83rd).  They also have a new location in the Plaza Food Hall.  Their website is here.  Follow DessertBuzz on Twitter.

Posted by Niko on Wednesday, September 26th, 2012 at 2:45 am.