Amy's Bread Design Center

In the heart of Manhattan’s historic design district, a unique culinary partnership has created one of the city's most elevated bakery experiences. Amy’s Bread Design Center, situated on the 16th floor of the iconic New York Design Center at 200 Lexington Avenue, offers far more than your typical street-level storefront. Opened in early 2022, this cafe brings the legendary craftsmanship of Amy Scherber—a pioneer of the New York artisanal bread movement—to a sophisticated, light-filled space designed for professionals and food lovers alike. For those navigating the halls of the city's premier resource for interior design, or local residents in the 10016 zip code seeking a refined retreat, this location serves as a vibrant hub where traditional baking meets modern New York style.

Amy’s Bread has been a New York City institution since 1992, known for its commitment to hand-shaped loaves, slow fermentation, and high-quality, natural ingredients. The Design Center location continues this legacy, offering a full menu that transitions seamlessly from early morning breakfast to leisurely afternoon treats. The atmosphere is professional yet warm, mirroring the creative energy of the building. Whether you are coming in to refuel between showroom visits or making a dedicated trip for their world-famous semolina raisin fennel bread, the experience is underscored by a dedication to the "Old World" way of baking—where everything is made by hand and enjoyed within hours of leaving the oven.

Location and Accessibility

Amy’s Bread Design Center is located at 200 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016, specifically on the 16th Floor. This placement inside the New York Design Center (NYDC) provides a distinctive vantage point over Midtown Manhattan. While many bakeries are subject to the noise of the street, this cafe offers a serene environment high above the city traffic. It is an essential stop for designers, architects, and shoppers within the building, but it is also a "hidden gem" for those in the Murray Hill and Kips Bay neighborhoods who know where to find the best crusty baguettes and espresso beverages in the area.

Accessibility is highly convenient for local New Yorkers. The building is situated between 32nd and 33rd Streets, making it a short walk from the 33rd Street subway station (serving the 6 train). It is also within easy walking distance of the 34th Street-Herald Square hub (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W lines) and the M34 Select Bus Service. Upon entering the 200 Lexington Avenue building, visitors can take the elevators directly to the 16th floor. The cafe is integrated into the "Cafe at 200 Lex," providing a spacious and beautifully designed seating area that is perfect for meetings or solo work sessions accompanied by a fresh pastry and a cup of excellent coffee.

Services Offered

• Full-Service Bakery Cafe: Offering a complete range of artisan breads, breakfast items, and lunch selections throughout the day.
• On-Site Dining: A beautifully appointed seating area on the 16th floor, featuring natural light and a professional atmosphere for dine-in guests.
• Artisan Bread Program: Daily availability of signature hand-rolled loaves, including sourdoughs, baguettes, and whole wheat varieties made with organic grains.
• Custom Cake and Cupcake Orders: Providing the bakery's famous old-fashioned layer cakes and cupcakes for birthdays, corporate events, and special celebrations.
• Corporate Catering: Specialized catering services for showrooms and offices within the Design Center and the surrounding 10016 area.
• Coffee and Espresso Bar: A full beverage program featuring expertly crafted espresso drinks, cold brew, and high-quality hot coffee.
• Seasonal Soft-Serve: During warmer months, the cafe features specialty soft-serve frozen yogurt with a variety of gourmet toppings.

Features / Highlights

• High-Floor Views: One of the few bakeries in Manhattan located on a high floor, offering a unique and quieter atmosphere than street-level shops.
• Commitment to Natural Ingredients: All products are made with unbleached and unbromated flours, using local dairy, eggs, and seasonal fruits whenever possible.
• Traditional Hand-Crafting: Unlike "artisan-style" chains, Amy’s Bread remains dedicated to slow fermentation and hand-shaping every loaf.
• Signature Flavors: The home of the famous Semolina with Golden Raisins and Fennel bread, an aromatic and textured loaf that is a staple of NYC culinary culture.
• Professional Environment: Located within a premier design hub, making it an ideal spot for business networking or creative brainstorming.
• Community Involvement: A business that gives back, donating thousands of pounds of bread monthly to local food pantries and City Harvest.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding daily specials, wholesale opportunities, or to place a specific order for pick-up at the Design Center location, you can reach the team via the following contact details:

Address: 200 Lexington Ave, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA

Phone: (212) 462-2038

Mobile Phone: +1 212-462-2038

What is worth choosing

If you are a first-time visitor to Amy’s Bread Design Center, you must start with the bakery’s signature: the Semolina with Golden Raisins and Fennel. This bread is legendary in New York for its striking texture—a golden, cornmeal-dusted crust that gives way to a moist, aromatic interior filled with sweet raisins and the distinct scent of fennel. It pairs exquisitely with poultry or a simple wedge of cheese, and it remains a benchmark for artisan bread in the city. For those seeking something more traditional, the French Baguette is often called a "transportation to Paris," featuring a thin, crispy crust and an airy, holey crumb that is perfect for a midday snack.

For those looking for a midday meal, the Grilled NY State Cheddar Cheese on Country Sourdough is a standout choice. It is prepared with red onions, tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and a spicy chipotle pepper puree, turning a simple sandwich into a gourmet experience. If you are there for a "sweet treat" after a long day of design meetings, the Old-Fashioned Layer Cakes are highly recommended. Specifically, the Yellow Cake with Pink Frosting is a local favorite that provides a nostalgic, buttery-rich experience that "turns grown men into little boys." Whether you opt for a slice of cake or one of their perfectly moist cupcakes, you are choosing a piece of New York history that tastes as good as it looks.

Finally, don't overlook the seasonal offerings. In the summer, the soft-serve frozen yogurt is a beloved treat among the building’s regulars, providing a refreshing break from the Manhattan heat. In the morning, the handmade biscuits and scones—particularly the Oatmeal Scone with dried fruit and nuts—are the perfect accompaniment to their excellent espresso. At Amy’s Bread Design Center, every choice is a reflection of three decades of baking excellence, ensuring that no matter what you select from the 16th-floor counter, it will be wholesome, delicious, and authentically New York.

Amy's Bread Design Center

200 Lexington Ave 16th Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA