Big Booty Bread Co

In a city where the culinary landscape is constantly shifting, Big Booty Bread Co stands as a resilient and beloved fixture on 23rd Street in Chelsea. Founded in 2005 by Jose Rojas, a former Wall Street trader who traded his finance career for the warmth of the oven, this bakery has spent two decades serving the local community with a unique fusion of traditional American sweets and Latin-American inspired treats. The bakery’s playful name might be what first catches the eye of passersby, but it is the aroma of freshly baked bread and the high standard of craftsmanship that keeps the neighborhood coming back. As a family-rooted business, its foundations go back even further, drawing inspiration from Jose’s parents’ long-standing bakery, Don Ricky’s, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. This deep heritage is baked into every product, offering a level of authenticity and "TLC" that is increasingly rare in the city's more commercial corridors.

For New Yorkers, Big Booty Bread Co represents the quintessential small business success story. It is a place where the owner is often behind the counter, greeting regulars and taking immense pride in the quality of every turnover and cookie. The shop gained additional pop-culture notoriety when it served as the inspiration for a bakery featured in the "Sex and the City" spin-off, "And Just Like That," but locals will tell you that the real-life experience on West 23rd Street far surpasses any television depiction. It is a warm, inviting space where the energy of Chelsea meets the soul of Latin American baking, providing a "sweet escape" for commuters, residents, and visitors alike.

Location and Accessibility

Big Booty Bread Co is conveniently located at 261 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011, USA. Nestled between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, it sits in one of Manhattan’s most accessible and culturally rich neighborhoods. The bakery is situated on a major crosstown thoroughfare, making it a natural stop for those exploring the art galleries of Chelsea, walking the High Line, or simply navigating the daily hustle of Midtown South. The shop’s vibrant window displays and welcoming chalkboard signs are a landmark for the local community, often catching the attention of anyone walking toward the nearby Hudson River Park.

Public transportation to the bakery is exceptionally easy, reflecting its prime Manhattan location. It is served by the 23rd Street subway station for the 1 train (just steps away at 7th Ave) and the C and E trains (at 8th Ave). For those coming from the East Side or using the F and M lines, the 23rd St / 6th Ave station is also within short walking distance. Additionally, the M23-SBS crosstown bus stops frequently along 23rd Street, providing direct access for residents from Stuyvesant Town to Chelsea Piers. The bakery offers a street-level entrance that is accessible for all, and while the interior seating is cozy and limited, it remains a favorite "grab-and-go" destination for the city's busy workforce.

Services Offered

Big Booty Bread Co provides a comprehensive range of bakery and café services that cater to both sweet and savory palates. The staff is known for being friendly, fun, and accommodating, often going above and beyond to meet customer needs. Key services include:

• Daily Fresh Baking: A rotation of breads, pastries, and desserts are prepared on-site every morning using local ingredients.
• Savory Latin Specialties: The bakery serves a variety of empanadas and traditional cheese-based breads that offer a hearty alternative to sweet snacks.
• Specialty Coffee and Beverage Program: From "dirty chais" that "hit the spot" to house-brewed coffee with expertly steamed milk, the café side of the business is as rigorous as the bakery.
• Dietary-Friendly Options: The menu features a significant selection of gluten-free Latin goods made with traditional yucca or corn flour, as well as paleo-friendly muffins and banana breads.
• Last-Minute Holiday Orders: Known for its reliability during the holidays, the bakery offers seasonal pies and treats, often accommodating late pickups for those with demanding New York work schedules.
• Custom Cakes and Cupcakes: A dedicated service for celebrations, offering everything from classic vanilla to unique guava and cream cheese cupcakes.

Features / Highlights

Several distinct features make Big Booty Bread Co a standout destination in the 10011 ZIP code. These highlights contribute to its reputation as one of Chelsea's most unique local businesses:

• The "Booty Bun": This signature item is a pillowy soft, brioche-like sweet bread filled with choices like dulce de leche, Nutella, or guava jam.
• Latin-American Heritage: The owner’s Colombian roots are reflected in specialty items like Pan de Yuca (cheese rocks), Arepas, and Dulce de Leche Napoleons.
• Gourmet Cookies: Famous for oversized, indulgent cookies, including the "Chocolate Fusion" (triple chocolate) and the "Kitchen Sink" (featuring pretzels and potato chips).
• Sustainable Practices: The bakery frequently participates in programs like "Too Good To Go," helping to reduce food waste by offering surprise bags of fresh baked goods to locals at a discount.
• Independent Spirit: Open for over 20 years, it remains a fiercely independent, Latino-owned business that has survived the city's changing landscape by maintaining its commitment to quality.
• Friendly Atmosphere: The owner, Jose, is a constant presence, ensuring that the bakery maintains a neighborhood feel where customers are known by name.

Contact Information

For those looking to check the day's fresh selections or inquire about custom pie orders, the bakery can be reached through the following channels:

Address: 261 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011, USA

Phone: (212) 414-3056

Mobile Phone: +1 212-414-3056

Email: [email protected]

What is Worth Choosing

When visiting Big Booty Bread Co, the most difficult part is often narrowing down your selection. However, if it is your first time, the "Booty Bun" is an absolute requirement. This signature brioche-style bun, particularly when filled with dulce de leche, perfectly captures the bakery's ability to blend European technique with Latin sweetness. It is soft, eggy, and incredibly satisfying. For those who prefer a savory start to their day, the "Cheese Rock" (Pan de Yuca) is highly recommended. Made with yucca flour, these dense, cheesy balls are naturally gluten-free and have a unique texture that is both chewy and savory, making them a favorite for local commuters.

For fans of traditional American treats, the chocolate chip cookies—often found fresh out of the oven late in the day—are worth every calorie. They are large, rich, and feature high-quality chocolate that sets them apart from standard bakery offerings. If you are visiting during the holiday season, the pumpkin and pecan pies have earned local legendary status; they are frequently cited as "the best pies guests have ever had," and at a very affordable price point for Manhattan. Finally, do not sleep on the empanadas. Served with "Mother Teresa’s" hot sauce or fresh chimichurri, they provide a delicious and portable lunch option. Choosing Big Booty Bread Co means supporting a local legacy that values flavor, family tradition, and the vibrant spirit of Chelsea. It is a "must-go" for anyone who believes that the best bread is made with a lot of pride and a touch of humor.

Would you like me to check the current daily empanada flavors available today, or would you like to see the full list of gluten-free Latin breads they have in the oven?

Big Booty Bread Co

261 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011, USA