Our Daily Bread

Introduction / Overview

In the heart of Manhattan, the Union Square Greenmarket serves as a vital artery for New Yorkers seeking fresh, farm-to-table ingredients and artisanal goods. Among the many vendors that populate this iconic plaza, Our Daily Bread has established itself as a prominent fixture for those in search of traditional baked goods. This bakery is well-known for its rustic approach to baking, offering a vast array of breads and pastries that reflect a commitment to the hearty, wholesome styles often found in regional farmers' markets. For the local New Yorker navigating the bustling rows of Union Square, the Our Daily Bread booth is hard to miss, characterized by its expansive display of golden-brown loaves and an inviting variety of sweet and savory treats.

The bakery caters to a diverse crowd, ranging from early-morning commuters looking for a quick breakfast to dedicated home cooks searching for the perfect sourdough to accompany a weekend meal. Our Daily Bread is particularly recognized for its ability to balance traditional techniques with unique ingredient combinations, such as their popular cornmeal-based scones. While the bakery market in New York City is incredibly competitive, Our Daily Bread maintains its standing by providing substantial portions at price points that remain accessible to the everyday shopper. It represents a quintessential piece of the New York market experience, where the connection between the baker and the urban consumer is kept alive through the seasonal rhythm of the Greenmarket.

Location and Accessibility

The primary point of contact for Our Daily Bread in the city is located at 14 St Union Square E, New York, NY 10003, USA. This location places the bakery right in the center of the Union Square Greenmarket, one of the most accessible and highly trafficked areas in all of Manhattan. Because it operates within the framework of the farmers' market, the bakery benefits from the incredible transit connectivity of the Union Square subway station. Locals can easily reach the booth via the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W trains, making it a convenient stop for anyone traveling through the 14th Street corridor.

Accessibility is a key feature of this bakery's presence. Situated on the eastern side of the square, the booth is positioned within a pedestrian-heavy zone that allows for easy browsing. The open-air market setting provides a spacious environment where customers can view the full extent of the day's bakes before making a selection. For residents of the East Village, Gramercy Park, and Chelsea, a trip to Our Daily Bread is a routine part of the weekly grocery circuit. It is important for visitors to keep in mind that as a market-based vendor, their presence is tied to the Greenmarket schedule, typically seeing the most activity during the standard market days throughout the week and on Saturdays.

Services Offered

Our Daily Bread provides a specialized set of services that focus on the outdoor market experience, ensuring that high-quality baked goods are available to the public in an efficient manner. Their services include:

• Outdoor market retail featuring an extensive "very big" booth setup at the Union Square Greenmarket.
• A wide-ranging selection of artisanal breads, including sourdough, whole grain, and specialty loaves.
• Daily preparation of fresh pastries, including scones, muffins, and seasonal tarts.
• Bulk purchase options for large loaves of bread suitable for family meals or hosting.
• Direct-to-consumer sales that allow for interaction with market staff regarding ingredients and textures.
• Affordable pricing models for large-format pastries, offering significant value for the New York market.

Features / Highlights

The bakery is distinguished by several specific characteristics that define its brand and product output within the busy Union Square landscape. Key highlights include:

• Substantial Portion Sizes: The bakery is noted for offering "quite large" pastries, ensuring that customers feel they are receiving excellent value for their money.
• Unique Textural Combinations: Products like their cornmeal scones are praised for achieving a specific balance of moist and crumbly textures that stand out from standard flour-based bakes.
• Artisanal Sourdough: They produce hearty sourdough loaves known for having a very thick, hard crust and an airy, chewy interior.
• Visual Variety: The booth is frequently described as having many "delicious looking" pastries on display, creating an appealing visual experience for passersby.
• Use of Real Fruit: Their fruit-based bakes, such as raspberry scones, are characterized by large chunks of tart, real fruit rather than just syrups or flavorings.
• Competitive Pricing: With items like large scones priced around $3 and loaves around $5, it remains one of the more budget-friendly artisanal options in the area.

Contact Information

To find Our Daily Bread or plan a visit during market hours, you can utilize the following location details:

Address: 14 St Union Sq E, New York, NY 10003, USA

Market Location: Union Square Greenmarket (East side of the park)

What is worth choosing

For those visiting the Our Daily Bread booth for the first time, the raspberry cornmeal scone is a highly recommended choice. It is frequently cited for its impressive size and the quality of the ingredients; the tartness of the large raspberry chunks provides a perfect counterpoint to the subtle sweetness of the cornmeal dough. It is an ideal option for a morning snack that feels both indulgent and substantial. The texture is particularly noteworthy, offering a moist interior that prevents the scone from being overly dry, a common pitfall in artisanal baking.

If you are in the market for a loaf of bread, their sourdough is a robust option that appeals to those who enjoy a traditional, rustic crust. Potential buyers should be aware that these loaves are known for their "thick hard crust," which is a hallmark of high-heat artisanal baking. While this ensures a chewy and airy interior, the crust can be quite firm. A local tip for enjoying this bread is to use it for making high-quality croutons if it becomes too firm, or to "revitalize" slices using a combination of heat and steam—such as in a waffle maker or a covered pan—to soften the crumb while maintaining the integrity of the crust. This bread is best suited for those who appreciate a vigorous, chewy loaf that can stand up to thick soups and stews. Whether you are there for the sweets or the savory loaves, the sheer variety at the booth ensures there is something to catch the eye of every New York foodie.

Our Daily Bread

14 St Union Sq E, New York, NY 10003, USA