ACQ Bread

- 543 Clinton St #1, Brooklyn, NY 11231

In the bustling landscape of New York City, where food trends come and go, some places stand out for their unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. ACQ Bread is one such place. Tucked away on a quiet street in Brooklyn's charming Carroll Gardens neighborhood, this small, unassuming bakery has earned a devoted following for its exceptional artisan bread. Unlike many high-profile bakeries, ACQ Bread focuses on a minimal menu to ensure the highest care and quality in every single loaf. The moment you step inside, the rich, warm aroma of freshly baked bread tells you everything you need to know about the passion behind their craft.

ACQ Bread is not just a bakery; it's a project rooted in a philosophy of mutual nourishment and sustainable food practices. Owner and baker Tyler Lee Steinbrenner, who honed his skills in elite, Michelin-starred kitchens, applies his expertise to the humble loaf of bread. He sources his wheat from local, organic farms in New York, and some of the grains are even hand-mixed and milled in-house. This dedication to "ingredient activism" and supporting American agriculture is a core part of the bakery's mission. The bread is created using a slow, wild-leavened fermentation process that makes it more digestible and deeply flavorful. This meticulous approach and the use of the highest quality ingredients result in a product that is, as one reviewer noted, "transcendent and edible."

What makes ACQ Bread a truly special place is its blend of world-class baking techniques with a community-first ethos. The bakery has a strong mutual aid philosophy, donating hundreds of loaves of fresh bread to local groups every month. This commitment to giving back, combined with the focus on wholesome, conscientiously-made food, creates a business model that is as inspiring as it is delicious. It’s a hidden gem that New Yorkers are willing to seek out, proving that great food, when made with care and purpose, is always worth the effort.

ACQ Bread is located at 543 Clinton St #1, Brooklyn, NY 11231. The bakery’s storefront is a "tiny storefront" on a quiet street in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood. This setting adds to its hidden gem status, making it a delightful find for those in the know. The bakery is also accessible to a wider New York audience through its presence at several of the city’s popular greenmarkets. Patrons can find ACQ Bread at the Sunnyside Greenmarket on Saturdays and both the Carroll Gardens and Domino Park Greenmarkets on Sundays. This dual-location model—a small, intimate bakery and a broader presence at farmer's markets—ensures that more people can access their delicious loaves. For those with mobility issues, the bakery is noted to have in-store pickup and a takeout service, and while specific accessibility details for the physical space are limited, its ground-level location makes it a quick and convenient stop for all visitors.

ACQ Bread operates on a unique and highly focused service model. The primary focus is on providing fresh, high-quality bread for in-store pickup and takeout. Here’s a breakdown of their services:

• In-Store Pickup & Takeout: The bakery’s main service is selling bread directly from its storefront. This allows customers to come in, select their desired loaves, and take them home. This is the simplest way to get their bread if you’re in the area.

• CSA Subscription: For regular customers, ACQ Bread offers a "CSA" program. Individuals can subscribe to receive one or two loaves of fresh bread weekly. These loaves are baked specifically for the subscription members and are available for pickup at the bakery during their limited hours. This is an excellent way to guarantee you always have a loaf of their fresh bread on hand.

• Farmer's Market Sales: In addition to the physical bakery, ACQ Bread is a regular vendor at several major farmer's markets. They are present at the Sunnyside Greenmarket and the Carroll Gardens Greenmarket on Saturdays, as well as the Domino Park Greenmarket on Sundays. These market appearances are a vital part of their business model, allowing them to reach a broader audience and serve more communities.

It's important for customers to note the limited and specific hours of operation to ensure they visit at the right time. The bakery is open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and they operate at the markets from 8 a.m. until they sell out, which is a testament to the high demand for their products.

ACQ Bread's reputation is built on several key features that make it a standout in the crowded New York bakery scene:

• Artisan Sourdough: The bakery's main offering is its sourdough bread. The loaves are made with a long fermentation process (up to 24 hours), resulting in a complex, flavorful bread with an "ephemeral crumb" that is both "denser" and "crustier" than many other loaves. The use of wild cultures and ancient grains sourced from local farms adds to the unique taste and quality.

• Japanese-Style Milk Bread: The ACQ Milk Bread is a must-try item that receives consistent praise. Customers describe it as having a "fluffy and bouncy" interior and a "slightly tangy and sweet" flavor. This unique blend of a traditional sourdough starter with the soft, pillowy texture of milk bread has made it a favorite among regulars.

• High-Quality, Local Ingredients: ACQ Bread sources its ingredients with a purpose. It works with local farmers and groups like GrowNYC's The Grainstand to use organic, sustainably grown wheat. This "ingredient activism" ensures a high-quality product that is both nutritious and supports a better agricultural system.

• Community Focus: The bakery is not just a business but a community-oriented project. Its donation program, which provides over 200 loaves of bread to local mutual aid groups each month, shows a deep commitment to its neighborhood and a philosophy of mutual nourishment.

• Quaint, No-Frills Ambiance: The bakery’s "humble, tiny storefront" with a "handwritten signboard menu" gives it a personal and authentic feel. The focus is on the product, not on a flashy display, which adds to its charm and makes the quality of the bread feel even more impressive.

These highlights, from the bread itself to the ethical practices behind its creation, explain why ACQ Bread has such a loyal and enthusiastic customer base.

For those eager to visit or learn more about ACQ Bread, you can use the following information:

• Address: 543 Clinton St #1, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA

Due to the limited hours and high demand, it is always a good idea to check for their current hours and menu before making a trip. The best way to secure your loaf is to plan your visit around their scheduled hours or market appearances.

If you're making the effort to visit ACQ Bread, a few items are an absolute must-try. The ACQ Milk Bread is a consistent favorite and is highly recommended by multiple customers. Its unique texture—a perfect balance of the light, pillowy interior of a Japanese milk bread and the nuanced flavor of a sourdough—makes it a truly special loaf. Another great choice is the Living Bread, a dense, seedy, and crunchy loaf perfect for a hearty slice. For those who enjoy a more classic taste, the sourdough boules and pullman loaves are the perfect representation of the bakery’s craftsmanship, with a delicious crust and a flavorful crumb.

Beyond the bread itself, the experience of visiting ACQ Bread is a key part of its appeal. The aroma of freshly baked bread, the friendly staff who are passionate about their craft, and the personal, unpretentious atmosphere of the tiny storefront all contribute to a memorable visit. While they may no longer make their own seaweed butter, their breads are delicious on their own or paired with a quality French butter. The high price point, which reflects the use of premium, organic ingredients and the meticulous process, is well worth it for a product that is both delicious and ethically made. A visit to ACQ Bread is more than just a trip to a bakery; it's an investment in a local, sustainable food project that offers a taste of true craftsmanship and community spirit.

ACQ Bread

543 Clinton St #1, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA