Allan's Bakery

- 1109 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225

For over sixty years, Allan's Bakery has stood as a cornerstone of the Brooklyn community, becoming a cherished institution in the heart of the Little Caribbean neighborhood. Established in 1961 by Allan and Gloria Smith, this family-owned and operated business has grown from humble beginnings selling baked goods out of a station wagon to a full-service, multi-generational bakery located at its current, famous spot on Nostrand Avenue since 1967. Allan's Bakery is not merely a place to buy a sweet treat; it is a vibrant cultural hub, a piece of New York’s West Indian heritage, and a go-to destination for authentic Caribbean baked goods and savory delights.

This renowned Brooklyn gem is celebrated for its commitment to traditional recipes and high-quality, fresh ingredients. The bakery specializes in a wide range of Caribbean culinary favorites, from flaky pastries and sturdy breads to savory patties and show-stopping custom cakes for all occasions. As one of the most beloved and oldest Caribbean bakeries in New York, Allan's Bakery continues its legacy by producing items that taste like home for many New Yorkers and visitors alike, upholding a standard of excellence that has made it a true Brooklyn icon. The vibrant atmosphere, often filled with the sounds of soca music, and the welcoming spirit of the staff contribute to the overall cultural experience, making any visit a delightful journey to the West Indies right here in New York City.

Beyond the everyday baked goods, Allan’s Bakery is a staple for special occasions. For many families in the area, a birthday, christening, or wedding would not be complete without one of their famous celebratory cakes, especially the traditional Black/Fruit Cake, prepared the old-fashioned Caribbean way with rum-soaked fruits. This dedication to authentic holiday and special occasion fare solidifies the bakery’s role as a vital part of the community’s social fabric. Whether you are seeking a quick, satisfying breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a centerpiece cake for a major celebration, Allan’s Bakery offers a truly unique and flavorful New York experience rooted in authentic Caribbean tradition.

Location and Accessibility

Allan's Bakery is conveniently situated in the Prospect Lefferts Gardens Historic District, at the intersection of Nostrand and Maple, firmly planted in Brooklyn’s celebrated "Little Caribbean" community. This central location makes it a highly accessible spot for local New Yorkers and visitors traveling through the borough.

The full address for the Brooklyn flagship location is 1109 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA.

The bakery is committed to ensuring a positive experience for all patrons, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance to welcome everyone. For those who drive, both free and paid street parking options are typically available in the surrounding neighborhood. For a quick visit, the area is well-suited for a fast stop. Moreover, the bakery supports modern payment methods, accepting Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments, in addition to SNAP/EBT, making transactions smooth and convenient for all members of the community.

Services Offered

Allan's Bakery provides a comprehensive range of services to cater to the needs of the New York community, including:

• In-store shopping and Takeout: Customers can visit the storefront to pick up freshly baked goods and savory meals.
• In-store Pickup: Orders can be placed in advance and picked up directly at the bakery, helping to minimize wait times.
• Local Delivery: The bakery partners with various platforms to offer local delivery in the New York area, bringing the Caribbean flavors right to your doorstep.
• Breakfast Service: Catering to morning customers with a selection of breads, rolls, and light meals.
• Custom Cakes: Specializing in cakes made to order for all major events, including Caribbean Sponge Cake, Red Velvet Cake, Chocolate Cake, and their famous Black/Fruit Cake.
• Wedding Bakery Services: Providing beautiful and traditional cakes for weddings and large family celebrations.
• Savory Meals and Sandwiches: Offering a variety of savory items like patties, roti, and their signature Fried Bake & Codfish sandwich.

Features / Highlights

Allan's Bakery is distinguished by several key features that set it apart as an authentic New York institution:

• Historic Family Ownership: The bakery has been family-owned and operated for over 60 years, with the original founders, Allan and Gloria Smith, and their three daughters, continuing to manage the business.
• Authentic Caribbean Cuisine: It is recognized as a genuine Caribbean restaurant and pastry shop, specializing in a vast array of West Indian baked goods and savory fare.
• Community Identity: Proudly identifies as a Black-owned, Latino-owned, and women-owned business, deeply ingrained in the local community culture.
• Dietary Options: Offers several vegan-friendly baked goods, including the highly popular Currant Roll, Apple Turnover, Guava Turnover, Pineapple Turnover, Mango Turnover, and Vegetable Patty.
• Top-Rated Bestsellers: Known for its celebrated items like the Currant Roll, dense Hardo Bread (Hard Dough Bread), and savory Beef Patties.
• Inclusive Environment: Actively promotes a welcoming atmosphere, identifying as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace.
• Full-Service Menu: Beyond pastries, the bakery offers a full range of products from over a dozen types of bread and rolls to various savory patties, coconut-based sweets, and a full menu of cakes for all occasions.

Contact Information

For inquiries, to place an order, or to learn more about their offerings, you can contact Allan's Bakery using the information below:

• Address: 1109 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA
• Phone: (718) 774-7892

What is Worth Choosing

When visiting Allan's Bakery, there are several items that stand out as must-try options, representing the best of their traditional Caribbean offerings. The undisputed champion is the Currant Roll (Vegan). This flaky, puff pastry dough rolled with currants, sugar, and spices has been made using the same recipe for over 60 years and is highly recommended by the family and customers alike. It’s a top-tier sweet roll and their most popular single item overall, a testament to its consistent quality and authentic flavor.

Another staple that draws crowds is the Hardo Bread (Hard Dough Bread). This bread is a distinct Jamaican favorite, known for its dense yet soft consistency and hint of sweetness. It’s perfect for making sturdy sandwiches, soaking up gravy, or simply toasting with butter. Its unique texture holds up well to hearty fillings, a characteristic that separates it from standard white bread. It is truly an essential choice for anyone looking for an authentic Caribbean bread experience.

For a savory option, the Beef Patty is a classic that is frequently cited as a top-selling item. The well-seasoned, savory filling encased in a flaky, yellow crust makes it a perfect grab-and-go meal or snack. If you prefer fish, the Fried Bake & Codfish Sandwich offers a taste of traditional Caribbean breakfast or lunch, featuring a fried bake—a small, slightly sweet, unleavened fried dough—paired with perfectly seasoned saltfish.

Finally, for a celebratory treat, the Black/Fruit Cake is an absolute highlight, especially during the holidays. This rich, dark cake is prepared in the traditional Caribbean style with premium quality fruits, currants, and raisins, lightly soaked in rum, making it an essential purchase for any major family event. The quality and authenticity of the ingredients used across all their menu items, from the vegan apple turnover to the whole wheat hardo bread and the coconut rolls, ensure a memorable and authentic taste of the Caribbean right here in New York City.

Allan's Bakery

1109 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA