Mideast Bakery

- 7808 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209

If you are a New Yorker in search of truly authentic, freshly baked Middle Eastern specialties, look no further than Mideast Bakery in Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge neighborhood. More than just a simple bakery, this local institution is a celebrated, family-run Lebanese specialty destination that has been a cornerstone of the community for decades. It has served generations of New Yorkers since its founding in 1976 by Antoine Aflak, who brought his traditional Lebanese baking knowledge from northern Lebanon to the bustling streets of Brooklyn. Today, the business is proudly run by his daughter, Marie Aflak, and her husband, Tony, who are committed to upholding the legacy of quality, warmth, and fresh ingredients that the bakery is known for.

Mideast Bakery isn't just selling a product; it’s offering a piece of Lebanese heritage. The establishment has grown into a highly-regarded spot for not only phenomenal bread but also a curated selection of groceries and delicious prepared foods. For many New Yorkers, this bakery is a true 'Little Levant' gem—a place where the smells of freshly baked dough and traditional spices fill the air, providing a comforting and authentic experience right in the heart of the city.

This bakery and grocery store is especially famous for its commitment to traditional methods. The quality of their offerings starts in their massive, decades-old brick oven, which is reportedly as large as some New York City apartments. This high-temperature oven is essential to producing the bakery’s flagship product: the lightly charred, pillowy rounds of pita bread that customers rave about. The bread is so highly esteemed that the bakery has been known to supply its specialty pita to acclaimed local restaurants, a testament to its unparalleled quality.

When local residents talk about Mideast Bakery, they often mention the inviting atmosphere and the genuine hospitality of the owners. It is a clean and welcoming establishment where customers are treated like family. The bakery’s commitment to community and tradition is evident in every loaf and every savory pie they produce, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the vibrant food scene of South Brooklyn.

Whether you are in a rush for a quick visit or planning a takeout order for a gathering, Mideast Bakery provides an accessible and rewarding culinary experience. It is a place where every visit feels personal and the food truly speaks for itself.

Location and Accessibility

Mideast Bakery is perfectly situated in the bustling Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, a neighborhood rich with Middle Eastern and Arab American culture. Bay Ridge is often referred to as 'Little Levant' due to the concentration of authentic shops and eateries, and Mideast Bakery is a shining example of this rich tradition.

The specific address is 7808 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA. This location on 3rd Avenue is easily accessible for both local Bay Ridge residents and those traveling from other parts of New York City. The neighborhood is well-served by public transportation, making it convenient for a quick stop-in or a planned visit to stock up on fresh goods. The convenience of this location is part of what makes it a local favorite, ensuring that fresh Lebanese specialties are never too far out of reach for Brooklynites.

For New Yorkers who prefer quick and efficient transactions, the bakery accepts modern payment methods, including debit cards and NFC mobile payments, ensuring a seamless checkout experience. It is ideal for a quick visit, whether you're grabbing a cheese pie for lunch or a stack of fresh pita on your commute home.

Services Offered

• Specialty Lebanese and Middle Eastern Bakery Products: Focused on traditional recipes passed down through generations.
• In-House, Brick-Oven Baked Breads: Producing the bakery’s highly praised, hand-crafted pita bread.
• Savory Stuffed Pies: A wide variety of freshly made savory pies, including favorites like spinach pies, cheese pies, and meat pies.
• Prepared Lebanese Delicacies: Homemade items such as creamy labneh (Lebanese strained yogurt), rich babbaganoush, and fresh tabbouleh.
• Middle Eastern Groceries: The establishment operates as a grocery store alongside the bakery, providing customers with essential ingredients and imported goods.
• Takeout Service: Providing convenient options for customers who wish to grab their food and go.
• Catering: The bakery offers catering services for all occasions, allowing customers to bring authentic Lebanese flavor to their events.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free Options: The owners have indicated a commitment to introducing gluten-free and vegan items to meet diverse dietary needs within the community.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic Lebanese Specialty: One of Brooklyn's premier sources for traditional, homemade Lebanese and Middle Eastern food and baked goods.
• Multi-Generational Family Ownership: The business was founded in 1976 and continues its legacy under the founder's family, ensuring recipes and quality remain authentic.
• Hand-Crafted Pita Bread: Famous for its perfectly fluffy, lightly charred pita bread, hand-rolled and baked in a large, traditional brick oven dating back to the 1950s.
• Renowned Savory Pies: Specialties include meat, spinach, and cheese pies that are favorites among regulars.
• High-Quality Prepared Foods: Known for fresh, homemade dips and salads, such as creamy labneh, fresh hummus, and zesty tabbouleh.
• Community Staple: A long-standing, beloved fixture in the Bay Ridge neighborhood, providing a warm and welcoming environment for all customers.
• Flexible Payment Options: Accepts various forms of payment, including debit cards and NFC mobile payments, for customer convenience.

Contact Information

For New York residents looking to place an order, inquire about catering, or simply check the daily specials, Mideast Bakery is easily reachable.

Address: 7808 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA

Phone: (718) 680-0561

What is Worth Choosing

For any New Yorker seeking an authentic culinary experience, Mideast Bakery offers a selection of items that are consistently highlighted by loyal customers and food critics alike. The single most compelling reason to visit is the Fresh-Baked Pita Bread. Baked daily in a high-temperature brick oven, the pita here is considered by many to be the best in town. Its perfect texture—soft, warm, and slightly blistered—makes it incomparable to anything found in a supermarket.

Beyond the pita, the Savory Stuffed Pies are a must-try. Customers particularly love the Cheese Pies, which feature a delightful blend of cheese baked inside the signature, perfectly proofed dough. The Spinach Pies are also highly recommended, often praised for their excellent seasoning and fresh ingredients. Similarly, the Za'atar Bread (Manaesh), a flatbread brushed with olive oil and topped with the earthy, tangy Middle Eastern spice blend, is a flavor powerhouse that makes for a fantastic quick breakfast or snack.

When it comes to deli and prepared items, don't miss the Labneh. Customers describe it as "rich and creamy," making it the ideal complement to the fresh pita or a perfect spread for any meal. Pair this with the homemade Babbaganoush for a truly authentic Lebanese appetizer spread.

Ultimately, choosing Mideast Bakery is choosing a taste of genuine Lebanese tradition. The combination of multi-generational family care, high-quality, hand-rolled products, and a welcoming atmosphere creates a unique experience that transcends a simple bakery visit. Whether you are stocking your pantry with Middle Eastern groceries, picking up a quick lunch, or seeking catering for your next big event, Mideast Bakery on 3rd Avenue is an indispensable part of Brooklyn’s rich food landscape, providing a consistent source of warmth and delicious, authentic flavors for over four decades.

Mideast Bakery

7808 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA