Orwashers Bakery

- 1187 E 156th St, Bronx, NY 10474

When you talk about New York City's culinary institutions, the conversation inevitably turns to Orwashers Bakery. A name synonymous with exceptional, hand-mixed bread and classic New York-style treats, Orwashers has been a pillar of the city's food scene for over a century. While the business began in 1916 on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, its presence in The Bronx—specifically at its facility on East 156th Street—is vital to its operations and represents a significant local footprint in the South Bronx community.

The location at 1187 E 156th St is integral to the heritage of Orwashers. For many New Yorkers, this site is known as one of the modern production hubs that has helped preserve the bakery’s commitment to quality while allowing it to grow its distribution across the entire tri-state area and beyond. Unlike the smaller retail storefronts you might find in Manhattan, this Bronx location plays a key role in ensuring that fresh, expertly crafted loaves, pastries, and bagels—mixed, shaped, and baked on the premises—are available to local residents and top-tier restaurants across the city.

The mission of Orwashers, which was founded by Hungarian immigrant Abraham Orwasher to provide high-quality rye, black, and grain breads to the local immigrant community, remains rooted in tradition. While the ownership changed hands to Keith Cohen in 2008, the current team has diligently honored the original techniques, even using a heritage sourdough starter dating back to the bakery's inception. They have successfully bridged the gap between old-world Eastern European baking and modern artisanal techniques, creating a true New York classic that continues to earn accolades citywide.

The commitment to quality ingredients is another reason Orwashers stands out among New York bakeries. They prioritize using local New York State grains whenever possible, forging relationships with regional farmers and even developing unique "wine breads" that utilize local vineyard starters. This dedication means that when you pick up a loaf, you are truly tasting a piece of New York, crafted by a business that has been part of the city’s fabric for generations.

Location and Accessibility

The Orwashers facility at 1187 E 156th St is situated in a dynamic and revitalizing section of the South Bronx, bordering the Hunts Point and Longwood neighborhoods. This area is historically a hub of manufacturing and industrial activity, which makes it an ideal location for a major food production and distribution center like Orwashers. However, it’s also a neighborhood experiencing growth and an influx of new business and residential development, making it a key part of the borough's evolving economic landscape.

For local New Yorkers, particularly those in the South Bronx, accessibility to the area is strong. The Hunts Point and Longwood sections are well-connected by the MTA subway system, with the 2, 5, and 6 lines offering excellent transit options. The location is easily accessible from Manhattan, with a commute to Midtown taking approximately 25 minutes on the subway. For those who prefer to drive, the location is conveniently close to major thoroughfares, including the Bronx River Parkway and the Cross Bronx Expressway. The local neighborhood itself is considered very walkable and features an 'Excellent Transit' rating, making a trip to this essential Bronx spot feasible for many residents across the borough.

Services Offered

Orwashers Bakery, regardless of whether you visit a retail storefront or utilize their wholesale/pickup location, provides a comprehensive set of services focused on delivering the freshest baked goods directly to the consumer and business partners. The core services available include:

• Retail Takeout: The primary service at their customer-facing locations, allowing New Yorkers to purchase fresh bread, pastries, and bagels on the spot.
• Wholesale/Commercial Distribution: Serving many of New York City’s top restaurants, gourmet grocery stores, and food retailers with their acclaimed baked goods.
• Catering and Large Orders: Providing large quantities of their classic items, such as Challah and Babka, which are popular for holidays, events, and family gatherings.
• Online Ordering and Delivery: Customers have the option to order a wide array of products through third-party delivery platforms for maximum convenience.
• On-Premises Baking: Every bread and pastry is handcrafted, mixed, shaped, and baked daily on the premises, ensuring the freshest possible product.
• Credit Card Payments: All major credit cards are accepted for easy payment transactions.

Features / Highlights

Orwashers has earned its status as a New York staple through its consistent quality and a menu that perfectly balances historical favorites with contemporary artisanal creations. Their most celebrated highlights include:

• The Heritage Sourdough: A highly-rated classic loaf made using a sourdough starter that has been maintained since the bakery’s founding in 1916. This is a must-try for any true bread enthusiast in the city.
• Bubbe’s Chocolate Babka: Often cited as a New York favorite, this rich, fudgy, and moist babka is a sticky bun-inspired treat that has achieved legendary status among local pastry lovers.
• Authentic New York Rye and Pumpernickel: Carrying on the original Hungarian immigrant tradition, their classic rye bread, available with or without caraway seeds, remains the perfect base for an authentic deli sandwich.
• Award-Winning French Baguettes: Made with 100% imported French butter and flour, these baguettes have been recognized as some of the best in the city, celebrated for their golden, crisp crust and airy interior.
• Handcrafted Bagels and Bialys: Orwashers offers a traditional bagel with a crisp, chewy crust, along with classics like the Caramelized Onion Bialy and a substantial 'New York Breakfast' sandwich option.
• Commitment to Local Sourcing: The bakery partners with New York State farmers to source flour and ingredients, underlining their dedication to sustainability and local economics.
• The Pistachio Crunch Croissant: A modern and viral sensation, this flaky, buttery croissant is filled with chocolate and a pistachio crunch, showcasing the bakery’s ability to blend old-world technique with current food trends.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers looking to connect with the Bronx facility or inquire about orders, the essential contact details are:

• Address: 1187 E 156th St, Bronx, NY 10474, USA
• Phone: (718) 618-7438
• Mobile Phone: +1 718-618-7438

What is Worth Choosing

For New York City residents, choosing Orwashers means selecting quality, tradition, and a taste of history. If you are looking to treat yourself or your family to truly exceptional baked goods, there are a few items that you absolutely cannot miss. The overall customer consensus is clear: the experience of a handmade product, mixed, shaped, and baked in the same day, is unparalleled.

First and foremost, the Heritage Sourdough and the New York Rye Bread are the foundation of the Orwashers reputation. These loaves are the perfect example of why this establishment has thrived for over 100 years. The sourdough offers a complex, chewy crust and a flavorful interior, while the rye is the gold standard for a classic deli loaf. As one local notes, their process guarantees that all breads are truly handcrafted, lending a superior taste and texture you simply won't find in mass-produced alternatives.

For sweet indulgences, the Bubbe's Chocolate Babka is a non-negotiable choice. Its rich, fudgy filling and gooey texture make it the ideal treat for weekend brunch or a special dessert. Additionally, the customer-praised cinnamon raisin rolls—or the overall Morning Bun which utilizes sweet croissant dough rolled with caramelized sugar—are perfect companions to your morning coffee. The classic Black & White Cookies are also celebrated for their light, cakey vanilla base and balanced frosting, an essential piece of New York nostalgia that Orwashers executes to perfection.

Finally, for a quick and satisfying New York breakfast, their dedication to mastering the bagel provides a traditional option with a crisp, chewy crust and a soft interior, perfect with their dill cream cheese on the famous 'New York Breakfast' option. Whether you are stocking up for the week or simply craving one of the best Babkas in the five boroughs, making the choice for Orwashers Bakery means supporting a piece of New York history that continues to innovate while upholding the highest standards of artisan baking.

Orwashers Bakery

1187 E 156th St, Bronx, NY 10474, USA