Whole Foods Bakery

- 214 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11215

When New Yorkers talk about great baked goods, the conversation often turns to local gems, and the Whole Foods Market Bakery in the vibrant Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn is a worthy mention for its combination of quality, convenience, and variety. Located within the large Whole Foods Market at the intersection of Third Avenue and 3rd Street, often referred to as 'Third & 3rd', this bakery department upholds the high standards of the brand while offering an impressive selection of freshly made breads, delectable desserts, and quick-grab treats perfect for any occasion, from a casual Tuesday to a major celebration.

The bakery’s commitment to quality is evident in its ingredient philosophy. They stand by a pledge to use unbleached, unbromated flour and cage-free or better eggs in their baked goods. Moreover, you won't find hydrogenated fats or high-fructose corn syrup in their in-house products, adhering to a comprehensive list of over 300 prohibited ingredients. This focus on "keeping it real" with savory and sweet items is what draws many health-conscious and quality-seeking Brooklyn residents to their doors, making it a reliable spot for everyday bread and special-order desserts alike.

The atmosphere of the entire Gowanus store, which has been described as 'very well organized' and having a 'nice vibe,' naturally extends to the bakery area. It's a clean, bright, and easy-to-navigate section where you can quickly find your favorite sourdough or browse the impressive array of custom-order cakes. For busy New Yorkers, the convenience of finding high-quality baked goods alongside a full grocery selection is a significant advantage.

The Brooklyn location is a noteworthy part of the neighborhood's evolving landscape. The sheer size of the Gowanus Whole Foods Market, over 56,000 square feet, allows for a robust bakery operation, including in-house baking capabilities and a Certified Artisan Bread Baker on staff, ensuring a consistently high standard for their bread offerings.

Location and Accessibility

The Whole Foods Market is situated at 214 3rd Street, right at the corner of 3rd Avenue and 3rd Street in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn. This strategic location makes it accessible to residents of nearby neighborhoods such as Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, and beyond.

For those traveling by foot or public transit, its position near major thoroughfares in Brooklyn is convenient. The store’s design, celebrated for its sustainable and local-focused elements, is a distinct feature in itself. Importantly for all local users, the store and its bakery offer a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, ensuring that everyone in the New York community can easily visit and shop for their baked goods.

Services Offered

The bakery department within the Gowanus Whole Foods Market provides a full suite of services designed for maximum customer convenience:

• Delivery: Customers can take advantage of grocery delivery services, which often include a selection of ready-made cakes, breads, and other bakery items, perfect for those days when crossing the city is out of the question.
• Takeout: All items from the bakery cases, from single pastries to whole cakes and loaves of bread, are available for quick takeout.
• Online Cake Ordering/Reservation: Many signature cakes, including the famous Berry Chantilly Cake, can be reserved online for in-store pickup, streamlining the process for planned celebrations.
• Custom Cake Ordering (Contact Store): For specific customizations, such as specialized flavors or decorations (like a personalized inscription), customers can contact the Brooklyn store’s Bakery team to discuss options and availability.
• Ready-Made Desserts: A continuous supply of pre-made desserts, including cakes by the slice, cupcakes, and tarts, is available for grab-and-go purchases.
• Special Diet Options: The bakery stocks a variety of items to cater to specific dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free cake and bread options.
• In-House Baked Breads: Freshly baked breads, with some varieties baked in-house, ensure the highest quality and freshness for daily consumption.
• Accepts Credit and Debit Cards: For a quick and efficient checkout, the store accepts both major credit cards and debit cards.

Features / Highlights

Beyond the basic offerings, the Whole Foods Bakery at 214 3rd St has several standout features that make it a premier destination for baked goods in Brooklyn:

• The Cult-Favorite Berry Chantilly Cake: This exclusive and celebrated dessert is a signature item, featuring delicate vanilla cake layers, fresh berries, and a signature fluffy Chantilly cream frosting. It's available in various sizes and by the slice.
• Ingredient Standards: A core feature is the stringent quality and ingredient policy. All baked goods must be made without unapproved ingredients, including over 300 common preservatives, colors, and sweeteners, guaranteeing a high-quality product.
• Wide Cake Selection for Events: The bakery offers a wide variety of decadent cakes for celebrations, including Chocolate Cakes (like the Chocolate Eruption Cake), Seasonal Carrot Cake, Celebration Cakes for birthdays, New York Style Cheesecake, and Tiramisu Cake.
• Certified Artisan Bread Baker: The presence of a certified professional ensures the consistently high quality of the store's bread, which includes staples like Seeduction Bread and various freshly baked loaves.
• Quick Visit Optimization: The store is recognized as being ideal for a 'Quick visit,' meaning the layout and checkout process are designed for efficiency, a valuable feature for fast-paced New York life.
• Freshness and Vibe: Customer feedback highlights the overall experience, noting that the bakery products are 'soooooooo fresh' and the market itself has a 'nice vibe,' contributing to a pleasant shopping environment.
• Cake Customization Availability: Customers have the option to personalize their celebration cakes by contacting the local Bakery team for special writing or flavor requests.
• Diverse Dessert Alternatives: For those seeking options beyond cake, the bakery also offers Fresh Fruit Tarts, cupcakes in various flavors, and numerous dessert-style cookies and small treats.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers looking to place an order, inquire about custom cakes, or check on specific stock, you can contact the Whole Foods Market Brooklyn location directly.

Address: 214 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

Phone Number: (718) 907-3622 (General Store Number for 'Third & 3rd')

What is Worth Choosing

For a local shopper in New York, the Whole Foods Bakery in Gowanus is particularly worth choosing for a few key reasons that blend quality with urban convenience.

First and foremost, the Berry Chantilly Cake is the most highly recommended item—it’s a brand institution and a local favorite that serves as a perfect, no-fail dessert for parties or an indulgent slice for an afternoon treat. The combination of fresh berries and light cream is consistently excellent and 'ready-made' for your convenience.

Beyond the sweets, the Artisan Breads are a significant draw. With an expert baker on staff and the commitment to unbleached, unbromated flour, the quality of their foundational bread is a reliable choice for daily consumption, whether you're looking for a rustic loaf or a sandwich bread. The availability of a wide range of products—from freshly baked goods to their selection of vegan and gluten-free options—makes it a one-stop shop for households with diverse dietary needs.

Finally, the convenience factor is unbeatable in a busy city like New York. The ability to reserve specialty items online, pick up a fresh loaf and cake in one trip, or have a dessert delivered all while knowing the ingredients meet high-quality standards is a tremendous benefit. The overall cleanliness and 'nice vibe' of the large market further contribute to a quick and pleasant shopping experience. Whether you need a sophisticated centerpiece for a celebration or simply the freshest bread for tomorrow's lunch, this Brooklyn bakery offers a high-quality solution with the speed and accessibility that New York life demands.

Whole Foods Bakery

214 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA