Arcade Bakery is probably known for their fine selection of baked goods as much as their unique semi-hidden location inside the lobby of the Merchant's Square Building on 220 Church Street in Tribeca. I used to walk by that building quite often on my way to Whole Foods before I had learned that an excellent French bakery laid just beyond it's doors. On my first visit, the lady ahead of me on line ordered a turkey sandwich and remarked that she had been dreaming about it all week . I've since tried that turkey sandwich which consists of turkey, mozzarella, roasted pepper, arugula and olives tucked into a tasty slab of focaccia that is ever so slightly crispy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside and totally understand where she was coming from. Their ham and cheese sandwich served on a baguette with salted butter is also really good. And their personal pizzas ($9) which are baked to order between the hours of 11:45am-3:15pm are another standout option for lunch. The pizzas are served margherita style with a choice of additional toppings like garlic, onion, arugula and pepperoni for an extra $1.00. The slices are delectably thin and flavorful and the crust is one I actually want to eat and I'm usually not much for crusts when it comes to pizza. I've also tried their croissants (plain, chocolate and almond) and they are light, flaky, buttery wonders which rival ones I've had in France. I haven't tried the babka yet but the people at the next table the last time I was there were singing it's praises. Owner and head baker Roger Gural was a music and television producer before honing his baking skills as an apprentice at Au Duc de la Chapelle in Paris and further perfecting them as head baker at Thomas Keller's prestigious Bouchon Bakery. He also worked at the well known Bouley Bakery and Almondine before opening Arcade Bakery. His previous experience has definitely paid off and we're quite lucky to have our own version of a French patisserie in downtown Manhattan.
Most people opt for take-out orders but you can also choose to dine in using the pocket seating ledges in between the mahogany tables which fold down from the alcove walls while you take in the view of the impressive vaulted ceilings and marble floors inside the arcade hallway of an elegantly designed building which is over 100 years old. An added bonus is the pleasant aroma of baked goods wafting through the air. It's actually a pretty cool experience. Personally I like the seats with a view of the open bakery itself. Since they're inside an office building, Arcade Bakery keeps office hours as well and serves up their freshly baked goods only on Mondays - Fridays from 8am-4pm. I'd definitely recommend stopping by if you have a chance or happen to be in the area. Fair warning that the lines can get long around lunchtime.
Arcade Bakery
220 Church Street (Worth & Thomas)
New York City
212.227.7895
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