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Home » Recent posts » The Ultimate Guide to the 5 Best Bakeries in Philadelphia

The Ultimate Guide to the 5 Best Bakeries in Philadelphia

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We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.

Ingredient Quality: We looked closely at how each shop sources its flour and premium butter. Choosing local farms and sustainable materials usually translates to much better flavor.

Product Consistency: A great kitchen needs to deliver excellent results on a quiet weekday just like during a hectic holiday rush. We evaluated how reliable the textures remain across different batches.

Menu Variety: We valued spots that offer a distinct balance of classic staples and creative signature treats. Having solid options for specific dietary preferences is also a major advantage.

Customer Service: The atmosphere behind the counter matters just as much as the food itself. We looked for teams that treat patrons warmly and handle busy morning rushes with patience.

Philadelphia’s bakery scene is one of the city’s quiet strengths, offering everything from old-school neighborhood counters to modern pastry shops with creative new flavors. 

Fresh bread, buttery croissants, and classic sweets are baked daily, often in small batches that sell out quickly.

Alongside traditional bakeries, specialty cheesecake shops, and local dessert shops add even more variety for anyone with a sweet tooth.

With so many strong options across different neighborhoods, it helps to know where to start. To make things easier, we rounded up some of the best bakeries in Philadelphia worth adding to your list.

How much do bakery treats cost in Philadelphia?

Bakery treats in Philadelphia typically cost about $1.50 to $5 per pastry or cookie, $3 to $5 per cupcake, and around $30–$90+ for an 8-inch cake.

Item TypeAverage Cost
Cupcakes$3.00 to $5.00 each
8″ Cakes$30.00 to $90.00+
Pastries & Cookies$1.50 to $5.00 each (or $50+ per pound)
Sheet Cakes$50.00 (quarter) to $170.00 (full)

1. The Bakeshop on Twentieth

the-bakeshop-on-twentieth-logo

Website: https://bakeshopon20th.com/ 

Address: 269 South 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Contact: (215) 644-9714

Hours:

Sunday – Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Thursday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Walking into The Bakeshop on Twentieth instantly wraps you in a cozy family atmosphere. The team crafts an impressive product variety using high-quality ingredients sourced from local suppliers. 

On our last visit, we grabbed one of their signature babka buns alongside a rich brookie, and the textures were incredible.

They also offer an impressive gluten-free lineup, including flavor-packed tahini chocolate chunk cookies that don’t compromise on texture. 

However, the tiny physical space only has a counter and a couple of small tables. This limited layout can make things tough if you expect to sit down and work on a laptop.

The seating rules can also sometimes feel a bit unclearly communicated by the staff.

Pros

  • High-quality locally sourced ingredients
  • Wide product variety beyond pastries
  • Strong gluten-free cookie options
  • Distinctive signature babka buns

Cons

  • Very limited seating space
  • Inconsistent policy communication

Always amazing

Feels like a cozy, small town bakery, but it’s here in the city. The sandwiches and pastries are our main purchases and they are always amazing. The babka buns are a favorite.

Peaches isn’t allowed to have much from the bakery, but she approves of their fun “hat”. 😊

Kady | Google Review 

Fantastic bakery with a lovely set of options

Fantastic bakery with a lovely set of options. Of course everything is best in the morning out of the oven as is with all bakeries. And they sell out of their best things quickly! My favorite is the banana chocolate muffin and the chocolate chip cookie!

Rebecca Higginson | Google Review  

2. Isgro Pastries

isgro-pastries-logo

Website: https://www.isgropastries.com/

Address: 1009 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Contact: 215-923-3092

Hours:

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Isgro Pastries carries more than 120 years of family-owned Sicilian baking tradition, and that heritage shows in the way their pastries are made. 

We like that their signature cannoli are filled to order. This approach really keeps the shell crisp and highlights the freshness of the cream using a closely guarded family recipe. 

The bakery’s use of traditional tools, including a century-old Carrara marble table, also adds to the sense of craftsmanship and old-world technique behind each batch

Their sfogliatelle and pignoli cookies also stand out. They offer a more authentic Italian pastry experience that reflects their long-standing baking roots.

Some everyday items, though, like cupcakes, may not deliver the same depth of flavor as their signature pastries. Pre-packaged cookie assortments can also feel a bit uneven.

Plus, specialty items are priced higher than what you would typically expect from a standard neighborhood bakery.

Pros

  • Over a century of family tradition
  • Iconic secret-recipe handmade cannoli
  • Antique tool craftsmanship methods
  • Premium imported small-batch ingredients

Cons

  • Inconsistent flavor on simpler items
  • 
  • Higher pricing on specialty pastries

 a charming bakery with so many delightful desserts

I couldn’t resist going inside Isgro Pastries when I was in the Italian Market neighborhood in Philly. What a gem of a place. It’s a one of a kind bakery that transports you right to Italy with it’s amazing cookies and pastries. On my recent visit in early November I had some of the best cookies in my entire life from here. It’s a charming bakery with so many delightful desserts. A family run business since 1904 and an absolute gift to Philadelphia. Isgro Pastries is amazing.

Adrianna Lypeckyj | Google Review 

we love their variety

Really good bakery, we love their variety. It was our first time visit and my favorite was strawberry dessert out of 4 cakes. I can’t wait taste their cookies.

Next time I will try their tiramisu and cheesecake for sure

Aigo M (Miss Aigo) | Google Review  

3. Haegele’s Bakery

haegeles-bakery-logo

Website: http://www.haegelesbakery.com/

Address: 4164 Barnett St., Mayfair, Philadelphia, PA 19135

Contact: 215-624-0117

Hours:

Tuesday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Haegele’s Bakery is a long-standing, multi-generational bakery in Mayfair that focuses on classic European-style baking and traditional comfort sweets.

We like that it keeps things simple and nostalgic, offering a wide range of familiar treats like cookies, donuts, and other everyday baked goods under one roof. 

The atmosphere also feels very community-driven, with regulars treating it as a neighborhood staple rather than just a stop for desserts.

The straightforward baking approach also helps maintain consistent, old-fashioned flavors that appeal to people looking for something traditional rather than modern or experimental.

That said, some items (like the butter cake) can occasionally turn out a bit dry or lighter on the topping than expected. 

It’s also strictly cash-only, so you’ll need to plan ahead and stop at an ATM before visiting.

Pros

  • Deeply rooted multi-generational history
  • Wide selection of traditional staples
  • Authentic European baking techniques
  • Welcoming neighborhood atmosphere

Cons

  • Inconsistent butter cake texture
  • Thinner cake toppings than expected

Found this gem of a bakery

Found this gem of a bakery. Family owned and ran like the good old days. As you walk in you fell like your transported to the days where pride was essential in your business. The ladies greet you and makes you feel welcomed  I have to say its amazing. From the butter cookies, butter cake to my favorite dutch chocolate cake. It was moist almost silk like textured.I do recommend to call and place your order.

Miguel Zeledo’n | Google Review 

Great service/people and so friendly

Stopped by for the first time today for some famous Fastnachts, ordered a half dozen since it’s just me and my husband. Great service/people and so friendly! I tried Fastnachts at work a few years ago and herd about this bakery and decided to stop by this year- I think I’ll be one of those people who may travel for this yearly 😁

Daisha Chandler | Google Review 

4. J’aime French Bakery

j-aime-french-bakery-logo

Website: https://jaimefrenchbakery.com/

Address: 212 S. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Contact: (215) 833-9374

Hours:

Tuesday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Bringing an authentic French patisserie experience to the city, J’aime French Bakery shines with its focus on refined artisan craftsmanship. The menu is loaded with gorgeous traditional items like delicate macarons and flaky croissants. 

We chatted with one of the bakers during our visit, and they explained how carefully they laminate their dough to get those perfect layers.

The entire presentation is beautifully polished, offering an upscale destination for anybody seeking a sophisticated European dessert experience. 

That said, the service behind the counter can sometimes feel a bit hit-or-miss depending on how busy the morning rush gets. 

Some guests have also noted that an impatient staff interaction detracted from the overall experience, even though the pastries themselves are always beautifully executed.

Pros

  • Specialized authentic French identity
  • Wide selection of traditional tarts
  • Handcrafted artisan presentation
  • Premium boutique dessert selection

Cons

  • Inconsistent customer service attitude

An authentic French bakery

This is an authentic French bakery, the owner is from France and makes sure everything is to the utmost standards. The hot chocolate is quite unique and they let you try it first because it’s not as sweet or watery like others but very rich and flavorful. Lots of seating if you want to take your laptop

 Lillian G | Google Review 

I’m so happy I stopped in

French bakery shop that happened to catch my eye while wanting a sweet treat! I’m so happy I stopped in.

The chocolate pretzel croissant looked delicious and unique, and it was. It was flaky, butter and sweet. The middle twist had the perfect amount of softness. I definitely want to come back to try their danishes and other pastries!

Ariana Lucidonio | Google Review 

5. Second Daughter Artisanal Bakery

second-daughter-artisanal-bakery-logo

Website: https://www.helloseconddaughter.com/

Address: 1901 South 9th Street, Suite 403, Philadelphia, PA 19148

Contact: 215.964.7849 / 215.350.2207

Hours:

Friday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (or until sold out)

Operating out of the creative BOK building, Second Daughter Artisanal Bakery is widely celebrated for its scratch-made artisanal treats and award-winning brownies. 

The owners prioritize sustainability by sourcing fresh dairy and edible flowers directly from local farms. They also provide impressive cake customization options, allowing you to design beautiful centerpieces with gold leaf and intricate painted elements.

The menu remains diverse, offering seasonal tarts and savory sourdough focaccia alongside their signature sweets. 

On the downside, the premium pricing might feel a bit steep if you’re expecting large, traditional bakery portions. A few visitors have also found certain brownie batches to be surprisingly average compared to the massive hype.

The staff can occasionally come across as a bit impatient when explaining the unlabeled display items.

Pros

  • Award-winning signature brownies
  • Locally sourced sustainable ingredients
  • Highly customizable cake designs
  • Flexible multi-channel ordering

Cons

  • High pricing relative to size
  • Occasionally underwhelming brownie batches
  • Impatient staff interactions

The frosting is addictive

So.. I randomly came across this bakery and have been stalking their IG for months. I finally took the plunge and order some cupcakes. You know, to try them out. I’m hooked. The cake was so moist. The frosting is addictive. I will be back to try a different flavor next week. Thanks ladies.

Melanie Ortiz | Google Review 

My go to spot for any baked goods for all occasions

Rhonda and the team are top notch. My go to spot for any baked goods for all occasions. Recently I got a cake for my wife’s birthday and they did an amazing job! If you’re looking for a bakery, you need to call Second Daughter!

George Downey  | Google Review