El Manantial Bakery

I had their version of the éclair, was actuly much better than I thought it waould be, the pastery was flaky and the cream was good.

3 stars for amazing coffee and cupcakes. Their breads were kind of dry — not sure I believe they were made same day. Cinnamon rolls were way too sticky and cinnamon sticks on the flaky side (can be good — matter of preference). It is also very cheap — 3 or 4 small loaves of bread and most treats for under a buck. I think the cupcakes were ¢50.
If I found this spot in most other neighborhoods it would be in the very good category. The shop has very steep competition in this neighborhood — have a hard time giving it anything other than a fine grade. I go when passing by for other things (going to Highbridge park, going to nearby labcorp) but it isn’t a destination bakery like other spots I frequent. It also has lines at exciting times, so be mindful of that.

Dominican goodies!

A perfect, little Dominican bakery. And it’s so cheap! I’ve gotten a bunch of things from here: tres leches cake, pineapple cake, guava empanadas, quesitos, all ranging from $ 1 — $ 3. It seems most crowded in the morning when people are getting coffee and breakfast there, but overall, it’s usually pretty hopping. I’m surprised (and not surprised) that with such a large customer base, it has relatively little online presence.
Seriously, if you’re looking for a sweet eat, this is the place. The staff that I’ve spoken with sometimes can and cannot speak English, so ihabla español aquí! And fair warning, it’s cash only!

This place is a gem in Washington Heights, and it’s 1 block away from where I live! Not sure if this is a good or a bad thing.
The first few times I went I’d only get the coconut/​pineapple slice cake because it was the only item I could pronounce (it’s delicious by the way). Today I was determined to grab something from the mouthwatering snacks they have by the storefront. I pointed at a delicious looking fried ball which was mashed potatoes stuffed with ground beef (croquettes basically but I forget the actual name of it). I still got my coconut pineapple cake (it’s irresistible, and it’s $ 1!) and coffee. Everything was outstanding!
Also, I didn’t know there was a Latin version of Kibbeh (quipes)! Definitely trying that next time.

Cheap, delicious. I tried a few things — I can’t remember what they were called exactly but one was filled with cheese and was slightly sweet and delicious! I also tried some of the cookies which I also really liked. Besides the sweet treats they offer, they also offer freshly baked breads and some savory pastries (much more my style). If this was on my way to work/​school I might stop by more often because they have a large selection of goodies.

My favorite Dominican bakery! I used to go here at least 3 – 4 times a week when I lived in Washington Heights.
The pastries are delicious, made fresh everyday, and very cheap. I don’t know their names. I just point to the counter to indicate which ones I want. Whenever I stop by I order the bustelo café con leche. Its delicious coffee that wakes me up. I also enjoy the oatmeal made Dominican style. They serve in coffee cups so you can slurp it during your train ride.
The staff is attentive, fast, and very friendly.

Washington Heights home to more Dominican salons, barber shops, taxi companies, and bakeries than anywhere else in the world… at least according to me. On the one hand, one might think the over-​saturation is ridiculous but one should also appreciate the (theoretical) competition and subsequent low prices that it seems to create.
Take El Manantial for instance, where quipes and pastelitos are still $ 1, rellenos $ 1.25, jamon y quesos $ 2 – 3, café con leche a buck… I could go on and on. In my new home of Albuquerque, I can’t find ANYTHING at these types of prices, and my inclination is to suspect that it’s because there’s not enough competition. I’m probably wrong but I don’t give a shitake mushroom.
Anyways, yeah, there are tons of bakeries in the Heights but I like this one because it’s around the way and does it’s pastries and fritura right. Everything I get here is good and cheap and the employees are friendly and quick. In true New York fashion, you can get in and out of here in just a few minutes with a coffee and some pastry goods to eat as you walk or ride the train.