The Hoboken Girl Team 
Hudson County is home to some of New Jersey’s most iconic bakeries — many dating back nearly a century. From century-old brick ovens to third-generation family businesses, these beloved spots continue to bake fresh breads, pastries, and sweets that have become part of the fabric of the community. Here’s where to go — and exactly what to order.
Carlo’s Bakery | 95 Washington Street, Hoboken
Before everyone knew this bakery as the set of TLC’s Cake Boss, Carlo’s Bakery was just a local favorite in Hoboken. The bakery was founded by Carlo Guastaferro on Adams Street in 1910. Buddy’s father, Bartolo Valastro Sr., bought the bakery in 1964 and then moved it to the famous Washington Street location in the 1990s. It’s a crime to visit this bakery and leave without trying one of the cannoli.
What to order: cannolis, lobster tails, cookies, and of course, cakes.
Judickes Bakery | 763 Broadway, Bayonne
Judicke’s Bakery has been a Bayonne staple since 1924. From cakes, pies, + cookies to everything in between, they’ve been doing it right for generations. The real standout is the donuts, which are always hot and ready, and the kind people line up for.
What to order: jelly doughnuts, sprinkle doughnuts, birthday cakes
La Gran Via | 135 48th Street, Union City
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This Union City spot opened in 1981 and specializes in Cuban classics. The baked goods include items like fresh breads, rice pudding, cakes, pastelitos, and flan, to name a few. The cafe menu includes sandwiches made on freshly-made bread, elevating even a roll with butter into something crave-worthy.
What to order: pastelitos, croquettes, any bread
Liberty Greek Pastries | 2409 Central Avenue, Union City
Liberty Greek Pastries, owned by Maria Serghis, has been a beloved community staple since opening in 1927. As the matriarch of her family, Maria’s warmth and generosity have played a major role in keeping the bakery thriving for nearly a century. For 98 years, this Greek bakery has continued to set the standard, serving up authentic treats — from flaky baklava to orange peel–infused koulourakia — each made thoughtfully and filled with love in every bite.
What to order: Baklava
Neptune Bakery | 1612 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City
Neptune Bakery first opened its doors in 1982, founded by Isaias Laurenco, a baker who immigrated from Portugal. Over the years, this longtime bakery and deli has become a true neighborhood staple, known for sweet treats that make their way to holiday tables, birthday parties, and all of life’s special celebrations. A standout on the menu is the bakery’s famous custard cups, alongside an array of freshly baked goods that keep locals coming back for more.
What to order: Custard cups
Philippine Bread House | 530 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
This beloved spot sells house-made bread and baked goods as well as hot foods. While the Bread House began as a Filipino bakery, the changing makeup of the neighborhood means that there are some Latin-American and Spanish items on the menu now, too.
What to order: Cheese rolls
Second Street Bakery | 402 Second Street, Jersey City
This Jersey City staple is now run by the third generation of the same family. For nearly 100 years, Second Street Bakery has been churning out fresh breads, rolls, calzones, and more. Despite a brief foray into wholesale baking, this shop has been a neighborhood go-to for fresh bread, baked goods, sandwiches, and more for decades.
What to order: fresh bread; pepperoni roll; cinnamon bread
Pecoraro Antique Bakery | 279 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Generations of Hudson County residents have eaten bread, sausage rolls, or other treats from this location. Pecoraro’s first opened in 1923, using a 130-year-old brick oven for all of its baking. Yes, it’s related to Antique Bakery in Hoboken — Ivan Rodriguez, the owner of the original Antique Bakery, took over the Pecoraro location on Newark Ave in 2016 to continue the legacy of his signature coal-fired oven bread.
It’s open seven days a week, with fresh bread and rolls made and sold daily. The bread is the vehicle for its crave-worthy hoagie sandwiches, with hot and cold options.
What to order: fresh bread, sausage bread, an eggplant parm sub
Rizzo Bakery + Pizzeria | 208 Central Avenue, Jersey City
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Since 1983, Mike Rizzo and family have churned out fresh breads, pizzas, sweet treats, sandwiches, and more in the Heights. This spot is open daily, and makes traditional Italian treats for different seasons, such as the pizza rustica for Easter, San Giuseppe zeppoli for St. Joseph’s Day, and delicious cookies for Christmas.
What to order: pizza lunch special
Bonus:
Antique Bakery | 122 Willow Avenue, Hoboken
This might be a hard-to-book restaurant now, but we’re including it on our list because its 30-ton coal oven, which used to bake the famous “Hoboken sticks,” still burns on. The breadsticks were so popular that it was said Frank Sinatra would have suitcases full of them sent to his home. The establishment has since transformed into a restaurant + bar serving brunch and dinner. The most popular baked good coming out of the historic oven is the bread pudding drizzled in caramel sauce. Rich, sweet, and filling.
What to order: the bread pudding (but make sure you have at least one buddy to split it with)
Otok Bakery | 506 Grand Street, Hoboken
Though technically new, Otok Bakery has a storied history in Hoboken. The space was previously home to Dom’s Bakery, a bakery that served the community from the early 1900s until 2023. And, the team uses the same 120+ year old oven to bake its bread and other baked goods daily.
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