Imagine a bakery that you can visit and feel like you’re doing something good. That bakery would be Birdbath Bakery, an offshoot of City Bakery, branded as their eco-minded sister. Each location is environmentally-friendly, using green and recycled materials. Sure their products probably have as much fat and sugar as the other bakeries, but Birdbath incorporates organic and locally-sourced  ingredients so you can feel a little less guilty.

My primary reason to visit was their famous pretzel croissant. However, the above window display piqued my interest.

Once inside, I found myself drooling over the variety of goodies in the store. The baked goods seemed healthier, maybe because they included vegan options and things like hemp milk seeded scones.

I got my beloved pretzel croissant, an interesting hybrid between the saltiness of a pretzel and the buttery flakiness of a croissant.

Hubby chose the mixed berry scone, which was not too sweet and filled with fresh berries.

On our way out, I couldn’t pass up on ordering that Baker’s Muffin, like a mini pull-apart monkey bread, studded with apples and raisins. The muffin offered a crispy, crunchy top which contrasted nicely with the soft inside. It made for a delightful, not-too-sweet treat for the rest of the day (they are pretty big).

The seven locations of Birdbath sport different looks inside. I like the Upper West Side branch on Broadway because of the funky bleacher seating against the wall. There’s also a loft area upstairs with extra seating.

Birdbath also has one of the best cookies in town, including a gigantic chocolate chip cookie with big chunks of chocolate. Larger than my hand, these cookies are well worth their price.

I travelled across the country to get one of their pretzel croissants and wish City Bakery was still in Los Angeles. If you’re lucky enough to live in Manhattan or happen to be visiting, count yourself lucky and stop in for a baked goody or two.  The high quality of these bakery items are well worth the splurge.

Location – 2244 Broadway, New York, 10024. Additional locations throughout Manhattan.
Website – http://thecitybakery.com/birdbath-bakery/
Kid-Friendly – Yes
Kid’s Menu – No
Pesco-Vegetarian Friendly – Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly – Yes