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B & W Bakery
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
37 reviews for B & W Bakery
Review Highlights
"It has got to be the best crumb cake on Earth."
(in 28 reviews)
"...they put crack in their baked goods, they're that god."
(in 3 reviews)
"don't forget to take a number."
(in 3 reviews)
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37 reviews in English
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Review from Michael G.
Philadelphia, PA
10/22/2011
I have never lived in Bergen County, Hackensack or New Jersey. This being said, my grandparents lived here for over 70+ years. This place is an institution in my mind. I grew up in South Carolina and anytime that we visit my grandparents it was essential to go by B&W Bakery.
The Crumb Cake is probably the best I have ever had in my life.
They made my grandfather's 90th Birthday Cake and it was delish as well.
If you so happen to be in the area, come and check this place out. You will be glad that you did!
Oh yeah, CASH ONLY!!!Listed in: Cash Only!!
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Review from Evan M.
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Was in the Hackensack area one morning and I heard many good things about this bakery from friends. They mostly raved about the crumb cake.
Ordered a whole crumb cake and was shocked at how cheap it was. Only $6.50. It was largely crumby on top but the cake was still a little dry and stiff. I don't know if it had anything to do with the time I came in. I came in on Friday around 7am and my cake was literally the last piece on the sheet. Maybe that could have been it. Maybe it sat from the day before. It wasn't bad by any means but it didn't live up to the online or word of mouth hype. Cutting a piece off the next day was like sawing into concrete. Also, I read online that the ownership of this place changed hands sometime ago.
I would deff give this place a try again but I doubt I will be back in this neck of the woods anytime soon. The place appeared to have that mom and pop bakery feel but the quality isn't going to have me making any special trips here. -
Review from Atif I.
12/27/2011
I always thought the name was an abbreviation for Black and White, after the cookie. Today, I found out that the initials actually stand for Boehringer and Weimer, the original German owners of the bakery that has sold cookies, pastries, and cakes for over 64 years.
Their claim to fame is the crumb cake, and this Hackensack bakery has a crumb-to-cake ratio that blows out other bakeries'. I would estimate that three-quarters of an inch of sugary crumbs topped about a third of an inch of cake (or rather Danish). This kind of streusel-to-cake ratio may be the stuff of childhood dreams, but, wouldn't be the only reason why I would sing praises for B&W.
Freshness: You can't really go wrong with a fresh product, even if your ingredients lack the quality of fancier patisseries. B&W keep baking cakes and pastries all day long with steady foot traffic of loyal patrons - I understand the baking continues till 5 pm!
Execution: the things they do, they do well. I was really surprised by the quality of their cannoli, considering that they weren't piped in with ricotta in front of me. Despite that, the shell was crisp, and the cream was some of the best I've had in the past few years. Not quite the level of Villabate, but definitely in the top 5 I've had across the country. It was finger lickin' good. I was thoroughly impressed. I am a fan of marzipan, and as Germans do the most justice to the desserts that feature them - the Tri-color cookie with Marzipan was the only cookie I picked out. Actually, I picked out a quarter pound of those, and they were polished off in the (165) bus ride back home: fresh, delicious, fantastic value. Another dessert that I picked out, visually, was the beehive squares: excellent, with a generous filling of whipped cream that wasn't over-the-top rich. I might add that their eclairs overflow with custard, and are competent old world versions of the pastry. (I ignored some of their stuff that didn't appeal to me visually - cupcakes being one of them)
Old world charm: B&W has it in spades - a thoroughly charming bakery, reminiscent of simpler times when a dessert was a treat. Ownership may have changed hands, but the quality is pretty fantastic and the service top notch. Don't you love it when an institution lives up to your expectations? -
Review from T K.
Roslyn, NY
2/8/2012
I have never before been moved to write a review on yelp, so the fact that I took the time to write one after tasting the goodies from B & W in Hackensack should say a lot. As a native New Yorker who grew up in the boogie down Bronx, I am willing to traverse the bridge to get a taste of the scrumptious offerings at B & W. While its Crumb Cake is undoubtedly the best I have ever tasted (aside from my grandma's - oh wait, my grandma doesn't bake...), I must rave about its apple crumb cake and red velvet cake - oh.em.jeez. DELISH!! I've visited countless eateries that are known for a specialty...but this bakery has no specialty because EVERYTHING is ambrosial, delectable, and memorable. Although the bakery can get quite packed during the weekends, there is a reason it does get so busy...because one taste of their cakes will flip your frown upside down.
But what makes each and every visit to the bakery worthwhile is also the hospitality, particularly that of the man behind the counter, whom I like to call "Mr. Y.T." He is the funniest and most cordial man I have met. So the next time you pop into B & W Bakery (or if you haven't, go already!), grab a cup of hot Joe, eat a piece of crumb cake (or rather, an entire one), and shake Mr. Y.T.'s hand...to thank him for the delightful experience. -
Review from Steve G.
Hackensack, NJ
1/21/2012
A little pricy but world's best crumb cake!
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Review from Ashley K.
12/20/2011
B & W Bakery you are heaven. My family doesn't even live in North Jersey anymore and we make special trips, just to come here. This has been a tradition for us. The Crumb Cake is without a doubt the best crumb cake on the planet. It's thick and not dry and delightful. It's heavy and tops with gigantic, sugary, buttery crumbs of incredibleness. The hard rolls are baked to perfection. The rainbow cookies are traditional, moist and phenomenal. Black and white cookies - so tasty. I am never eaten anything here that I have not liked. It's hard to stop yourself from buying everything in the shop, because it all smells and tastes amazing. Do yourself a favor and make sure you come here.
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Review from Augusto M.
Manhattan, NY
10/14/2011
Crumb Cake? More like Crack Cake.
Forgot how I found this place, but glad I did. Texture more like a moist danish then cake. But this is a good thing. I mean great thing. Huge serving, good price. Near Target. Def worth a stop. Just wish it was open later. -
Review from Christine G.
Englewood, NJ
9/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is my go to place for an impromptu cake. They have a bunch of ready made cakes but my favorite is the chocolate with fresh strawberries and banana.
This place gets packed on the weekends. So grab a number, prepare a cup at the coffee bar and wait for your turn while you enjoy the sweet aroma. -
Review from Jim B.
5/27/2011
I had their crumb cake twice; I didn't think the texture was right. Then I looked more closely and saw that it was not baked completely; you could see a small layer of partially cooked dough. Bummer.
When I was growing up crumb cake was a "big thing" so I have strong opinions. I remember it as mostly cake with a modest layer of crumbs. B&W seems to think that half cake and half crumbs are the way to go. -
Review from Nino R.
It's funny. This is a full-service bakery, yet the only item I've ever ordered/eaten has been the crumb cake. For nearly 25 years of visiting B & W, I still can't believe that I've never ventured out.
So what does that say about the crumb cake?
LEGENDARY!!!
It really is that good. Just read the reviews. Please read the other reviews. I'm hoping some highlight other items aside from the crumb cake. I'm sorry I can't.
I still can't get enough of that crumb cake... -
Review from Justin A.
Monsey, NY
2/15/2011
So I think we all know that they have "World Famous" (more like Tri-state area famous) crumb cake, but if you have never visited this bakery - you are missing out.
When you walk you, you are bombarded with nearly every confectionery delight you could imagine. If you have a chance, I HIGHLY recommend the Churro. They are filled with a Bavarian cream that is barely noticeable but adds a bit of smooth wet texture to a normally dry dessert. P.S I don't like Bavarian cream and I LOVE this Churro.
Well worth the visit. If you like baked goods - specifically sweets, you will love this place. -
Review from Kristina F.
Hoboken, NJ
10/22/2010
I just spent a two week trip in Spain eating churros and hot chocolate nearly every day. When we got back I wanted to share my newfound routine with others but remembered that I'm in a different country where churros aren't as readily available. Resigned, I decided to pick up something I knew for sure would be good: B&W crumb cake.
What I got was an extra wonderful surprise: they had churros too!
After the original shock and excitement of seeing them wore off, I became slightly skeptical of churros sitting in a case as opposed to the freshly fried churros I was used to. I asked the girl behind the counter if they were any good and she responded, "Oh yeah. They're filled with bavarian cream."
Sold!
After leaving B&W, I made another stop and picked up some hot chocolate (because you can't have churros without hot chocolate for dipping) and they were heavenly (on their own as well as dipped). Fried, with every nook coated in cinnamon sugar and filled with that rich, luscious bavarian cream. Oh. So good! -
Review from She C.
Saddle Brook, NJ
8/24/2011
I'm sorry. I know it's legendary... but I was deciding between 2 and 3 stars.
Yes, the crumb cake is quite good. However, I found the cake to be a little bit dry. I've also had one that was better where the crumbs were just as yummy but the cake was moist and flavorful (sorry, it was cooked by an individual, not a company). If you're a first timer, you should know that when you order 1 piece, it's enough for about 8 people. They serve it in bricks and I felt like a moron not knowing how to order the quantity like the pros did... instead I just ordered "I'll get the amount he got" referring to the guy in front of me. I thoroughly enjoyed watching my boyfriend and his mother fighting over the big crumbs though!
Because of the legend that is B&W Bakery, I decided to try a couple other things. The cupcakes, which were ONLY available in white cake (right, no chocolate, red velvet, carrot cake, anything), were too dense and seemed to be topped with store-bought icing.
My biggest gripe was the bread selection. Sparse! And what I selected was just okay - I can find better in the supermarket.
Also, cash only!
My search for a great bakery continues! -
Review from Mega M.
Jackson, NJ
7/26/2011
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE CRUMB CAKE!
THIS CAKE IS CULINARY CRACK!
If you live in Northern NJ, you understand that B And W is an instituion that is famous for its crumb cake. I have been going to this bakery for 2 decades and I don't even know how anything else tastes in that bakery LOL. I get the crumb cake every time.
To put it into words is tough but I'll try!
Take a standard light yellow cake and top it with a block of cement worth of crumbs, sugar and butter. That's how heavy it is and its that damn good!!
This is the definition of a sugar rush. It is to die for! -
Review from L L.
New York, NY
6/21/2011
I went there after hearing all the buzz about the crumb cake. It was good and worth a trip to Hackensack, NJ. They sell other stuff but I did not see anyone in front of me buying anything else but the crumb cake. Give it try next time you are in the neighborhoold
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Review from N S.
Washington, DC
4/6/2010
Nothing ever compares to NY (or, in this case, the tri-state area). This is the mantra drilled in your head growing up w/ NYer parents and you're not in NY.
So anyway, trips up north always required returning home w/ italian pastries, italian products, jewish pastries, and just about every tasty thing that despite being only 3.5 hours away - the DC area greatly lacks. And it's a lot.
So this past week my mom came back from her seasonal pilgramage home and I stuck around wondering what tasty treats this trip would bring. It brought crumb cake from B&W and a pecan ring. Both delicious. Despite the heavy crumb topping, it was not too sweet, and the pecan ring had the perfect texture and was not loaded w/ streusel as some of them are.
Yes, I started snacking on crumb cake and pecan ring at 8:00 in the evening, don't judge me.
Next trip, I'm gonna go up w/ her and see what else I can try from this spot! -
Review from Lindsey P.
Hackensack, NJ
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
So glad I finally stopped in! I've been searching for Italian Flag Cookies.... I used to find them in delis but recently I've been out of luck... Until today! :) I found them and B&W and they're so so soo good! I got other cookies too, which were soft and fresh - perfect! Next time I'll be trying the crumb cake and churros!
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Review from Brian K.
Weehawken, NJ
5/16/2007
I realize that Hackensack is way out in the sticks and all, but no one has reviewed the B & W Bakery yet?
I did not know this (I'm not from Jersey,) but apparently, Hackensack is the U.S. capital of crumb cake. One day at work, a crumb cake was brought in from the place voted "best crumb cake in the country," along with B&W's crumb cake. In a blind taste test, our panel of 10 unanimously decided that B&W's crumb cake soundly trounced the one declared "best in the U.S." I can't even remember the name of that bakery. It was a fine crumb cake; I'm not complaining, but when compared to the divine, flaky, buttery cinder block with the density of spent uranium from B&W, it just didn't compare.
B&W claims to have the heaviest crumb cake around, and it surely is. We all picked up the box and marveled at just how incredibly heavy the cake was. If you need to hold a flapping tarp down in a hurricane, or perhaps need to anchor your boat, these will do nicely, but it's better to eat them. I am not sure how many pounds of butter and sugar go into each crumb cake, and I'd rather not know. I just refer to their crumb cakes as "The Divine Cinder Blocks."Listed in: Only in Jersey
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Review from Katy P.
Hackensack, NJ
6/9/2008
Actually, in response to Brian K.'s review, Hackensack is not "out in the sticks" at all... we're only nine miles from Manhattan, and it's the county seat for Bergen County.
Anyway, yes the crumb cake here cannot be beat. B&W is also famous for their home-made ice cream cake which is fantastic. My friends came to visit this weekend from out of town and visited B&W to pick up an assortment of cookies and cupcakes. Pretty much anything you buy here is great and fresh, and it's in a convenient area close to the cener of Hackensack. -
Review from Kevin G.
Little Ferry, NJ
3/1/2009
CRUMB CAKE
If you go here, you must try their crumb cake. It's incredible. I love the smell of this place. As soon as you walk in, your mouth starts watering. Great bakery. :) -
Review from Alexis P.
5/7/2009
Yes, of course, the crumb cake is excellent. I try something different every time I go in; pastries, cakes, bread, and only one thing, the marble pretzel, has been so-so. I don't buy my bread at the supermarket anymore; I'd rather give my money to a local business who makes tasty bread for the same price I'd normally pay at the store.
Cash only (ATM inside if you forget). Take a number from next to the door if it's busy - and it usually is!Listed in: The 'sack
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Review from Kate C.
New York, NY
8/13/2008
The heaviest crumb cake crafted by human hands.
Perhaps that's an exaggeration, but not by much.
Work off some of the calories by carrying one of these puppies around, and then shove the crumb delight down your throat hole.
I've been going to this bakery occasionally to get my crumb cake fix for almost 10 years, and I don't think I've ever bought anything else. No need to, really.
Just crumb cake bliss.Listed in: There's Good Stuff In Jersey!
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Review from Lk C.
New York, NY
3/18/2011
So disappointing. Went in today to sample their cookies and it was not good. The butter cookie was so stale I spit it out.
I wouldn't trust anything else. Won't be back. -
Review from Chuck A.
Paterson, NJ
2/22/2011
Went to this bakery on Saturday to get a birthday cake for my wife. I wanted something small and simple, a 17 inch yellow cake with whipped cream on the outside and strawberries and custard as the filling. The total came to $31.50 (cash only, so they don't have to raise prices, as per the sign on the wall). The cake was decent but nothing spectacular. While I was waiting I bought my son a small chocolate cookie with a frog on it. Apparently a cookie this size runs just over $2 at this place. Really looking back at it the cost of the cake was a total ripoff. I would never buy a cake from here again.
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Review from linda p.
Bergen County, NJ
They are famous for their "heavy crumb" cake and all the rave reviews for it are well deserved! Our out of town relatives always request we bring this to family parties. I even met a gentleman on line who told me he brought a heavy crumb on a plane to bring to relatives in California!! My personal favorite is the chocolate covered french crullers and the eclairs. The chocolate that B & W uses is incredible. Really, everything is great at this bakery. We have been going for 40+ years. They recently changed owners, but thank goodness, are using the same recipes.
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Review from Jewel Y.
Yes the famous crumb cake is better than any other crumb cakes I've had in my life but unfortunately I'm not a big fan of crumb cake. However, I really love their banana cream pie, it's sooo good that all my friends who've tried it went banana over it and asked me where I got it from. Unlike other typical American cakes, this banana cream pie is not overloaded with sugar and has a wonderful vanilla flavor filling which goes perfectly with banana. I think the price of this pie is a steal....the whole pie costs under $10!!! Can't beat it!
Listed in: Bergen County (mainly…, My Guilty Pleasure
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Review from Jen O.
Brooklyn, NY
9/4/2010
Easily earns 5 stars for their signature crumb and apple crumb cakes, as well as their cupcakes. I swear, they put crack in their baked goods, they're that god!
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Review from Steven S.
11/28/2010
My family has lived a few blocks from B&W for more than half a century, and I've been personally coming here my entire life (only about a third of a century). I can't vouch for much other than the crumb cake, though, because that's what I'm still willing to trek here for. Oh, the Pecan Ring is pretty amazing, too. It has got to be the best crumb cake on Earth. And I went out to see the Earth and can report back that it is, indeed, THE BEST CRUMB CAKE ON EARTH. Even better than anything in New York. You probably didn't know you wanted crumb cake. You may not even know what it is. Well, it's basically giant lumps of sugared sugar balls on a thin layer of soft dough. But it sure is tasty. I used to drive an hour back and forth to pick one up for my college roommates (the ingrates), and I still get one on my admittedly rare visits from Manhattan to the continental United States. Apparently, the wife of my father's boss used to have them brought to her in Florida. That's legendary for you. Lido's is just up the street, too!
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Review from Jason S.
River Edge, NJ
11/4/2008
The heavy crumb cake may not be to everyone's taste as the crumb to cake ratio is almost -- but not quite -- excessive. However, the apple crumb cake is by no means an inferior crumb cake, with a fine balance of cake, crumb, and not-too-sweet apples. No one has mentioned the doughnuts, yet, but B&W bakes the best jelly doughnuts in northern New Jersey. Our family in Long Island clamors for them every time we visit.
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Review from Anna L.
11/23/2008
I was a big fan of the crumb cake here when I was growing up. However, I had a small slice today and I was a bit disappointed. I don't remember the cake part being so much less than the crumb part... and I also didn't remember it being all so hard and dry in general. Perhaps I'm just a pickier eater now than as a teenager? Or perhaps they've gone downhill. I can't really comment there.
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Review from Hank D.
Holly Springs, NC
3/29/2011
Crumb cake and the cookies.....really cannot go wrong here....just be ready to wait on line....don't forget to take a number.
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Review from Mike M.
Hoboken, NJ
4/15/2010 1 photo
Dude what's UP with people loving these Hackensack spots (just reviewed White Manna) that are just OK!!? My girl loves the crumb cake here. I've had it twice now, both times when it was fresh, and it just doesn't have a ton of flavor. I've had much better crumb cake. Pearl Street Market on LBI (don't know if homemade or outsourced) whoops this ones arse! The cannoli here was good though and is the reason for my 4 star rating. Well, that and there's so much I didn't try that I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt and including my girl's love of the place.
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Review from Pat C.
Hackensack, NJ
11/5/2009
More crumbs less cake is the mantra of this crumb cake @ B&W's! It's a tasty & hefty crumb bliss that my co-workers always request even though my company is 50 miles away. They are lucky I live in the 'Sack ! I got to focus my attention on the other baked goods one of these days.
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Review from Terry N.
Westwood, NJ
2/23/2010
I've only had the crumb cake here so my review is strictly on the crumb cake...hands down the best I've had! On Saturday mornings the place is packed but the counter folks are efficient (make sure to take your number when you enter).
Cash only but they have an ATM onsite.
If you are a crumb cake fan, you MUST check this place out. -
Review from Tom L.
Houston, TX
11/12/2008
Great bakery - we come every year at Thanksgiving , from California now, from Texas before that! -It is all good, but. the crumb cake can't be beat - 7 layer cake,danish are the best I've ever had. If only Bay area bakeries were 1/2 as good.
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Review from Sasha M.
Little Falls, NJ
4/7/2009
Kevin below is right you must try the crumb cake. This is a fantastic bakery with nice and talented people working there. I went once for a particular cake my mother loves and asked them to girl it up for me. The woman behind the counter in less than three minutes held the cake up with one hand and added little flowers all over the side in pink. You have to love a bakery's priority to make a customer happy.
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Review from Vlad S.
New York, NY
4/29/2009
I went couple of times. Not impressed at all. Is it me or people just never tried good stuff? Everything is way too sweet. All you taste is sugar. No flavor. Crumb cake? Do not really care. I am going to Black Hound.
