Category Archives: Bakeries for the budget minded

5 Star Estrella Bakery Corporation 3861 Broadway New York, NY 10032

Bakeries for the budget minded, Cheap Spanish Restaurant for Budget Minded, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New York City, Exploring Inwood in Manhattan, Exploring Manhattan, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring Washington Heights in Manhattan, Historic New York City neighborhoods, Little Shop on Main Street in New York City (LittleShoponMainStreet), My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Spanish Restaurants for the budget minded, Uncategorized, Walking around Manhattan, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In honor of Small Business Saturday, I am featuring wonderful reasonable restaurants in New York City. Don’t miss the delicious baked goods and empanadas at this bakery! It’s worth the trip uptown.

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The selection of baked goods at 5 Star Estrella Bakery is extensive.

https://mywalkinmanhattan.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/5-star-estrella-bakery-2024-i.jpg?w=640

The renovated front of the bakery.

jwatrel's avatarDining on a Shoestring in the New York City area and beyond.

5 Star Estrella Bakery Corporation

3861 Broadway

New York, NY  10032

(212) 795-5000

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60763-d4416394-Reviews-5_Estrella_Bakery-New_York_City_New_York.html?m=19905

I have been to 5 Star Estrella Bakery Corporation about ten times since my project, “MywalkinManhattan” has taken me to this part of the city. Washington Heights has all sorts of bodega’s and deli’s on every corner of the neighborhood but this one stands out. Everything here is very reasonable and delicious (See my reviews on TripAdvisor).

I have to admit that the baked goods can be a little hard later in the afternoon but the taste is still wonderful. I have had their vanilla and chocolate doughnuts and they are big, puffy rings with a thick layer of icing ($1.25). In the early morning, they have a soft pillowy consistency and in the afternoon, they can be a little harder but still good.

They have wonderful Pastellitos (similar to empanadas) filled…

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Zabar’s Cafe (Inside the Zabar Building) 2245 Broadway New York, NY 10023

Bakeries for the budget minded, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New York City, Exploring Manhattan, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Gourmet restaurants for the budget minded, Historic New York City neighborhoods, Interesting Bakeries, Interesting Bakeries in Manhattan, Interesting Bakeries in New York City, Interesting Delis and Bodegas, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Sandwich and Deli's for the budget minded, Uncategorized, Walking around Manhattan, Walking on the Upper West Side, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Zabar’s Cafe

2245 Broadway

New York, NY  10023

(212) 787-2000

http://www.Zabars.com

Open: Sunday-9:00am-6:00pm/Monday-Friday-8:00am-7:30pm/Saturday-8:00am=8:00pm

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60763-d948624-Reviews-Zabar_Deli_Gourmet_Foods-New_York_City_New_York.html?m=19905

*Authors Note: The restaurant has been open for indoor dining since 2023. They put outdoor seating out during the summer months now.

https://diningonashoestringinnyc.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/zabars-cafe-v.jpg?w=640

The Zabar’s Cafe is in the original Zabar’s building

Zabar’s is one of the most interesting grocery stores in New York City. Back in the late 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s, it was the only place to go for certain gourmet items, baked goods and a variety of vegetables. Their cheeses were some of the best in the city and when you needed fresh pasta, it was here or Manganario’s which went out of business about five years ago.

While other stores have gotten fancier or more expensive in their wares and grocery items, Zabar’s stays tried and true to its roots and is still a place for the average person to come and do their grocery shopping while buying high quality at a fair price. New York City has never been cheap.

I had been to the store many times in the past but even after all of these trips, I never realized that they had a cafe. I came across this when walking the Upper West Side and touring Zabar’s the many times in the neighborhood.

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Zabar’s Cafe inside is for ordering

Zabar’s Cafe, according to their history, sits in the original part of the store (the store has expanded to the whole building) and is separate from the rest of the store. The one thing I like about their menu is that there is nothing over the price of $10.00. Their extensive menu which includes soups, wraps, sandwiches, pizza and pastry.

I have been there twice as while enjoying their specials for $1.00 (in early 2019). This is a special treat that you have to hit in the early afternoon while the specials are going on. The first time I ate there, I had a ham, egg and cheese croissant.

That was really good. The outside was buttery and crunchy with a nice bite to it while the inside is stuffed with scrambled eggs, chopped honey ham and cheddar cheese. Yes, worth every bite.

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The menu here is very straightforward

The second time I ate there, I had their version of Sicilian pizza with some fresh tomato on top of it that was very tasty. It was more of a sauceless pizza with a just a light touch of olive oil, cheese and fresh tomato sliced on top.

I have overheard many customers rave about their homemade chicken soup as a cure all. Their cookies and pastries look delicious, sitting like gems in the display cases. I recently had one of the giant cinnamon buns which was loaded with a thick icing ($2.95) and it was worth every bite. I must have had a big smile on my face when I was walking down Broadway because everyone was staring at me enjoying myself.

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The Zabar’s Cafe outside seating now is available in the warmer months

The crowd is very interesting. It is made up of older Westsider’s who claim their spots in the restaurant as their own. It is really a neighborhood hang out for a lot of these people and I hear a lot of gossip going on as well as old friends greeting one another. If you try to sit in their area, there is that distinct look you get.

The reasonable pastries

Overall, it is a nice place to eat with reasonable food with fresh ingredients and a nice selection of simple American foods from soups and wraps to sandwiches and desserts. There is something for everyone here and the best part is you can still visit the main store to pick up more goodies right next door.

They now offer outside dining during the warmer months.

Zabar’s has something for everyone.

jwatrel's avatarDining on a Shoestring in the New York City area and beyond.

Zabar’s Cafe (Inside the Zabar Building)

2245 Broadway

New York, NY  10023

(212) 787-2000

http://www.Zabars.com

Open: Sunday-9:00am-6:00pm/Monday-Friday-8:00am-7:30pm/Saturday-8:00am=8:00pm

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60763-d948624-Reviews-Zabar_Deli_Gourmet_Foods-New_York_City_New_York.html?m=19905

Zabar’s is one of the most interesting grocery stores in New York City. Back in the late 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s, it was the only place to go for certain gourmet items, baked goods and a variety of vegetables. Their cheeses were some of the best in the city and when you needed fresh pasta, it was here or Manganario’s which went out of business about five years ago.

While other stores have gotten fancier or more expensive in their wares and grocery items, Zabar’s stays tried and true to its roots and is still a place for the average person to come and do their grocery shopping while buying high quality at a fair price. New York City has never been cheap.

I had been to the store many times…

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Tao Hong Bakery 81 Chrystie Street New York, NY 10002

Bakeries for the budget minded, Chinese Restaurants for the budget minded, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New York City, Exploring Chinatown in Manhattan, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In honor of Small Business Saturday, I am featuring wonderful reasonable restaurants in New York City.

Tao Hung Bakery II

jwatrel's avatarDining on a Shoestring in the New York City area and beyond.

Tao Hong Bakery

81 Chrystie Street

New York, NY  10002

(212) 219-0987

Open: Sunday-Saturday: 7:00am-7:00pm

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60763-d15083570-Reviews-Tao_Hung_Bakery-New_York_City_New_York.html?m=19905

Tao Hong Bakery is a tiny hole in the wall bakery across the street from Sara Delano Roosevelt Park and next to both Chi Dumpling House (79 Chrystie Street) and Wah Fung Number One Fast Food Restaurant (81 Chrystie Street), which makes a nice place for a progressive restaurant experience. You can go to the first two for your appetizer and main dish and then enter Tao Hong Bakery for your dessert. The best part of the experience is that all the desserts are fresh and I watch them bring them out a little at a time (See reviews on TripAdvisor).

The cases are stocked with all sorts of sweet and savory baked items including Hot Dog Buns ($1.00), Pineapple Buns ($1.00) and Raisin Buns ($1.00). All have a distinct sweetness…

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G’s Coffee Shop 634 West 207th Street New York, NY 10034

Bakeries for the budget minded, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New York City, Exploring Inwood in Manhattan, Exploring Manhattan, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Entire Length of the Island of Manhattan/Broadway Walk, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the Rim of the Island of Manhattan, Historic New York City neighborhoods, Hot Dog, Hamburger & Fries for the budget minded., My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Sandwich and Deli's for the budget minded, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In honor of Small Business Saturday, I am featuring wonderful reasonable restaurants in New York City.

https://mywalkinmanhattan.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/gs-coffee-shop-2022.jpg?w=640

 G’s Coffee Shop is a great little place for breakfast and lunch when you are touring the Dyckman Farmhouse and The Met Cloisters. The food is very reasonable and the service is very friendly.

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The menu is very extensive and reasonable

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The burgers here are amazing!

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So are the breakfasts. This is the Sausage and Egg Breakfast Burrito

jwatrel's avatarDining on a Shoestring in the New York City area and beyond.

G’s Coffee Shop

634 West 207th Street

New York, NY  10034

(212) 942-0679

Free Delivery

Open: Sunday-Saturday 7:00am-9:00pm

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Breakfast—Brunch-Restaurant/Gs-Coffee-Shop-205601462950934/

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60763-d17445018-Reviews-G_s_Coffee_SHop-New_York_City_New_York.html?m=19905

I came across G’s Coffee Shop (Steve & Gus Coffee Shop as the sign says) when I was taking a tour of the near by Cloisters Museum in Fort Tyron Park and then explored the park. After I finished at the museum and walking the park, I was starved and explored around the neighborhood to find a place to eat. Having walked the neighborhood for my blog, “MywalkinManhattan.com” a few years earlier, I had passed many restaurants on 207th Street that had opened and closed over the years and I came to G’s Coffee Shop which I had not noticed on my last few trips to the neighborhood.

Sitting down to eat at this small hole in the wall diner, I found that it was a…

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Dining on a Shoestring in New York City and Beyond: Finding reasonable meals and snacks for around $20.00 and under

Bakeries for the budget minded, Candy and Ice Cream stores for the budget minded, Cheap Spanish Restaurant for Budget Minded, Chinese Restaurants for the budget minded, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Dining on a Shoe String in New York State, Dining on a Shoe String in Philadelphia, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New Jersey, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New York City, Exploring Chinatown in Manhattan, Exploring Inwood in Manhattan, Exploring Little Italy/NoLiTa in Manhattan, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring the Entire Length of the Island of Manhattan/Broadway Walk, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Gourmet restaurants for the budget minded, Hot Dog, Hamburger & Fries for the budget minded., Interesting Bakeries, Interesting Candy Shops, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan Experiences, Pizzeria's and Italian Restaurants for the budget-minded, Sandwich and Deli's for the budget minded, Spanish Restaurants for the budget minded, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In honor of Small Business Saturday, I am featuring all the small individually owned restaurants on my blog, DiningonaShoeStringinNYC@Wordpress.com. These reasonable places won’t ‘break the bank’ when visiting New York City.

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Barcelona’s in Garfield, NJ.

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G’s Coffee Shop in Inwood, NY

Since the site has been created, the prices of food have gone ‘through the roof’ since COVID. So, I changed the price to $20.00. I have continued to look for quality restaurants and take out places that meet those standards. There are a lot of them out there.

jwatrel's avatarDining on a Shoestring in the New York City area and beyond.

Hello everyone!

My name is Justin Watrel and I created ‘Dining on a Shoe String in New York City’ (DiningonShoeStringinNYC.wordpress.com) as an extension to the blogs: ‘MywalkinManhattan’ (MywalkinManhattan.com) along with ‘VisitingaMuseum’ (VisitingaMuseum.com) and “LittleShoponMainStreet” (“LittleShoponMainStreet@Wordpress.com), in search of a delicious meal for $10.00 and under. It is difficult in an area as expensive as Metropolitan New York but many restaurant owners are paving the way with small, innovative menus at a fair price.

Lung Moon Bakery II

Lung Moon Bakery in Chinatown, NY

I created this blog when I discovered all these wonderful small restaurants, bodegas and bakeries that were fantastic both in that the quality of their food and the prices that they cost. I also looked at atmosphere and cleanliness of the establishment. Most cost under $10.00 (USA) for their main food items and provide small places to sit down and eat.

With everyone on a budget, I thought this would cater nicely to…

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Corrado Bread & Pastry 960 Lexington Avenue @ 70th Street New York, NY 10021 (Closed June 2025)

Bakeries for the budget minded, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New York City, Exploring Manhattan, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring The Upper East Side of Manhattan, Gourmet restaurants for the budget minded, Historic New York City neighborhoods, Interesting Bakeries, Little Shop on Main Street in New York City (LittleShoponMainStreet), My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Sandwich and Deli's for the budget minded, Uncategorized, Walking around Manhattan, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In honor of Small Business Saturday, I am featuring wonderful restaurants that are reasonable in New York City.

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Corrado Bread & Pastry’s outdoor cafe.

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The case line of sandwiches and pastries

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The Chicken Salad on a Brioche bun

*Bloggers Note: Corrado’s Bakery closed in early June of this year and is now being replaced by another coffee shop. The Upper East Side loses another great little restaurant.

jwatrel's avatarDining on a Shoestring in the New York City area and beyond.

Corrado Bread & Pastry

960 Lexington Avenue @70th Street

New York, NY 10021

Phone: (212) 774-1904

Fax: (212) 774-1905

http://www.corradocafeat70th.com

Hours: Monday-Friday-7:00am-8:00pm/Saturday-8:00am-7:00pm/Sunday-8:00am-6:00pm

*Prices are subject to change/Cakes of any size can be made to order, some items require 48 hours.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60763-d1557807-Reviews-Corrado_Bread_and_Pastry-New_York_City_New_York.html?m=19905

I came across Corrado Bread & Pastry shop when I was walking around the Upper East Side for my blog, “MywalkinManhattan.com” and looked in the window to see a large display of pastries and sandwiches and decided I needed a dessert and walked in. What a delicious variety of foods so beautifully displayed and so colorfully placed like jewels in a case. The best part is that everything I tried was delicious and their prices are very fair for the neighborhood.

This indoor/outdoor cafe is a block from the main campus of Hunter College and caters to everyone from the college students up for coffee and pastries between classes…

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Non Solo Piada 302 West 37th Street New York, NY 10018 (Closed January 2025)

Bakeries for the budget minded, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New York City, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring the Garment District, Little Shop on Main Street in New York City (LittleShoponMainStreet), My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Pizzeria's and Italian Restaurants for the budget-minded, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In honor of Small Business Saturday, I am featuring wonderful restaurants that are reasonable in New York City.

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The street food here is excellent!

https://mywalkinmanhattan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/non-solo-piada-iv-1845553326-e1674617462234.jpg?w=398

Don’t miss this little gem in the Garment District

jwatrel's avatarDining on a Shoestring in the New York City area and beyond.

Non Solo Piada

302 West 37th Street

New York, NY  10018

Telephone: (212) 216-0616

Fax: (212) 216-0686

http://www.nonsolopiadnyc.com

Monday-Friday: 7:00am-8:00pm

Saturday-Sunday: 8:00am-4:00pm

Delivery Available

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60763-d11916965-Reviews-Non_Solo_Piada-New_York_City_New_York.html?m=19905

I came across this little gem of a restaurant one afternoon when I was walking in the Garment District and it is one of my new favorite places to go for a snack when working in the area (See reviews on TripAdvisor).

Non Solo Piada makes traditional Italian Street foods and breakfast inspired by street food you might find in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The best part of the menu here is there are all sorts of wonderful and creative items on the menu that will run $10.00 and less.

The items on the menu are split into four catagories: Piadine (sandwiches), Cassoni (stuffed sandwiches) and Piadizze (Pizzas) plus desserts and beverages. A Piadine is a warm folded over sandwich where you can see…

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Harb's

Harbs 1374 3rd Avenue at East 78th Street New York, NY 10075 (Closed May 2021)

Bakeries for the budget minded, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring The Upper East Side of Manhattan, Little Shop on Main Street in New York City (LittleShoponMainStreet), My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Sandwich and Deli's for the budget minded, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In honor of Small Business Saturday I am sending out the merchants I have found on MywalkinManhattan. Don’t miss Harbs $22.00 lunch special. It is excellent!

Harbs III

The BLT Special here is amazing!

Harbs II

Don’t miss their selection of delicious cakes.

jwatrel's avatarLittle Shop on Main Street

Harbs

1374 3rd Avenue at 78th Street

New York City, NY 10075

(646) 336-6888

Open:

Sunday-Thursday: 11:00am-9:00pm

Friday-Saturday: 11:00am-10:00pm

Harbs is the first restaurant I have put on the site because it does not quite fit into my ‘DiningonaShoeStringinNYC@Wordpress.com site because of its prices and due to the bakery up front, it is a combination of upscale bakery and cafe.

This Japanese inspired upscale tea and coffee shop/bakery I discovered when walking around the Upper East Side for my “MywalkinManhattan.com” blog site when exploring the Upper East Side (Days 101-104). The restaurants philosophy is to offer the freshest ingredients with a handmade quality to all of their food items. It really shows in the quality of all of the lunches and desserts that I have had there.

Harbs II

First off, the food and the service are excellent.  Harbs is one of those rare restaurants that has all the components of a…

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Sun Sai Gai 220 Canal Street New York, NY 10013

Bakeries for the budget minded, Chinese Restaurants for the budget minded, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New York City, Exploring Chinatown in Manhattan, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Little Shop on Main Street in New York City (LittleShoponMainStreet), My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Don’t miss Sun Sai Gai for afternoon snacks.

Sun Sai Gai IV

I love the selection of food here.

Sun Sai Gai

jwatrel's avatarDining on a Shoestring in the New York City area and beyond.

Sun Sai Gai

220 Canal Street

New York, NY  10013

(212) 964-7256

Hours: 7:00am-8:30pm

http://www.sunsaigai.com/

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60763-d534662-Reviews-Sun_Sai_Gai-New_York_City_New_York.html?m=19905

Sun Sai Gai is a small restaurant in the heart of Chinatown. I have been coming here for years after discovering their selection of buns for sale for between $1.00-$1.50. Two of these buns are the perfect quick meal or afternoon snack. I love both their Roast Pork Baked Bun ($1.20) and their Steamed Pork Bun ($1.00). Both are soft buns that are loaded with sweet roast pork. They are huge and flavorful and I have always found them to be fresh (See review on TripAdvisor). They are a great snack when walking on the street.

Sun Sai Gai II

The roast pork buns are excellent

Another recommendation on the sweet side is their Custard Buns ($1.00) and their Egg Tarts ($1.00), both of which are on the savory/sweet side. The custard buns are…

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Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill 104 State Park Road Chester, NJ 07930

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Bakeries for the budget minded, Candy and Ice Cream stores for the budget minded, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New Jersey, Exploring Chester NJ, Exploring Farms and Farm Stands, Exploring Historic Morris County, NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New Jersey, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Farms of Morris County, NJ, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Hot Dog, Hamburger & Fries for the budget minded., Interesting Bakeries, Interesting Bakeries in New Jersey, Little Shop on Main Street in New Jersey, Morris County NJ "Pathways to History" Tour, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan at the Halloween Holidays, Pathways Tour of Morris County, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Visiting Farms and Farm Stands of New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill, Bakery & Farm Store

104 State Park Road

Chester, NJ  07930

(908) 879-6593

http://www.njcidermill.com

Open: Thursday-Sunday-10:00am-5:00pm/Closed Tuesday-Wednesday (Seasonal)

Review on TripAdvisor and link to their site:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g46355-d3512231-Reviews-Hacklebarney_Farm_Cider_Mill-Chester_Morris_County_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

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The sign that welcomes you to the farm

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The entrance to the farm in the Summer of 2026

The giant pines flank the driveway into the farm

Don’t miss this New Jersey institution tucked in the corner near the entrance of Hacklebarney State Park, one of the most beautiful and underrated parks in New Jersey. Just driving down State Park Road brings me back in time to the mid-1970’s when we used to stop at the farm for apple cider. My mom always liked to have it in the house to serve with dinner when we were growing up. The best part is that they still press their own.

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The Hacklebarney Park Cider Mill bakeshop and cider mill

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The old fashioned signs from the late 1980’s

Coming to Hacklebarney Cider Mill Farm is a step back into the rural era of New Jersey and the family that runs the farm respects its history and does not treat it like a theme park like the farms up the road from it on Route 206. The Pitney family is now into their 7th generation of running the farm and over the years have continued to add to the business.

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The family farmhouse in the early Spring 2022

The family added a fence to the front of the house in the Summer of 2026

I got to meet one of the daughter’s running the farm with her husband at the end of the day of business and got into an interesting conversation about the farm. They are really a nice couple, and it was good to hear their perspective on farming in New Jersey today. It is not so easy, but I told them I like that it isn’t so commercial as the farm up the road. It is quaint and family oriented and looks more like the working farm that it is today.

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The farm is very family oriented and not some sort of Disneyland farm

The produce and flowers in front of the farm entrance

When you drive up to the parking lot you still see the old family homestead of the Pitney family who runs the farm. Still used by the family, they have built around the property a prosperous retail business that includes the farmland itself, a retail bakery and cider business and a food stand.

The farm in the Summer of 2026

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Their baked goods are amazing!

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Gourmet Products line the shelves

Don’t miss their retail bakery which is amazing. Their apple and fruit dumplings may be on the pricey side but are bursting with fresh fruit and are normally sold so fast that they are still hot fresh out of the oven.

The selection of powered and glazed doughnuts

There are doughnuts and dumplings both of which are excellent

Their cider doughnuts are the most popular items in the bakery and are sometimes sold by the dozens. When they are hot out of the fryer, there is nothing like them especially with a little powdered sugar or cinnamon.

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The Cinnamon Powered Apple Cider Doughnuts

People were walking out with bags of them that day. They have different versions of the doughnut as well. The pumpkin doughnut has a nice flavor to it and with lots of cinnamon topping on it gives it a hint of the fall. They also have a maple glazed version of it and one with bacon as well. They are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

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Hacklebarney Farm Cinnamon Apple Cider doughnuts are light and delicious

The Powered Sugar Doughnut

They are so good

Yum!

They also have the most luscious looking Apple and Pumpkin pies on display as well as they were cooking fresh turkey stew for customers to sample. There are all sorts of delightful smells when you enter and exit the farm stand.

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The farm pies look amazing

Try to get to the farm early and see the demonstration of them making their fresh apple cider and pick up a half gallon or two for the road when it is in season. It is delicious, sweet and tart and reflects a different variety of apples. After two days, the complexity of the juicy becomes more pronounced and delicious.

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The farm’s sweet and juicy apples in the Fall of 2024

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The pumpkin and gourd display on the Fall of 2024

The late Summer bounty in 2026

Visiting a small New Jersey farm stand is a Jersey tradition in the Fall months. With the sprawl of development in the Garden State, these farms are trying hard to adapt to the times. There are still many left though and Hacklebarney Cider Hill Farm is a treat to anyone who wants to ‘go out to the country’. Also, don’t miss walking through their corn maze. That looks like an experience if you have the time in the afternoon.

I made a special trip to the farm in the late Summer of 2026 and there had been some changes on the farm. The house added a fence to give them more privacy with the growing crowds of people visiting the farm. More landscaping with beautiful flowers and vines were planted around all the buildings and they nicely merchandised the chicken coops in the back of the farm. They really do make a lot of noise. They also added Corn Hole games to the lawn.

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The farm in the late Summer of 2026

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The Apple trees in the Summer of 2026

Seeing the fields lush with Apple trees and Corn fields was a complete change from the end of the Fall when everything seemed so dried out. The apples are just starting to come in and the farm started the ‘pick your own apples’ program. People were really buying that day.

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The Apple orchards in the late Summer of 2026

The farm was growing two different varieties of apples

The Apple harvest is just beginning

The picking of your own apples was just starting

The crop was really coming in

You have to have lunch on the farm while you are here and make a picnic out of it on a nice day. The hot dogs are really good and with the right toppings make a nice meal along with some Apple Cider and a doughnut.

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The hot dog stand on the farm

The hot dogs are cooked in cider and served hot in a soft bun. Their hot fresh apple cider, pressed on the property is perfect on a cold Fall day or refreshing cool on a hot day.

You have to check out the stand for lunch. The hot dogs are cooked in fresh apple cider

Nothing like a hot dog and Coke on a hot day

The hog dogs are delicious

The hot dog stand has an old fashioned feel to it

After Thanksgiving, the farm will be open on weekends only until Christmas and then closed for the season. Please check their website and call first before you visit. On a recent post-Christmas trip in 2020, I found that the farm closed for the season already. Wait until the Spring when they reopen for business but call the above number first or check their website.

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The farm during pumpkin season

In the Spring of 2022, the farm opened early and the family by request of their customers have opened the farm stand earlier than usual and they also are selling hot dogs and sides on the weekends to people visiting the farm at the stand near their fields.

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The farm is so welcoming to visitors

The afternoon that I came out for the “Pathways of History” tour of historical sites, we came for lunch and had a delicious quesadilla with a side of salsa that we ate at the picnic tables outside the stand.

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The Apple Fruit Dumplings with fresh Jersey Apples

For dessert, we had one of the Cider Doughnuts and a Fruit Pocket, which is made with fresh fruit. All of their baked goods are made from scratch and by hand in the bakery on premise. They also have a nice selection of gourmet goods.

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The gourmet items and gifts at the farm store

It’s nice to just relax in the sun and watch the family work on the farm, admire their dogs who are so friendly with visitors and walk around the bakery admiring the desserts and other delicious baked goods.

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The family dogs are so friendly

When I visited in the Summer of 2026, I was able to walk through the Apple Orchards and take pictures. The farm has this fun Corn Maze, which people really looked like they were enjoying. The corn plants were at full height before harvesting.

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In the Summer of 2026, the Corn Maze was in full swing and people were paying to get in

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The corn fields in the Summer of 2026

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The back fields facing the farm stand

Just behind the hot dog stand and garage is the Chicken Coop with its cackling chickens and hens. The chickens came right up to me and were so friendly.

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I love their sign for the coops

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The silver chicken greets you

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The Chicken Coop

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The chickens in their coop

The family has done a beautiful job landscaping the property. There are some nice places to relax and people watch. All the buildings looked like they had been scraped and repainted since the last time I visited in 2024.

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The doughnut making building smelled like fresh fried dough

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I loved the vines cradling up the building

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The garden in Summer bloom

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The potted plants

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The flowers and bushes by the building

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The vines by the old wheel

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The vines growing up the water pipe

At the end of your visit, you can’t leave without getting some of their delicious doughnuts and apple cider to take home. The apple cider is just coming into season. The apple cider is best in October at the end of Apple Harvesting time but this was just as delicious and is perfect in the morning to start breakfast.

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Their cider and doughnuts are really good

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Their baked good are so good!

All good things have to come to an end but the farm is open weekends especially before Thanksgiving. Until the next time.

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The farm in the Summer of 2026

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The farmhouse from the 1800’s in the Summer of 2026

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Leaving the farm for the day

While you are there remember to take time to spend at Hacklebarney State Park, one of New Jersey’s great natural park systems. So don’t miss visiting the park when you exit the farm or vice-versa. You will see some of the most spectacular views. It is worth the trip out and while you are there, stop by Hacklebarney Park. It has amazing trails.

jwatrel's avatarDining on a Shoestring in the New York City area and beyond.

Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill, Bakery & Farm Store

104 State Park Road

Chester, NJ  07930

(908) 879-6593

http://www.njcidermill.com

Open: Thursday-Sunday-10:00am-5:00pm/Closed Tuesday-Wednesday

Review on TripAdvisor and link to their site:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g46355-d3512231-Reviews-Hacklebarney_Farm_Cider_Mill-Chester_Morris_County_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

Don’t miss this New Jersey institution tucked in the corner near the entrance of Hacklebarney State Park, one of the most beautiful and underrated parks in New Jersey. Just driving down State Park Road brings me back in time to the mid-1970’s when we used to stop at the farm for apple cider. My mom always liked to have it in the house to serve with dinner when we were growing up. The best part is that they still press their own.

Coming to Hacklebarney Cider Mill Farm is a step back into the rural era of New Jersey and the family that runs the farm respects its history and does not treat it like a theme park like the…

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