Clinton Street Baking Co.

When husband & wife team, Neil Kleinberg and DeDe Lahman, opened in April 2001, their only mission was to make the best baked goods in the city, hand-mixed in small batches. But soon the locals stumbled in, and murmurs of Neil’s simple yet delicious omelets, sandwiches and soups moved people to cluster — then crowd — the block. New York Magazine voted Neil’s blueberry pancakes best in the city (twice!).

The lore about our brunch lines we cannot deny ... but try us at dinner, when the lights are dim, the crowds calm, and the food is “anything but ordinary,” says the New York Observer. Okay, and yes: We serve pancakes after dark.

I am lucky enough to manage a building directly across the street from Clinton Street Baking Co. I am also lucky enough to avoid the long lines when I randomly go there on a weekday. But the best part is that my super who manages that building will randomly surprise me with my favorite chocolate chip scone, like he did today! Its already gone... Opps! :)