Francois Payard’s Bakery New York, New on West Houston Street
Francois Payard's dreams of an eclair empire here in New York City may have been set back a bit two summers ago, when the renowned pastry chef closed his namesake patisserie on the Upper East Side after a rent fight with his landlord. But with the recent opening of Francois Payard's Bakery NYC on West Houston Street–and plans for several more locations throughout Manhattan in the coming months–it appears that the French master baker has got his mojo back. We've stopped into the downtown Payard's a few times since its opening in September, and on each visit have appreciated the warmth and casual comfort of the place, as well as, most importantly, the food.
Francois Payard's Bakery in New York is as much cafe as straight-up baked goods shop, with seating for about 20, a generous selection of sandwiches and salads and such to go with the breads and sweets, and late hours on the weekend. In other words, it's the ideal midday-refueling spot (which'll be especially useful come holiday-shopping season), and a nice option for a quick early supper before a movie at the IFC or the Angelika, or for a snack afterwards, if that second or third date of yours is going well.
If you're in the mood for something sweet to go with your coffee, get Francois Payard's first-rate almond croissants, or the appropriately gooey chocolate-filled eclairs, or a slice of buttery cake. We've also wolfed our way through a bit of Payard's savory selection, and were particularly satisfied by the messy, classically-assembled Croque Monsieur, as well as a couple of varieties of Francois Payard Bakery's creamy, buttery quiche… though in both cases they need to invest in more than that single, small toaster oven to handle the heating-up duties. Cookies, loaves of bread, cakes and tarts (full or by the slice), salads and soups are all here–and, by most reports, are all good–for take-out and eat-in. All-in-all, a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
Francois Payard's Bakery NYC Details
Francois Payard's Bakery New York is located on West Houston Street between Thompson and Sullivan Streets, and is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Friday's until 11:00 p.m., and on Saturdays until 12:00 midnight. Payard's Sunday hours are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information and a complete menu, please see the Francois Payard Bakery NYC website.
Posted in Downtown, NYC Dining | Tagged bakery • Francois Payard's Bakery • New York • NYC • West Houston Street
