Growing up in Passaic, New Jersey, meant many things—tight-knit neighborhoods, familiar street corners, and for those with a sweet tooth or love for fresh bread, it meant unforgettable Sunday mornings at the local bakeries.
Two spots come instantly to mind when I think back: the Jefferson Street Bakery, located right at the corner of Jefferson and Lexington, and Phill’s Bakery, a bit further north, at the corner of Lexington and Monroe. Only much later did I learn that both of these cherished bakeries were, in fact, Kosher. Back then, that detail didn’t register with me; I was too focused on the aroma of fresh-baked goods wafting out the doors and the special treats my family and I would pick up every week.
Every Sunday, like clockwork, my parents and grandparents would take me along as we made our usual bakery stop. Whether it was the Jefferson or Phill’s, we always left with something delicious—usually a loaf of seeded rye bread, sometimes pumpernickel, or a rich babka cake. Apple turnovers and flaky strudel were common finds in our paper bags. But for me, the highlight was always the jelly doughnuts—my favorite, and a guaranteed reward for tagging along.
As time passed, those original bakeries faded away, leaving behind just memories. For a while, Fran’s Bakery in Passaic Park filled the gap, continuing the tradition of fresh rye bread on a Sunday morning. But Fran’s eventually gave way to Hemshie’s Bakery, a familiar name that remained for years. Today, though the Hemshie’s sign still clings to its spot, the storefront now appears vacant—another piece of local history slowly slipping away.
Our bakery runs didn’t stop, though—they simply shifted. We began visiting Allwood Bakery and Steyertowne Bakery. The Allwood, once also Kosher, has changed hands a few times and no longer carries that certification, but it remains a well-known spot. Steyertowne, on the other hand, continues to draw attention with its famously delicious crumb cake and hearty breads.
Outside of Passaic, there are still hidden gems worth the drive. One standout is Aroma di Napoli on Washington Avenue in Nutley, known for its authentic Italian flair. And while I haven’t explored it yet, there’s a Kosher bakery tucked inside the Aisle One complex off Brook and Terhune Avenues. That complex, for those who remember, was once the site of the old Continental Can Company. I can still picture the tall water tower with “CCC” boldly painted on the side—a landmark of a different time.
But I digress. This reflection isn’t just about bread or doughnuts—it’s about the flavor of community and family, the comfort of familiar routines, and the places that helped shape the small but meaningful rituals of childhood. Passaic’s bakeries may come and go, but their legacy lives on in the memories of those of us who grew up savoring every bite.
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