East Side Bakery: A Hidden Gem in Cortland

Everything is always fresh and delicious. Pizza and oven baked wings are a must on a Thursday or Friday night. Christine creates beautiful cakes that not only look great but taste amazing too! We love this place!

ESB Is an unassuming little place, but serves up some of the most delicious pastries I’ve ever had. The eclair is truly fine pastry with an exquisite filling. The macaroon was the best and freshest I have ever tasted, and demonstrates the difference between commercial baking and a true local bakery experience. Everything we tried - cinnamon twist, biscotti, half moon –was wonderful. Andrew is the driving force behind all these amazing treats – plus evening pizza – and was happy to spend a few moments answering questions. If you are just passing through, as we were, be sure to stock up!

Best bakery in all of Cortland and Ithaca area! The chef is truly an artist. The canolis are better than in Manhatten. Not too sweet and the crust is perfectly baked. I'm never disappointed with any pastry selection and his bread is the best! We're lucky to have this hidden gem in our area!

They have everything from pasta to Italian meats to delicious pastrys! The staff and owners are wonderful. If you're in Cortland, a must visit!!

Five stars for the cannoli, cinnamon stick pretty good, molasses wine drop also tasty! Very nice lady, reasonable prices.

If you’re looking for a bakery that delivers quality, tradition, and exceptional flavor, East Side Bakery in Cortland, NY, is the place to go. From the moment you step inside, you’re met with the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked bread, pastries, and cookies that instantly make you feel at home. There’s a warmth in the air—not just from the ovens, but from the people who work there, treating every customer with kindness and care. One of the standout aspects of East Side Bakery is its impressive variety of baked goods. No matter what you’re craving, they have something to satisfy. Their Italian bread is a must-try—crusty on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, with just the right balance of chewiness. It’s perfect on its own, but even better when paired with butter, olive oil, or a hearty meal. Their pastries are just as remarkable. The cannoli are simply divine, with perfectly crisp shells that shatter in the best way when you take a bite, revealing the rich, creamy ricotta filling inside. The balance of sweetness is just right—not overpowering, but indulgent enough to feel like a real treat. If you’re a fan of cookies, their selection is unbeatable, offering everything from classic Italian favorites to soft, melt-in-your-mouth varieties that will leave you wanting more. Beyond the sweet treats, East Side Bakery also offers savory options that showcase their baking expertise. Whether it’s a fresh roll for your sandwich or a specialty item prepared with care, everything they make is consistently delicious. One thing that sets East Side Bakery apart is the unmistakable freshness of everything they offer. It’s clear that they use high-quality ingredients, and you can taste the difference in every bite. There are no shortcuts here—just expert craftsmanship and a commitment to tradition that shines through in the final product. Every item is baked with precision, achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The bread has just the right amount of density and chew, the pastries are flaky and delicate, and the cookies have that homemade taste that makes you feel like you’re eating something straight from a family recipe. It’s clear that this is a bakery that takes pride in what they do, and the results speak for themselves. A great bakery isn’t just about the food—it’s also about the experience. At East Side Bakery, the customer service is just as impressive as the baked goods. The staff is friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they do. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, they treat you with the same level of warmth and hospitality. They’re always happy to offer recommendations, answer questions about their products, and make sure you walk away satisfied. The personal touch they bring to the customer experience is part of what makes East Side Bakery feel like more than just a place to buy bread and pastries—it feels like a cornerstone of the community. In a world where so many bakeries cut corners or rely on mass production, East Side Bakery stands out as a place that does things the right way. They honor tradition, prioritize quality, and create an experience that keeps customers coming back. Every visit is a treat, and you can always count on finding something delicious to take home. If you haven’t been to East Side Bakery yet, you’re missing out on one of the best spots in Cortland. Whether you’re looking for a fresh loaf of bread, a box of cookies, or a perfect pastry to enjoy with your coffee, this is the place to go. Everything about it—the food, the service, the atmosphere—is flawless. I wouldn’t change a thing, and I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates truly great baked goods.

The perfect spot when you’re in the need for delicious pastries. Everything was baked to perfection and you can tell they put a lot of care into everything they make here. The Apple strudel was my favorite; so fresh. The best part are the affordable prices and friendly service the moment you walk in.

Wonderful staff, so friendly, beautiful and delicious pastries. Husband raved about the canoli and the macaroon - all that coconut - wow! Nice selection, great find while exploring Cortland!