This Viral Bakery Only Serves Two Items (That Often Sell Out In Under An Hour) — And They're Worth Every Minute Spent Waiting
Whether online or IRL, there's one bakery people can't seem to stop talking about right now — Mary O's Irish Soda Bread Shop in New York City.
@chewyorkcity
This Thursday don't miss out on some insane scones 🫐🍓 and if you want to keep seeing my videos follow @ Chewyorkcity on IG! #nycfood #nycbakery #scones #irishsodabread #eastvillage
♬ This Will Be - audios4you
@chewyorkcity / TikTok / Via tiktok.com
Mary O'Halloran opened the shop in November 2024, and it's been the talk of the town ever since, attracting crowds to its small storefront in the East Village. The shop is only open Thursday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and with its limited hours, there's no doubt you'll see lines forming out of the store at all times of the day.
It turns out O'Halloran started baking Irish soda bread scones — based on her mom's recipe from County Mayo, Ireland — back in 2021, after COVID restrictions forced her to close her bar, Mary O's Irish Pub. To keep busy amid the shutdown of her pub, she started baking her scones and sold them to former pub customers. By early 2022, O'Halloran had sold over $1 million worth of scones, allowing her to use those funds to partially reopen her bar. Now, she sells her scones at her brick-and-mortar Soda Bread Shop.
Crumbly and tangy, Irish soda bread is a quick bread leavened by baking soda instead of yeast, hence the name. The first published soda bread recipe dates back as early as 1836, but it wasn't until the famines of the late 1840s that soda bread took off as a staple in Ireland thanks to its simple and accessible ingredients, including the previously mentioned baking soda, flour, salt, and buttermilk. Over time, though, recipes have expanded to include butter, eggs, and sugar for sweeter and more decadent results.
Since I had seen so much about Mary O's soda bread scones online, I was determined to try one for myself.
I arrived at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning, and sure enough, the line was already out the door. There were about twenty people in front of me, but the line seemed to be moving somewhat quickly.
The inside of the shop smelled amazing and buttery, like something heavenly was in the oven.
After waiting in line for about 20 minutes, I was able to order. The shop only has two baked goods on its menu: Irish soda bread scones priced at $6 each and a $30 Irish soda bread loaf.
The shop also sells a handful of Irish groceries including Barry's Tea, Odlums Self Raising Flour, McDonnells Curry Sauce, Chef Brown Sauce, and more.
Since every scone is cut in half and served with Irish butter and homemade blackberry jam, I ended up waiting another 10 minutes before the scones were actually in my hands.
One thing to note is the shop is pretty small so there aren't many places to sit. There is a small counter near the front of the shop and a two-person bench outside, but they were both occupied, so I enjoyed my scones on a building stoop close by.
Here's my review:
Every part of this scone impressed me. The scone itself was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The homemade jam was tart, and the consistency was perfectly thick, with noticeable pieces of blackberry throughout. The butter was so silky and flavorful that I probably could've eaten it by itself, but alongside the scone and jam, it was one of the best scones I've ever had.
Jen Adams
The tastiest part was the middle, where the butter and jam melted into the scone, which made it extra moist and tender.
Jen Adams
I don't know what kind of magic Mary O is putting into these scones, but it's working, and I will be back to purchase more.
Was this scone worth the over 30 minutes of waiting? Definitely.
As a scone-lover, I'll say Mary O's Irish Soda Bread Shop is a must-try. I'll admit that $6 for one scone isn't cheap, but these are so worth it. My one complaint is the lack of seating, but it wasn't too big of a deal because there were a decent amount of places to sit on the street.
Sudden hankering for some soda bread (but nowhere near NYC)? Download the free Tasty app to save our very best soda bread scone recipe to your phone — then make a batch for St. Patrick's Day. 🍀
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Miami Herald
23 minutes ago
- Miami Herald
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway expects housing market price changes soon
Homebuyers have faced a turbulent housing market over the past few years. Rising home prices and elevated mortgage rates have forced many Americans to reconsider or postpone homeownership until conditions become more affordable. In 2020 and 2021, home prices skyrocketed as moving patterns shifted from cities and homebuyers began to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates below 3%. After the initial Covid-era housing boom, surging inflation in 2022 exacerbated housing prices that were already on the rise. Don't miss the move: SIGN UP for TheStreet's FREE daily newsletter As mortgage rates inch back toward 7%, homebuyers have tempered their expectations for a strong 2025 housing market rebound, but rising home inventory may be enough to lure them back to the market. Though the outlook for the second half of the year is uncertain, many experts believe that homebuyers will have more options and negotiating power as listings take longer to sell. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services believes there may be a shift in the housing market, offering advice for how buyers and sellers can navigate prices in the midst of continued market swings. Image source: Shutterstock Years of rising mortgage rates have created a housing market stalemate where sellers became hesitant to list their homes, creating a supply shortage and increasing competition among homebuyers. Many first-time homebuyers have been collateral damage, forced to delay or rethink homeownership entirely. Eventually, buyer demand has weakened enough to the point that housing inventory reached a surplus of over 500,000 homes, the highest level since 2013. Now, housing conditions have completely shifted, creating a buyer's market for the first time in years. For sellers to keep their listings competitive, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services suggests they may need to implement price reductions. More on homebuying: The White House will take surprising approach to curb mortgage ratesHousing expert reveals surprising ways to reduce your mortgage rateDave Ramsey predicts major mortgage rate changes are coming soonWarren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway sounds the alarm on the 2025 housing market The blog recommends that sellers examine home prices in their area and look at home sales trends over the past few months. "Accept the current market. Ask for an updated comparative market analysis with detailed sales trends over the last three months. Are home sales slowing or accelerating? Are home prices rising or falling? Price your home slightly under the trends." found that home listings spent an average of 51 days on the market in May, up from 45 days in May 2024 but on par for the pre-Covid housing market. However, the number of unsold homes is up 21% from last year, marking a considerable change in sales trends. In March, which is typically the onset of renewed buyer demand during the spring housing market, 23% of home listings received a price reduction. Now, as housing inventory rises, sellers are losing the upper hand and may need to lower their pricing expectations. Related: Fannie Mae predicts major mortgage rate changes are coming soon The Berkshire Hathaway Home Services blog wrote that, "A price reduction should send the right message to the marketplace - that your home is well worth its asking price." It also suggests that sellers may need to put in more effort to draw in buyers and close sales. "Pay for professional staging and photography to showcase your home to better advantage online. Highlight the charms and special features of your home as well as the neighborhood." While this may not be the shift sellers were hoping for, a more favorable environment for buyers may be enough to motivate housing activity and undo the current gridlock. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Miami Herald
3 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Popular brewery and distillery files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
A local taproom or brewery becomes a beloved part of the community. That's actually somewhat rare in the United States where we don't have a tradition of village pubs. There are some bars that fill that role becoming someplace where friends and neighbors come together. Related: New class action suit claims Costco is tricking you on prices A really good neighborhood bar becomes a place where people bring their families, fall in love, and celebrate life's big moments. When a community loses that, it can be devastating. It's very hard to replace a bar, or pub that has become a de facto community center. Real life may not have bars like "Cheers," but a good neighborhood tavern becomes a place where everybody knows your name. Losing that means more than when another Hooters or TGI Fridays closes. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Sure, everyone has their favorite place and the loss of any popular business can be a blow, but local pubs build connections with and between passengers unlike any other kind of business. It's just different to be a regular at one of these local businesses than to be known by the bartender at Chilis. The post-Covid period has been dark for local breweries, taprooms, and pubs, and that devastation has continued. When many businesses close or file for bankruptcy, it's solely on the merits of the business. That's not the case for Big Storm Brewing, which has been pulled down due to the financial woes of Boston Finance Group, which is owned by Big Storm partner Leo Govoni. A 2024 lawsuit alleged from 2009 to 2020, Govoni misappropriated over $100 million from special needs trusts, which are specialized irrevocable trusts established for the elderly and people with disabilities. That does not directly speak to the operations of the brewery and distillery which have a long history (at least by the standards of local breweries). More retail: Walmart CEO sounds alarm on a big problem for customersTarget makes a change that might scare Walmart, CostcoTop investor takes firm stance on troubled retail brandWalmart and Costco making major change affecting all customers "Founded in 2012, Big Storm Brewing Co. has embraced our tagline of 'Florida Craft Beer Forecast' by developing a dynamic lineup of Florida favorites like Tropic Pressure Golden Ale, steeped with hibiscus flowers, and Bromosa Tangerine IPA, brewed with all-natural tangerine puree," the company shared on its website. Big Storm also added a distillery to complement its regionally-sold beers, and to sell in its multiple taprooms. "In 2020, Big Storm Distillery was born with a mission to create world-class spirits with a local flair. Our Big Storm team are innovators at heart, always pushing boundaries, and not afraid to take risks. With a commitment to exceptional customer service, dedication to quality products, and the ambition to explore opportunities left unexplored, Big Storm has become a leader in the craft beer industry and beyond," the company added. While the fate of Big Storm had been unclear, its assets were transferred to a bankruptcy trustee by a federal bankruptcy court on June 5. That took control away from Govoni and put it in the hands of the trustee. Judge Roberta Colton found Govoni and Boston Financial Group liable for the missing $100 million as well as $20 million in interest. Big Storm has not closed its Clearwater, Fla taproom and its fate remains unclear. The court's actions put Big Storm Brewing under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but under control of a trustee and not Govoni. The court could decide that the company has more value as a going concern than it does being sold off for parts. If that proves true, then it's more likely to be sold to an operator that wants to keep producing its beers and spirits. Related: Huge music retail chain closes all stores after 'bankruptcy' Big Storm has been very clear in its mission. "We're here to offer more than just a drink; we're sharing a slice of the Florida lifestyle with you, wherever you might be. Our mission? To transform each sip into a sun-drenched experience, a celebration of Floridian culture and zest. Our creations aren't just products; they're invitations to embrace the laid-back, sunny essence of Florida," it posted on its website. Big Storm's operations have continued and it still sells beer and spirits regionally and locally. It's likely to continue operating as long as it's seen as a positive to the estate. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Miami Herald
4 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Popular beverage chain franchisee files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
The Covid pandemic resulted in a massive shutdown of restaurants in March 2020 that led to 1,000s of dining establishments closing permanently. Most restaurants that survived the pandemic closures and reopened needed to adopt Covid policies and procedures for health safety, which included social distancing. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter The fast-food industry wasn't hit as hard by the pandemic as the casual restaurant sector, since many chains were already designed with take-out and drive-thru systems that were utilized by restaurants when they reopened after the pandemic subsided. Related: Popular local Dairy Queen rival files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Casual restaurants did their best to offer limited take-out and curbside pick-up systems, but some restaurant concepts, such as buffets, were not designed for such systems, did not adopt them, and many went out of business. The fast-food sector, however, has faced financial distress since the Covid-19 pandemic subsided. Restaurants have encountered rising labor and food costs driven by inflation, debt payments have significantly risen as interest rates increased, and consumers have re-evaluated their priorities for dining out. Popular burger fast-food chain Jack in the Box has felt the impact of a pullback by diners since Covid and in April launched its Jack on Track plan that calls for the closing of 80-120 underperforming restaurant locations by Dec. 31, 2025. The company said it would eventually close another 70-80 underperforming stores thereafter, based on respective franchise agreement termination dates. The fast-food chain has already begun the process of closing restaurants, as it in May closed its three remaining Jack in the Box locations in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Economic problems have forced some fast-food restaurants to file for bankruptcy Frozen beverage fast-food chain Egees in December 2024 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closed five of its locations, four in Tucson, and one in Phoenix. The company blamed lingering effects from the Covid-19 pandemic for its financial distress. Another fast-food restaurant owner, Rita's Italian Ice franchisee Greene Family Enterprises LLC, which owns a St. Johns, Fla.-based franchise, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on June 9, seeking to restructure its debts. Finally, Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchisee JND Tropics LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, seeking to reorganize its business. Related: Popular nationwide beauty chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy The Phoenix-based restaurant franchisee filed its Subchapter V petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona, listing $1 million to $10 million in assets and $1 million to $10 million in liabilities, including debts owed to creditors Applepie Capital, Arizona Department of Revenue, and the Tropical Smoothie Cafe corporation. More bankruptcy: Iconic auto repair chain franchise files Chapter 11 bankruptcyPopular beer brand closes down and files Chapter 7 bankruptcyPopular vodka and gin brand files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy The franchisee indicated in its petition that funds would be available for distribution to unsecured creditors. The debtor qualified for a streamlined reorganization as a small business debtor with debts under the statutory threshold of $3.424 million. The franchisee did not indicate a reason for filing for bankruptcy protection. Tropical Smoothie Cafe, which was established in 1997, offers a variety of smoothies, including Fruit Blends, Super Veggies, Tropical Treats, and Balanced Fusions; several breakfast items, wraps, flatbreads, sandwiches, and salads. The Atlanta-based smoothie franchise chain has over 1,500 locations in 44 states and Washington, D.C. The chain opened 161 new cafes in 2024, with 70% launched by existing franchisees. Tropical Smoothie Cafe also signed 247 new franchise agreements last year, according to a January statement. "This past year proved to be an incredible year for Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and I couldn't be prouder to be part of this brand," Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO Max Wetzel said in a statement. "Reaching 1,500 cafes open is no small feat, and the remarkable growth driven by the brand is a testament to our entire team and franchise network," Wetzel said. Related: Major trucking company files Chapter 11 bankruptcy The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
