photo by steed media service

There’s one place in Harlem where locals go for respite from the hustle-and-bustle of day-to-day life: Mr. Lee Lee’s Baked Goods, where a warm and friendly atmosphere is served up alongside delicious pastries and coffee.

Although he has been baking for as long as he can remember, the bakery’s namesake, Mr. Lee Lee, didn’t decide to go into business for himself until 2002. Since then, he has carved out a niche by serving fresh, homemade customer favorites such as red velvet cake and bread pudding. Mr. Lee Lee’s most popular item, however, might cause a few raised eyebrows.

“People come from all over for my rugelach,” he says, referring to a fruit-filled pastry popular in the Jewish community. “They say it’s the best in Harlem.” Acknowledging the fact that a black baker known for the dish is a rarity, “Rugelach By A Brother” is painted on the storefront’s window. Not that Mr. Lee Lee seems to need any promotion; he regularly sells out of the sweet treat. “I’m tired of making them, but people keep on eating them, so I guess I’ll keep on making them,” he jokes.

He has good reason to be tired of baking them. He rises long before the sun does to get started on the day’s baked goods, which are all made from scratch. Since opening the store, he’s also added homemade soups and breakfast to the menu, much to the liking of his regulars.

“Some people come in every day to get the same thing. Sometimes they just sit and talk,” he says. “It feels good because it’s like a little family.” -ivory m. jones

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