Where to Buy Irish Soda Bread in The Bronx

Irish soda bread is one of the most popular things to eat in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day ‑ which is coming up on Monday, March 17. Irish soda bread was created about two hundred years ago, during the Irish famine, because it contained so few ingredients and therefore did not cost a lot of money.

Another popular bread in Ireland is brown bread, which became popular in the 1840s when refined baking soda was introduced. Brown bread is a little bit sweeter than soda bread.

Since March is a time of year when those who celebrate St. Patrick’s Day are looking to eat some traditional Irish food, we looked into where you can get Irish soda bread and brown bread right here in The Bronx. You may notice that the restaurants, bakeries and delis listed below are mostly in the northern area of The Bronx; this is likely due to the Irish population increasing significantly mainly gathering in Woodlawn Heights in the last century or so.

Though the Irish may not be known for their food like they are known for their beer, the Irish classics are truly delectable. Consider stopping at one of the following restaurants and bakeries to try a taste.

1. Tierney Fine Foods at 5780 Mosholu Avenue

Tierney Fine Foods is a deli in North Riverdale that offers a few options for Irish food, including Irish soda bread. They have great reviews, with a lot of people claiming it as their neighborhood spot as they have an extensive deli and bakery menu. Located on Mosholu Avenue, it may seem that you can only access this deli by walking or driving, but the Bx9 stops on Broadway at Mosholu Avenue, and it’s an easy walk from there.

2. Eileen’s Country Kitchen at 960 McLean Avenue

Although McLean Avenue is technically in Yonkers, it is very close to Van Cortlandt Park and Woodlawn Heights, also known as “Little Ireland” here in The Bronx. You can even get there via city transit. Eileen’s Country Kitchen serves plenty of traditional Irish food, like pot pie, corn beef and cabbage, and even a full traditional Irish breakfast. They also serve Irish soda bread on the side of some of their dishes, like soup.

3. Irish Coffee Shop at 946 McLean Avenue

Irish Coffee Shop, also located on McLean Avenue, sells brown bread by the slice and by the loaf for only $5.50. They have a mix of traditional American breakfast items on their menu, as well as Irish foods like Irish sausage or bacon, Irish toasties, and Shepherd’s pie. Whether you visit them to sit down and dine or just purchase something from the bakery, Irish Coffee Shop is another great option for traditional Irish cuisine.