Both Dominique Ansel Bakery and Milk Bar offer unique and desirable experiences, but cater to different preferences. Dominique Ansel Bakery is a better choice for those seeking refined, classic pastries with innovative twists, while Milk Bar is ideal for those who enjoy fun, nostalgic desserts and a playful atmosphere. Customer service is more consistently praised at Dominique Ansel Bakery, while Milk Bar offers broader shipping options.
| Attribute | Dominique Ansel Bakery | Milk Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Signature Pastries | Cronut (a croissant-doughnut hybrid with a monthly flavor), DKA (Dominique's Kouign Amann - a caramelized croissant-like pastry), Cookie Shot (a chocolate chip cookie shaped like a shot glass filled with vanilla milk), Frozen S'mores | Milk Bar Pie (Crack Pie), B'Day Cake Truffles, rotating soft serve flavors |
| Bread Selection | Nutella Milk Bread, croissants (plain, almond and ham & cheese) | Not available |
| Cake Variety | Chocolate Caviar Tart, Paris-New York, Banana Passion Fruit Pavlova, Magnolia Cake | Birthday Cake, Chocolate Birthday Cake, Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake, Strawberry Shortcake Cake, Gluten-Free B'Day Cake |
| Cookie Selection | Chocolate Chunk Cookies, White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies, Double Chocolate Pecan Cookies (gluten-free), Hazelnut Sabl Cookies, Matcha Sabl Cookies | Compost Cookie, Cornflake Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookie, Triple PB, Oatmeal Cream, Chocolate Chip N Chunk cookies, assorted cookie tins |
| Savory Options | Perfect Little Egg Sandwich (available before noon on weekdays and 2pm on weekends), pretzel salt egg tart, Kurobuta hot dog spiral | Eggs Benedict, pancakes, avocado toast, Turkish eggs, Hot Dog Bomb (Chicago location) |
| Coffee and Beverage Selection | Coffee, hot chocolate | Coffee (hot and iced) with whole, oat, almond, soy, 'B'Day Milk,' and chocolate cereal milk, smoothies, juices, cocktails |
| Price Range | $$ | Cookies: $3.25 (single), 3 for $8.50, 6 for $17; Cake slices: $11; Cake Truffles: $3 (single), $40 (dozen); Soft serve: $7 (cup), $17 (pint); Milkshakes: $10.50 |
| Ambiance and Decor | Small caf setting with table and counter seating, courtyard garden (SoHo), modern and bright interior (some locations) | Fun, bright, cozy, modern, retro-chic, Art Deco wallpaper, antique mirrors, neon signs |
| Seating Availability | Indoor and outdoor seating (limited), no reservations | Casual bench seating, small seating areas, standing-only tables, limited seating at some locations |
| Location and Accessibility | New York City (SoHo): 189 Spring Street; New York City (Flatiron): Dominique Ansel Workshop, 17 East 27th Street; Las Vegas: Caesars Palace; London: Dominique Ansel Bakery, Victoria | Multiple locations in NYC, LA, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., accessible via public transportation or car |
| Customer Service | Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in some reviews) | Friendly and attentive staff (sometimes), issues with online order delays and unresponsive customer service |
| Online Ordering and Delivery Options | Local NYC delivery via Caviar and DoorDash, nationwide shipping via DominiqueAnselOnline.com, pre-orders for Soho pick-ups online | Nationwide shipping, local delivery via Postmates and Goldbelly, online ordering for pickup |
| Ratings | Freshness and taste of pastries appreciated, Cronut can be inconsistent at times, DKA frequently praised, ambiance generally pleasant but can be crowded | Not available |