"La Bicyclette is oh so French, not only because they make perfect breads and laminated pastries, but because they sell them when they damn well feel like it. This Williamsburg bakery’s hours of operation are 8 AM to 1 PM Tuesday through Sunday, and on Saturdays the line is usually wrapped around the block for the entirety of that period. Suck it up and wait. You’re not going to find a better loaf of bread in the five boroughs, and they also make our favorite pain au raisin. You can also stock up on French butter, a small but excellently curated selection of cheeses, and Alain Miliat jams. photo credit: Alex Staniloff" - Carina Finn