The dish that made Daily Provisions a destination. Unlike traditional dense crullers, this version is incredibly light and airy with a moist, almost custard-like interior. It is glazed with a rich, dark maple syrup and finished with a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness. Reviewers consistently call it the best doughnut in New York City. It is a benchmark for modern American bakery technique.
Tips from diners
These often sell out by 11 AM. If you're going specifically for the maple cruller, arrive early. The texture is at its peak when they're still slightly warm from the morning bake.
A refined take on the classic roast beef sandwich. The beef is seasoned and slow-roasted in-house until medium-rare and tender, then sliced thin and piled onto a fresh, crusty baguette. It's dressed with a sharp, nasal-clearing horseradish cream and topped with crispy fried onions for textural contrast. It is frequently cited as one of the best lunches in the Union Square area.
Tips from diners
The horseradish is strong—ask for it 'light' if you're sensitive. The baguette is remarkably fresh and maintains its crunch even with the juices from the beef.
The lighter, sugar-coated sister to the maple glazed cruller. It features the same airy, moist interior but is tossed in a generous amount of cinnamon sugar instead of a liquid glaze. Reviewers often mention it's better for those who find the maple version a bit too sweet.
A clever hybrid of a classic French pastry and a New York bagel. A buttery, multi-layered croissant is filled with a generous core of smooth cream cheese and heavily coated in 'everything' seasoning (garlic, onion, sesame, poppy seeds). It's a favorite for those wanting a savory breakfast that bridges different culinary traditions.
Daily Provisions started as a small annex to Union Square Cafe and has grown into a beloved all-day concept with multiple locations. Founded by Danny Meyer, it focuses on 'the things you need every day'—excellent coffee, fresh-baked pastries, and high-quality sandwiches. It is celebrated for its precise execution of simple classics, particularly its unique take on the traditional cruller.
The Union Square location is tiny with limited seating. Grab your food and head to Union Square Park (one block away) if it's a nice day—it's much more peaceful.
They use an efficient app-based ordering system for pickup. If you're in a rush, order through the website before you arrive—your food will be waiting on the shelf.
In the evenings, they offer roast chicken and seasonal sides that are excellent value. It's a great, underrated spot for a high-quality but quick and casual dinner.
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