According to Ed O’Dwyer of the Society for the Preservation of Irish Soda Bread (yes, it’s real), the recipe first appeared in the UK in 1836. However, its popularity grew once the famines of the famines in 1845-1852 ended, and wheat, baking soda and foreign flour became accessible again. Its ease and quickness (ready in under an hour — take that, sourdough) made it a fast favorite on Irish tables. These days, it’s a quintessential piece to traditional St. Patrick’s Day feasts. Local bakeries and restaurants in the Hamptons and on the North Fork have it on their menus for St. Patrick’s Day — and some serve it year-round. Plus, one local library teaches kids how to DIY. Here’s where to find the best Irish Soda bread offerings on the East End of Long Island.
Serene Green, 3980 Noyac Road, Sag Harbor, 631-808-3203
We are big fans of Serene Green over here at Southforker. The amazing soups, excellent grab-n-go heatable meals, incredible fresh produce, excellent coffee — there’s so much to love at this 15-year-old Sag Harbor secret.
But the best part? They have their very own baker, Claudia’s Confections, which makes a multitude of delicious baked goods for them, and them only. Including, right now, an excellent, two-pound traditional buttermilk rendition Irish soda bread. For 14 bucks, it’s worth every butter-slathered slice you’ll carve from it.
Westhampton Beach Bakery, 112 Main St., 631-288-6552
Westhampton Beach’s sweet little bakery at the gateway to the Hamptons has been waking up the town (they open at 6 a.m. daily) with excellent, ample home-baked goods for decades, and they aren’t about to let you down on St. Pat’s. Their $25 version of Irish soda bread is choc-a-block with raisins and topped with sugar — don’t worry, they baked plenty of fresh loaves after Saturday’s parade!
Tate’s Bake Shop, 43 N. Sea Road, Southampton, 631-283-9830
In breaking news you can actually use (and love): Tate’s Bakeshop unveiled a new addition to its St. Patrick’s Day lineup on March 3: Irish Soda Bread Pudding. Bittersweet caraway and so-sweet (and seasonal) maple syrup puts this treat arguably into “dessert” territory. Traditional Irish soda bread is also available and handmade at the Southampton shop. To balance out your March 17th feast, Consider snagging other St. Patrick’s Day fare, like chocolate-dipped Shamrock cookies and carrot and red velvet cupcakes topped with the colors of the Irish flag: Green, orange and white sprinkles and buttercream frosting.
Digger’s Ales N’ Eats, 58 W Main St., Riverhead, 631-369-3200
Beers, burgers and burritos make this roomy Irish pub a go-to spot to watch the biggest games of the year (the numerous large TVs don’t hurt). However, the shepherd’s pie with a side of soda bread is the menu’s unheralded star. It’s a stand-up side to the entrée’s savory beef-veggie-mashed-potato-gravy blend. And, unlike specialty menus you’ll find this time of year, it’s available daily.
Buckleys Inn Between, 139 W. Montauk Highway #2309, Hampton Bays, 631-728-7197
Corned beef and cabbage can be the order of the day any day at this straightforward, chill Irish pub replete with wooden tables, chairs and dim lighting. Like a true Irish spot, soda bread is included as a side. Other ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 365 days per year here include Shepherd’s Pie, bangers ‘n mash and a liquid dessert of Jameson Irish Whiskey.
