Priory Fine Pastries: It’s a sweet life indeed!

By Anna Yoder, Membership Director – North Side/Shore Chamber of Commerce

Photo: Banana Split, Rocky Road, and Orange Creamsicle cupcakes from Priory Fine Pastries courtesy of Priory Fine Pastries

Years ago, I encountered the most delectable pastry at a breakfast offered by a Northside boutique hotel. The pastry—dare I say heavenly treat—was a fluffy, white, cream-filled, powdered sugar-dusted donut that captured my attention and taste buds. It was reminiscent of the donuts my sister and I used to scarf down from our hometown bakery while walking home from school and, at the chagrin of our mother, before dinner. (Our mother always knew we’d each had one because of the powdered sugar ring around our mouths.) At the time, I wondered where the hotel purchased those wondrous powdered sugar-blanketed delicacies.

Frequent visits to the local hospital brought me back to the same hotel for overnight stays and each time I dreamt of the mouthwatering sweet morsels with hopes that one may still be waiting for me. Many times, they all disappeared by the time I was ready for breakfast. As a result, I became so driven to snag the coveted creamy confectioneries that it led to a ritualistic hunt by my dear husband who would get up extra early for breakfast to swipe a “white donut” (my term for this tasty treat) for me before they were all taken. Eventually, I discovered the source of the elusive “white donut”: Northside’s very own Priory Fine Pastries.

Priory Fine Pastries has a historical beginning. In the mid-1880s, it was the original home to D.L. Clark Candy Company, which manufactured the famous Clark Bar, developed to meet the demand for candy by U.S. soldiers in World War I. In October 2004, Priory Fine Pastries joined the other retail stores in the Historic Deutschtown neighborhood to serve local families and businesses. Its wide selection of heavenly pastries, cookies, specialty and wedding cakes, and gourmet cupcakes are some of the very best in the region. All of your sweet needs are under one roof! As a matter of fact, they are so well known that when my North Carolinian work colleagues wanted to send red velvet retirement cupcakes from the best bakery in the neighborhood where I lived, they chose Priory Fine Pastries to deliver them. This delivery solidified my second favorite pastry from Priory Fine Pastries: the scrumptious gourmet red velvet cupcake. 

So, when I feel I am in the mood for something sweet for breakfast, yet feel I must deny myself (because many of us gained weight during the pandemic), my husband will sneak down to Priory Fine Pastries and surprise me with my favorite “white donut.” Living on the Northside also means that my husband no longer needs to get up extra early to snag the last one: I know where they are and can have them all I want! (Yet, be forewarned: This popular pastry does sell out quickly.)  

Whether you are a neighborhood resident looking for a breakfast pastry or party cake, or a business looking to order a large, unique quantity of delectable goodies, Priory Fine Pastries is the bakery for you! By the way, on their website Priory Fine Pastries claims they are the “Best Bakery in Pittsburgh.” I can truly attest: For my palate, the “white donut” and red velvet cupcakes are the finest in the world!

Priory Fine Pastries was started by the Graf family, who owns the Priory Hotel and Grand Hall banquet facility. Priory Fine Pastries is currently owned by former Steeler Joe Cugliari, the owner of Prantl’s bakeries. Prantl’s and Priory Fine Pastries has retained all staff and will continue to be located at 528 East Ohio St.

Anna Yoder is the Membership Director of the North Side/Shore Chamber of Commerce. Established in 1897, the Chamber’s mission is to “promote, connect and support the growth and success of businesses.” If you have questions about the Chamber or are interested in becoming a member, contact Anna Yoder at [email protected]