At the end of 2020, New Windsor welcomed the addition of La Imperial Bakery, located at 238 Walsh Avenue. The new eatery is way more than what’s in its name. The Central American inspired pastries are just half of what is offered. The other half has a full menu with everything from quesadillas (with homemade tortillas) to burritos for all under $10.

Behind the bakery is the Hernandez family, who reside in the Town of Newburgh. Wendy Hernandez runs the counter while her husband, Cesar, and brother-in-law, Pedro, bake the fresh treats every morning. The bakers have over 20 years of experience from working at other bakeries before they decided to make the jump and create their own bakery.

On the pastry end of things, nothing stays in the bakery for more than 24 hours, with a goal to offer the freshest goods. The rest of the food is purchased from wholesalers from nearby Middletown to further away Albany.

Customers can try everything from traditional pan de dulce to cheesecake to Wendy’s favorite, the bavarian cone that has pineapple glaze, sprinkles and bavarian cream in the middle. For now, the baked goods are sold by the slice or piece (with nothing over $1.50), but if requested, they can prepare a 10-inch cake for special occasions.

For a more savory bite, there are decent sized portions of grilled chicken, breaded chicken or steak and onions with rice and beans, and tacos, among other options. Customers can choose from beef, seasoned beef, spicy sausage, chicken, spicy pork and chicken tinga.

“It’s starting to pick up because people are noticing the prices and saying oh wow,” said Wendy. “It’s eating healthier than going to get fast food and for the same price.”

Inside, customers will experience the family-oriented feel and are welcome to eat-in or take the food to go. Since they opened during the pandemic, they have also been navigating the coronavirus safety measures, with operating at a limited capacity “trying to keep everyone safe” and storing the baked goods and food in showcases behind plastic.

“I am tremendously grateful because our neighbors have been so good to us,” said Wendy. “From the outside it isn’t noticeable we are a new business, but people have been spreading the word and it’s been going well.”

La Imperial Bakery is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information or to place an order, call 845-522-8227.