Star Polish Bakery New York
Best mak
Paula from New York
As a kid, I always knew that the holidays were approaching when my dad would drive us to the Polish neighborhood in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. We would walk along Nassau Avenue, stocking up on delicious delicacies from my dad's homeland. Once our shopping bags were filled with kilebasa and pierogi, we would go to the last but most important stop, Star Polish Bakery, for our makowiec cake.
Makowiec, called "mak" for short, is a rolled cake, with a thick layer of sweet poppy seeds rolled into sweet yeasted bread. The top is browned in the oven and glazed with lemon-zest icing. Mak is the most popular Polish cake, and absolutely essential for any holiday gathering. I don't think I've ever celebrated Christmas or Easter without a few poppy seeds stuck in my teeth!
Star Polish Bakery makes their mak exactly the way I like it: with lots of poppy seeds and a thin swirl of dough. The deli is unassuming and very casual. You'll see Polish newspapers, cold cuts, canned goods, and of course lots of other delicious pastries for sale as well. If you are considering purchasing a couple of Polish cakes, I recommend also getting the cernik (cheesecake), or paczki (jam-filled doughnuts usually eaten before Lent).
Greenpoint is a Polish neighborhood, so all of the shops here are staffed by Polish immigrants or their kids. Everyone speaks English, but you'll get extra points if you greet the shopkeepers with "Dzien dobry," or thanking them with "dziekuje!"
New York Spotter Paula
About this spot
Nassau Avenue 176
- Mon 12:00 - 20:00, Tue - Fri 06:00 - 20:00, Sat - Sun 08:00 - 00:00
Makowiec:
US$
10
+1
7183836948
Our New York City Guide
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Taco Mix
Gorditas, Cemitas, Burrito Bowls
Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Dinastia
Cuban - Chinese
"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Studio Museum in Harlem
Artists of color
"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Stand Up NY
UWS Comedy Club
Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
NYC Pride March
The Greatest Show on Earth!
This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Willy Wall
Secret floating bar
Willy Wall is the clubhouse of the Manhattan Yacht Club in NYC, but anyone can head out there for cheap drinks and fantastic skyline views...
by
Nick
Papa
Fall Foliage
Central Park
A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters
Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem
"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Patisserie des Ambassades
Senegalese/French café
"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Loeb Boathouse
Central Park
"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
1166 Sixth Avenue
Lichenstein & Otterness
In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Subway Nostalgia
Vintage subway train excursions
The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to New York?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite New York
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
