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
Music Mondays
UWS Free Chamber Music
The Artistic Director Aaron Wunsch says “We believe this music is for absolutely anyone and everyone—it uplifts us and brings us together, as a community”.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Bach Vespers
Candlelit Bach
A concert was held within the aura of candle light—each congregant holding one—which, combined with the many candelabra, created a calming atmosphere.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Apple Bank
Samuel Yellin Ironwork
His malleable, buttery creations are a sight to behold! They can be seen closeup outside on the buildings massive iron doors, and inside where floral motifs adorn the central teller’s 'pen' and customer desks that line the walls.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Birria-Landia Tacos
NYTimes 2 Star Food Truck
Choose: tacos, quesadillas, tostados or a hot, chunky beef based soup called consommé composed of birria, chopped onion, cilantro and squeezed lime.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Old Print Shop
Flatiron District Gallery
"The Old Print Shop" in New York is my hands-down, hands-on museum/gallery of choice. I love mid-twentieth century 'industrial' or 'city' art...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sea & Sea
Fried fish takeout
"Sea & Sea " in NYC is a traditional-looking fish shop with wet, tiled floors, cool air, grated ice on every hand, busy with customers from near and far...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Modern Bread and Bagel
Extreme gluten-free bagels
"Modern Bread and Bagel" in NYC has surfaced as exemplary, using criteria such as size and texture, seed and salt density. Here are some more top picks...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pain d’ Epices
French / American patisserie
"Pain d' Epices" is a French bakery in NYC that makes croissants so flaky & buttery, the only way to avoid the crumbs is to 'put your back to the wind...'
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Django
Tribeca jazz boîte
"Django" in NYC is proof that the city's jazz club world is recovering. I celler/cavern is intimate enough that after performances I walk over to engage...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Dublin House
Irish Bar Centenarian
"The Dublin House" in NYC has been around since Prohibition and it still is neighborhood-sized. By the end of the night, everyone speaks Irish here...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pastrami Queen
Traditional kosher Jewish deli
"Pastrami Queen" in NYC has if not the best, among the very best pastrami sandwiches in the city. It's the kind of American excess you just can't miss...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters Uptown Bookstore
African diaspora hub
"Sisters Uptown Bookstore" in NYC is a hidden shop/cultural center w/ an eye-opening trove of books by African diaspora authors. A true neighborhood spot!
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
✓ 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:
