Star Deli & Bakery

Maybe the most Polish place to buy donuts in all of Greenpoint. Just straight up raw Poland. Even their change trays — those dopey ashtray things that Europeans love to use as a middleman instead of handing you your nickels and dimes directly — are all in Polish. It may be the most faithful recreation of a sketchy Polish convenience store in the entire country. And the donuts almost live up that ambience.
In Polish terms, their selection is epic. Most places give you one glazed paczki and one with powdered sugar, then call it a day. Star comes through with the paczki, but then leaves the reservation with two different kinds of dough braids, one of which — brace yourself– also has jam in it!
Unfortunately, that jam is Star’s downfall. Its rivals all bloat their paczki with variations on fresh, handmade berry jams — Star Deli just settles for clumpy, store-​bought blackberry stuff. Sad times, and a total betrayal of their dough, fry, and glaze. Jam isn’t my favorite part of a paczki, but bad jam is my least favorite part. When you’re slogging your way through all that bread, there’s nothing to look forward to.

This small deli and bakery in Greenpoint has a small selection of food items and magazines. The real appeal is the baked goods in the window. Alongside the variety of cakes and other pastries — which seem to change as the day and week progresses — is a Polish treat worth tasting.
I learned today what it’s called, too: a paczki.
Pronounced «poonch-​key,» a paczki is a glazed pastry made with a richer batter than a traditional donut. Filled with raspberry filling, they make for a sweet morning meal — and are a great way to start your day in this largely Polish neighborhood.
I’m going to make some coffee, read the papers, and eat the one I picked up just minutes ago. Yum!