For anyone venturing into the vibrant neighborhood of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, there’s one stop that’s practically mandatory: Peter Pan Bakery. This Manhattan Avenue gem is more than just a local donut shop; it’s a Greenpoint landmark, a place that even without celebrity endorsements like Tina Fey’s, would still be a point of local pride. Peter Pan Bakery’s charm and delicious offerings have been celebrated in documentaries and short films, and their donuts have earned accolades on “best of” lists stretching from New York City all the way to Japan. Their summer ice cream sandwiches are legendary, and remarkably, a single donut remains incredibly affordable at just $1.10, with a satisfying breakfast or lunch still possible for under $10 (as highlighted in Greenpointers’ cheap eats guide). As a former Greenpoint resident of seven years, Peter Pan Bakery was a frequent stop for everything from a morning pick-me-up to an afternoon treat – because in my book, donuts definitely count as snacks. Over the years, I’ve happily witnessed the introduction of exciting new flavors to their classic menu, each one worth taking note of.
The story of Peter Pan Bakery stretches back to the 1950s. However, the current chapter began about 24 years ago when Donna and Christos Siafakas took over. Donna, a Greenpoint native herself, learned about the previous owner’s retirement through her aunt. Serendipitously, Donna and Christos’ love story began in a Queens donut shop, making this venture a perfect fit. The transition was seamless, maintaining the bakery’s beloved character. Christos stepped into the role of head baker, a position now held by their son Peter in recent years. You can often find Donna greeting customers in the mornings, engaging in friendly chats with regulars near the back, while their other son, Demetri, handles the afternoon and closing shifts.
While Peter Pan Bakery initially focused solely on donuts, they have expanded their menu to include sandwiches. Yet, much remains unchanged, including the iconic uniforms, sourced in bulk due to their discontinued colors. What has significantly changed is their popularity. Peter Pan Bakery is busier than ever, with baking sometimes starting as early as 10 PM the night before, and bakers typically arriving by 1 AM. According to Donna, their donuts have attracted customers from as far away as Dubai. Among her dream customers are celebrities like Victor Williams from King of Queens and Alec Baldwin.
The exciting array of new donut flavors largely comes from Donna’s creative inspiration. Recognizing the appeal of novelty, she introduced new options alongside the classic glazed and chocolate cake donuts that Peter Pan Bakery was known for. The red velvet donut was the first significant addition and quickly became a customer favorite. Indeed, the allure of freshly made red velvet donuts is so strong that if a tray emerges warm from the kitchen, it’s practically irresistible.
Now, Peter Pan Bakery boasts a rotating selection of “limited edition” flavors that enhance their daily offerings. These include tempting choices like Blueberry Buttermilk, Maple, S’mores, French Toast, Apple Cider Glazed, Apple Cider Cinnamon, Tahitian Cream, and Carrot Cake. Seasonal specials also make an appearance, such as St. Joe’s Day zeppole and Fat Thursday pączki. Streudels are another frequent treat, and Christos’ contribution, the Apple Fritters, are considered some of the best in the city, just like their renowned donuts.
Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop is located at 727 Manhattan Avenue. They welcome customers from approximately 5 AM to 8 PM, seven days a week.
