Let just say this I have never experienced such rudeness from a sales person ever in my life !! Asked about a donut if it was fresh and got some obnoxious answer and was insulted as well!! Seriously ?? I just hope that not all Polish people are like the 2 I had a pleasure meeting. Never will I go there again nor will I recommend that place. read more

I really like the bread and the large selection of baked goods. I will even try to pass by it on the way home from work just for the delicious baked smell. However! I don't really have the patience for the other customers there. They're all entitled, always jump in front of me in line (if you can call it a line) and the staff never seems to try to keep attending to customers organized. I'm having a hard time getting myself to keep going back there because it's that frustrating. If I didn't love the rolls for my sandwiches, I probably would have given this place one star and never come back. I guess if you're good at cutting in line and have an overbearing sense of entitlement, you'll be fine here. Okay to be fair, maybe it's the way the counter staff manages this and it's definitely not all other customers. Maybe it's a combination? I don't know, either way, I end up waiting longer than people who get there after me. read more

Cute, cute place. Their items are delicious but also so reasonably priced. I came across this place by accident but it definitely made my day! read more

Just started working in the area and decided to stop in for some coffee and a small breakfast. The variety of breads and sweets are wonderful and the space is clean. The downside is the customer service. The ladies behind the counter need a lesson in being polite and following simple directions. It is really up for debate if I will visit here again. read more

I come here for their bread but always leave with a bag full of delicious polish donuts, strudels, and croissants. Everything is always FRESH and the girls behind the counter move very fast. read more

Wow , these bagels are on point . Just move into the area . For under 5$ I got coffee ,pastries , and that bagel mmmm. So darn good .. must try them read more

This place is amazing - having grown up in Greenpoint (and worked in several bakeries as a teen) many of the local bakeries have closed but Syrena Bakery/ Cafe has been here for about 15 years and going strong. When you step inside it smells like heaven plus melt in your mouth baked goods - cheese babka (like Italian Pannetone but better), fruit babka, plain babka, cheesecake, Tri color cookies, donuts, bagels, rolls, poppyseed cake, gourmet breads galore, coffee, tea. They make sandwiches too but I go for the baked goods....their babka is almost like my Mom's homemade which is saying a lot - enjoy!!! read more

EXCELLENT bagels - especially the sesame - not real hard, not at all soft... a perfect mix ... must have a good supplier of baking products to get this mix read more

We liked Syrena's bread from a Brooklyn bakery but recently it's often over-burned. The white bread has almost black crust sometimes. Any burned products have carcinogens in them. We are looking for another bread now. read more

Alright, let me be honest about my feelings for this place from the very start. I'm totally biased towards an affection for it, and that will probably come across in this review. I've lived down the street from it for years now, and have been eating its fare since long before then. A week doesn't go by when I'm not there at least once. My mom's a big fan of the place's desserts and egg salad sandwiches and it's just been a local staple in my life for too long for me to pick it apart. It's true, the staff leaves A LOT to be desired, and yeah, you sometimes get the impression that they really resent having to serivce non-Polish customers. Then again, they don't seem particularly cheery with anyone, and I think the seemingly common "they're not nice to me cuz I'm not Polish" spiel is a bit of a self-projecting overreaction. I'm half-Polish myself, but I can't speak a word of it, and don't particularly look Polish, but sometimes I wish I had like a lineage card that I could flash and be like "c'mon, I'm halfway there - sorta...don't give me this sass". Having said that, on a few rare occasions I've received unexpectedly bubbly receptions from the staff, and they make an impression for the simple fact that they're so different from the norm. Caught 'em on a good day, I guess. This is the kind of place that can really rub people the wrong way, and while it seems a bit silly to well, force yourself to go there if you hate the service, I think its worth putting up with for the value. So, yeah, finally something about the food. The bagels aren't out of this world, but they're certainly solid. I've always wondered why they look a little thinner than most bagels, but it's really not important. They load those babies up good with whatever you want on it. And if you're a fan of lox (for the longest time they had no idea what I was talking about unless I referred to it simply as "salmon") this should be your go-to place. You can get a bagel of any kind with veggies, cream cheese and lox (and a coffee too!) for under $5. That's an outrageously good deal and I kind of want to run over there right now to attain said deal. And yes, sometimes the gals behind the counter mess up your order. I can't tell you how many times I've asked for "tomatoes and onions" and gotten lettuce and tomato, or how many times said "lox and cream cheese" to just get lox spread cream cheese. You've gotta be clear, and you've gotta be specific. REGULAR cream cheese, and SALMON. Even when using these precautionary measures, you'll still get a glitch here and there. But to wrap it up, the baked desserts (and yes, the egg salad - how could I forget), while not particularly memorable are still very much yummy. The desserts tend to look a little dry sometimes, which in tandem with the interest of not being a fatty, it's rare that I indulge in a cream-filled donut or whackily colored mystery jello-mold surprise. I wouldn't discourage anyone from trying them out, though. So in conclusion, Syrena has her flaws, but it's worth looking past them cuz there's a good deal to love. Oh wow, unintentional but perfect pun. ::rimshot:: Thank you, good night. read more

Horrible customer service, the ladies that work there have horrible attitudes.... I personality don't like anyone with a body attitude handling my food. It makes me very uncomfortable thinking they might do something out of spite, so I left read more

Rude, racist, and cheaters! If I could give 0 stars, I would. It was our first time in New York and our first stop off the subway cause we were starving. Right when we walked in, the two women behind the counter were already giving us dirty looks. When it finally came to our time to order, the woman decided to walk away and restock bread instead of helping us. When the other woman finally took my order, she was rolling her eyes the entire time. She also cheated me out of my change. The other woman came back out and had to help my friend because there was a long line behind us. She snapped when my friend ordered a small coffee without stating what kind. Your sign says coffee, it doesn't state any options, why are you getting angry at us when we state we want a small coffee? If they could, I bet they would have a sign on the door saying "we only serve Polish customers". read more

Great selection and always fresh. No complaints about any of their products. Buyer beware: Disappointed cheated out of a few dollars change by cashier. Prices are not clearly marked on all products. Don't expect a friendly smile from any staff. read more

This is the place to get fresh-made bread and bagels. Every kind of bread I've had here has been great (and suuuper cheap), my favorite is the olive bread - though come early for that; I've hardly ever seen it still there in the evening. They also have lots of interesting pastries and cakes you can buy by the pound. A small amount of money will get you A LOT of pastry, though in terms of quality you do seem to get what you pay for. However, the round jelly cookies are great. The workers are not the friendliest bunch, though you do seem to get better service of you speak Polish. read more

Good food, but don't expect decent service unless you've got a Polish flag on your t-shirt. They've actually walked away in the middle of me ordering two out of the three times I've been there and guess what? Gotten the order wrong two out of three times! So I guess they deserve two stars... read more

Yes, the service at Syrena can be-- well, another reviewer described it as gruff. That about sums it up. Actually, I'll bet all the comments about rudeness and arguing with customers can be attributed to one woman who works there -- my girlfriend refers to her as "the mean one" (a fairly tall, thin, long-haired brunette). I also want to point out that I have often seen rude customers arguing amongst themselves there; seemingly over line-cutting, but as I don't speak Polish, I can't be sure. (I would have thought folks from former Soviet bloc countries would be more familiar with line etiquette.) Most of the other women (I've never seen a man at the counter) tend to be rather pleasant. When ordering in English, just keep in mind the ESL factor -- speak clearly, smile, and point to what you want -- and you'll be fine. I'm a fan of their bread (their old country rye is a staple in our house), as well as their paczki (Polish donuts), pastries, babka, ciabatta rolls, etc. But I have to say, I think their tuna salad might be the best in the city. It is certainly hands-down the best I have ever had. They add a little hard boiled egg and (I think) scallion, so purists might take issue with it; but I love it. Don't look for it on Saturdays, however. On Saturdays, they don't seem to make sandwiches. This is probably because they are usually too busy with the long line of folks picking up bread and other baked goods. If you're in Greenpoint, it is well worth giving Syrena a try. read more

It's kind of a pain to get to but their sweet baked goods are really superior. Yes, the service is terrible but it's gruff, not mean.

Definitely a Greenpoint gem, Syrenas is the perfect weekend spot for a pastry and a hot cup if coffee. They've got bagels, fresh bread, and so many gorgeous, tasty pastries. Listen to your nose when you walk past. Go inside! read more

In this era of blandification, uber-competitive corporate giants like Starbucks, Panera Bread and Au Bon Pain threaten to homogenize New York's appetite. But why surrender to the soullessly stylized murk, when there's still beacons like Syrena to comfort our cultural and culinary cravings? A treasure of industrial Greenpoint, Syrena slings breads and pastries of the real-deal, home-down, just-like-mama-used-to-make variety. The pragmatic, unadorned atmosphere is a welcoming change from the excruciatingly faux vibe of the Starbuckaroo gang. That's right, Syrena is strictly business. And their business is dealing in incredibly fresh breads, bagels, and a variety of Polish pastries you've never tasted unless you happen to have a Polish grandmother. Did I mention the unbeatable prices? read more

Saw the shop in a rerun of Blue Bloods and now trying to figure how I can order from Texas!!

If you like getting made fun of for not speaking Polish, you should definitely drop by this uber-classy establishment. I just went by to grab a loaf of bread for PBJs and I'm pretty sure the girls, or ladies, rather, were laughing at me for some reason no one knows except for the other people in the 'restaurant' who could speak Polish. Great. All I did was say "What?" when she asked me a question in Polish, then they began to taunt & laugh at me. Look, I've done this type of job before and I know it's not particularly thrilling, but keep the drama out of your bakery. I mean, really. Also, the bread is not THAT good. Pretty mediocre as far as Polish Bakeries go. Definitely not worth feeling like you're back in middle school and getting gossiped about. Boo. From now on I'll take my business to Northside Bakery, just down at Humboldt and Nassau, where the girls are sweet and will gladly help you even if you don't speak very good Polish and they don't speak very good English. read more

Accidentally came across the place, very happy that I did. Service was very quick and the staff was very nice. Also very cheap!

Yes, the service is well, not with a smile and could be viewed as cold, but "man up" and go here for great prices and fresh bread. Plus, if you don't smile back, they're actually nice to you. read more

I just discovered this place and its great! Delicious bread, bagels and cakes. I honestly never noticed the girls or paid them any mind if they were mean. Who gives a flip? Get your bagels and babka and get out! read more

It's a nice, authentic Polish bakery in Greenpoint. All the products are fresh, backed on premises. The location is a little away from the beaten path, but certainly worth the walk! read more

This is one of my favorite places in Brooklyn - especially in the morning when the will to live is directly tied to the amount and quality of carbs and caffeine available. Syrena's Bakery has the most friendly staff (makes you wonder why some other places in town have such a hard time with that) and it's pleasantly old-school in its appearance and vibe. Bagels and pastry are very fresh and delicious, always a good way to start the day. The locals seem to appreciate it as well, long lines can form during prime breakfasts or lunch hours, the wait is never too long though. read more

I like this place a lot. Everything looks fresh and so yummy! We've tried their bagels and some of their pastries which were fantastic. Their prices always blow us away too. I love having them in our neighborhood! read more

There is something oddly compelling about this place, i know, i totally agree with other reviewers that they're attitude can be standoffish and snobby but once you get to know them, they're actually very cordial and helpful. They have a wonderful bread selection and the bagels are some of the best I've ever had in my life. They're brioche rolls are great as well as the kaisers and everything is really cheap considering it's all baked in house that day(or night). Give them your business but leave your ego at the door and deal with the tude. read more

I ordered an iced coffee and a bagel w cream cheese. What a delight!!!! Will definitely be spending more time here soon ;) Hey this is nick's roommate, Brett. I ordered an everything bagel with lox spread and a hazlenut coffee. Loved it. And the interiors are much prettier than the exteriors. p.s. the carrot juice is well worth the wait- read more

For me Syrena is the best place to buy real bread. A lot of good rye's, sourdough and other 'european' style breads. Nothing fancy, just great bread, with proper ingredients. And the service people are complaining about? I have no problems with it, I think they are kind of cute. You just pick out some bread and pay for it, how much service do you need? Your buying bread, not getting a haircut. read more

Few minutes from Nassau Avenue stop, it is worthwhile the eight minute walk...you will find all sorts of delicious fresh breads as well as pastries... read more

Amazing bakery!! After living just 3 blocks away for almost 3 years I finally went in today for the first time and I was instantly hooked. My wife and I split a Pumpkin seed roll and an everything bagel with veggie cream cheese as well as a couple of pastries and it was all out of this world. I have a feeling I'll be making visits here a regular thing every week. read more

RUDE RUDE RUDE. Service is horrible and slow. They snap at you for no reason if you speak English. All they want to serve are Polish customers. What the heck- its NYC. They need to get their attitude straight if they want to run business in English speaking city. The staff talk to each other in their language the whole time youre trying to order, and you can tell they are not happy about you as a customer. Their food is okay at the best. The staff here (2 women, when i went) will ruin your day with unnecessary hassels and rudeness. Went in hungry and came out mad. And NO, i was not hangry!!! P.s. And they STILL your $ money so be sure to check your change. read more

Been loving their bread for so many years. The quality is consistent and the taste is happily good.

I live close to this bakery. Their baked breads are fresh with a variety of flavors. The chocolate babka is also very good. The whole block smells like fresh baked goods. However I have only been to this bakery TWO maybe three times in all my years living 4 blocks away because the staff is extremely unfriendly if you aren't polish. read more

One of my favorite bakeries in Brooklyn. The bread is fresh baked every morning. It's always busy so be ready to order because the staff is fast paced. A bagel with cream cheese for $1.50? I think I've found a unicorn in NYC read more

Horrible Service.Once standing in a line with just a bread I was invisible for "Girls" for 10 minutes(only I because other customers were serve,.after that i moved to the end of the line althought i was waiting in a line before going to back to the end of it .It's redicoulous but its a true.i Just paid and left.Not planning go back there! I DON'T RECOMEND THIS PLACE read more

Thank goodness for the good baked foods , because it's not the service or staff that draws the customers. The staff of Polish beauties, are just that and not accomodating to the Non Speaking Polish customers. A smile would help even if they don't want to speak English. Being of Slavic decent, at least my looks could pass me for Polish, but it still does not help. I end up pointing to what I want, since speaking English does not often work with the staff. Byut since the prices and quality are good, I guess you have to take some bad with some good read more

Love this place! Super European-style donuts!!

Good place, with excellent hearty breads. One strange and disappointing thing - the chocolate babka. It was weird - basically vanilla cake w/small swirls of fruit jam mixed in with a chocolate icing. While very inexpensive ($5 for a whole loaf), it compares very unfavorably with, say, Zabar's babka, which is 3x the price, but 10x better. Stick with the bread. read more