Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop

- 195 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Introduction / Overview

Nestled on the historic Atlantic Avenue, the Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop is far more than just a bakery; it is a long-standing institution and a true cornerstone of Brooklyn’s rich Middle Eastern heritage. Since opening their original storefront in 1930, the shop has upheld the time-honored tradition of Syrian baking, a legacy that started with the founder, Hassan Halaby, who brought authentic recipes from Damascus to his new home in New York City. The bakery quickly became famous for producing America's Original Pita Bread, Lavash, and a dazzling array of both sweet and savory treats.

For generations of New Yorkers, particularly those in the Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill areas, Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop has been the definitive source for staples of Middle Eastern cuisine. It stands as a vibrant reminder of Atlantic Avenue's past as a bustling hub for Syrian and Lebanese immigrant communities. Today, it operates as a cherished Bakery, renowned for its high-quality, freshly made products, from dozens of varieties of pita and flatbreads to traditional pies and legendary pastries. It is often described by loyal customers as an essential, high-quality hidden gem for a Quick visit and delicious takeout.

Location and Accessibility

Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop is perfectly situated at 195 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, positioned between Clinton and Court Streets in the vibrant nexus of Downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights. Its prime location on this major thoroughfare makes it incredibly accessible for local residents and visitors traveling from other boroughs.

Public Transportation: Accessibility by subway is a major highlight for this location. It is within easy walking distance of several major subway stations, making it a convenient stop for commuters and residents alike. Users can easily reach the bakery via the Borough Hall station, which serves the 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains, as well as the Court Street station (for the M and R trains) and the Hoyt-Schermerhorn station. Additionally, the F train to Smith–9th Sts is noted as another transport option, confirming robust transit access for New Yorkers.

Parking: In keeping with its urban setting, the bakery notes that Paid street parking is an option nearby. New Yorkers should expect the usual challenges of finding spots in this dense area, particularly during peak business hours. Bike Parking is also available for those who prefer an eco-friendly mode of transport.

Services Offered

This traditional storefront focuses on providing authentic food quickly and efficiently, specializing in products made for immediate consumption or to be taken home.

• Takeout Service: The primary mode of service is Takeout, allowing customers to efficiently purchase their baked goods, pies, and prepared foods.
• Extended Operating Hours: The bakery is open daily, with hours from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and slightly later on Sundays, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, catering well to both morning commuters and after-work shoppers.
• Catering Availability: Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop Offers Catering services, making it a perfect choice for local New York businesses and private events seeking authentic Middle Eastern spreads, breads, and desserts.
• Payment Options: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and modern NFC mobile payments for convenience.

Features / Highlights

The heart of Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop lies in its extensive menu of authentic, high-quality Middle Eastern food items.

• Pita and Flatbread Variety: The foundation of the bakery is its bread. They offer numerous options including Plain Pita, Whole Wheat Pita, specialty choices like Sesame Pita and Garlic Pita, as well as items like Zahtar Bread and Tahini Bread.
• Savory Pies and Rolls: A significant attraction is the selection of hot, savory pies. Favorites include the classic triangular Spinach Pies, the meat-topped Laham Ajeen (a small, thin dough resembling a lamb pizza), and other robust options like Meat Pies and Chicken Pies.
• World-Class Desserts: The pastry counter is famous for its intricate, honeyed desserts. The Baklava (including Walnut Baklava and Cocktail Size Baklava) and the shredded pastry delight Knaffa are highly recommended, with some reviews calling the pistachio baklava "next level good."
• Fresh Dips and Salads: Customers can stock up on fresh prepared sides, including excellent Hummus, Babaghanouj (smoky and chunky), Tabouleh, Grape Leaves, and other traditional salads and spreads like Mouhamara.
• Vegan-Friendly Options: A key highlight for health-conscious New Yorkers is the availability of Vegan Options, from various breads and dips to popular items like the Falafel Sandwich and certain pastries.
• Historic and Authentic Charm: The shop is a multi-generational, family-run business that has retained its authentic feel and recipes, offering a genuine taste of Syrian cuisine that is rare to find.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire about their authentic Middle Eastern offerings, please use the following contact details:

Address: 195 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Phone: (718) 625-7070

What is worth choosing

For a local New Yorker, choosing Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop is choosing history, authenticity, and unparalleled quality in Middle Eastern baking. What is truly worth prioritizing is the combination of freshly baked flatbreads and savory pies. The bread is the core of their legacy, whether it’s a stack of their various Pita for your kitchen at home, or a quick, satisfying Falafel Sandwich, which customers have called "maybe the best I’ve had in NYC." The Falafel Sandwich is a perfect, cheap, quick bite that encapsulates the savory expertise of the shop.

Equally essential are the traditional savory pies. The Spinach Pies (often noted for their perfect dough texture and balanced filling) and the distinct Laham Ajeen (mini lamb pizzas) are legendary in the neighborhood and make for an ideal grab-and-go lunch. Finally, no visit is complete without a selection from their dessert case. The intricate, nut-filled Baklava and the sweet, chewy Ma'amoul cookies (especially the Date and Pistachio varieties) are the perfect finish to any meal or a superb treat to bring to any gathering. When visiting, plan for a Quick visit to grab these freshly prepared, flavorful staples, and you will understand why this Syrian bakery has remained a beloved Brooklyn fixture since 1930.

Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop

195 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA