Martha's Country Bakery

- 70-28 Austin St, Forest Hills, NY 11375

If you live in or around New York City and have a serious sweet tooth, chances are you've heard the name Martha's Country Bakery. A true Queens institution, this beloved bakery chain has been serving up homemade, high-quality baked goods for over five decades. The story begins in Hell's Kitchen in 1969 when the Stertsios family, led by the parents of current owner George Stertsios, took over a German bakery. Named in honor of his mother, Martha's Country Bakery quickly became a local favorite, transitioning from a bustling wholesale business to a popular retail spot with its first location in Astoria, and later expanding to other vibrant New York neighborhoods, including Forest Hills.

The Forest Hills location, much like its siblings in Astoria and Bayside, embodies a cozy, rustic-chic atmosphere. The décor often features warm yellow walls, hardwood floors, and beadboard paneling, creating a welcoming environment that feels miles away from the city's hustle. This is a place where you can relax, meet friends for a late-night treat, or simply stop in for a freshly brewed coffee and a morning pastry. The aroma of baked goods is palpable, a result of the 9 to 12 chefs baking around the clock to ensure every item is fresh. The commitment to using real butter, vanilla, chocolate, and fresh fruit—and crucially, maintaining a perfect balance of sugar—is what sets Martha's Country Bakery apart and has solidified its reputation as a premier destination for desserts in New York.

The menu is nothing short of expansive, boasting over 150 distinct confections, blending American, Italian, and Greek baking traditions. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just need a daily indulgence, Martha's offers an incredible selection of whole cakes, pies, individual slices, and specialized pastries.

The Martha's Country Bakery location we're highlighting is centrally located in the heart of one of Queens' most desirable neighborhoods, making it a convenient stop for locals and visitors alike. The Forest Hills location's address is:

70-28 Austin St, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA

This spot on Austin Street is particularly busy and well-known, often cited as one of the busiest locations in the entire chain. Its popularity, especially on weekends, means there can sometimes be a wait for a table, but the fast and friendly service ensures the lines move quickly. For those driving, paid street parking is available in the vicinity. For patrons requiring it, the bakery offers wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring it is welcoming to all members of the community. Its extended hours—open from 6:00 AM until midnight on weeknights and until 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays—make it the perfect place for everything from an early breakfast stop to a late-night dessert date.

Martha's Country Bakery provides a wide variety of services to accommodate all customer needs, from a quick coffee run to a fully seated dining experience:

• Dine-in Service: Guests are greeted by a host and seated in the cozy, well-spaced dining area for a relaxing dessert experience.
• Takeout: All menu items are available for quick and convenient pickup.
• In-store Pickup: Pre-ordered items, such as custom or whole cakes and pies, can be picked up at the counter.
• Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their treats at home, delivery is available through various services in the Queens area.
• Onsite Services: General services provided at the location, including an espresso bar for high-quality hot and cold coffee drinks.
• Special Occasion Orders: Orders for whole cakes and pies for holidays, birthdays, or other events are a cornerstone of their business, with custom options available.
• Catering and Bulk Orders: Customers can order large quantities of pastries, cupcakes, or desserts for parties and gatherings.

What keeps New Yorkers returning to Martha's Country Bakery again and again is the combination of quality, variety, and the warm, welcoming vibe. Here are some of the standout features:

• The Very Berry Napoleon: Widely considered the signature dessert, this magnificent creation features flaky puff pastry layered with light cream and an abundance of fresh mixed berries.
• Extensive Cake Selection: The bakery offers a huge range of whole and sliced cakes, including customer favorites like Red Velvet Cheesecake, Tiramisu, Chocolate Mousse Cake, and Carrot Cake.
• Gourmet Pies: Known for using fresh fruit and flaky crusts, popular options include Sour Cream Apple Pie, Triple Berry Pie, Key Lime Pie, and 10" Pecan Pie.
• Handcrafted Pastries and Desserts: The vast display cases feature everything from Cannolis and Baklava (nodding to the owners' Greek heritage) to Crème Brulèe, Flan, Mini Mousse Cakes, and French Macaroons.
• Dedicated Coffee and Drink Menu: Beyond high-quality standard coffee, Martha's offers a full range of espresso-based beverages, including Freddo Cappuccino, Iced Caramel Macchiato, and specialty hot chocolates like Nutella Hot Chocolate.
• Homemade Quality and Freshness: The bakery's core value is its commitment to creating everything by hand, on-site, using classic recipes and the finest ingredients—a difference you can truly taste, especially in their decadent, non-gritty butter cream icings and moist cakes.
• Cozy, Late-Night Hours: Open from 6 AM to midnight (and later on weekends), it’s an ideal spot for an after-dinner dessert, making it a rare and appreciated amenity in the neighborhood.

For directions, placing a phone order, or general inquiries about the Forest Hills location, please use the following contact details:

Address: 70-28 Austin St, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA

Phone: (718) 544-0088

The bakery is committed to excellent service, which is often praised by patrons. Even during busy weekend hours, the staff works quickly and efficiently to serve everyone looking for a sweet escape.

When faced with the sheer volume of dazzling options at Martha's Country Bakery, it can be hard to know where to begin. The massive display cases feature cakes piled sky-high, tarts brimming with fruit, and dozens of pastries, all artfully prepared. However, a few items stand out as essential choices:

• The Very Berry Napoleon: This dessert is a unanimous crowd-pleaser and a perfect representation of the bakery's skill. Its balance of light, flaky pastry, smooth cream, and tart fresh berries is simply exceptional.
• The Cheesecakes: Customer reviews frequently highlight the quality of their cheesecakes. From the classic New York Cheesecake to specialty options like Strawberry Cheesecake and the seasonal Pumpkin Pie (or Pumpkin Cheesecake in the fall/winter), they are known for being creamy, delicately flavored, and never overly dense or cloying.
• The Chocolate Layer Cake or Chocolate Fudge Cake: For chocolate lovers, the multi-layered cakes, made with rich, quality ingredients, are a must-try. The focus on balanced sweetness allows the deep chocolate flavor to shine.
• Specialty Hot Drinks: Don't overlook the beverage menu. Paired with any pastry, a cup of their freshly brewed coffee or a unique choice like the Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate or a Freddo Espresso elevates the entire experience.

Martha's Country Bakery stands out in the bustling New York culinary scene by providing a genuine, homemade dessert experience. It’s more than just a place to buy a cake; it’s a destination for sweet memories, whether you’re having a celebratory slice of Red Velvet Cake or simply indulging in a warm muffin and coffee to start your day. The commitment of George Stertsios and his family to quality and tradition makes the Forest Hills location a treasured spot for all of Queens.

Martha's Country Bakery

70-28 Austin St, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA