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Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop
Master Critic Review
Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop
8.4
Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop is a century-old Syrian bakery on Atlantic Avenue known for its fresh pita, baklava, and prepared Middle Eastern specialties. Dating back to the late 1920s, it draws neighborhood shoppers and destination carb-seekers for trays of sweets, savory pies, and pantry staples that taste rooted in home cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Assorted baklava and pistachio pastries, Spinach and cheese pies, Falafel or shawarma sandwiches on house pita
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: A historic Syrian bakery where locals stock up on pita, pastries, and grab-and-go Middle Eastern dishes from long-running family recipes.
Who should go: Snackers, home cooks, and sweet-toothed Middle Eastern fans.
When to visit: Daytime and early evening for fullest pastry and bread selection.
What to order: Baklava assortment, spinach pies, pita with hummus or baba ghanouj.
Insider tip: Browse the fridges and shelves in back—spices, olives, and dips often rival what’s in the pastry case.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Atlantic Avenue is limited and competitive; easier a few blocks inland on side streets. No valet.
Dress code: Ultra casual — errands clothes, jeans, workout gear all perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly quiet browsing with occasional rush-hour bustle.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak afternoon sweet rush; evenings are usually faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many vegetarian pies, mezze, dips, and pastries.
Vegan options: Limited — some breads, hummus, baba ghanouj, and vegetable-filled pies are vegan, but most sweets contain honey or dairy.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — a few packaged pantry items may qualify, but most products are wheat-based.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a sit-down date, but great for a casual daytime bakery stop or grabbing sweets to share while walking nearby.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s no real table service — it’s counter-order and mostly takeaway, with only minimal standing room.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — kids love the baklava and pastries, but there’s limited space for strollers inside.
Best For
Better for: Fresh pita, authentic Middle Eastern pastries, and stocking up on pantry staples at unbeatable prices.
Skip if: You want a sit-down dining experience, full meals with table service, or extensive gluten-free options.