For over three years, I've have been passing their window nearly every day. I've even gone out of my way and unnecessarily crossed the street just to get a glimpse of their beautiful and tempting sugary treats in the window.
And the baked goods and colors vary to coincide with the holidays (shown here- Valentine's Day, St Patrick's Day and Christmas)
The inside is gorgeous and for the most part, I am guessing untouched for the decades it has called this spot home. (Note: Since someone thought they were lamps on Flickr, I just want to point out to those of you have the misfortune of never entering a 'real' bakery - those cool looking fixtures that hang from the ceiling contain spools of the red and white string that is used to tie your box of delicious baked goods)-
These shots are from one night around closing time-
And on any given Saturday, if you pass by around 1 or 2 in the afternoon, you'll find a handful of USPS mail carrier carts parked outside, while some postal employees enjoy a break inside-
Despite the numerous times I've passed, and the many photos I've snapped, I had never actually *eaten* one of their donuts. I had been in there a few times, but only for coffee. I have a pretty serious sugar addiction, and worried that once I had one, I'd make it a habit. So I did not buy a donut out of simple fear.
However, that all changed this past Saturday - on Valentine's Day...
I was meeting Miss Heather, her husband, and our friend Diana for some bowling fun. And on my walk to the bar/bowling alley, I passed the window of Peter Pan and saw this magnificent display:
I finally couldn't take it. I knew that today was the day. The day I finally had a Peter Pan Donut!
Now let me just say- they have quite a reputation: If you google this place, you'll come across dozens of food blogs, personal blogs (including one from Miss Heather with a great picture from the 1960's!), local newspaper articles, and reader comments that all say the same thing - that these are pretty much the best donuts around or ever. In fact, I remember that my ex-husband, who lived in Greenpoint in 1999 when I met him, vowed that Peter Pan donuts were the best. Coming from him, this was a huge compliment.)
I bought a half dozen for the group, but selected my own personal donut carefully - a cream filled beaut with shredded coconut and pink sprinkles on top. And after two rounds of bowling fun it was donut time! At the first sugary awesome bite, I think my eyes rolled into the back of my head: It really was the best donut I had ever consumed in my life!
So if you find yourself in Greenpoint - or are close enough and willing to make a trip for the best donuts ever - take the G to the Nassau stop, exit on the Norman side and walk north (toward Meserole) half a block. You'll be glad you did!
Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop
727 Manhattan Ave. (between Norman & Meserole)
718-389-3676
