Five Western Queens bakeries stock Thanksgiving pastries

Residents in western Queens can purchase specific Thanksgiving desserts from five local bakeries this week. The shops stock items ranging from Greek pastries to Filipino-inspired treats. Each location operates on a distinct schedule that limits access to certain days.

Make Believe Bakeshop in Astoria offers New York-style crumb cake and bread pudding. Owner Nicole Cinco also sells Chocolate Babka Buns and Cinnamon Rolls. The shop restricts the availability of the buns and rolls to Friday through Sunday only. The bakery is located at 25-11 Astoria Blvd. It operates Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Meri’s Bakeshop Cafe brings Greek flavors to the neighborhood. The shop sells Galaktoboureko, Bougatsa, and Portokalopita. Its Yelp page describes the cooking process as being crafted with meraki, defined as the soul, creativity, and love poured into the work. Located at 23-14 Ditmars Blvd., the cafe is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Somedays Bakery operates five locations across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The company states that every item is hand-laminated and never frozen at the specific location where it is sold. In Astoria at 27-37 30th Ave. and in Long Island City at 46-30 Center Blvd., the bakery sells a Blueberry Cardamom Sweet Bun, Pistachio Lattice, and Pain Suisse. Both locations are open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Black Star Bakery in Long Island City focuses on quality coffee and freshly baked pastries. The website describes the shop as a community space that uses locally sourced ingredients. The location at 10-01 50th Ave. is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kora in Sunnyside sells Filipino-inspired donuts and pastries. Co-owners Kimberly Camara and Kevin Borja established the business in the summer of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The menu includes Ensaymada Croissants, Kalabasa Croissant Tart, and Kamotecue Danish. The shop offers catering for parties. It is located at 45-12 Greenpoint Ave. and is open Wednesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Masa Madre in Sunnyside is an artisanal bakery with Mexican cultural influences. The shop sells Pastel Gloria, Conchitas, and cubiletes. The location at 47-55 46th St. is open Monday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. or until the bread sells out.