Sherlyn’s just opened on Broadway, and the buzz is already solid. Amazing to look at and even more amazing to taste, the offerings at Sherlyn’s will keep you coming back for more.

Genaro Martinez, son of the owner and head baker, explained the origin of the family business. “My father worked in the industry for 25 years,” he said. “We appreciate everything that’s been done for us. But it was time for my father to follow his dreams. And he wanted to do what he loves the most, which is making pastries.”

Martinez emphasized that Sherlyn’s isn’t just family-owned; it’s family-run. In fact, if you head into Sherlyn’s at just about any time, you’re bound to run into someone from the family. “It’s my dad, uncle, sister, cousins, godsister, and even my mom’s best friend’s daughter,” Martinez said. The bakery’s name is also a family reference. “That’s my younger sister’s name. Of course, it has to be after the princess of the family,” he joked. “No, it’s not favoritism, really. It’s just catchier.”

Martinez works at the bakery and acts as its social media manager. “Dad got me involved to promote the younger generation’s vison on Instagram. “When people come in and tell us, ‘We saw you on Instagram,’ we love that,” Martinez said.

So what to get? At a spot like this, there are so many great choices that it can be tough to leave without buying the whole store. Martinez pointed out the most popular menu items. “Carrot cake is probably the best seller here,” he said. “Also, the Neapolitan with berries and the triple chocolate layer cake.”

For something really special, try the tres leches. “We have a Hispanic background, and we have a lot of pride there,” Martinez said. “So, we’re pleased to offer our tres leches line.” Tres leches, or three milk cake, is soaked with three different types of milk, usually for an hour or more. The result is a light spongy cake that has become increasingly popular since 2020. It’s easy to understand why with tantalizing flavors like mocha, strawberry, caramel, angel’s kiss, and tiramisu. “And lemon coconut, which is my favorite,” Martinez said. “Customers from all over love our tres leches.”

For fall, Sherlyn’s has exciting new selections. “Pumpkin pies, apple pies, pecan pies, mini pecan pies, pumpkin spice lattes, and hot chocolate for the cold season. It just depends what comes in, whatever ideas we come up with,” Martinez said. “Coconut pie too, I hope. Not sure, that’s still up for debate, but I want it.”

Warm up with a latte, cappuccino, or herbal tea during the cold months. Of course, Sherlyn’s offers a selection of iced teas and iced coffee drinks, including delicious frozen hot chocolate. Another standout has to be the peanut butter hot chocolate, also offered frozen.

The choice to set up Sherlyn’s in Astoria was straightforward, according to Martinez, “I always wanted a job here because I was born here. Astoria is where I grew up. We live ten minutes away. We want people to feel welcome here, always, and that’s our priority at Sherlyn’s.”

34-18 Broadway / phone: 347.507.0836 / Yelp: 4.4 / Instagram