Restaurant Relax

Restaurant Relax Traditional Polish Home Cooking Made Fresh Every Day. Relax with the taste and aroma of Poland. That’s how it all started

Relax isn’t just a restaurant.

It’s a way of life for our family. I remember when I was a child. My parents would take me out of Krakow – the big city with the old church bells and cobble stone steps. And we would go by car to Grandma’s house. In the village. With a thatched roof. And an old wooden fence with one of those gates that never closes properly. We would go for the weekend. We got there when it was dark. And I saw the

stars. And I smelled the smoke from chimneys. I would fall asleep and then around 4 am, I would wake. I heard a sound. A gentle smack. And then a roll. Grandma was up at 4am. And the wooden rolling pin was gently pushing the fresh flour. Everyone was asleep. But Grandma was awake. And she would put the pin down and I would hear the door open. The chickens squawked. And then I heard the cow make a gentle moo. And Grandma would come back with fresh eggs and fresh milk. She was preparing the lunch and dinner for the day. The pierogis. The nalesznikis. The potatoe pancakes. In the morning, when we would roll out of bed and into the kitchen she would point her finger at me and smile. And bring me to the kitchen. She told something in Polish that I would never forget. “The secret,” she said, “is time.” Everything must be done slowly. Everything must be cut fresh in the morning. Never frozen. Never stored. Every potato is a gift. We can’t rush. We have to go slow. We have to relax. Relax is not just a family business for me. It’s a legacy. It’s my grandmother speaking through my hands. It’s the most authentic and real slow-cooked, slow-prepared 100% fresh food that we could bring to America from Poland.

04/01/2026

60,000 years ago we were already decorating eggs.

Long before Easter baskets humans in Africa were engraving geometric designs on ostrich eggshells creating the earliest known form of symbolic art. This symbol of life, energy and new beginnings has traveled through thousands of years of human culture all the way to our Polish Easter table.

Even though our doors are closed this weekend we celebrate this incredible journey and the traditions that unite us all.

Wishing our wonderful guests and the entire Greenpoint community an Easter full of peace hope and joy.

Happy Easter & Wesołego Alleluja!! 🥚❤️

Restaurant Relax
Greenpoint Brooklyn

03/16/2026

A Little St. Patrick’s Day Magic at Restaurant Relax ☘️

Talk about perfect timing! Three days before St. Patrick’s Day, we were visited by a wonderful Irish-Polish couple, Hannah and Kuba. 🇵🇱☘️

Not only did they leave us an amazing review, but Hannah’s review was exactly our 400th! As per our tradition at Relax, every 100th reviewer wins a free meal. Congratulations, Hannah! 🎉

This magical coincidence inspired us. We are dedicating this St. Patrick’s Day to Hannah and Kuba!

In their honor, we are launching our Special Irish Pierogi. Stuffed with creamy potato and cabbage, swimming in butter, and topped with crispy bacon and spring onions.
And from now on, these pierogi will return every St. Patrick’s Day at Restaurant Relax. 🥟

Come celebrate with us and taste the magic!

Sláinte & Na zdrowie! 🍻

PS
After enjoying the legendary St. Patrick’s Day Parade marching up Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street on March 17, 2026 (11 AM to about 4:30 PM), come celebrate with us at Restaurant Relax and try our special Irish Pierogi.

03/11/2026

Hidden Polish Gem in Greenpoint

Get ready for a Polish flavor explosion! 💥🇵🇱

If you’re craving homemade Polish comfort food, Greenpoint has your answer.

Borscht that warms you up, potato pancakes that crackle, smoky kielbasa, and pierogi like grandma’s 🥟🍲

Restaurant Relax is where good energy meets seriously good food.
Come hungry, take a seat, and discover the “magic powers” of our sauerkraut 😉
Nobody leaves our tables cryin’!

03/08/2026

The Woman Who Defied Empires 🌹

History remembers emperors and their victories. But sometimes the most powerful story belongs to a woman.

This Women’s Day we remember a love that shaped history, the story of Maria Walewska, a woman whose courage and tenderness left an eternal mark on an empire. To save her beloved Poland she chose sacrifice over comfort and honor over pride. What began as a solemn duty to her nation transformed into a love that was fierce, loyal, and unbreakable.

When the world turned its back on Napoleon Bonaparte, Maria did not. She traveled across Europe to the distant shores of Elba, bringing with her their young son. She came to offer him the one thing no empire could give him anymore… her love. And with quiet devotion she is said to have told him: “If you ever stop loving me, do not forget that I love you.”

In the silence of that exile, her presence was the greatest kingdom he had left.

Years later, when news of Maria’s death reached him on Saint Helena, Napoleon is said to have spoken quietly: “She loved me truly.”

Her story reminds us that a woman’s heart can change the course of history not through the exercise of power but through a devotion that endures beyond time and loss.

🌹 To the women who love boldly, stand bravely, and give selflessly. You are the quiet strength behind every great story.

Happy Women’s Day from all of us at Restaurant Relax. ✨

02/25/2026

An American Dream on a Polish Plate! 🇺🇸✈️🇵🇱✈️🇺🇸

Here in the heart of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, we know a thing or two about long journeys and finding a new home.

Did you know the humble potato is actually an American native? It traveled across the ocean centuries ago, only to become the undisputed King of the Polish kitchen. And now, we are serving it back to you right here in NYC!

Down here in our Relax kitchen, things get intense. 🔥 We handle tons of potatoes every week. They have American roots, but we give them a serious Polish makeover. 🥔🍟

Sometimes, we can sense their fear when they see the grater coming. So, we decided to offer them some musical therapy.

We wrote a song to calm them down. We look them in the eye and sing: "Relax potato, don't cry! You will be loved." ❤️🎶

We assure them that it’s not the end... it’s a brand new start on a fancy plate right here at Relax. Whether they become our famous potato pancakes with sour cream or achieve spiritual enlightenment as "kopytka," their fate is delicious. 😋

Don't worry, we take good care of your food before it gets to your table. 😉

👇 Come taste the "tasty evolution" at Relax and listen to our potato’s journey to culinary paradise!

02/16/2026

You’ve seen the Reel.
Now taste the legend.

Kotlet Mielony.
Golden crispy crust.
Juicy as it gets.
No shortcuts. No trends. Just real Polish comfort.

Served with creamy mashed potatoes, rich gravy, and that perfect pickle crunch.

If you’re in Greenpoint today, don’t just scroll.
Pull up to Relax and order the Bad Boy of Polish food.

Dine in. Take out. No excuses.

Question for you
Burger… or Mielony?

Be honest.

02/13/2026

This Valentine’s Day, we have something truly special for our guests.
We’ve created a song called The Borscht of Love – a musical tale about an old kitchen legend and a pot of magical ruby-red borscht filled with tiny dumplings called uszka, “little ears,” that keep a secret of their own.

Long ago, in a small countryside cottage, a grandmother shared this secret with her daughter.
She said that on Saint Valentine’s Day, when you place the little ears into your borscht and lean over the steaming bowl, you may whisper a wish of love. If you speak softly enough, the little ears will listen… and carry your wish to the one your heart is calling.

To keep the magic alive, eat it while it is still warm, make a wish before you bite, and above all — believe.

We invite you to join us this Valentine’s Day, taste our traditional clear borscht with uszka, lean over the bowl… and whisper your wish.

Because love, like borscht, simmers slowly.
But when it’s finally ready, it can last forever.

This Valentine’s day, we’re sharing a little something from the heart. ❤️At Restaurant Relax, our guests will find speci...
02/13/2026

This Valentine’s day, we’re sharing a little something from the heart. ❤️

At Restaurant Relax, our guests will find special Valentine cards filled with sweet and slightly playful food puns.

Pick your favorites.
Share them.
Give them to someone you love.
Or keep them all, we won’t judge. 😉

Because at Relax, the secret ingredient is always a blend of magic and love.

02/03/2026

IN ROSÓŁ WE TRUST

In Poland Rosół isn’t just soup. It’s a way of life.
A golden elixir passed down through generations, full of warmth, comfort, and healing power.

Liquid sunshine in every spoonful.
The ultimate cure for bad days, long nights, and weary souls.

Not just chicken soup. Tradition, love, and magic in a bowl.

Craving a taste of home? Visit Restaurant Relax in Greenpoint and let our Rosół heal your body and soul.
In Rosół we trust.

01/30/2026

Meat Lover’s Dream

They say money can’t buy happiness,
but it can buy our Beef Goulash Soup,
which is basically the same thing. 🤷‍♂️✨

Packed with slow-simmered, tender beef, 🥩
smoky paprika, and tradition approved.
It’s not just dinner; it’s an
investment in your well-being.

🥄 Grab a spoon at Relax.

Survival of the Warmest ❄️Let’s be real: "Winter Wonderland" looks great on Instagram, but it feels like a frozen nose a...
01/28/2026

Survival of the Warmest ❄️
Let’s be real: "Winter Wonderland" looks great on Instagram, but it feels like a frozen nose and way too many layers.

Defrost your soul with our Warming Winter Tea, your secret weapon against the Big Freeze:

Green Tea: Stay zen while scraping ice off the windshield.
Fresh Ginger: The spicy kick your immune system needs.
Lemon: Because life gave us lemons, so we made them cozy.

Hot, zesty, and way more effective than shivering. Come grab a cup and defrost your soul! 🍋🔥

Dear Guests,Due to the snowstorm, Restaurant Relax is closed today for the safety of our guests and staff.We apologize f...
01/26/2026

Dear Guests,

Due to the snowstorm, Restaurant Relax is closed today for the safety of our guests and staff.

We apologize for the inconvenience.
Please check back for updates, as the situation may change.
We will be open Wednesday, January 28.
See you soon,
Restaurant Relax

01/21/2026

🇵🇱 vs 🇺🇸: Grandparents Day Showdown! 😉

Did you know that in the US, National Grandparents Day is celebrated just once a year (in September)? Meanwhile, in Poland, family is so important that one single day just isn't enough to hold all the love!

In Poland, Grandparents get the full VIP treatment for a solid 48 hours:

🌹 January 21: Grandmother's Day (Dzień Babci) In Poland, Grandmas don't share the spotlight! 😂

🎩 January 22: Grandfather's Day (Dzień Dziadka) His turn to be the boss.

Here at Restaurant Relax, we think this is only fair. After all, Grandma and Grandpa deserve a double dose of appreciation (and definitely double the pierogi!).

Happy holidays to all the Babcias and Dziadeks out there—whether you celebrate in January or September. Stop by and see us... we promise to feed you just like Grandparents do! ❤️ 🥟

01/20/2026

20th of January
The King Bigos Day

January 20th is the official holiday of our national comfort food! Bigos (Hunter's Stew) is a dish that everyone makes slightly differently and... everyone thinks their recipe is the best! 😉

For centuries, Bigos (Hunter's Stew) has accompanied Poles – from noble hunts to everyday winter dinners. Its secret is patience, allowing flavors of sauerkraut, meats, mushrooms, and spices to meld perfectly.

Don't have a pot simmering at home? Come celebrate with us! At restaurant Relax, we are waiting for you today with steaming bowls of traditional Polish Bigos and our delicious Vegan Bigos. Let us do the cooking!

Are you team traditional or team vegan today? Let us know below! 👇

01/18/2026

Get ready for a Polish flavor explosion! 💥🇵🇱

If you love homemade Polish food, there’s one spot in Greenpoint you need to know.
From steaming bowls of borscht to crispy potato pancakes, smoky kielbasa, and pierogi just like grandma used to make 🥟🍲
Restaurant Relax is where vibrant energy meets seriously good eats.
Come hungry, take a seat, and feel the “magic powers” of our sauerkraut 😉
Nobody leaves our tables cryin’!

❤️ Holiday Break at Relax ❤️Dear Friends,During the Christmas and New Year period, Restaurant Relax will be closed for a...
12/19/2025

❤️ Holiday Break at Relax ❤️
Dear Friends,
During the Christmas and New Year period, Restaurant Relax will be closed for a short family break.
This year is special for us — our family is visiting from Poland with children, and for them it’s their very first time in New York.
There’s something truly magical about experiencing the world through children’s eyes.�When everything is new — the lights, the streets, the snow, the scale of the city —�their pure joy and excitement become contagious, making all of us feel as if we’re discovering New York for the very first time again.
We want to show them the magic we all know so well:�✨ the Christmas lights of Manhattan�✨ giant trees and festive window displays�✨ skating rinks, carolers, and holiday music�✨ snowy streets (hopefully!) and the real American winter
They dream of seeing NYC dressed for the holidays, traveling deeper into the continent to feel winter in its full strength, building their first American snowman, warming up with hot chocolate, and collecting memories they’ll carry for a lifetime.
Relax has always been about home, family, and warmth — and for a few days, we are choosing to live exactly that.
Thank you for understanding and for being part of our extended Relax family 💛�We’ll be back refreshed, grateful, and ready to cook for you again very soon.
Wishing you a peaceful, joyful holiday season ✨�— Team Relax

Address

68A Newel Street
Brooklyn, NY
11222

Opening Hours

Monday 11:30am - 8pm
Tuesday 11:30am - 8pm
Wednesday 11:30am - 8pm
Thursday 11:30am - 8pm
Friday 11:30am - 8pm
Saturday 11:30am - 8pm

Telephone

+1 347-853-4359

Website

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