Syrena Polish Deli — Restaurant in Linden

I’ve been a loyal customer of this deli since they reopened under new ownership several years ago. They did great job remodeling. The new ownership seemed energized and caring. They had a great selection of products. And most importantly their daily prepared food was fresh and delicious. I kept going back for those pierogies and fresh bread. However, about a year ago I’ve noticed things started to change. Ive noticed more expired products being sold and I’m not sure 100% but I think they started freezing unsold breads and reheating them before putting back on shelves. I purchased a loaf once and it was tasting like reheated bread (my grandma used to do it). I also bought some pastries/cakes several times and they were stale. They also sell some prepared foods in the containers in the fridge. They used to put labels with name, ingredients, and expiration dates, but not anymore. Often you don’t even know what it is. Also, their pierogies and pyzy are inedible now. Pierogies used to be soft and seasoned well. Now they’re chewy and dry. They don’t even bother to prepare good filling anymore. And the pyzy with meat are hard and meat inside was not fresh at all. I spent lots of money and had to throw it out. And don’t bother asking for a refund. The owner will not issue it even when the product is bad. It seems that she doesn’t care to have returning customers. Given that there’re so many polish delis in Linden I don’t think this is very smart of her. Quality, honesty, and good service matter to customers. It’s a shame that such a beautiful deli has gone from great...

The Garden State is well known for being a haven of international cuisine. In many of its cities and towns, one is likely to find a veritable United Nations of restaurants on every street corner.

For Linden, an old-fashioned town situated along the popular Northeast Corridor commuter train, it is a hub for immigrants—home to some of the best Polish cuisine.

Since 2001, this establishment has been translated from the Polish meaning "mermaid" and "symbol of Warsaw," so I decided on Syrena Polish Deli, which is located at Linden Center.

Upon entering, it was a bit overwhelming as the cozy, clean, cool interior features a grocery store with everything Polish, like canned sauerkraut, mustards, jellies, etc., a deli, and hot food to go.

Step toward the back where one finds everything from pierogies to kielbasa; every bite showcases the authentic flavors of Poland. That is where I decided on takeout as a first-timer. Their menu changes daily.

I went for the Pork Stuffed Cabbage Golabki and Coleslaw. The food was authentic, well seasoned, tastefully delicious, and remained hot. The staff was friendly. The price was comparable to the area.

Can’t wait for a repeat performance, which I...

Not the Syrena I remember....sorry.

Despite the recent mprovements in merchandising - nice - consistency in quality is definitely an issue regarding fresh foods....you never know what you're really buying...and yes, do check diligently expiration dates as often enough I've nearly purchased expired foods....owner shall not loose & sell all inventory I suppose.

Sadly, their declining customer service has also earned its mark of very poor, notable manily by unfriendly attitude of the management and some staff as well.

As part of a perfect recipe of disaster in the making, their prices also have lost its competitiveness and thus I started - didn't plan on - to shop at other Euro delis...and there are...