SWEET TREATS
There are a lot of delicious desserts in NYC!
Here are some of our favorites for all ages by neighborhood (see our treats map to plot out a path)- also check out our guide to hot chocolate, doughnuts and over-the-top dessert destinations guide.
DOWNTOWN
Eataly NYC Downtown
The 40,000 square feet outpost of Italian marketplace Eataly is focused on bread, but you can also find delizioso pizza, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, pasta, rotisserie chicken, chocolate, gelato and (post-pandemic) weekend kids cooking classes.
Choose from five restaurants, nine take-away counters (including gelato), two caffès, and one wine bar. Shop more than 10,000 high-quality imported Italian and local seasonal products spread over the f , including salt, extra virgin olive oil, dried pasta, fresh truffles, aged balsamic vinegar and a mix-and-math Venchi chocolate bar.
Watch fresh pasta shapes, gooey mozzarella cheese and other products being made.
Look for more than 500 signs that tell the story of different products, from ancient tradition to modern place in Italian cuisine, plus a cool pasta shape map of Italy. Shop for kid-friendly kitchenware and books.
Max Brenner
Select from nine hot chocolates – Italian Thick, Oreo, Peanut Butter and more – at this huge cafe and store that feels like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, with tubes of liquid chocolate criss crossing the space. Choose from a variety of creative, high-quality chocolate concoctions to fo, gift or to eat on site.
Salads, paninis, pizza, cocoa spiced waffle fries etc. available on the extensive menu, but the real draw is the over-the-top desserts from marshmallow chocolate pizza to three types of chocolate fondue to a melting s’mores sundae to a syringe full of chocolate goodness. Lots of cocktails, including a chocolate peppermint martini, available for grown-ups.
Advance reservations recommended.
Monday-Friday 12pm – 11pm
Thursday-Saturday 11 am – midnight
Sunday 10am – 11pm
Pick up chocolates & hot cocoa to go at the new Times Square outpost (720 7th Ave at West 48th St).
Milk & Cream Cereal Bar
Live your childhood breakfast fantasies with soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes & bowls of milk with classic sugary cereal and other topping mix-ins. Signature flavors include ‘Froot Berry Bliss’ (With froot loops, strawberries, blueberries, fruity pebbles and gummy bears) and ‘Apple Jack Avalanche’ (Apple Jacks, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Granola Crisp topped with a caramel drizzle) plus fun temporary collabs with brands like Spongebob and Ninja Turtles.
Monday-Thursday 2 pm – 9 pm
Friday 2 pm – 10 pm
Saturday & Sunday 1 pm – 10 pm
Mister Dips Seaport
Get inventive burgers, fries, milkshakes & soft serve ice cream dipped in candy shells at this Seaport outpost of a quirky Williamsburg fave.
Monday-Sunday 11:30 am-10 pm
See our guide to the happening Seaport District.
Levain Bakery NOHO
Everything is baked on-site throughout the day at this Noho outpost of the legendary UWS bakery, from an array of rustic breads to the world-famous, super-gooey, six-ounce cookies in four flavors: Two Chip Chocolate Chip, Walnut Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip & Oatmeal Raisin (plus a gluten-free chocolate chip option). The whole wheat walnut raisin rolls are also yummy (and a little healthier).
Daily 7am – 10 pm
Maman
Stop in for brunch or grab a quick bite to-go at this lovely café with rustic décor touches around every corner & beautiful floral installations indoors and in the gorgeous garden.
Warm cookies, including a large legendary chocolate chip, are baked all day. Plus enjoy an assortment of pastries, excellent coffee, hot chocolate (look for special seasonal flavors), salads, inventive beverages, and more French/North African yumminess.
Monday-Friday 7:30 am-6 pm
Saturday-Sunday 8 am-6 pm
Kitchen closes at 4pm daily
Other locations include UES (E 81st & 3rd ave), UWS (W 81st & Amsterdam, midtown (601 Lexington Avenue at 54th Street), Bryant Park (11 West 41st Street), Rockefeller Center, NoMad(22 West 25th Street), West Village (28 Greenwich Avenue), 67 University Place, 275 Hudson at King, 205 Hudson, Tribeca (211 West Broadway), Cobble Hill and Greenpoint.
Doughnut Plant
Choose from three types of handcrafted doughnuts daily: yeast, cake and filled in a variety of flavors at this beloved bakery. Yeast doughnuts are light, airy, fluffy yeast-raised doughnuts, with a slight chew. Cake doughnuts are leavened with baking powder, and have a texture somewhere near the intersection of a classic birthday cake and a buttery pound cake. Filled doughnuts are loaded with our house made jams, creams and custards.
Popular flavors include Coconut Cream, square Peanut Butter & Jam and Tres Leches, and look for seasonal flavors like Creme Brulee and Cacio E Pepe (like the pasta). Gluten-free and vegan options available.
Wednesday–Sunday 8 am-4 pm
Closed Monday & Tuesday
Also at Grand Central Terminal, downtown Brooklyn (245 Flatbush Ave), Long Island City (31-00 47th Ave), and Williamsburg (198 Bedford Ave).
Dominique Ansel Bakery
French bakery Dominique Ansel has delicious classic and post-modern pastries and specular seasonal desserts like hot chocolate with a blossoming marshmallow flower, frozen s’mores and milk in a chocolate chip cookie cup.
If you see a line down the block it’s probably for a cronut, the rightly famous croissant-doughnut hybrid pastry with flavors that change monthly (which can be pre-ordered online) . Go right to the counter for anything else. Healthy options like salads and a yummy avocado toast also available. Limited seating in the back and in a seasonal courtyard.
Shopsin’s
This whimsical, family-owned restaurant features a legendary 900-item menu with dozens of wacky (and delicious) pancakes varieties filled with s’mores or mac n’cheese. Small seating area; expect waits on weekends (but lots to explore in the indoor Essex Market while you wait).
Supermoon Bakehouse
Try classic and inventive doughnuts, croissants, cruffins (croissant muffins with different fillings), pies, and other pastries hand-rolled and hand-crafted from grain, flour, fruit and vegetables sourced from local farms & mills in Upstate New York (except the butter, imported from a farm in Normandy, France).
Almost spherical doughnuts come in three rotating flavors, from good goth doughnut with squid ink, black-sesame crème pâtissière, and activated-charcoal sugar to lychee and raspberry jelly to chocolate brioche.
Shiny, pink-heavy branding decor includes a neon ‘Bite Me’ sign.
Decadent care packs for pick-up (skip the usual line) or delivery go on sale every Monday and sell out quickly.
Friday-Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
Le District
Mangez on freshly made croissants, crepes, frites and more delicious treats in a French shopping district within happening Brookfield Place. Take your treat to the terrace for a view of the French-in-origin Lady Liberty.
Ladurée Soho
Escape to Ladurée’s pastel Parisian wonderland, where the only stress is choosing among the 25+ colorful flavors, from salted caramel to strawberry marshmallow – plus chocolate covered macarons, fancy French ice cream, macaron ice cream sandwiches, sorbets and more sweet treats.
Get your treats to go or dine on casual yet sophisticated French fare including salads, sandwiches and croissants in h ornate dining room or magical garden.
Other, smaller locations without seating include 864 Madison Ave (at East 71st Street) and carts in Hudson Yards and Columbus Circle.
Monday- Tuesday 10am – 6pm
Wednesday-Friday 10am – 11pm
Saturday-Sunday 9am – 11pm
Stick With Me Sweets Bonbons
Gorgeous bonbons in an array of colors and artisanal flavors taste as good as they look in this small Nolita chocolate shop.
Roni-Sue’s Chocolates
Try delicious truffles, bars and caramel corn in inventive flavors inspired by specialty and local markets at this women-owned and run shop. All the chocolate is made by local artisans using organic Mayan cacao from Belize-based MOHO Chocolate Company, direct-trade, single-origin and socially responsible.
Favorites include Pig Candy AKA Chocolate Covered Bacon, fruity Razzle Dazzle Bark and Caramel Beer Corn. Vegan options available.
Tuesday-Thursday 12pm-5pm
Saturday & Sunday 12pm-5pm
Taiyaki
Unicorn lovers can get their sweet fix with edible horns & ears in artisanal soft serve served in fish-shaped Japanese waffle cones. Smoothies in a mini unicorn pool float and seasonal creations like Christmas Tree and Easter Bunny cones also available.
Also in Williamsburg and Flushing.
MarieBelle
Sip on thick, delicious signature hot chocolate made from pure cacao shavings instead of chocolate powder to go or in an elegant, antique filled Cocoa Bar. Choose from four different flavors; Aztec, Milk Hazelnut, Spiced Chocolate and White Chocolate.
Bite size bonbons decorated with unique, colorful cocoa-based design and tins of hot chocolate shavings make excellent (though pricey) gifts. House made pastries, from lemon tarts, to chocolate mousse cake, are also delicious.
Take afternoon tea with assorted gourmet finger sandwiches, madeleines, scones, jam and butter, and signature petite chocolate fondue served with pastries, macarons, and fruit.
Daily 12–7 pm
Economy Candy
At this legendary family-owned LES sweets emporium, founded in 1937, shop over 2,000+ items, including international gummies, unique candy bars, a color-sorted jelly belly bar, chocolate covered graham crackers (with and without jelly), bacon and kale lollipops and so much more. Also find unique toys, Pez, gifts and vintage trading cards featuring fan favorites from Garbage Pail Kids to Super Mario to Growing Pains to Stranger Things.
Small and gets crowded on weekends but lots to discover while waiting in line. You can also browse their extensive offerings online and order for delivery or curbside pick up.
Lots of cool street art to explore in the neighborhood.
Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream Flagship Store
Choose from 88 inventive flavors of texture-driven small-batch ice creams like Tahini Caramel and Black Coconut Ash and even French Fry (plus ‘American Classics’ including five variations of vanilla), in an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.
Samples available (two per customer).
The extensive dining menu also includes elaborate sundaes, ice cream pies, floats and ice-cream based cocktails.
Sunday-Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
Saturday-Sunday 12pm-Midnight
Cones
Argentinean-style small-batch ice cream and sorbet comes in traditional and adventurous flavors including sweet potato with brie cheese, yerba mate and the popular sweet corn with cinnamon.
Monday-Friday 5 pm–10pm
Saturday & Sunday 1 pm–10 pm
Molly’s Cupcakes
Try moist cupcakes in a multitude of flavors in this cute, yellow bakeshop.
Customize your own cupcake- choose a base (chocolate, vanilla, carrot, red velvet or banana), frosting (classic vanilla, chocolate, cream cheese, brown butter or french buttercream) and toppings (chocolate chips, m&m’s® reese’s pieces, gummy bears, brownie chunks or chocolate chip cookie chunks) or choose a signature center-filled flavor like Cookie Monster (filled with cookie dough), Samoa, Peach Cobbler or Peanut Butter Nutella.
Vegan cupcakes, cookies, cheesecake, pies (all in multiple flavors) and other treats also available.
Named after the owner’s third-grade teacher – a portion of profits is donated directly to local schools.
Sour Patch Kids NYC
Create-your-own candy mix, pose with oversized Sour Patch Kids in fun NYC-themed photo ops and shop limited-edition merchandise in this spacious colorful celebration of the classic candy.
A special Sweets Bar menu serves with waffles, cake shakes and more crazy desserts featuring Sour Patch Kids.
Sunday-Thursday 11 am – 8 pm
Friday-Saturday 11 am – 10 pm
Mikey Likes It Ice Cream
A pop-cultured inspired ice cream shop uses premium ingredients and building lasting relationships with local businesses, customers and other great people. Innovative rotating flavors with catchy names include Ice Ice Mikey (a blend of 3 types of vanilla beans), Pink Flloyd (strawberry & cheesecake) and Brady Bunch (banana pudding, Vienna Fingers, and crushed vanilla wafers).
Milk shakes, floats and waffle ice cream sandwiches also available.
Sunday-Thursday 1pm – 11pm
Friday 1pm – 1am
Saturday 12pm – 1am
il laboratorio del gelato
Choose from 48 classic and creative flavors of creamy, dense gelato and sorbet, as well as sundaes and shakes at a ‘lab’ where flavor creation and recipe development take center stage. This provider of hand-crafted, small-baach gelato for top NYC chefs and restaurants uses high-quality ingredients, from vanilla beans to purple ube to avocado, sourced locally and organically when possible. Flavors change throughout the day to ensure high quality and freshness Favorites include Pistachio, Honey Lavender and purple UBE.
Also in Hoboken.
Museum of Ice Cream
Explore a sweet pop-up with 13 interactive installations across 3 floors (plus a 3 story slide).
Eat as many ice cream treats as you want in 5 different shapes and forms and play among hula hoops, a game room with mini golf and jungle gyms, a rainbow sprinkle pool with a slide and more interactive experiences. All very colorful and photogenic with lots of pink. Look for prompts in each room for discussion and connection – and learn a lot about ice cream.
🎟 Prices vary by day and time. Save 20% OFF weekday ticket purchases through September with code BACKTOSCHOOL.
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
Funny Face Bakery
The artistry is amazing on these pop culture frosted sugar cookies – choose from NYC icons, celebrity faces, pizza rat, iphones, clever phrases and so much more. Custom creations available for anything (or any face- just upload a photo). Watch cookie artists at work behind the counter in the cute purple dream of the store. Take photos with animated cookies lining the grape-ice-colored walls, a “Hey Sugar” neon sign, and a floor-length selfie mirror.
Oversized gooey drop cookies are tasty too; try classics like chocolate chip and fun flavors like S’mores, salted caramel pretzel chip and toffee-nana.
Also at Seaport.
Daily 11 am – 8 pm
UNION SQUARE/FLATIRON
Max Brenner
Select from nine hot chocolates – Italian Thick, Oreo, Peanut Butter and more – at this huge cafe and store that feels like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, with tubes of liquid chocolate criss crossing the space. Choose from a variety of creative, high-quality chocolate concoctions to fo, gift or to eat on site.
Salads, paninis, pizza, cocoa spiced waffle fries etc. available on the extensive menu, but the real draw is the over-the-top desserts from marshmallow chocolate pizza to three types of chocolate fondue to a melting s’mores sundae to a syringe full of chocolate goodness. Lots of cocktails, including a chocolate peppermint martini, available for grown-ups.
Advance reservations recommended.
Monday-Friday 12pm – 11pm
Thursday-Saturday 11 am – midnight
Sunday 10am – 11pm
Pick up chocolates & hot cocoa to go at the new Times Square outpost (720 7th Ave at West 48th St).
Ole & Steen Union Square
Dine on delicious local takes on Danish classics. Each dish – from sourdoughs to salads – features thoughtfully sourced seasonal ingredients at this acclaimed artisanal Danish bakery and coffee shop with three NYC outposts – sleek yet inviting spaces designed with a sense of Danish hygge and hospitality.
Pick up freshly made bread in a range of whole grains, cakes, tarts and danish traditional pastries to go or have a meal with hearty breakfasts, fresh salads and sandwiches. Varieties of gourmet coffee, tea and hot chocolate available.
Our favorites include Cinnamon Social, Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Puff (decorated as ghosts and trees at holidays), Ølander sourdough Loaf and Marinated Portobello Sandwich. Look for fun sesonal treats like Chocolate Bat Muffins at Halloween and cream-filled Fastelavnsbollers in February
Monday-Friday 7 am–7 pm
Saturday-Sunday 8 am–7 pm
Also by Bryant Park (80 West 40th Street & 6th Avenue) and 518 Lexington Avenue at E 48th Street (limited menu).
Dough
Delicious yeast doughnuts are made in small batches throughout the day in inventive Latin-American flavors like chocolate chipotle, hibiscus, passion fruit and dulce de leche plus traditional glazed and chocolate.
Visit other locations in Rockefeller Center, Urbanspace Vanderbilt (230 Park Avenue at 45th St), Prospect Heights (646 Vanderbilt Ave) and Astoria
Monday-Saturday 9 am – 7 pm
Sunday 9 am – 6 pm
Eataly Chocolate & Gelato
Try rich Italian hot chocolate and/or some of the best gelato in the city in a range of flavors.
Shop by weight from bins of colorful Venchi bon-bons or pick up artisanal chocolate made in Italy with raw ingredients in a variety of shapes and textures according to traditional recipes, from smooth spread to crunchy bars to elegant cigars.
Also at Eataly Downtown.
Daily 9 am – 10 pm
Venchi Chocogelateria
Sip decadent Italian hot chocolate by a giant chocolate waterfall at the US outpost of a 140-year-old Italian chocolatier.
Shop a vast selection of flavored bon bons and bars plus try gelato in a variety of chocolate and other delicious flavors. Make it even yummier with creamy base of Suprema chocolate spread or a cone dipped in seasonal sprinkles like granules of Piedmont Hazelnuts, Nougatine, Chocaviar or Raspberry.
Some seating in the back by the waterfall wall or enjoy your treats in nearby Union Square.
Also at Columbus Circle (1796 Broadway).
MIDTOWN
Krispy Kreme Times Square Flagship
Get hot, fresh addictively delicious doughnuts 24/7 at Krispy Kreme’s Times Square Flagship store. The 4,500 square-foot shop features a doughnut-making theater, a Glazed Waterfall with digital projection, a giant conveyor belt that runs throughout the store and and a doughnut themed seating area. Choose from a variety of flavors, including an exclusive Big Apple Doughnut, filled with a Red Delicious flavored cream and dipped in a sweet, shiny red shimmer mirror glaze.
Citycakes Bakery
Get some of city’s best cookies – signature half pound size treats can be covered in frostings with sprinkles, halved and filled with two scoops of gelato for an amazing ice cream sandwich, or stacked 3x high to make a unique little cookie cake. No on-site seating available.
Schmackary’s
Try dozens of creative cookie flavors, brownies, bar, Krispie Treats and ‘Schmackaroons’ at ‘Generation Y’s answer to the Old Time Bake Shop.’ Flavors rotate daily; look for Maple Bacon, Key Lime and Schmackaroni & Cheese along side classic Chocolate Chip and Cookies & Cream. Ice cream shakes and (humongous, messy) sandwiches also availble.
Shop is cute with an old-fashioned vibe but small with limited seating including outdoor benches. Can get crowded but service is quick. A great spot for a treat before or after a Broadway show.
Sunday-Tuesday 10 am – 10 pm
Wednesday -Saturday 9 am – 10 pm
William Greenberg – Hudson Yards
Pick up the famous black and white cookies (and more colorful variations), cupcakes, fruit tarts, pies and cakes, rugelach, linzer tarts, schnecken, babka, hot cross buns and hamantaschen, brownies and more classic treats and new creations at this outpost of the 1946 UES Kosher bakery in the new high-design mall Hudson Yards.
Läderach
Choose from two dozen types of chocolate bark (FrischSchoggi) sold by the pound and in photogenic assortments- with nuts, dried fruits, honey, caramel, mini m&ms, cornflakes and more – at the 2,500-square-foot NY outpost of a family-run Swiss chocolatier.
Bonbons and truffles available individually or in pretty heart-shaped boxes. Admire a huge, rotating cocoa-bean sculpture featuring real chocolate.
Daily 10 am – 7 pm
Also at 731 Lexington Ave at E 59th Street and 745 7th Avenue at W 49th Street
Neuhaus
The 160-year-old inventor of pralines serves an array of quintessential Belgian Chocolate, crafted entirely in Belgium and imported fresh weekly. Many pretty varieties of milk, dark and flavored bon ons, plus bars and seasonal treats.
Also at Lexington & 51st Street, Grand Central, Hudson Yards, Westfield World Trade Center, Soho (160 Spring Street).
Monday–Friday 10 am – 7 pm
Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
La Maison du Chocolat
Choose from two types of hot chocolate at the US outposts of this Parisian legend – kid-friendly milk chocolate and the super rich Caracas. Shop gorgeous bon-bons and bars, all made by hand in an Atelier in Nanterre, on the outskirts of Paris with the finest raw ingredients. Pastries, macarons and ice cream also available.
Also on the UES (1018 Madison at 79th St).
Daily 11 am – 6 pm
Gotham West Market
Sample a mix of some of best eats in the city including Blue Marble ice cream, Corner Slice’s square pizza, La Palapa’s fresh tacos and more in an indoor, weather-proof hall with some patio seating.
Monday-Sunday 11 am–9 pm
BLACK TAP
Kids go crazy for these world famous Crazy Shakes topped with candy, cookies, fruit pebbles and more ($15-$18 and humongous). Also get award-winning New York style burgers, fries, wings, craft beers, mason jar cocktails, salads and sides in a fun retro setting.
Also in Soho at 529 Broome Street.
Monday-Thursday 12pm – 10pm
Friday-Saturday 11am – 11pm
Sunday 11am – 10pm
Tuescher
Extravagant seasonal flowers and decor surround all natural chocolates flown weekly from Zurich. Shop for all sorts of solid chocolate shapes and bonbons featuring marzipan, fruits, nuts and more by the pound or pick up cute packaged collections including unique character boxes. Located in the lovely Channel Gardens of Rockefeller Center.
Monday – Saturday 11am – 7pm
Sunday 12 noon – 7pm
Food at Chelsea Market
Choose from doughnuts, tacos, hand-pulled noodles, lobster rolls, gelato and many more delicious options at this indoor market housed in a former factory. Covered outdoor tables available along 15th and 16th Streets.
Shopping options include books, chocolate and fun Chinese merchandise & snacks at Pearl River Mart.
Look for art installations among twinkling lights and cool decor at this always happening historic market.
The narrow walkways can get very crowded, so best to visit earlier in the day and/or on weekdays. Hours vary by vendor.
Bathrooms available on both floors but the line can be quite long.
See our guide to Chelsea/Meatpacking.
Food at Bryant Park
To-go kiosks feature favorite savory and sweet treats in one lovely location. Choose from bureks and chocolate Babka from Bread Bakery, salad and mint lemonade from Le Pain Quotidien and wafels and ice cream from Wafel and Dinges (or all of the above). Lots of tables and chairs available or picnic on the lovely lawn.
If the weather is not cooperative with al fresco dining, take the food to the leaf-covered lobby of the Citibank on the northwest corner of 42nd Street & Sixth Avenue or visit Danish bakery Ole & Steen and French patisserie Angelina Paris across 40th Street at Sixth Avenue.
Relax and recharge at outdoor restaurant The Porch, located near the southern end of the Fountain Terrace. Dine on burgers, salads and more (plus a full bar for grown-ups) on swings and lounge furniture (daily 12-9 pm, weather permitting).
The more formal Bryant Park Grill features New American-style dining set behind the New York Public Library on the park’s Upper Terrace Bryant. Reservations suggested for the dining room, but the outdoor patio garden and rooftop garden are first-come-first-service. From mid April to November (weather permitting), the adjacent Bryant Park Café features a more casual new American-style menu and bar (daily 11:30am-8:30pm).
Hershey’s Chocolate World: REESE’S Stuff Your Cup
Lovers of Hershey’s Kisses, Kit-Kats and other classic candy faves can shop Hershey’ merch (including giant candy bars), try giant s’mores served from an authentic camper and get more sweets from Hershey’s Kitchens Bakery treats featuring candy-filled milkshakes, cookies, cookie dough cups, and seasonal cupcakes.
New in June, create a one-pound REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup stuffed with favorite mix-ins and fresh peanut butter ($19.95).
Monday – Thursday 10 am – 10 pm
Friday – Saturday 9 am- 11 pm
Sunday 10 am – 9 pm
Bibble & Sip
Try sweet treats based in French confectionery and inspired by Asian flavors. Choose from cute macarons, gourmet coffee, espresso, and pastries and more. All baked goods are freshly house made, even the granola on the yogurt and marshmallow on the hot chocolates.
Some indoor seating.
Monday-Friday 9 am – 7:30 pm
Saturday-Sunday 10 am-8 pm
UPPER WEST SIDE
Levain Bakery
Everything is baked on-site throughout the day at this legendary bakery, from an array of rustic breads to the world-famous, super-gooey, six-ounce cookies in five flavors: Two Chip Chocolate Chip, Walnut Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip & Oatmeal Raisin (plus a gluten-free chocolate chip option).
Other options include sour cream coffee cake, brioches, whole wheat walnut raisin rolls are also yummy (and a little healthier).
Outposts also in Harlem, the UES, NoHo and Williamsburg.
Daily 7 am – 9 pm
Alice’s Tea Cup
Enjoy scones in rotating flavors as magical as the decor, sandwiches, salads and treats with optional fairy wings and glitter at a whimsical tea house inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Choose from hundreds of teas served in charming mismatching pots and cups.
Gets crowded on weekends; reservations recommended. Go early to beat the crowds (or take the scones to go for a Central Park picnic).
Also in the East 60s.
Wednesday–Sunday 11 am – 6 pm
Orwashers UWS
Try some of the best jelly donuts in the city, plus choose from salads, sandwiches, amazing healthy artisanal bread and not-so-healthy pastries at the UWS outpost of the 100+-year-old Orwashers Bakery with counter service and indoor/outdoor seating.
Also at 308 East 78th Street (between 1st & 2nd Aves).
Monday-Saturday 7 am – 6 pm
Sunday 7 am – 6 pm
Épicerie Boulud
Chef Daniel Boulud’s casual outpost is one of our favorite stops before or after Lincoln Center shows. My daughter gets a gourmet hot dog, I have a tasty salad or quiches, my son gets a hearty sandwich, we all end with colorful macarons. Counter service with limited seating; we like to go across the street to Dante Park or Lincoln Center on sunny days – then come back for the artisanal gelato.
By the Way Bakery
A small cute bakery with muffins, cakes, cookies, cupcakes and more tasty treats, all of which happen to be gluten free but appeal to those without allergies too.
Also on the UES (1236 Lexington Avenue), Greenwich, CT and Hastings-on-Hudson, Westchester.
Daily 8 am–6 pm
Cafe Lalo
The extensive cheesecake-heavy dessert menu and charming Belle Époque decor lure locals to this cash-only tourist favorite. Dine on salads, sandwiches, pastries and all-day waffles, quiches and omelets or choose from exquisite desserts including 20+ cheesecake flavors, dozens of pies tarts and cakes (including 10 gluten-free options) and jumbo cookies a al a mode.
So Parisian and pretty it was in a Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks romantic comedy.
Monday-Thursday 9 am-1 am
Friday-Saturday 9 am-3 am
Sunday 9 am-1 am
Kee’s Chocolates
Artisanal chocolates, freshly handcrafted by Kee Ling Tong, come in inventive flavors like sesame, green tea, ghost pepper, balsamic and more. Fresh ingredients from around the around world include yuzu from Japan, sea salt from France, and saffron from Spain. Available flavors of bonbons, truffles, pralines and macarons change based on seasonal ingredients.
Tuesday–Sunday 11:30 am – 6 pm
L’Arte Del Gelato Stands
This artisanal Sicilian gelato shop, always at Chelsea Market, sets up carts in the summer in front of cultural destinations across NYC including the Met, the Guggenheim, Natural History Museum, High Line, Lincoln Center Plaza and Oculus at World Trade Center. Gelato and sorbet flavors vary; if you’re lucky they’ll have Nocciola delle Langhe (hazelnut).
Ample Hills Creamery UWS
UPPER EAST SIDE
Serendipity 3
Get the famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate, a creamy secret blend of 14 exotic cocoas, and other decadent, over-sized desserts at this legendary restaurant and store with whimsical antique-store-meets-ice-cream-parlor decor. Heraty burgers, foot long hot dogs, mac ‘n’ cheese variations, salads and sandwiches are also available. A favorite of actors, artists and tourists for the last 67-years.
Minimum food or drink purchase of $16.95 per person so bring an appetite – portions are huge.
Daily 11 am – 11 pm
Levain Bakery UES
Everything is baked on-site throughout the day at this cozy bakery, from an array of rustic breads to the world-famous, super-gooey, six-ounce cookies in five flavors: Two Chip Chocolate Chip, Walnut Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip & Oatmeal Raisin (plus a gluten-free chocolate chip option). The whole wheat walnut raisin rolls are also yummy (and a little healthier).
Off-the-menu ice cream sandwich – two three-ounce cookies surrounding vanilla ice cream from Ample Hills – available on occasion, follow their instagram for updates.
Noglu
Everything is 100% gluten-free and organic at this cozy French import featuring gourmet meals, pastries and coffee. The menu changes with the seasons but you can always find classic signature dishes such as burgers (classic or vegetarian) and quiches. First floor is take-away counter service, the second floor is casual sit-down table service.
William Greenberg
Pick up the famous black and white cookies (and more colorful variations), chocolate chip cookies (available chocolate dipped or gluten-free), cupcakes, fruit tarts, pies and cakes, rugelach, linzer tarts, schnecken, babka, hot cross buns and hamantaschen, brownies and more classic treats and new creations at this UES Kosher bakery, around since 1946.
Also in Hudson Yards.
Monday-Friday 8 am – 6:30 pm
Saturday 8 am – 6 pm
Sunday 10 am – 4pm
Bel Ami
This small, authentic French café and patisserie tucked away off Madison Avenue serves delicious, not-too-bitter hot chocolate, plus delicious pastries, sandwiches, macarons, hot chocolate and more. Limited seating among cute decor in a pretty historic district
Eat Pretty
This adorable coffee shop/restaurant has pretty pink, chic details indoors and out. The croissants, eggs, paninis, tacos coffee and more are good, but the main draw is the on over-the-top Pretty Hot Cocoas, currently with gingerbread men or 2022 stars on top.
Only two tables indoors with a few more on the sidewalk.
Mon-Sat 7:30 am – 7 pm
Sunday 8:00 am – 5 pm
BROOKLYN/QUEENS
DeKalb Market Hall
This bustling basement food hall houses 40 diverse food vendors, including old-school & new-school NYC names. Feast on artisanal arepas, noodles, baos, donuts, french pastries, susgi, tacos, sushi, churros, crepes, frites, humus, ice cream and more.
Hours vary by vendor.
Industry City Food Hall
From Korean comfort food to an avocado-focused cafe, Industry City hosts a huge range of Brooklyn-based purveyors. BBQ, pizza, bao buns, French pastries, artisanal ice cream, tacos, Mediterranean mezzes – whatever you’re craving you’ll probably find it here. Most of the vendors or in a central Food Hall but other shops can be found around the campus, including a few sit-down options. Also visit Japan Village for sushi, noodles, dumplings, yakatori and more.
Hour vary by store.
Time Out Market New York
Sample some of the best NYC food: fluffy pancakes from the venerable Clinton Street Baking Co., thin-crust pizza from Patsy Grimaldi’s Juliana’s, Middle Eastern bites from Miss Ada, fried chicken from Jacob’s Pickles, Japanese comfort food from Bessou, cookie dough scoops from DŌ and more amazing eateries—all cherry-picked by Time Out New York. 21,000 delicious square feet over two floors with incredible views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
Close to happening Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Monday–Thursday & Sunday 11am–10pm
Friday-Saturday Sat: 11am–11pm
Clinton St. Baking Company & Ess-a-Bagel 8am-4pm
Jacques Torres Chocolate
Rich hot cocoas come in classic or spicy ‘Wicked’ and pair well with the large buttery chocolate chip cookies at the original Dumbo location of Jacques Torres (aka Mr. Chocolate), French chef turned celebrity New Yorker and Reality TV star (‘Nailed It’).
Try truffles, adorable bonbons, chocolate bark, giftable chocolate-covered cheerios and pomegranate seeds, ice cream sandwiches and more. The 60% baking discs are perfect for at home baking (or snacking).
Not far from happening Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Also at 285 Amsterdam Avenue (73rd and 74th Street) and in Grand Central Terminal.
Monday – Friday 12 pm–6:30 pm
Saturday – Sunday 10 am–7 pm
Mister Dips
A retro airstream trailer parked at the William Vale hotel seasonally serves burgers, fries (get yours ‘dirty-dipped), inventive, can-be-boozy shakes & soft serve ice cream dipped in candy shells. Scenic views and lots of outdoor seating.
Also at Seaport.
Wednesday – Sunday 12 to 9:30 pm
Ample Hills Creamery Astoria Scoop Shop
Beloved Brooklyn based Ample Hills Creamery’s 10th shop features indoor seating (including comfy booth seating), a small kids play area and 20+ creative flavors including Nectar of the Queens (honey cinnamon ice cream mixed with pieces of baklava and galaktoboureko from local Artopolis Bakery), only available a this location. Also try flavors inspired by favorite Super Heroes: Black Panther, Captain America and Spider-Man.
Monday–Thursday 2 pm–9 pm
Friday 2 pm–10 pm
Saturday 1 pm–10 pm
Sunday 1 pm–9 pm
Brandon’s Donuts
Customize classic glazed vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, or cinnamon sugar donuts with eight frosting flavors and a multitude of toppings including froot loops, sprinkles, chocolate and caramel drizzles and more. Look for cute seasonal and holiday-themed concoctions throughout the year.
Tuesday – Thursday 11 am – 6pm
Friday – Sunday 11 am – 7pm
OddFellows
Enjoy small-batch ice cream company with creative, wacky and weird flavors alongside reimagined and improved classics. Take your cone, cup or sundae to nearby Domino Park for incredible views.
Also at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Empire Stores in Dumbo, McCarren Park and Rockaway Beach. The Manhattan locations closed during COVID and we miss them.
Daily 12 pm – 11 pm
The Lemon Ice King of Corona
This 60+ year old family owned business sells Italian Ices with real pieces of fruit. Lots of fun flavors.
Grab and go only. Close to Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Mom & Icepops
Enjoy family-made icepops with original flavor combinations, made with all-natural ingredients. Enjoy with a view of the East River, Brooklyn & Manhattan, and keep cooling off in the nearby splash pad. We love the watermelon and heard great things about the Arnold Palmer flavor.
Ample Hills Creamery
Ovenly
This award-winning bakery specializes in that magic intersection between savory & sweet. Don’t miss the somehow vegan salted chocolate chip and salted peanut butter cookie (they like their salt and make magic with it). Try cupcake and scones in seasonal and classic flavors, flavored shortbread, muffins, quiches and more.
Women-owned with a diverse, friendly staff and commitment to social justice.
Also in the West Village, Williamsburg, Cobble Hill and Park Slope.
Monday-Friday 7 am – 7 pm
Saturday & Sunday 8 am – 7 pm
Chip City
Indulge in hand crafted, ooey-gooey cookies Choose from a rotating menu of chocolate chip and 3 other flavors, selected from a roster of 18 including s’mores, funfetti, oatmeal apple pie and seasonal special.
Also in West Village, Rockefeller Center, Second Ave & E 80th St, Williamsburg, Carroll Gardens, Long Island City, Ditmars, Sunnyside, Forest Hills, Bayside and Long Island.
Daily 11 am – 10 pm
BROOKLYN
DeKalb Market Hall
This bustling basement food hall houses 40 diverse food vendors, including old-school & new-school NYC names. Feast on artisanal arepas, noodles, baos, donuts, french pastries, susgi, tacos, sushi, churros, crepes, frites, humus, ice cream and more.
Hours vary by vendor.
Industry City Food Hall
From Korean comfort food to an avocado-focused cafe, Industry City hosts a huge range of Brooklyn-based purveyors. BBQ, pizza, bao buns, French pastries, artisanal ice cream, tacos, Mediterranean mezzes – whatever you’re craving you’ll probably find it here. Most of the vendors or in a central Food Hall but other shops can be found around the campus, including a few sit-down options. Also visit Japan Village for sushi, noodles, dumplings, yakatori and more.
Hour vary by store.
Time Out Market New York
Sample some of the best NYC food: fluffy pancakes from the venerable Clinton Street Baking Co., thin-crust pizza from Patsy Grimaldi’s Juliana’s, Middle Eastern bites from Miss Ada, fried chicken from Jacob’s Pickles, Japanese comfort food from Bessou, cookie dough scoops from DŌ and more amazing eateries—all cherry-picked by Time Out New York. 21,000 delicious square feet over two floors with incredible views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
Close to happening Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Monday–Thursday & Sunday 11am–10pm
Friday-Saturday Sat: 11am–11pm
Clinton St. Baking Company & Ess-a-Bagel 8am-4pm
Jacques Torres Chocolate
Rich hot cocoas come in classic or spicy ‘Wicked’ and pair well with the large buttery chocolate chip cookies at the original Dumbo location of Jacques Torres (aka Mr. Chocolate), French chef turned celebrity New Yorker and Reality TV star (‘Nailed It’).
Try truffles, adorable bonbons, chocolate bark, giftable chocolate-covered cheerios and pomegranate seeds, ice cream sandwiches and more. The 60% baking discs are perfect for at home baking (or snacking).
Not far from happening Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Also at 285 Amsterdam Avenue (73rd and 74th Street) and in Grand Central Terminal.
Monday – Friday 12 pm–6:30 pm
Saturday – Sunday 10 am–7 pm
Mister Dips
A retro airstream trailer parked at the William Vale hotel seasonally serves burgers, fries (get yours ‘dirty-dipped), inventive, can-be-boozy shakes & soft serve ice cream dipped in candy shells. Scenic views and lots of outdoor seating.
Also at Seaport.
Wednesday – Sunday 12 to 9:30 pm
Brandon’s Donuts
Customize classic glazed vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, or cinnamon sugar donuts with eight frosting flavors and a multitude of toppings including froot loops, sprinkles, chocolate and caramel drizzles and more. Look for cute seasonal and holiday-themed concoctions throughout the year.
Tuesday – Thursday 11 am – 6pm
Friday – Sunday 11 am – 7pm
OddFellows
Enjoy small-batch ice cream company with creative, wacky and weird flavors alongside reimagined and improved classics. Take your cone, cup or sundae to nearby Domino Park for incredible views.
Also at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Empire Stores in Dumbo, McCarren Park and Rockaway Beach. The Manhattan locations closed during COVID and we miss them.
Daily 12 pm – 11 pm
Mom & Icepops
Enjoy family-made icepops with original flavor combinations, made with all-natural ingredients. Enjoy with a view of the East River, Brooklyn & Manhattan, and keep cooling off in the nearby splash pad. We love the watermelon and heard great things about the Arnold Palmer flavor.
Ample Hills Creamery
Ovenly
This award-winning bakery specializes in that magic intersection between savory & sweet. Don’t miss the somehow vegan salted chocolate chip and salted peanut butter cookie (they like their salt and make magic with it). Try cupcake and scones in seasonal and classic flavors, flavored shortbread, muffins, quiches and more.
Women-owned with a diverse, friendly staff and commitment to social justice.
Also in the West Village, Williamsburg, Cobble Hill and Park Slope.
Monday-Friday 7 am – 7 pm
Saturday & Sunday 8 am – 7 pm