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đźš• Iconic NYC Desserts

Let's satisfy that sweet tooth.

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NYC Bites
October 18, 2024

Listen… if you’ve got a sweet tooth, NYC is the place to be.

Today, we’re unwrapping the city’s most iconic desserts—from the perfect gooey cookies to pastries you’ll dream about for weeks.

Ready to take your taste buds on a sugar-fueled adventure?

On today’s sweet menu:

  • Iconic desserts that have made NYC a sugar lover’s paradise 🍪

  • Two new restaurants perfect for meat lovers 🍴

  • Our dessert spotlight of the day 🌟

Let’s treat ourselves.

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Local Eats

Magnolia Bakery – Classic American Treats with a Legendary Banana Pudding

1240 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020 (Multiple Locations)

Magnolia Bakery is renowned for its world-famous banana pudding, featuring creamy vanilla pudding layers with vanilla wafers and fresh bananas.

In addition to its signature pudding, the bakery offers a wide range of cakes, such as old-fashioned vanilla, rich chocolate, and unique options like confetti cake and Southern-style banana-pineapple-pecan layer cake.

The bakery's cupcakes, including light vanilla, Devil’s Food, and carrot cake with cream cheese icing, are also best-sellers.

With seasonal specials like pumpkin spice and Thanksgiving pies, Magnolia remains a beloved destination for traditional American desserts.

Quick Bites:

Levain Bakery – The Ultimate Cookie Experience

167 W 74th St, New York, NY 10023, USA (Multiple Locations)

Levain Bakery on 74th Street in the Upper West Side is famous for its massive, handmade cookies baked fresh daily.

Signature cookies such as the Chocolate Chip Walnut, Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, and Oatmeal Raisin are celebrated for their perfect balance of gooey and crispy textures.

Weighing around 6 ounces each, these generously portioned cookies are served warm, enhancing their flavor.

Levain’s charming atmosphere, friendly staff, and freshly baked treats have earned it a loyal following and consistently positive reviews.

Quick Bites:

Fortunato Brothers – Old-School Italian Pastries in Williamsburg

Fortunato Brothers Café, established in 1976, is a family-run bakery in Williamsburg known for its traditional Italian-American pastries.

Signature treats include cannoli, tiramisĂą, rum baba, sfogliatella, and a variety of cookies like rainbow and pignoli cookies.

The bakery’s homemade gelato, especially the hazelnut and chocolate hazelnut flavors, is another highlight.

With its vintage decor and authentic local neighborhood feel, Fortunato Brothers continues to offer timeless Italian flavors, highly praised for their balance and quality.

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Which bakery, featured in Sex and the City, is credited with popularizing cupcakes in NYC?

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Hot & Trending

The Corner Store – Classic NYC Dining with a Playful Twist in SoHo

475 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012

The Corner Store, located at the iconic corner of Houston and West Broadway, offers a fresh take on upscale American dining with a nostalgic flair.

The menu, crafted by culinary experts Michael Vignola and Paul Castro, includes creative dishes like the everything-bagel Caesar salad and 'disco steak frites' with Allen Brothers skirt steak and hand-cut fries.

The playful martini program stands out, featuring unique concoctions such as the sour cream and onion martini, alongside tableside martini service.

With its candy-striped booths, velvet banquettes, and vintage NYC photography, the restaurant's ambiance is as memorable as its menu.

While the chic atmosphere and inventive dishes draw in crowds, the strict 'Smart Elegant' dress code may feel a bit limiting for some. Another Taylor Swift staple recently, as the pop star has made two appearances here.

Quick Bites:

Shabu Shabu Gen – Japanese Hot Pot Excellence in the East Village

239 E 5th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

Shabu Shabu Gen brings an elevated hot pot experience to the East Village, specializing in premium meats like Japanese A5 Wagyu beef dipped in a rich Umami broth.

The restaurant offers three set meals at varying price points, with the Japanese Wagyu option standing out at $100.

Known for its ponzu and creamy sesame dipping sauces, the restaurant enhances the dining experience with carefully selected ingredients and high-quality meats.

The casual yet fancy vibe, along with outdoor dining options, makes it a great spot for both a relaxed night out or a more refined meal.

Quick Bites:

NYC Bites Spotlight

New York Bakery Cafe – Exceptional Baked Goods in Astoria

32-06 30th Ave., Astoria, NY 11102, USA

New York Bakery Cafe in Astoria is famed for its creamy cheesecakes, including Oreo and strawberry variations, and its much-loved tiramisu, praised by locals and visitors alike.

The cafe also offers favorites like strawberry tres leches, carrot cake, and shortcakes, making it a dessert destination.

However, some customers have mentioned issues with custom order accuracy and concerns about the freshness of certain items, which may not justify the higher prices.

Despite these critiques, the bakery’s standout items, like the chocolate mousse cake and tiramisu, keep dessert lovers coming back.

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