Whenever you’re in Manhattan, you’ll enjoy spending a few days in some of New York’s trendy neighborhoods. From Chelsea and the Meatpacking District to West Village and SoHo, there’s nothing more enjoyable than exploring these cool NYC neighborhoods, strolling along the tree-lined streets and looking for hidden gems. Between visiting some art galleries in Chelsea, walking along the High Line in the Meatpacking District, browsing the shops at Greenwich Village and SoHo or looking for beautiful streets in West Village, one must stop to have a bite to eat. Here are the sweet results.
1. The cronuts and cookie shots from Dominque Ansel Bakery.
Dominique Ansel is a French-born pastry chef and owner of Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York City. He is best known for his invention of the cronut, a croissant-donut hybrid. The cronut has been around for five years and still has aline around the block.
2.The banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery.
When you go in the bakery, there’s a special line for the banana pudding so you don’t have to wait in a long line (e.g. for coffee/ ice cream). Even if you don’t like it it’s worth the try.
3.Levain Bakery cookies.
You must try New York City’s Best Cookies. Cookies are gooey to the point of them being basically raw dough and this bakery does it justice. The cookies are gigantic and for $4 you really can’t go wrong, because you are paying for a top quality cookie. The Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie is the best cookie in terms of consistency, quality, and taste in NYC.
4.Mille crêpes from Lady M Confections.
The ingredients used are fresh, and high quality. Each of the cakes are made by scratch. They also offer all of the cakes by the piece. Slices are $10 each. Again the sliced cakes are made daily.
5.Anything from Veniero’s.
This is a staple of many New Yorkers and a timeless icon of New York eating. Besides having fantastic Italian inspired pastries, it’s a wonderful place to grab a coffee and a treat at anytime of day. The cafe itself is very cozy and beautifully adorned with a Tiffany ceiling. The desserts are all fantastic, but they are definitely Americanized with the level of sweetness (which I love). Excellent cheesecake, but my go to here are the lobster claws (flaky pastries filled with sinful whipcream)
6. Frrrozen Hot Chocolate from Serendipity 3.
This is a must stop on any NY trip. The Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity 3 tastes like the love child of a milkshake and a slushy. The Frrrozen Hot Chocolate is traditionally served in a fishbowl-sized glass with two straws. It’s an enormous portion—more than enough to satisfy a pair of ravenous chocoholics.
7.Waffles from Wafels & Dinges.
Chocolate? Caramel? Whipped cream? Nuts? Belgian waffles? Bananas? Any combination thereof? Simply delightfully delicious!
8.Any treat from Big Gay Ice Cream Shop.
Famous for their creations, which are a blend of toppings over soft serve ice cream. The salty pimp is great, the American globs which was very filling and chocoholic. Lots more to try and so far I recommend them all.
9.The pies and cheesecakes from Martha’s Country Bakery.
American baked goods in a warm, friendly atmosphere. They do all the baking on-site, it fills their stores with the delicious smells of fresh cakes and pies to bring back that delightful, warm feeling every time of the year. Each day, they bake everything from scratch using the finest ingredients. Must try: The berry napoleon cake!! So delicious!
10.Italian cookies and cakes from Ferrara Bakery & Cafe.
Another Italian New York staple, Ferrara’s is a great little Italian bakery hidden on the edge of Little Italy. You’ve got options to both eat in or take out, but thankfully we caught the end of the dinner rush and were able to get a seat. Grab a coffee and a cannoli. Really can’t go wrong with any dessert! They are all delicious!!!
11.Anything from Schmackary’s Cookies.
Their Funfetti cookie is probably one of the best things that I have ever tasted. The place’s variety of flavors makes you want to keep coming back to try all the new flavors. Their packaging and set up is very creative and has a classical milk and cookies feel, too. Enjoy your cookie!
12. Biscuit Bread Pudding from Jacob’s Pickles.
Delicious warm Biscuit Bread Pudding served up in a skillet with vanilla ice cream. Yumm! The melting vanilla ice cream added a lightness to this filling take on bread pudding.
