There are three things that are quintessentially New York: pizza, bagels and cheesecake. There’s even an entire style of cheesecake named after New York. So naturally New York City has its fair share of places to get the most delicious slice of cheesecake you could ever imagine. We’ve rounded up the best cheesecake NYC has to offer, from classic New York style to jiggly Japanese, to light as a feather Italian style. (It was tough, but we did it just for you.)
Photo: Angie Chapman via flickr
Junior’s
You can’t say “New York Cheesecake” without mentioning a storied slice from Junior’s. This New York institution started from a family recipe. Three generations later, they’re still serving up the iconic, smooth dessert at four different locations, with three in New York, plus numerous other retailers and online orders.
Dekalb Ave. & Flatbush Ave.
Brooklyn, NY
718-852-5257
Junior’s website: juniorscheesecake.com
Junior’s hours: Mon.-Thurs., 6:30 a.m. – midnight; Fri.-Sat., 6:30 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Cost at Junior’s: $42.95-$64.95
Eileen’s Special Cheesecake
A downtown staple since 1976, Eileen’s Special Cheesecake has an impressive selection of cakes, pies, cookies, and of course, fluffy cheesecakes. (26 flavors of cheesecake to be exact). You can walk into the shop, get it delivered locally in NYC, or order online.
17 Cleveland Pl.
New York, NY 10012
212-966-5585
Eileen’s Special Cheesecake website: eileenscheesecake.com
Eileen’s Special Cheesecake hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sat. – Sun., 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Cost at Eileen’s Special Cheesecake: $4.95 for a slice, $18 for 6” cake, $38 for 10” cake
Two Little Red Hens
This bakery’s graham cracker crust is what sets their fluffy cheesecake apart from the rest. The cake to crust ratio knocks this one out of the park. Don’t miss out on their pumpkin cheesecake that’s only available in the fall.
1652 2nd Ave.
New York, NY 10028
212-452-0476
Two Little Red Hens website: twolittleredhens.com
Two Little Red Hens hours: Tues.-Fri., 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat., 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sun., 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Cost at Two Little Red Hens: $29 for 6” cake, $59 for 10” cake
La Cheesecake Bake Shop
With a name like La Cheesecake, you’d expect they’re experts, and boy, are they. Known for their light and fluffy cheesecakes, this Queens establishment offers cheesecakes and much more at wholesale prices since 1985. But bring enough cash to make your purchase - it’s all they accept.
126-06 14th Ave.
College Point, NY
718-359-3718
La Cheesecake Bake Shop website:
La Cheesecake Bake Shop hours: Thurs., noon – 6 p.m., Fri., noon – 8 p.m., Sat., 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sun., 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost at La Cheesecake Bake Shop: $15.95 for 7” cake, $25.95 for 11” cake
Ferrara Bakery and Café
Few bakeries can boast a history like Ferrara’s, which opened in 1892 and is still family owned and operated. Take your pick from any one of their exquisite Italian classic desserts – but don’t miss out on their cheesecakes. Choose either their creamy ricotta cheesecake or “the original” New York style cheesecake. Or get both! (We won’t judge.) They also ship nationwide.
195 Grand St.
New York, NY
212-226-6150
Ferrara Bakery and Café website: ferraranyc.com
Ferrara Bakery and Café hours: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Cost at Ferrara Bakery and Café: $26 for 6” cake, $48 for 10” cake
Mah-Ze-Dahr
Their award-winning cheesecake is downright “heavenly”. Backed by revered chef Tom Coliccio, this upscale bakery offers their version of the NY classic using high-quality ingredients like pure Madagascar vanilla bean paste. Not in NY? No worries, they’ll ship it.
28 Greenwich Ave.
New York, NY 10011
212-498-9810
Mah-Ze-Dahr website: mahzedahrbakery.com
Mah-Ze-Dahr hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fri., 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat., 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun., 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Cost at Mah-Ze-Dahr: $55
Veniero’s Pasticceria and Caffe
What’s better than a delicious slice of New York cheesecake? Eating that deliciousness below an imported Neapolitan stained glass ceiling in a café that has been around since 1894. Can’t make it to NY? That’s ok, you can order it online.
342 E. 11th St.
New York, NY 10003
212-674-7070
Veniero’s Pasticceria and Caffe website: venierospastry.com
Veniero’s Pasticceria and Caffe hours: 8 a.m. – midnight, Fri.-Sat., 8 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Cost at Veniero’s Pasticceria and Caffe: $18.50 for 6” cake, $37.50 for 10 “ cake
Little Pie Company
Known for their amazing scratch-made pies, don’t miss out on their equally amazing New York cheesecake. All desserts are available via NYC delivery or nationwide next day shipping. Or you can just drop into their W 43rd St. location and eat it on the spot.
424 W 43rd St.
New York, NY 10036
877-872-7437
Little Pie Company website: littlepiecompany.com
Little Pie Company hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sun., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost at Little Pie Company: $65 for 10” cake
Peacefood Café
Peacefood’s cheesecakes are a true delight but what makes them extra-special: they’re vegan. That’s right, they’re egg and dairy free. Choose from their strawberry or peanut butter vegan cheesecakes.
460 Amsterdam Ave.
New York, NY
212-362-2266
Peacefood Café website: peacefoodcafe.com
Peacefood Café hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost at Peacefood Café: $6.50 - $7
P.J. Clarke’s
Another venerable New York institution is P.J. Clarke’s. Known for is “Cadillac burger,” so named by Nat King Cole, and its raw bar, the restaurant, practically unchanged since it opened its doors in 1884, has also been serving up phenomenal light, decadent, and fluffy cheesecake. It’s the perfect ending to a great meal.
915 3rd Ave.
New York, NY 10022
212-317-1616
P.J. Clarke’s website: pjclarkes.com
P.J. Clarke’s hours: Mon., - Fri., 11:30 a.m. – 1 a.m., Sat. – Sun., 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Keki Modern Cakes
When you think of cheesecake, you think of smooth, fluffy, rich… jiggly cheesecake. At least you do at Keki’s Modern Cakes. Known for their authentic bouncy cheesecakes, you’ll love this uniquely delicious take on dessert. Plus, they ship nationally.
79 Mott St.
New York, NY
646-863-2094
Keki Modern Cakes website: kekinyc.com
Keki Modern Cakes hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Cost at Keki Modern Cakes: $13.75 - $40
Chikalicious Dessert Bar
Light, airy, velvety, and totally unlike any cheesecake you’ve ever seen is the Fromage Blanc Island Cheesecake at Chikalicious. The presentation is everything. It’s served on a “bed” of ice and heavy cream is poured all over it. This fluffy cheesecake was even featured on the Food Network show “Best Thing I Ever Ate”. Definitely one of the best cheesecakes in NYC.
203 E. 10th St.
New York, NY 10003
212-995-9511
Chikalicious Dessert Bar website: chikalicious.com
Chikalicious Dessert Bar hours: Thurs. – Sun., 3 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
Cost at Chikalicious Dessert Bar: $18 prix fixe
—– Jesseca Stenson
featured image: Angie Chapman via flickr
RELATED STORIES
Worth the Flip: The Best Pancakes in NYC
Summer Grubbin’: Where to Eat Outdoors with Kids in NYC
3 Perfect Days in New York City with Kids
19 Awesome Museums in NYC That Are Totally Free
