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Summer might be over, but Hell’s Kitchen has more desserts to offer than just ice cream! We asked W42ST readers for their favorite sweet treats, and here’s what they told us — the perfect finale to a night out at a Broadway show, or a flavorsome pick me up after a bad day!
16 Handles – 732 7th Ave (bw W48/49th St)
It’s about time Hell’s Kitchen got a great frozen yogurt place, and 16 Handles fits the bill perfectly! Aside from a variety of frozen yogurt flavors with unlimited topping, they also offer exclusive treats from NYC’s DŌ, Cookie Dough Confections.
“When you want a sweet treat, 16 Handles has you covered! You can easily bring a group because it’s DIY and they have options for those friends who are non-dairy, vegan, and gluten-free. My favorite sundae would be salted caramel froyo, covered in Oreo, extra hot fudge, and a big scoop of cookie dough,” said Simone Hanlen.
44&X – 622 10th Ave (corner of W44th St)
The banana split at 44&X includes a brûlée banana, salted caramel, strawberry, banana praline gelato, toasted house made marshmallow, chocolate and caramel sauces. Not only is the presentation amazing, but it makes for the perfect post-dinner treat.
“The 44&X banana split is amazing because of the brûléed banana and homemade toasted marshmallow,” said Jess Judd.
Alfie’s – 800 9th Ave (corner of W53rd St)
This neighborhood restaurant with old-fashioned favorites serves up a Chef’s Signature Banoffee Pie. It’s a chocolate ganache and dolce de leche tart topped with bruleed banana and malt gelato. They have one other dessert item on the menu too — a double chocolate hot cast iron brownie.
“Banoffee pie at Alfie’s! It’s like a decadent Twix bar/s’mores pie, I’ve never had anything like it (and I was a pastry chef/ baker for years). We go there just for this dessert. You won’t regret it!” said Teresa Nigolian.
Amy’s Bread – 672 9th Ave (bw W46/47th St)
This original location has been in Hell’s Kitchen for 28 years! Aside from the obvious, Amy’s Bread has notable items such as morning pastries, carrot cake, chocolate devil cupcakes, and olive oil cake.
“Amy’s PINK CAKE! This is THE BEST dessert in HK and one of THE BEST desserts in all of NYC! It’s unique to Amy’s, it’s delicious, and it’s pink! What more do you need?” said Danielle Mazzeo.
Bibble & Sip – 253 W51st St (bw 8/9th Ave)
At Bibble & Sip, everything down to the marshmallows are made in house. Their desserts are classic French confectionery but inspired by Asian flavors. You’ll find classic items such as croissants and scones, but the go-to is definitely the cream puff (Earl Grey, cookies & cream, matcha white chocolate, and black sesame walnut flavors).
“Their Earl Grey cream puff is my go to pick me up on a bad day and their alpaca shaped macarons are adorable and yummy! I also love seeing Asian flavors in modern desserts like their milk tea cloud cake and their lychee berry. All their desserts and pastries aren’t overly sweet and they have something for everyone (even the savory lovers)!” said Jessica Ongwiseth.
Bird & Branch – 359 W45th St (bw 8/9th Ave)
Bird & Branch is run by a husband and wife team “with hopes of opening a coffee shop that gives back to the community we serve by supporting the people within it.” The menu includes a unique array of desserts, including cakes, cookies and granitas.
“Anything from Bird and Branch. They’re delicious, creative, and committed to the community,” said Alexandria Julius.
Bluebird London NYC – 10 Columbus Circle (3rd Fl at the Shops at Columbus Circle)
A celebration of modern British dining, this London brasserie offers desserts such as Sticky Toffee Pudding, Peach Crumble, Warm Chocolate Fondant, Lemon Granita, and an assortment of sorbets and ice creams.
“Best desserts in a restaurant setting are at the Bluebird Cafe in Columbus Circle. They pair great with their cocktail happy hour on weekdays,” said Vinay Raval.
Casellula – 401 W52nd St (west of 9th Ave)
What is the best way to end your meal after having a delicious cheese plate and wine? Cake, of course! Homemade chocolate cake, heavy cream poured on top, and a fabulous red dessert wine make for the ultimate dessert experience at one of Hell’s Kitchen’s favorite wine bars.
“Casellula… Best desserts in the city,” said Marvin Adler.
Holey Creme – 791 9th Ave (bw W52/53rd St)
Holey Creme serves up some hot hand-dipped doughnuts with toppings and stuffs them with ice cream. Not a doughnut fan? You can also get cupcakes, cookies, brownies and sundaes.
“It’s a build-your-own ice cream sandwich joint where the sandwich is a fresh doughnut that you get to garnish. What more can I say? Extra sprinkles, please.” said Michael Muñoz in W42ST Magazine.
Huascar & Co. Bakeshop – 453 W53rd St. (corner of 10th Ave)
Chef Huascar won Cupcake Wars back in 2013, so the cupcakes are definitely a must try! The menu ranges from cakes, brownies and cookies to French macaroons. Celebrating a birthday? This is the bakeshop you want to go to for a perfectly customized cake.
“We love Huascar and his staff. They are always so friendly and helpful. Not only are the cupcakes delicious, we love the little cakes in jars. Some of our favorites are cookies & cream cheesecake, Black Forest cake, and the key lime pie and banana pudding are delicious! Every birthday in our family is celebrated with a Huascar cake. Even our dogs love Huascar for the delicious little dog treats that are always free (or offered to order),” said Jaqueline Albern.
Other notable menu items include: crème brulee cupcake, milk and cookies cheesecake, raspberry lemonade cupcakes.
Little Pie Company – 424 W43rd St (bw 9th & 10th Ave)
A true local favorite where everything is made with locally sourced ingredients that create season-fresh pies, cakes and cookies. They offer the best apple walnut sour cream pie, bourbon pecan pie, brownies, key lime pie, lemon meringue pie, mud pie, and banana cream pie.
“A mini pie from The Little Pie Company is the perfect treat to share with a significant other. I’ve never been a big fan of pies, that was until I tried one from The Little Pie Company on W 43rd between 10 & 11th Ave. I don’t know what their secret recipe is, but I swear their pies are the best thing that has ever happened to desserts,” said Florin Cimpean.
Mikey Likes It – 600 11th Ave (located in Gotham West Market)
A pop culture-inspired ice cream shop, Mikey Likes It combines locally sourced New York ingredients to create homemade artisan, organic and all-natural cream. They make their ice cream in small batches for the ultimate fresh scoop. They also offer customized flavors!
“Mikey Likes It Ice Cream is amazing and I love to support small businesses in the neighborhood,” said Nichel Bethea.
Schmackary’s – 362 W45th St (east of 9th Ave)
With over 75+ rotating flavors, there is definitely a cookie for everyone! Flavors range from classic to more unique such as Lucky Charms, maple bacon, and s’mores. And they have more to offer than just cookies…definitely don’t turn away from the rice crispy treats!
“COOKIES!!!! Schmackary’s is my go to dessert place. There is something special about a fresh bakery cookie and Schmackary’s definitely hits the mark. In my mind, there is nothing more Broadway than heading over to Schmackary’s after a show. I’m looking forward to the buzz of the line filled with Playbill holding show-goers sharing out about the show they just attended,” said Leanne Buckley.
Sullivan Street Bakery – 533 W47th St (bw 10/11th Ave)
Since 1994, Sullivan Street Bakery has been making bread for all over NYC. But have you ever tried one of their Bombolonis? These Italian filled doughnuts are stuffed with chocolate, vanilla and raspberry.
“Bomboloni from Sullivan Street Bakery. It’s hard to find any that can compare to grandma’s recipe but these come very close! I’ve been going here for years with my husband every Sunday and now that we have our first baby on the way this will become a family tradition,” said Michelle Defaz.
The Meatball Shop – 798 9th Ave (corner of W53rd St)
What is the best thing about the desserts at The Meatball Shop? They use handmade ice cream from Ample Hill’s Creamery (formerly in Gotham West Market). As well as a classic cookie ice cream sandwich, you can make it a double decker with an extra cookie and scoop of ice cream, or go all out and top your ice cream sandwich with the cereal of the day!
“Meatball Shop! Unexpected, but their root beer floats and cookie ice cream sandwiches are the best!” said Sam Mullins.
Zoralie – 449 W51st St (bw 9/10th Ave)
This homestyle Dominican restaurant serves fresh and homemade classics, and their desserts are not to be missed! They offer tres leches, rice pudding, flan and more.
“My fave dessert is the tres leches cake from Zoralie restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen. It’s perfectly and authentically made. It is the perfect little dessert to have after eating one of their Spanish meals,” said Jasmin Cabrera.
Honorable Mentions: Blue Seafood Bar’s espresso crème brûlée and La Barca Cantina’s churros.
The Little Pie Company is between 9th and 10th, not 10th and 11th.
Profiteroles at Cafe 123. The best I’ve found in the city.
Omg I’ve been searching for tres leches cake!!!
Also the peanut butter cookie and ginger molasses cookie at bird & branch are addictive! And the Spicy brownie and black sesame square …