The coffee and desserts here are just part of the draw for this upscale café. Everyone from families to college kids out on dates are customers. This place defines the word "cute."
Columbus Bakery
Address: 474 Columbus Avenue (at 84th)
Phone: 212-724-6880
Perpetually crowded with designer strollers, there's a reason why this place is so popular. Featuring an awesome selection of baked goods, sandwiches and pizzas, it has outdoor seating in the warmer months. One of the most kid-friendly joints in town, this is not the place to go if you want to read a book over lunch.
Emack & Bolio's
Address: 389 Amsterdam (between 78th & 79th)
Phone: 212-362-2747
Website: www.emackandbolios.com
This fabulous, Boston-based ice cream shop has caused many a weight watcher to fall from calorie-deprived grace. The freshly-churned goodness comes in a carnival of creamy flavors with a dizzying choice of coatings and candy toppings. Deadly wicked deliciousness guaranteed.
Hot & Crusty
Address: 2387 Broadway (between West 86th & 87th Street)
Phone: 212-496-0632
This chain of bakeries seems ubiquitous. Although the selection is fairly basic, their goods are consistently well-prepared, fresh and genuinely good. Not the most artisinal or adventurous, but if what you are seeking is a fresh loaf of bread or a warm breakfast pastry, they are always guaranteed to please.
Lenny's Bagels
Address: 2601 Broadway (at West 98th Street)
Phone: 212-222-0410
Lenny's is known for their unusual, eclectic bagel flavors. Examples include pumpkin and chocolate-raisin. Traditionalists may be horrified, but the new varieties have certainly grown them a loyal fan base.
Margot Patisserie
Address: 2109 Broadway (at 74th)
Phone: 212-721-0076
Margot and its east side sibling have forged a reputation for classically-prepared French baked goods. Sit down and enjoy a buttery croissant with a cup of coffee or buy a fresh baguette for the road. Margot also offers a small, but distinguished selection of prepared lunches.
New World Coffee
Address: 416 Columbus Avenue (at 79th Street)
Phone: 212-874-1936
Website: www.new-worldcoffee.com
Ever since Starbucks started dominating the world of upscale java, this chain has been hurting bad. But truth be known, they serve a fine cup of coffee with a nice selection of baked goods to go along.
Oren's Daily Roast
Address: 2882 Broadway (between West 112th & 113th Street)
Phone: 212-749-8779
Website: orensdailyroast.com
Another branch or Oren's, like all its sibs, they roast their beans locally so they are always guaranteed fresh. With over 50 roasts and varieties to choose from, they also feature a nice selection of baked goods from Balthazar Bakery and Yura.
Silver Moon Bakery
Address: 2740 Broadway (West 105th Street)
Phone: 212-866-4717
Website: silvermoonbakery.com
Silver Moon is one of the newer bakeries in the neighborhood. Its French pastries and fresh breads have been a huge hit in this carb-starved neighborhood. They also offer a nice selection of sandwiches (with lots of vegetarian options to choose from) as well as salads and wraps. Last but not least, the staff seems almost preternaturally friendly.
For those who take their coffee seriously, the Sensuous Bean is the only place in town. Featuring an extensive selection of fresh roasted beans, they offer a number of unique blends, including water-pressed beans (that's fancy talk for decaffeinated) and their ever-popular Indonesian variety. They also sell a number of loose-leaf teas from around the world and excellent baked goods from Villabate.
The Sheep Meadow Café
Address: Central Park (at West 69th Street)
Phone: 212-396-4100
Swordfish in the park? Who would have thunk it? This little café is somewhere between upscale snack bar and sit-down restaurant. Taken for what it is, it can be a wonderful way to dine.