New York cheesecake is one of the city's claims to fame, so make sure to get a slice (or two!) during your stay. We’ve rounded up the top ten cheesecakes in NYC, and while they’re all undeniably tasty, they also each offer a unique take on the classic rich, creamy, addictive dessert. Take a look and save a little room to try a few…you can’t come to New York and not fill up on cheesecake!
Best Cheesecake NYC: Upper East Side
Two Little Red Hens puts out one of the most recognizable cheesecake slices in the city thanks to its browned top. The crust has an audible crunch to it, while the actual cake is a perfect mix of sweet and savory. 1652 Second Ave., 212-452-0476, twolittleredhens.com
Best Cheesecake NYC: Downtown Brooklyn
Junior’s cheesecake is worth the trip out to the original location in downtown Brooklyn (President Obama stopped by and picked up a couple for Air Force One). Known as the “world’s most fabulous cheesecake”, a slice of this stuff won’t disappoint. On the Manhattan side, you can also source this mouth-watering masterpiece at Grand Central Terminal and Times Square offshoots. 386 Flatbush Ave. Ext., Brooklyn,718-852-5257, juniorscheesecake.com
Best Cheesecake NYC: Little Italy
Given Caffe Palermo's location in the heart of Little Italy, it's no surprise they know how to make a seriously fine slice of cheesecake. Their version is traditional New York, with a hint of vanilla. 148 Mulberry St., 212-431-4205, caffepalermo.com
Best Cheesecake NYC: Upper East Side
Lady M gets creative with its crust, using a shortbread cookie instead of the traditional graham cracker. Extra fluffy and light, every bite of this cheesecake is as delicate as it is delicious. A touch of vanilla can also be tasted in the dessert. 41 E. 78th St., 212-452-2222, ladym.com
Best Cheesecake NYC: Astoria, Queens
Head out to Queens for a little slice of cheesecake heaven. The most raved about slice is the apple crumb, and with good reason, but the red velvet, peanut butter, and Mississippi Mud slices are also worth writing home about. 36-21 Ditmars Blvd., 718) 545-9737, marthascountrybakery.com
Best Cheesecake NYC: Union Square
If you’re into an airy cheesecake, then you had better get yourself a slice from Breads Bakery. Topped with powdered sugar, this cheesecake has a touch of lemon in its cake and sits upon a super-soft crust. 18 E. 16th St., 212-633-2253, breadsbakery.com
Best Cheesecake NYC: Nolita
The name Eileen's Special Cheesecake pretty much says it all at this cheesecake lover’s haven. Serving cheesecake tarts and three different sizes of full-sized cheesecake, this bakery has over 25 rotating flavors that range from Amaretto and mandarin orange to salted caramel and dulce de leche. 17 Cleveland Pl., 212-966-5585, eileenscheesecake.com
Best Cheesecake NYC: Chelsea
Believe it or not, Fairway Market makes a slice of cheesecake worth remembering. Baking the cheesecake themselves, the grocery's results veer towards tangy, producing a dense cheesecake that's one of New York’s best. Various locations, including Chelsea, 766 Sixth Ave., 646-676-4550, fairwaymarket.com
Best Cheesecake NYC: Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
F. Monteleone Bakery is the result of two Italian bakeries joining forces to serve as a stronghold for family-run Italian businesses in Brooklyn. Their cheesecake is made by true Italians, so it’s ricotta cylinders all the way. 355 Court St., 718-852-5600, nicholascammeri.tripod.com
Best Cheesecake NYC: East Village
Veniero’s serves both a traditional Sicilian-inspired cheesecake with a ricotta base and a classic NY-style cheesecake as well—meaning you can have the best of both worlds. If you really want to go overboard, have your slice soaked in rum with cherries! 342 E. 11th St., 212-674-7070, venierospastry.com