NYC's Best Slices Of Cheesecake, From Junior's To Martha's Country Bakery
New York has become known for countless food offerings, but none satisfy a sweet tooth than cheesecake. Whether people enjoy a traditional New York Style Cheesecake or a creative variation, here are some of the best places to indulge on the sweet dessert. By John Friia/Sarah Shaker
Junior's
Multiple Locations
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For the quintessential New York dessert, people can head to Junior's for their renowned cheesecake. Junior's hand blends fresh heavy cream, eggs, cream cheese and a touch of vanilla in small batches for their delicious recipe that has been satisfying customers since the 1950s. While people might find it difficult to decide on what slice to order, they can't go wrong with the signature Brooklyn Crumb Cheesecake, made with a thick layer of yellow cake, a layer of Original New York Cheesecake and topped with a heaping helping of cinnamon streusel.
LAVO
39 East 58 Street
New York, NY 10022
212-750-5588
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During the day, LAVO is an Italian restaurant that transforms into a nightclub once the sun goes down. As people enjoy a lively lunch and dinner, they can end their menu with the traditional New York Style Cheesecake. The indulgent dessert is made with Amarena cherries and topped with whipped cream.
Beauty & Essex
146 Essex Street
New York, NY 10002
212-614-0146
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Hidden behind a pawn shop, Beauty & Essex is the Lower East Side's grand and effervescent restaurant. People can finish their night with the restaurant's Pumpkin Cheesecake, a seasonal dessert made with praline sauce, hazelnut tuille and topped with cappuccino whipped cream.
Avra Madison
14 East 60th Street
New York, NY 10022
212-937-0100
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Avra Madison created their own variation of the beloved dessert with the Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cheesecake. Chocolate goodness compliments the Greek yogurt to create an unforgettable dessert, served with raspberry-rosewater sauce and a chocolate raspberry bark.
Buca di Beppo
1540 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
212-764-6527
Buca di Beppo serves family-style dishes and ideal for groups, with Italian cuisine in an eclectic and vintage setting, Diners can complete the Italian feast with Buca di Beppo's Homemade Cheesecake, topped with raspberry sauce and sprinkled with toasted hazelnuts.
Casa Lever
390 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
212-888-2700
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Nestled along Park Avenue is Casa Lever, an upscale Italian restaurant serving an innovative twist on classic Milanese cuisine. People can indulge in their succulent Warm Cheesecake made with barbecued strawberries, Strega liqueur, and rosemary milk chocolate sauce.
Mah-Ze-Dahr
28 Greenwich Avenue
New York, NY 10011
212-498-9810
Mah-Ze-Dahr bakery has gained the attention from numerous celebrities, including Oprah and Justin Timberlake. Their truly Heavenly Cheesecake will convert even the most discerning of pallets, made with pure Madagascar vanilla bean paste and a hint of lemon and a dark chocolate graham cracker crust. The end result is a light, fluffy and creamy confection that is perfect after-dinner treat.
Two Little Red Hens
1652 2nd Ave
http://twolittleredhens.com
Sky-high, smooth and slightly tart, the cheesecake at Two Little Red Hens has become a neighborhood and citywide favorite. This silky textured cake is surrounded by a buttery, crumbly graham cracker crust. This Upper East Side bakery is also known for their selection of pies, including the seasonal Pumpkin, Cherry Crumb and Chocolate Pecan.
Martha's Country Bakery
Various Locations
http://marthascountrybakery.com
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With locations in Astoria, Forest Hills and Bayside, Martha's Country Bakery may just be Queens answer to the borough's best slice of cheesecake. This full bakery is always packed - in all three locations - so be prepared to wait for a table or take your goodies to go.
Eileen's Special Cheesecake
17 Cleveland Place
New York, NY
http://eileenscheesecake.com
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With a loyal following since opening in the 1970's, Eileen's classic New York cheesecake is still just as sweet. They offer a wide variety of toppings from strawberry to cherry and a long list of flavors. Eileen's ships anywhere in the U.S. and can accommodate many diets with low‐fat, sugar‐free, gluten‐free, and dairy-free cheesecakes made to order.
John Friia is a freelance journalist and native New Yorker writing about food, drinks and lifestyle. You can follow his adventures on Instagram.
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