New York cheesecake is one of the city’s most iconic indulgences. Distinct because of its use of heavy cream and cream cheese, it can be light and fluffy or dense and luxurious. It all depends on where you get it – so here are our favorite five places for a slice.
Junior’s
Ask anyone about New York style cheesecake, and they will probably mention Junior’s. Started as a family diner in Brooklyn over 60 years ago, it now serves its most famous cake in four different locations around the boroughs. Fairly dense, with a very cream-cheese taste and texture, it’s what many people think of when they think cheesecake. It even has an official celebration: In 1982, Governor Mario Cuomo declared May 27th to be Junior’s Restaurant Day.
Two Little Red Hens
Less well-known than Junior’s, Two Little Red Hens might have the biggest name among NYC foodies. That’s because, since it opened in the early ‘90s, it has been winning cheesecake taste tests non-stop, beating city staples like Junior’s. Not too dense but not too fluffy, it is perfectly satisfying and looks beautiful, with a golden brown top. It’s a cake you can take home to mom.
Eileen’s
For those who prefer their cheesecake light and fluffy, rather than rich and dense, Eileen’s Special Cheesecake is where to go. Compared to the other bakeries on this list, Eileen’s are huge and homey-looking, without the clean edges of many cheesecakes. The crust is buttery and thick, while the cake itself practically floats on your tongue.
Mona Lisa Pastry Shop
Take the train out to Bensonhurst for some true Brooklyn cheesecake. Mona Lisa puts Junior’s to shame, at least in terms of longevity; it’s been here for nearly a century. Everything here is done the Italian way, and you can tell just by watching the cheesecakes cook; they’re all baked in the original coal-fired brick oven, just like a pizza. The result is a custardy, orange-scented cake that has one of the most delicious crusts around.
WD-50
Okay, so this isn’t your typical New York cheesecake, but it is an experience that is unique to New York. Wylie Dufrene’s new classic restaurant aims to transform your traditional flavors into something magical. His take on cheesecake pairs tiny bites of Manchego cheese and familiar graham cracker with foamed pineapple and thyme. It’s often heralded as the best dishes on the menu, and one of the best desserts in the city.
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