Serendipity 3

You'd never guess that this whimsical place was once a top stop on Andy Warhol's agenda. Wonders never cease -- and neither does the confection at this delightful restaurant and sweet shop. Tucked into a cozy brownstone a few steps from Bl ... more

You'd never guess that this whimsical place was once a top stop on Andy Warhol's agenda. Wonders never cease -- and neither does the confection at this delightful restaurant and sweet shop. Tucked into a cozy brownstone a few steps from Bloomingdale's, Serendipity's small front-room curiosity shop overflows with odd objects, from jigsaw puzzles to silly jewelry. But the real action is behind the shop, where the quintessential American soda fountain still reigns supreme. Happy people gather at marble-topped ice-cream parlor tables for burgers and foot-long hot dogs, country meat loaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, and salads and sandwiches with cute names like "The Catcher in the Rye" (their own twist on the BLT, with chicken and Russian dressing -- on rye, of course). The food isn't great, but the main courses aren't the point -- they're just an excuse to get to the desserts. The restaurant's signature is Frozen Hot Chocolate, a slushie version of everybody's cold-weather favorite, but other crowd pleasers include dark double devil mousse, celestial carrot cake, lemon icebox pie, and anything with hot fudge. So cast that willpower aside and come on in -- Serendipity is an irony-free charmer to be appreciated by adults and kids alike. less

A nice restaurant located in an old townhome. It's great! Come early, because it's always crowded here. The food is superb-sandwiches aren't just the same old same old, such as a BLT on challah bread. Try the fried parsnips. The desserts are ... more

A nice restaurant located in an old townhome. It's great! Come early, because it's always crowded here. The food is superb-sandwiches aren't just the same old same old, such as a BLT on challah bread. Try the fried parsnips. The desserts are great, and the frozen hot chocolate is neat. less