Magnolia Bakery Central Park South: Iconic Desserts in NYC

Magnolia Bakery - Central Park South Introduce

best bakery near central park

For New Yorkers, there are certain iconic spots that define the city's culinary landscape, and when it comes to classic American desserts, Magnolia Bakery - Central Park South undoubtedly holds a special place. More than just a bakery, it's a beloved institution that has charmed locals and visitors alike with its nostalgic ambiance and, most famously, its irresistible banana pudding. Stepping into Magnolia Bakery is like taking a delightful trip back in time, where the simple pleasure of a perfectly baked treat takes center stage. This location, nestled conveniently near Central Park, offers a quintessential New York experience, making it a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth looking for that authentic, comforting flavor profile. Our commitment to traditional baking methods and high-quality ingredients ensures that every bite delivers on the promise of homemade deliciousness.

Magnolia Bakery - Central Park South isn't just about selling desserts; it’s about providing a moment of joy and a taste of timeless New York charm. We understand that New Yorkers appreciate quality, consistency, and a touch of something special, and we strive to deliver all of that with every cupcake, cake slice, and, of course, every cup of our legendary banana pudding. Whether you're a long-time resident grabbing a quick treat, or exploring the city and looking for an authentic local flavor, our bakery offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can indulge in some of the city's most celebrated sweets. Our presence near Central Park makes us an ideal spot to pick up a treat to enjoy in the park, adding to the classic New York experience.

Magnolia Bakery - Central Park South is ideally situated at 1794 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA. This prime Manhattan location offers exceptional accessibility, making it incredibly convenient for both New York City residents and tourists exploring the heart of the city. Being on Broadway places us right in the vibrant Midtown West neighborhood, just steps away from some of New York's most famous landmarks.

Our proximity to Central Park South is a significant advantage. After a leisurely stroll through the park, or a visit to nearby attractions like Columbus Circle, Carnegie Hall, or the Theater District, Magnolia Bakery is a perfect and easily accessible stop for a sweet indulgence. The area is a major transportation hub, ensuring that reaching us is straightforward no matter where you're coming from in the city.

Public transportation options are abundant. Several subway lines are within easy walking distance, including the A, C, B, D, 1, and 9 trains at Columbus Circle, and the N, Q, R, and W trains at 57th Street – Seventh Avenue. Numerous bus routes also traverse Broadway and nearby avenues, providing extensive coverage. This makes it incredibly easy for New Yorkers from all boroughs, and visitors staying throughout Manhattan, to reach our bakery without hassle. While street parking in Midtown can be challenging, the excellent public transport network means a car is rarely necessary to visit. Our central location allows for a seamless dessert stop as part of a day out exploring the iconic sights and sounds of New York City.

Magnolia Bakery - Central Park South specializes in providing a delightful array of classic American baked goods, focusing on quality and traditional recipes. Our services are designed to offer quick, satisfying treats for locals and visitors alike.

Famous Banana Pudding: Our signature item, the banana pudding, is a must-try. Made with fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and creamy vanilla pudding, it's often hailed as the "best in the entire world" and is a staple for anyone visiting or living in NYC.
Classic Cupcakes: We offer a variety of freshly baked cupcakes in classic flavors, known for their moist cake and generous swirls of buttercream frosting. These are perfect for individual treats or for sharing.
Cakes and Slices: Beyond cupcakes, you'll find a selection of delicious cakes and individual slices, providing options for larger celebrations or just a delightful single serving.
Brownies & Bars: Indulge in our selection of rich brownies and other delectable bars, offering different textures and flavor profiles for those craving a fudgy or chewy treat.
Cookies: A comforting array of freshly baked cookies is available, perfect for a quick snack or to take home and enjoy later.
Hot and Cold Beverages: To complement your sweet treats, we offer a selection of beverages, including coffee and lemonade, though it's worth noting the lemonade has been described as "kind of there" – cold and tart-ish, but not always memorable for its flavor profile. Other beverages may also be available to suit different preferences.
Take-Away Service: Designed for quick and convenient service, our bakery primarily offers take-away options, allowing you to easily grab your favorite treats and enjoy them on the go, perhaps in nearby Central Park.

Magnolia Bakery - Central Park South stands out in the bustling New York City dessert scene due to several unique features and highlights that contribute to its iconic status.

World-Renowned Banana Pudding: Without a doubt, the most significant highlight is our banana pudding, frequently described as the "BEST in the entire world!" Its unique, soft, and creamy texture, combined with a perfectly balanced sweetness, makes it an unforgettable experience that many consider a quintessential NYC indulgence. It's often highlighted as a reason alone to visit the bakery.
Iconic NYC Dessert Stop: Magnolia Bakery has solidified its status as a classic and decent New York City dessert stop. It's often recommended as a place you "Don't leave NYC without getting one of those!", cementing its place as a must-visit for an authentic sweet experience in the city.
Charming, Nostalgic Ambiance: The bakery's interior exudes "modern country housewife energy," with white trim and pastel accents, creating a cute and cozy atmosphere that evokes a sense of nostalgia. This aesthetic contributes to a pleasant and memorable visit.
Prime People-Watching Location: With its small outdoor terrace, the Central Park South location offers excellent "people-watching opportunities." This is a significant advantage, allowing patrons to enjoy their desserts with a side of vibrant street theater, especially on pleasant days.
Proximity to Central Park: Its location "really close to Central Park" is a major highlight. This makes it incredibly convenient for park-goers to grab a treat, enhancing a day spent exploring one of New York's most famous landmarks.
Friendly Staff: Customers generally describe the staff as "sweet," contributing to a positive service experience. While the outdoor tables are the primary seating option, the pleasant demeanor of the staff ensures a welcoming atmosphere.
Variety of Sweet Things: Beyond the famous banana pudding, the bakery offers "different sweet things to get," providing variety for those who might prefer cupcakes, cookies, or other baked goods, though the banana pudding remains the undeniable star.

For inquiries, orders, or to simply learn more about the delightful offerings at Magnolia Bakery - Central Park South, you can reach us through the following contact details:

Address: 1794 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA

Phone: (646) 908-3838

Magnolia Bakery - Central Park South is an absolutely essential stop for any New Yorker with a love for classic, comforting desserts. Its status as an iconic NYC bakery is well-earned, primarily driven by the legendary "best in the entire world" banana pudding, a treat that truly lives up to the hype and is a must-try experience for locals. Beyond this star attraction, the bakery offers a range of other delightful sweet things, ensuring there's something to tempt every palate.

For locals, the prime location near Central Park and major transportation hubs like Columbus Circle makes it incredibly convenient to pop in for a treat, whether you're on your way to work, enjoying a day in the park, or exploring Midtown. The charming, nostalgic ambiance and the option for great people-watching from the outdoor terrace add to its appeal as a quaint and enjoyable spot to grab a dessert. While indoor seating is not available, the ability to take your treats to go and enjoy them in the beautiful surroundings of Central Park makes it a perfect fit for the dynamic New York lifestyle. Magnolia Bakery is more than just a place to buy sweets; it's a piece of New York's culinary history that continues to charm and satisfy. We highly recommend experiencing this classic NYC dessert destination for yourself.

Magnolia Bakery - Central Park South Details

Service options
Delivery
In-store pick-up
In-store shopping
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Offerings
Coffee

Dining options
Breakfast

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Magnolia Bakery - Central Park South Photos

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Magnolia Bakery - Central Park South Location

Magnolia Bakery - Central Park South

New York New York County New York Broadway

1794 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA

Magnolia Bakery - Central Park South Reviews

An average rating of ★3.8 from 457 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

BEST Banana pudding in The entire world!Don't leave NYC without getting one of those!Place it's cute, small terrace and this one it's really close to Central Park!Service it's good and It has different sweet things to get!
April 05 · Josep Antoni R.R.
Dropped by Magnolia Bakery on a sunny May afternoon, which turned out to be a solid people-watching opportunity thanks to their outdoor seating. It’s a prime spot if you like your dessert with a side of pedestrian theater.I tried their famous banana pudding — the one people rave about like it’s life-changing. And honestly? I get it. If you’re into soft, borderline mushy textures (I am), this one hits the mark. Creamy, sweet but not cloying, with just enough sponge to pretend there’s structure. That said, eating a heavy, dairy-forward dessert on a hot day? Maybe not my brightest idea. Felt like my internal temp rose a couple degrees by the end.I grabbed a lemonade to balance it out, but… it was kind of there. Cold, sure. Tart-ish. Not offensive, but not memorable either.Inside, the bakery gives modern country housewife energy — think white trim, pastel accents, and the faint whiff of nostalgia. No indoor seating though, so the outdoor tables are really your only hangout option. Staff was sweet, like the banana pudding, just less creamy.All in all: cute, classic, and a decent NYC dessert stop — just maybe don’t banana pudding yourself on a 78° day.
June 23 · Katherine Ng
The banana pudding definitely lives up to the hype. It’s a delicious snack with an authentic, homemade smell that gives it a warm, familiar feeling.The lemonade wasn’t overly sweet, which made it pleasantly refreshing.The prices are also very reasonable.
April 05 · Vivien Kundert
Banana pudding was great, it’s creamy, super smooth, sweet and tasty. If you don’t like bananas or banana taste, don’t try it. They told me it wasn’t that intense but the flavor is, it’s delicious. I had the matcha one they have now but they just sprinkle some matcha on top that ends on the lid, so next time I’ll just go for the original one. Service was nice and really fast. They have some tables outside where you can sit and enjoy your pudding. We also tasted the cookie, it’s also good and banana tasting. Thanks for everything.
March 25 · Andrea Garcia
Another iconic food spot in New York that definitely lives up to its reputation! We decided to try their famous banana pudding, and it’s absolutely worth a taste. The flavor was rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. If you’re visiting New York, this is a dessert you should absolutely add to your must-try list—it truly captures the essence of comfort food done right.While we didn’t try anything else on the menu, the other items didn’t particularly stand out visually. That said, the focus here seems to be on their signature banana pudding, and they certainly deliver on that front.The only downside? The price. At around six dollars for a very small portion, it does feel a bit steep. The serving size is truly tiny, and if you’re looking for something more substantial, you might be left wanting. Still, the quality and flavor make it worth the splurge, especially if you’re a fan of banana-based desserts.Overall, it’s a spot I’d recommend for anyone visiting the city. While it might not become your go-to for value, it’s a fun indulgence that captures a little slice of what makes New York food culture so unique!
December 08 · Vanessa Pohl