This old-fashioned bakery specializes in freshly made, brightly colored cupcakes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Also try the banana pudding.

401 Bleecker St
(at 11th Street)
New York, NY 

Telephone: (212) 462-2572
Cost: 4 USD per person
Hours: Mon 12pm-11:30pm, Tue-Thu 9am-11:30pm, Sat 10am-12:30am, Sun 10am-11:30pm

Tips:

Locals and tourists come from all parts of town, at all times of day, to score these little treats and there is always a line around the block. The small bakery can barely accomodate 10 people, so a doorman usually holds the line outside and lets a few customers in at a time. Be prepared once you enter, since the cupcakes go fast and there will be several people alongside you trying to get in. Some simple rules that will make your visit to Magnolia a little easier:
1) Cupcakes are self-serve.
2) 12 cupcakes maximum per person.
3) You touch it, you buy it.
Once you enter the bakery, the self serve cupcake area will be immediately to your left. You can fit 4 cupcakes in each preassembled box, and even if you set out to only buy one, most people can’t help but fill all four slots (it’s a definite problem for me). Don’t worry if the selection of cupcakes is small when you start to fill your box. The staff continuously brings out new cupcakes and within a few minutes chances are good you’ll have more colors and flavors to choose from. Before you reach your maximum of 12 in the self serve area, keep in mind that special cupcakes, such as the coconut meringue and red velvet, are only available at the front counter. Magnolia also makes great cakes, brownies, cookies and other old-fashioned desserts which are usually hidden from view by the enormous line, so save room for non-cupcake choices that you’ll discover as you wait to pay.

Type: Dining
Tags: new york City bakery cupcakes magnolia