TLDR
Historic neighborhood icon for authentic-style European pastries and a nostalgic cafe experience. A long-standing Upper West Side favorite perfect for a cozy stop near the cathedral.
Instagram Posts References
The Hungarian Pastry Shop has been a beloved cafe on the Upper West Side since 1961 and is praised for having the best carrot cake the author has ever had.
Details
Located on Amsterdam Avenue, this historic establishment has been a beloved neighborhood staple on the Upper West Side since 1961 [1]. It is widely celebrated as a premier destination for high-quality European pastries [2] and offers a distinct, nostalgic atmosphere [3]. Whether visitors are stopping by after visiting the nearby cathedral or seeking a treat, it remains a must-visit spot [4].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on a variety of European pastries [2], with some patrons highlighting their strudel as the best in New York [7]. While the shop is renowned for its cakes [8], including an exceptionally praised carrot cake [1], there has been some community debate regarding the authenticity of its culinary heritage [9].
Caveats
Some visitors have noted that despite the name, the establishment may not be traditionally Hungarian-run [9].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About THE HUNGARIAN PASTRY SHOP
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Looking For Good Food Recommendations In West
"A legendary neighborhood staple with a great history."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Good Food Recommendations In West
"Top destination for non-French European pastries."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Get Some Great Traditional Eastern
"Describes the shop as lovely."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Get Some Great Traditional Eastern
"Mentioned as a relevant spot in the context of European sweets."
NeutralFrom post: Where Can I Get Some Great Traditional Eastern
"A shop specializing in Hungarian pastries."
NeutralFrom post: Best Bagel Or Slice Near Saint John The Divine
"The Hungarian Pastry Shop is described as 'the real deal' and is located directly across Amsterdam from St. John's, a must-visit regardless of other food choices."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bagel Or Slice Near Saint John The Divine
"For a full nostalgia experience, the Hungarian Pastry Shop is recommended, located right on Amsterdam Ave."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bagel Or Slice Near Saint John The Divine
"The Hungarian Pastry Shop is highly recommended and is directly across the street from St. John's."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bagel Or Slice Near Saint John The Divine
"This commenter suggested checking out the Hungarian Pastry Shop as it's conveniently located near the cathedral."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bagel Or Slice Near Saint John The Divine
"This commenter specifically mentioned the Hungarian Pastry Shop next to V&T's, highlighting their strudel as the best in NY."
PositiveFrom post: Who Has The Best Cake In The City
"Hungarian Pastry Shop is mentioned as a place that might have good cake."
NeutralFrom post: Good Coffee Cake
"This restaurant was suggested as a place with coffee cake, but another user questioned if they actually offer it."
NeutralFrom post: Why So Few Hungarian Restaurants In Nyc
"It was noted that Hungarian Pastry Shop is not actually Hungarian, as all its workers are Albanian."
NeutralFrom post: Why So Few Hungarian Restaurants In Nyc
"Hungarian Pastry Shop is mentioned as one of the few remaining places with authentic Hungarian dishes, in response to a question about the decline of Hungarian restaurants in NYC."
Neutral