TLDR
Renowned for the definitive NYC black and white cookie with its signature cake-like texture, this long-standing UES institution offers a nostalgic array of classic American and Jewish baked goods.
Reddit Sentiment for WILLIAM GREENBERG JR DESSERTS(based on 38 Reddit opinions)
Details
A quintessential New York institution since 1946, this bakery is widely celebrated for its iconic black and white cookies, which feature a unique, cake-like base [1]. The bakery maintains an old-school charm on the Upper East Side, offering an extensive selection of traditional American and Jewish baked goods like rugelach, challah, and seven-layer cake [1]. Fans consistently laud the shop for its high-quality desserts, often citing the cookies as being in a league of their own compared to other city bakeries [2].
Food Overview
The bakery specializes in American and Jewish sweets, most notably its black and white cookies that are famous for their dense, vanilla-scented cake base and soft icing [1]. Other highly regarded items include the flourless chocolate cake [4], rainbow cookies with a satisfying chocolate snap [5], and seasonal offerings like gingerbread [6]. Customers generally praise these items, though some note the cookies are soft rather than crispy [7].
Highlights / Recommended
"The black and white cookie is the essential recommendation [1], [2], alongside the flourless chocolate cake [4] and rainbow cookies [5]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •black and white cookies(3)
- •black and white cookie(3)
Customer Sentiment
Overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many customers considering the establishment a gold standard for classic New York treats [2]. While the quality is rarely in dispute, some customers have expressed concerns regarding the freshness of the cookies if stored for extended periods [3].
Caveats
The black and white cookies are not crispy, which may surprise those expecting a crunch [7]. Additionally, some users have noted a decline in cookie freshness after about a week of storage [3].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About WILLIAM GREENBERG JR DESSERTS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Looking For Bakery With Great Flourless Chocolate
"The bakery is recommended for high-quality items."
PositiveFrom post: Rainbow Cookie Crawl 14 Bakeries Queens Manhattan
"William Greenberg's rainbow cookie featured the most chocolate, which provided a great snap without being overwhelming. The marzipan added a cake-like consistency."
PositiveFrom post: Individually Wrapped Mini Black And White Cookies
"This user suggested that William Greenberg Desserts would likely accommodate a request for individually wrapped mini cookies if called, noting their accommodating nature."
NeutralFrom post: Individually Wrapped Mini Black And White Cookies
"In response to a query about individually wrapped mini cookies, this commenter suggested checking if Bloomingdales previously sold a tin from William Greenberg Desserts containing such items and recommended calling the store for confirmation."
NeutralFrom post: Individually Wrapped Mini Black And White Cookies
"This user inquired if the mini cookies from William Greenberg Desserts are individually wrapped, as they wanted to provide more than one per person."
NeutralFrom post: Individually Wrapped Mini Black And White Cookies
"This commenter suggested William Greenberg Desserts for individually wrapped black and white cookies, mentioning they also offer gift boxes of full-size or mini cookies. The cookies reportedly stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or 8 days refrigerated."
PositiveFrom post: Individually Wrapped Mini Black And White Cookies
"This commenter mentioned Meredith's Bakery at various farmers markets offers individually wrapped cookies and suggested William Greenberg Desserts as a preferred option, though unsure if they offer individually wrapped ones."
NeutralFrom post: Best Nyc Treatschocolates To Bring To A West
"A user expressed doubt about the freshness of black and white cookies from William Greenberg Bakery after a week."
NegativeFrom post: Best Nyc Treatschocolates To Bring To A West
"A user recommended mini black and white cookies from William Greenberg Bakery as a treat to bring to a West Coast office."
NeutralFrom post: Where To Lose Beef Virginity
"The original poster is considering various options for their first beef experience, including burgers and sandwiches, while deliberately excluding steak."
NeutralFrom post: Kentucky Derby Pie Derby Party Food
"This commenter stated that William Greenberg Desserts has chocolate pecan pies."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Find The Most Fudgy And Dense Cake
"The user recommended William Greenberg's for its flourless chocolate cake."
PositiveFrom post: Iso Southern Caramel Cake
"This establishment is suggested as a place to check for caramel cake."
NeutralFrom post: What Food Starts Increasing In Your Life When
"Asks for recommendations on where to find a great Black and White cookie, mentioning Greenberg Bakery as a place to try."
NeutralFrom post: What Food Starts Increasing In Your Life When
"Recommends Greenberg Bakery for its Black and White cookies."
PositiveFrom post: Rainbow Cookie Project Update Queens Is Complete
"Provided the location of William Greenberg Desserts on the Upper West Side and Upper East Side in Manhattan."
NeutralFrom post: Rainbow Cookie Project Update Queens Is Complete
"William Greenberg Desserts is a place to check for rainbow cookies."
NeutralFrom post: Where Can I Find The Best Seven Layer Cake
"The user provided a link to W.M. Greenberg Desserts for seven layer cake."
NeutralFrom post: Best Brownie Cheesecake In Nyc
"This user suggested William Greenberg Desserts as a likely place to find a good cheesecake brownie, noting that such items might be on a rotating menu and not necessarily a seasonal offering."
PositiveFrom post: Bakeries Selling Gingerbread People
"The commenter suggested William Greenberg Desserts as a place to find gingerbread people."
Positive