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WILLIAM GREENBERG JR DESSERTS

Last Updated: 15 days ago

Phone: (212) 861-1340

Address: 1100 MADISON AVENUE 10028

TLDR

Iconic UES bakery, famed for its legendary Black and White cookies. A true taste of NYC tradition.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 34 Reddit comments)

74% Positive21% Neutral6% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

american 8bakery 8jewish 6cookies 19bakery 6baked goods 4View All

Neighborhoods

Upper East Side

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Details

For a taste of old-school New York, this bakery has been a neighborhood staple since 1946. They are particularly renowned for their classic Black and White cookies, which many consider to be among the city's best. Beyond cookies, they also offer a selection of other baked goods and desserts perfect for any occasion.

Food Overview

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Black and White cookie, frequently described as soft, chewy, and among the city's best. Customers also mention a great chocolate cake and sticky buns (Schnecken) as notable items. While the Black and White cookies are highly recommended, one user noted they weren't particularly crunchy, and another found them good but not outstanding compared to their reputation.

Highlights / Recommended

"The Black and White cookie is the standout recommendation, frequently lauded for its soft, chewy texture and classic flavor. Sticky buns (Schnecken) and chocolate cake are also mentioned as delicious options."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • black and white cookies(2)
  • black and white cookie(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers overwhelmingly praise the bakery, with many highlighting the Black and White cookies as exceptional and a must-try. It's consistently recommended as a classic New York dessert spot.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This thread is a deep dive into the best Black and White cookies in NYC, with William Greenberg Desserts consistently being recommended as a top contender, with many users praising them.
In a discussion about iconic, non-touristy bakeries, William Greenberg Desserts is specifically recommended for its 'old school' black and white cookies.
A user recommends William Greenberg Desserts for their Black and White cookies, noting they travel well and are loved by out-of-towners.
This post discusses the best cookies in NYC, and William Greenberg Desserts is mentioned and recommended for their black and white cookies.
William Greenberg Desserts is crowned the winner for black and white cookies in this extensive taste test. The commenter also highlights their addictive sticky buns (Schnecken).

Recent Mentions

From post: Where Can You Buy Premade Gingerbread Houses In

"The original poster thanked the user for the recommendation of William Greenberg Desserts."

Positive
Nov 25, 2025View Comment →

From post: Where Can You Buy Premade Gingerbread Houses In

"The user recommended William Greenberg Desserts as a place that sells premade gingerbread houses."

Positive
Nov 25, 2025View Comment →

From post: Crunchyhard Cookies Recs

"Regarding black and white cookies, this commenter states they are not crispy at all."

Negative
Nov 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Crunchyhard Cookies Recs

"William Greensburg is a few blocks away from Levain and is known for their black and white cookie, though it's not described as crunchy."

Positive
Nov 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Does Anyone Know Any Cake Shops That Do These

"This is a very old-school UES establishment, famous for its strawberry shortcake, which has been a family favorite for decades."

Positive
Sep 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Rosh Hashanah Treats

"This comment simply states that William Greenberg Desserts is the place to go."

Positive
Sep 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: Look To The Cookie Best Black White

"This user believes William Greenberg is only on the UES, and suggests Orwasher's might be the place the other user is thinking of, as it has locations on both UES and UWS."

Neutral
Sep 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Look To The Cookie Best Black White

"This user states Glasers was their favorite black and white cookie place but it closed years ago, and considers William Greenberg Desserts the second favorite."

Positive
Sep 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Look To The Cookie Best Black White

"This user confirmed that the Hudson Yards location of William Greenberg Desserts is closed."

Negative
Sep 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Look To The Cookie Best Black White

"This user agrees with recommendations for William Greenberg and Orwashers, and mentions their local deli's cookies were a favorite."

Positive
Sep 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Look To The Cookie Best Black White

"Following up on a mention of William Greenberg in Hudson Yards, this user recommends the original location on Madison Ave."

Neutral
Sep 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Look To The Cookie Best Black White

"A user mentions a William Greenberg in Hudson Yards is delicious. Another user recommends going to the original location on Madison Ave."

Positive
Sep 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Look To The Cookie Best Black White

"This user states that they have not found any black and white cookies that compare to William Greenberg's, calling them in a league of their own."

Positive
Sep 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Look To The Cookie Best Black White

"This user recommends William Greenberg Desserts, along with Orwashers, Zaro's (if fresh), and Caputo's in Brooklyn for black and white cookies."

Positive
Sep 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Look To The Cookie Best Black White

"The original poster is seeking confirmation for William Greenberg Desserts, considering buying a large quantity before traveling."

Positive
Sep 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Look To The Cookie Best Black White

"The user likes William Greenberg Desserts and suggests trying their rugelach as well."

Positive
Sep 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: 4 Days In Nyc From Italy What I Ate And What I

"The user confirmed that the B/W cookie's texture and flavor are cake-like, explaining that the classic recipe uses yellow cake batter baked directly on the sheet."

Positive
Sep 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: 4 Days In Nyc From Italy What I Ate And What I

"The user found the B/W cookie to have an unexpected texture and flavor, comparing it to cake and describing it as very good."

Positive
Sep 9, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Whole Chocolate Cake In Manhattan

"This commenter recalls Wm. Greenberg's making a simple yet killer chocolate cake and considers it a platonic ideal, though unsure if they still offer it or at what price."

Positive
Jul 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Favorite Cake Shop In Nyc

"The user recommended William Greenberg."

Positive
Jul 20, 2025View Comment →