TLDR
Famous for extravagant desserts and the legendary frozen hot chocolate in a vibrant, neon-soaked Times Square setting.
Reddit Sentiment for SERENDIPITY 3 TIMES SQUARE(based on 29 Reddit opinions)
Molly Fitzpatrick reviews Serendipity 3 Times Square, a New York City restaurant that offers diner fare and extravagant desserts. While the iconic Frrrozen Hot Chocolate is a standout, the reviewer finds the rest of the food average and the atmosphere lacking the charm of the original location, making it a better choice for families than general diners.
Details
Renowned for its iconic desserts and whimsical, neon-filled atmosphere, this Times Square destination serves as a high-energy spot primarily geared toward families and tourists [1]. While the restaurant captures a nostalgic appeal, the actual diner-style menu—featuring burgers, potato skins, and mac and cheese—is often described as average and lacking the unique charm of the original uptown location [1]. It remains a top choice for those seeking a specific, vibrant experience, though visitors should manage expectations regarding food quality [1].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on American diner staples and world-record-priced novelty items, though general food quality is often cited as bland or underseasoned [1]. The frozen hot chocolate is widely recognized as the standout menu item [1], [5], [6], while other dishes like mac and cheese and potato skins have received mixed reviews for texture and flavor [1].
Caveats
The Times Square location is widely considered less authentic and more expensive than the original establishment [1], [3], with many patrons advising that it functions more as a tourist attraction than a premier dining destination [1], [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SERENDIPITY 3 TIMES SQUARE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Food Ideas For My 6 Yr Old Me Mostly In Manhattan
"The original location in a townhouse has great ambiance and remains a cherished spot."
PositiveFrom post: Food Ideas For My 6 Yr Old Me Mostly In Manhattan
"The original location's charm has diminished due to an interior redesign featuring AI art, and the liquor quality is perceived as low."
NegativeFrom post: Food Ideas For My 6 Yr Old Me Mostly In Manhattan
"The original location is preferred for its historical NYC charm, character, and classic pairing with a visit to the Central Park Zoo."
PositiveFrom post: Food Ideas For My 6 Yr Old Me Mostly In Manhattan
"The Times Square location is better than the original because it has a bar serving cocktails and real wine."
PositiveFrom post: Food Ideas For My 6 Yr Old Me Mostly In Manhattan
"This place would be fun to visit with a six-year-old."
PositiveFrom post: Im On A Soft Food Diet For A Couple Weeks It
"Recommended trying a frozen hot chocolate from Serendipity."
PositiveFrom post: What I Ate Visiting Nyc For A Week
"This commenter humorously compared visiting Serendipity 3 to visiting Times Square or the Statue of Liberty, acknowledging it as a typical tourist experience."
NeutralFrom post: What I Ate Visiting Nyc For A Week
"The author admitted they knew Serendipity 3 was a tourist trap but visited anyway due to curiosity."
NeutralFrom post: What I Ate Visiting Nyc For A Week
"This commenter called Serendipity 3 a 'tourist trap hellhole' but acknowledged its nostalgic appeal, especially for the frozen hot chocolate, which the author might have ordered."
NegativeFrom post: What I Ate Visiting Nyc For A Week
"The author visited Serendipity 3 at a coworker's insistence. They found the food to be fine and enjoyed the decor more, noting they only tried desserts."
NeutralFrom post: Places In Midtown And Manhattan That Sell Both
"Serendipity is mentioned as a place to consider."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendations For Daughters 13th Birthday Dinner
"A native New Yorker states they enjoy going to Serendipity."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For Daughters 13th Birthday Dinner
"Serendipity is identified as a tourist trap and deemed unsuitable for a 13-year-old, contrasting it with better options for pancakes."
NegativeFrom post: Recommendations For Daughters 13th Birthday Dinner
"This user directly states that Serendipity is a tourist trap."
NegativeFrom post: Recommendations For Daughters 13th Birthday Dinner
"The user had seen Serendipity recommended and worried it might be a tourist trap, appreciating the advice that the original location is better."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendations For Daughters 13th Birthday Dinner
"Serendipity is mentioned as a potential fun option, with a suggestion to visit the original location rather than the one near Times Square."
PositiveFrom post: Visiting For A Day Between Xmas And Nye Looking
"This comment clarifies that the Times Square location of Serendipity is not as good as the original East 60th street location and mentions it's expensive."
NegativeFrom post: Ice Cream Cake In Nyc
"This user mentioned that Serendipity, located uptown, sometimes has mini ice cream cakes available."
PositiveFrom post: Visiting For A Day Between Xmas And Nye Looking
"The commenter agrees with the Serendipity recommendation, humorously suggesting it's best for younger teens before they find it "for babies"."
PositiveFrom post: Visiting For A Day Between Xmas And Nye Looking
"The commenter suggests Ellen's Stardust Diner and Serendipity for dessert as good options."
Positive