As the leaves begin to turn and crisp autumn air rolls into the city, fall flavors take center stage across the Upper West Side. Whether you're a pumpkin spice devotee, an apple aficionado, or someone who simply craves cozy comforts, fall in NYC means your taste buds are in for a treat.
From spiced lattes to flaky apple pastries, the UWS becomes a warm, welcoming destination for seasonal eats and sips. Here’s where to enjoy the best fall flavors and why you’ll want to taste your way through the neighborhood before the season slips away.
This charming French bakery introduces fall flair with a Rolled Almond Croissant, a Chausson aux Pommes filled with applesauce, and a classic Frenchy Cinnamon Bun that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Their bold, handmade Mocha, made with 63% dark chocolate, has become a quiet favorite for locals.
2 minutes from the Wallace Hotel, Mille-Feuille is a perfect place for those seeking a moment of Parisian escape in the heart of the Upper West Side.
Bluestone Lane is an Australian-inspired café that is a go-to for casual brunches and expertly made espresso drinks. Their seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte gets a modern makeover the result of which is a lightly sweetened, organic treat made with real pumpkin purée.
Pair it with their classic apple tart or almond croissant, and you’ve got a great start to your day. Located just two blocks or about a 7-minute walk from the Wallace Hotel, Bluestone Lane makes a perfect first stop for your morning stroll.
No fall flavor tour would be complete without a trip to Levain Bakery, home of the thickest, gooiest cookies on the Upper West Side. Check out their beloved Fall Chocolate Chunk Cookie, which includes roasted pumpkin seeds, brown butter, cinnamon, and a hint of molasses.
They also typically offer Pumpkin Ginger Spiced bread, packed with fall spices. Only a 5-minute walk from the Wallace Hotel, Levain is ideal for an indulgent afternoon pick-me-up or take-home treat.
Just steps from the American Museum of Natural History, Daily Provisions adds a refined but cozy flair to fall dining. Their fall menu typically features a savory Blueberry Buttermilk Cruller that’s glazed with blueberries and tangy buttermilk, a perfect fall delight.
Their hot Chair Latte, made with steamed milk, will warm you on those cool fall days. At just 5 minutes from the Wallace Hotel, it’s worth carving out time to linger over brunch or grab a cruller to-go.
Known for its sustainable beans and community vibe, Irving Farm is a local favorite, and its seasonal menu is a testament to that. In the fall season, nothing beats a savory cup of hot chocolate paired with a banana chocolate walnut muffin to keep you warm inside and out.
With its rustic interior and friendly baristas, this café is just a 5-minute walk from the Wallace Hotel and ideal for remote work, reading, or relaxing between leaf-peeping walks.
A bakery with over a century of history, Orwashers shines year-round, but the fall season takes their offerings to a new level. Their Apple Crumb Muffin is rich in flavor and nostalgia.
Also worth sampling: the Crumb Cake Slice, with a generous layer of cinnamon crumb topping, which pairs perfectly with a Dirty Harry, their Vanilla Almond Latte. It’s an 8-minute stroll from the Wallace Hotel and makes for an excellent stop, whether you're stocking up for a picnic in Central Park or grabbing breakfast on the go.
Known for its Instagram-worthy interiors and French farmhouse aesthetic, Maman goes all-in for fall. Their menu includes Smashed Avocado Tartine served with pumpkin seeds, Martha Stewart’s Crème Brûlée Sugar Bun, and the decadent Honey Lavender Latte.
Don’t miss their Banana Walnut Bread with bananas, warm spices, dark chocolate, and walnuts. Located 8 minutes from the Wallace Hotel, Maman offers a cozy setting to enjoy a pastry while watching the world go by.
The Upper West Side transforms into a flavor-rich landscape each fall, where cafés, bakeries, and restaurants embrace the best of the season. Whether you're in the mood for warm apple pastries, pumpkin-infused lattes, or fall-forward cocktails, you'll find something to savor around every corner.
For those visiting from out of town or simply seeking a staycation, booking a stay at the Wallace Hotel places you in the heart of it all. Elegant and serene, it's the perfect home base for exploring the rich tastes and cozy comforts of fall in NYC.