Warm Drinks, Sweet Treats: UWS Holiday Favorites
When winter winds start swirling through Central Park and snowflakes dance along Broadway, the Upper West Side becomes one of the coziest corners of New York City. Between its glowing cafés, bakeries perfumed with sugar and spice, and friendly neighborhood vibe, this area of Manhattan offers everything you need for a heartwarming holiday outing.
Whether you’re craving the best hot chocolate in New York or searching for the most irresistible sweet treats in NYC, the Upper West Side delivers. The neighborhood boasts a collection of iconic NYC dessert spots, and local cafés serve up comfort by the cup and the cookie.
Levain Bakery: The Cookie That Started It All
No guide to sweet treats in NYC would be complete without mentioning Levain Bakery, whose giant, gooey cookies are as much a holiday tradition as twinkling lights in Columbus Circle. Warm, thick, and just slightly crisp on the edges, each cookie feels like a hug from the inside out.
The chocolate chip walnut is the classic, but the dark chocolate peanut butter chip is pure decadence on a frosty afternoon. Pair one with a cup of hot coffee or cocoa, and you’ve got the perfect winter indulgence. Located less than 10 minutes on foot from The Wallace Hotel, Levain is a must-stop for any dessert lover exploring the Upper West Side.
Maison Pickle: Comfort Food with a Sweet Finish
Known for its indulgent American fare, Maison Pickle takes the concept of comfort food to new heights. While the savory menu draws crowds for its French dip sandwiches and rich mac and cheese, dessert lovers know to stick around for the sweet finale. Think towering slices of French toast layered with caramel and cream, or a thick slice of chocolate cake best shared (or not) with a friend.
Pair your dessert with one of their holiday drinks, perhaps a spiced old-fashioned or a peppermint-infused cocktail, and you’ll be glowing from the inside out. Maison Pickle is a leisurely five-minute stroll from The Wallace, making it ideal for a leisurely holiday evening.
Daily Provisions: Seasonal Pastries and Comforting Cups
Daily Provisions is a neighborhood gem that radiates charm. Their famous crullers, airy, sugar-dusted doughnut rings, are legendary among locals, and the bakery counter brims with festive pastries as the holidays approach. For holiday drinks, their peppermint mocha and hot apple cider are go-to comforts, best enjoyed by the window as you watch the city bustle by.
Just a quick five-minute walk from The Wallace Hotel, this café is ideal for early morning coffee runs or cozy evening wind-downs after exploring the city’s lights and markets.
La Bomboniera: Italian Espresso, Wine, and Holiday Treats
A newer arrival to the neighborhood, La Bomboniera brings a touch of Italian cafe culture to the Upper West Side. This intimate espresso and wine bar glows with warm light and vintage details, creating a cozy spot to warm up after a cold-weather walk. Order a cappuccino, macchiato, or their rich Italian hot chocolate, then pair it with biscotti, an almond croissant, or another flaky pastry for a relaxed holiday treat.
As evening settles in, La Bomboniera shifts into a laid-back wine bar, pouring Italian wines and spritzes alongside small plates like charcuterie and panini that work nicely for sharing. Located at 203 West 82nd Street between Amsterdam and Broadway, this charming spot is about an eight-minute walk from The Wallace Hotel, which makes it an easy choice for a pre-dinner aperitivo, a nightcap, or a sweet stop between holiday adventures.
Joe Coffee Company: Classic New York Comfort
Another favorite in the NYC dessert spots scene, Joe Coffee Company captures the essence of the Upper West Side’s cozy character. Their expertly crafted espresso drinks, warm smiles, and pastries from local bakeries make it an inviting refuge from the winter chill.
During December, try their peppermint mocha or maple latte, both perfectly balanced and not overly sweet. If you’re craving a quick sweet treat in NYC, grab a slice of banana bread or a chocolate croissant to pair with your drink. Joe Coffee Company is about a ten-minute walk from The Wallace Hotel.
Bluestone Lane: Australian Sunshine Meets Holiday Cheer
Bluestone Lane, known for its bright, modern interiors and elevated coffee menu, adds a little sunshine to the cold season. Their hot chocolate, crafted with rich cocoa and steamed milk, is often ranked among the best hot chocolate in New York, while their matcha lattes and chai blends offer comforting alternatives for non-coffee drinkers.
For a bite, try their seasonal pastries, often made with holiday-inspired ingredients like cranberry, spice, and orange zest. Located roughly eight minutes from The Wallace Hotel, Bluestone Lane provides the perfect dose of warmth before or after a wintry walk.
Orwasher’s Bakery: A Historic Haven for Fresh-Baked Delights
For more than a century, Orwasher’s Bakery has been a beloved staple of the Upper West Side, an old-world gem where the scent of freshly baked bread and pastries spills warmly onto the sidewalk. Known citywide for its artisan loaves, jelly-filled doughnuts, and melt-in-your-mouth babka, Orwasher’s is the kind of place where holiday nostalgia is baked into every bite.
Their black-and-white cookies are a quintessential New York treat, but the seasonal offerings are what truly shine this time of year. Think cranberry walnut loaves, cinnamon-sugar doughnuts still warm from the fryer, and rich chocolate babka that pairs perfectly with a brisk winter stroll through the neighborhood. Whether you’re seeking a hearty loaf to take back to your room or a sweet pick-me-up between holiday adventures, this bakery delivers charm and comfort in equal measure.
Located about 8 minutes on foot from The Wallace Hotel, Orwasher’s Bakery is a must-visit stop for anyone looking to experience classic New York baking at its finest during the holiday season. What’s even better, hotel guests have a standing invitation for 10% off; just show them your room key!
A Sweet, Cozy Winter on the Upper West Side
From world-famous cookies to silky hot chocolate, the Upper West Side offers a symphony of flavors and aromas that make the holidays in New York unforgettable. These cafés and bakeries are more than places to grab dessert; they’re experiences that capture the spirit of the season: comfort, community, and joy in every bite.
After a day of sampling sweet treats in NYC, sipping festive holiday drinks, and soaking up the neighborhood’s charm, retreat to the cozy luxury of The Wallace Hotel. Just steps from these beloved local favorites, The Wallace offers warmth, sophistication, and the perfect place to unwind after a winter’s day on the Upper West Side.
Book your stay today to experience the cozy warmth of the Upper West Side this holiday season!