An all American bakery, cafe, coffee shop with possibly the best hot chocolate in New York!

Open since 1990 the City Bakery is a NY institution.

If you’re in and around Union Square and in need of a casual snack or a hot drink this is the place to go.

City Bakery is a large two-floor space with an impressive and extensive selection of freshly baked goods, seasonal salads, sandwiches and soups.

Seating is super casual, fast food and canteen style.  The main attraction is the quality food and ‘healthy’ (big!) portions.  They have several signature items such as decadent hot chocolate, giant homemade marshmallows and a unique ‘pretzel croissant’.

Our first visit was in February, the month of the “City Bakery Hot Chocolate Festival”.  Since 1992 they have celebrated every day in the month with a different daily hot chocolate flavour.  For us it was caramel, other special guest ingredients are Bourbon, banana peel, chili pepper and lemon. 

Our deliciously rich hot chocolate, the freshest (& biggest) marshmallow I’ve ever tasted plus a giant muffin resulted in a couple of things.  An urge to spread the word about how great this place is.  Plus a desire to return as soon as possible to experience some more of their offerings.