VIBE

As evidenced by its perpetually long queues, this tiny neighborhood-style bakery doles out some of the most prized desserts in the city. Within its white-walled and warmly lit interior, its glass-cased counter holds dozens of treats: cakes, tarts, puddings, fudge, and, of course, cupcakes galore. Each of the famous cupcakes is topped with an array of sugar and sprinkles and frosted with temptingly fluffy pastel icing. The quaint lacy curtains, checkered floors, and dainty displays seem to have been taken right out of a storybook country grandma’s kitchen. To curb in-store crowding, lines are formed outside and guests are let into the pint-sized shop in small groups.

CROWD

Sex and the City enthusiasts, tourists, and cupcake-craving locals.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Very casual; anything goes here.

GO HERE WITH

Friends; small groups; yourself

WHY WE LIKE IT

This retro bakery looks and tastes like a grandmother’s kitchen–sweet, traditional, and full of love. We especially dig the seasonal treats available for holidays like Christmas and Easter, and we find that the box sets make great party favors or hostess gifts.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The lines. Because of its fame, this tiny shop gets overrun daily by the hordes of tourists and fans that make the trek to dine at Carrie Bradshaw's favorite bakery. We liked Magnolia better when it was a small shop in the Village. Something authentic is lost when this cute corner bakery has an outpost as far away as Dubai and many of its goods can be ordered and shipped online.

GOOD TO KNOW

Magnolia is probably best known for appearing in episodes of Sex and the City, stamping it a must-see destination for any diehard fan. You can beat the lines by calling in for delivery or learning how to bake your own treats by purchasing The Magnolia Bakery Cookbook: Old-Fashioned Recipes from New York's Sweetest Bakery, written by former Magnolia owners Allysa Torey and Jennifer Appel. Some treats, like cupcakes, brownies, and cookies, can be shipped (along with apparel and other assorted gifts). While people oohhh and ahhh over the cupcakes, we think that the banana pudding is the real winner here. Try it. Trust us.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Bloomingdale’s, Midtown East (New York); Rockefeller Center, Midtown West (New York); Grand Central Terminal, Midtown East (New York); Upper West Side (New York); Chicago; Los Angeles; Dubai

CLOSEST COMPS

Billy’s Bakery (New York); Crumbs Bake Shop (Malibu); Ladurée (Paris)

Read more about Magnolia Bakery in The Diary

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.