Ambiance, Books & Pastries

The Hungarian Pastry Shop has been a neighborhood fixture since 1961, when a Hungarian couple first opened its doors. Since then, it has changed hands twice: Peter and Wendy Binioris purchased it in 1976, overseeing it until their son Phillip took over ownership in 2012. No visit to the Upper West Side is complete without stopping by to enjoy the ambiance and savor the delectable pastries at this legendary cafe. For over 60 years, Columbia and Barnard students, professors, local families, and curious tourists have done precisely that! Located across the street from the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, this one-of-a-kind coffee shop has served as a hub for writers to think, talk, and most importantly, write. Evidence of their success can be seen on the walls of the cafe.

Over the decades, the coffee shop has maintained that same neighborhood feel, reminiscent of a cafe in Paris or Budapest. In addition to strong coffee, you can expect a mouthwatering selection of fresh pastries, including lemon tarts, tiramisu, apricot hamantaschen, the cream puff (my favorite), cheese cake, cherry strudel and carrot cake. People come for pastries, and linger for the atmosphere. The Hungarian Pastry shop is located at 1030 Amsterdam Ave. and 111th Street. (212) 866.4230