Must See Coffee House on the Upper West Side

A Hungarian couple opened The Hungarian Pastry Shop in 1961. It has retained a remarkable and striking presence in its upper west side location to this very day. The cafe has changed ownership only twice over the years.   A Greek couple, Peter and Wendy Binioris, purchased it in 1976. Their son, Phillip, took over ownership decades later, 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 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), cheesecake, cherry strudel, and carrot cake. People come for the pastries and linger for the atmosphere. The Hungarian Pastry shop is located at 1030 Amsterdam Ave. and 111th Street. (212) 866.4230 https://www.facebook.com/hungarianpastryshopnyc/