10 Hidden Cheesecake Gems In New York That Aren’t Overrun By Tourists
In a city famous for its cheesecake, the best slices aren’t always found in guidebooks or glowing signs.
Hidden throughout New York are quiet gems serving up rich, creamy perfection without the tourist lines or selfie sticks. These spots skip the fuss and let the flavor do the talking.
Whether you love it classic, fruity, or with a twist, these lesser-known cheesecake havens deliver pure indulgence with a side of local charm and sweet discovery.
1. La Cheesecake – College Point, Queens
Tucked away in residential College Point, this family bakery has been quietly perfecting their craft since 1979. Their signature strawberry cheesecake uses a secret recipe passed down three generations.
Locals swear by the marble variation, which blends traditional vanilla with rich chocolate swirls. Come early on Saturdays – they typically sell out by noon!
2. S&S Cheesecake – Bronx
Blink and you’ll miss this unassuming Bronx institution. Behind a plain storefront lies cheesecake royalty – S&S has supplied desserts to presidents and celebrities for decades!
Their plain cheesecake achieves the impossible: simultaneously light yet rich, with a perfectly crumbly graham crust.
No frills, no gimmicks, just pure cheesecake perfection worth the journey uptown.
3. Cheesecake Machismo – Albany
Road trip alert! This quirky Albany shop creates flavor combinations that sound bizarre but taste miraculous. Bacon maple? Lavender honey? Root beer float? Yes, please!
The tiny storefront only displays eight rotating flavors daily, written on a chalkboard.
Owner Tony serves slices with tattoo-covered arms and encyclopedic cheesecake knowledge. Absolutely worth the three-hour drive from NYC.
4. Cheesy Eddie’s – Rochester
Legend has it that Eddie once challenged a famous NYC baker to a cheesecake-off and won handily. The victory cake – a cinnamon-kissed masterpiece topped with caramelized apples – remains their bestseller.
The bakery’s retro 1950s vibe feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen.
Their cakes feature locally-sourced dairy from Upstate farms, giving them an impossibly creamy texture.
5. Martha’s Country Bakery – Astoria, Queens
Martha’s has somehow remained a neighborhood secret despite serving some of the city’s most indulgent cheesecake.
Their Nutella version should be illegal – a chocolate crust cradles Nutella-infused filling, topped with chocolate ganache and hazelnuts.
Visit on Wednesday nights when slices are half-price after 7pm. The outdoor garden seating transforms your dessert into a mini vacation from city chaos.
6. Buttercup Bake Shop – Midtown Manhattan
Carrie Bradshaw made Magnolia Bakery famous, but former Magnolia baker Jennifer Appel’s Buttercup creates superior cheesecakes without the tourist lines.
Her lemon version balances tangy citrus with buttery sweetness. Smart office workers grab slices to-go during lunch breaks.
The mini cheesecakes (perfect two-bite indulgences) make fantastic gifts when visiting Manhattan friends – much more thoughtful than another snow globe.
7. Pasticceria Rocco – West Village, Manhattan
Italian grandmothers swear by Rocco’s ricotta cheesecake – lighter than traditional New York-style but equally satisfying.
The century-old recipe uses imported ricotta and a hint of orange zest. Grab a sidewalk table on Bleecker Street for prime people-watching with your slice.
The cannoli cheesecake brilliantly marries two Italian-American dessert icons into one transcendent experience. Cash only, old-school style!
8. Little Cupcake Bakeshop – Brooklyn
Don’t let the name fool you! This eco-friendly Brooklyn bakery creates a blue velvet cheesecake that’s become Instagram famous among locals.
The striking blue color comes naturally from butterfly pea flower tea. Sustainability-minded bakers use organic ingredients and the shop runs on wind power.
Their seasonal pumpkin cheesecake (September-November only) sells out daily, so morning visits are essential during fall.
9. La Delice Pastry Shop – Kips Bay, Manhattan
French technique meets New York tradition at this unassuming Kips Bay patisserie. Their signature “Le Cheesecake” incorporates crème fraîche for subtle tanginess and a silkier texture than typical NY versions.
The family-run shop has operated for 35 years without changing their recipe once.
Regulars know to request a corner slice for the perfect crust-to-filling ratio. Pair with their exceptional house-made coffee!
10. Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery – West Village, Manhattan
Celebrity chef Ina Garten regularly praises this West Village gem, yet somehow tourists haven’t overrun it. Their vanilla bean cheesecake incorporates actual vanilla bean caviar, visible as tiny specks throughout.
Founded by former investment banker Umber Ahmad, the bakery applies scientific precision to each recipe.
The result? Consistently perfect texture – never too dense or too airy – with a hint of cardamom in the crust.