Top Places to Satisfy Your Late-Night Sweet Tooth in NYC
Craving a sweet treat in the city that never sleeps? You’re in luck. New York City is full of amazing late-night dessert spots offering everything from indulgent chocolate cakes to unique ice cream creations and cozy pastry shops. Whether you’re finishing up dinner, leaving a Broadway show, or just need a midnight indulgence, there’s a dessert place in NYC ready to serve you past bedtime.
Iconic Late-Night Bakeries and Dessert Cafés in NYC
Many of the best NYC dessert spots are open late and serve up some of the city's most mouthwatering sweets. These locations are particularly popular with locals and tourists alike.
- Levain Bakery (Multiple Locations) - Famous for its warm, gooey, oversized cookies. While not all locations are open late, the Upper West Side one usually keeps doors open till 11 PM on weekends.
- Spot Dessert Bar (St. Marks Place) - Asian-influenced desserts like Matcha Lava Cakes and Yuzu Eskimo. It stays open until midnight or later most nights.
- Milk Bar (East Village and Nomad) - Known for its cereal milk soft serve and iconic Compost Cookies. Open until late in many locations.
- Magnolia Bakery (West Village & Upper West Side) - Their classic banana pudding has a cult following. Doors stay open till midnight on weekends.
Best 24-Hour Dessert Places in NYC
If you want dessert at 2 AM, these reliable 24-hour dessert shops and diners deliver.
- Veselka (East Village) - A beloved Ukrainian diner known for pierogi, but also offers top-notch lemon tarts and cheesecakes round-the-clock.
- Ray’s Candy Store (Alphabet City) - A 24-hour institution for deep-fried Oreos, egg creams, and banana splits. A favorite “secret” among dessert lovers.
- Remedy Diner (Lower East Side) - Traditional NYC diner fare with a rotating dessert case full of cakes and pies. Open 24/7.
Where to Get Late-Night Ice Cream in NYC
Ice cream is always a good idea—especially after midnight. Here are some must-visit spots for frozen treats after hours.
- Van Leeuwen Ice Cream (Multiple Locations) - Known for French-style ice cream with rich ingredients. Open late in locations like Williamsburg and SoHo.
- Ample Hills Creamery (Brooklyn Bridge Park) - Creative flavors like Ooey Gooey Butter Cake and The Munchies. Some spots are open until 11 PM or later in summer.
- Big Gay Ice Cream (East Village) - Soft serve with unique toppings like dulce de leche and crushed nilla wafers. Often open until 11 PM or midnight.
Chocolate Desserts After Dark in NYC
If you're hungry for chocolate post-dinner, these dessert spots won’t disappoint.
- Max Brenner Chocolate Bar (Union Square) - A chocolate lover’s dream with molten chocolate cake, fondue, and waffles. Usually open until midnight on weekends.
- Jacques Torres Chocolate (DUMBO and Midtown) - Sip on a famous “wicked” hot chocolate or munch on chocolate chip cookies. Check the late-night hours.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Late-Night Dessert Options
Don't worry if you're vegan or need gluten-free sweets—NYC has plenty of delicious options available even late at night.
- Erin McKenna’s Bakery (Lower East Side) - Famous for vegan, gluten-free cupcakes and donuts. Open till 10 PM on weekends.
- Van Leeuwen Vegan Flavors - Their plant-based ice cream lineup hits the spot after dark. Many locations stay open late during summer months.
- Dun-Well Doughnuts (Brooklyn) - Leisurely hours and loads of vegan desserts make this spot worth a late trip.
Late-Night Date Night or Group Dessert Venues in New York City
Planning a dessert date night or out with friends after hours? Try these stylish, group-friendly places.
- Chikalicious Dessert Bar (East Village) - Offers a three-course dessert tasting menu. Great for a late romantic evening.
- Sweet Moment NYC (Chinatown) - Known for its adorable latte art, honey toasts, and Korean shaved ice. Open late on weekends.
- Dominique Ansel Kitchen (Greenwich Village) - Late-night treats like cookie shots and Cronut™-inspired sweets are worth standing in line for.
Frequently Asked Questions About Late-Night NYC Dessert Spots
What are the best dessert places open late in NYC?
Popular late-night dessert spots in NYC include Spot Dessert Bar, Milk Bar, Magnolia Bakery, Veselka, and Max Brenner. Many stay open till midnight or later—some are even open 24/7.
Where can you get dessert after midnight in NYC?
Try 24-hour places like Ray’s Candy Store or Veselka, or head to diners like Remedy Diner. Many ice cream and cookie shops like Insomnia Cookies also deliver late-night.
Are there vegan dessert options available late at night in NYC?
Yes, spots like Erin McKenna’s Bakery and Van Leeuwen offer vegan-friendly sweets. Many of these locations are open until 10 or 11 PM, especially on weekends.
Insider Tips for Finding NYC Desserts After Hours
Some desserts can sell out fast, especially late at night. It’s a good idea to call ahead if you’re after something specific. During summer, many dessert shops extend hours. Use apps like Yelp, Google Maps or follow New York dessert food bloggers to stay updated on hours and menu drops.
Bored of cookies and cake? Try exploring international dessert spots like Korean bingsu, Thai rolled ice cream, or Japanese mochi around Midtown and K-Town. NYC’s diversity means you can satisfy sweet cravings with global flavors—any time of night.
