Cupcake Cafe

Reviews

• Janet K.

  star star star star star 17 February 2021

  I love,love,love the Cupcake Cafe. My family has been buying their cakes and cupcakes from the Cupcake Cafe for over 20 years. I don't live in NY anymore, but any time I am in the area I head straight to the Cafe. They were creating buttercream masterpieces long before cakes had bosses or cupcakes went to war.
  
  I was heartbroken earlier this year when I thought they had closed for good. I was so happy to hear they just moved uptown to 49th Street ( which was a good thing because the 39th street location was a bit dodgy tbh). I'll be back in NY this weekend and can't wait to stop by.

• Jayson S.

  star star star star star_border 15 February 2021

  So happy that this NYC institution has found a new home. still one of the best bakery for special occasions.

• Arlene A.

  star star star star star 10 February 2021

  I will preface this review by saying it will be written through the tinted lenses of nostalgia, but since I no longer live in the NYC area and see that it's still open and operating, feel absolutely compelled to write this. I first encountered one of their fantastic cupcakes back in the early 90's, when a friend had them catered in for a work party and recall being flabbergasted at how delicious and aesthetically beautiful they were. I used to go and pick up cupcakes and cakes for any very special occasion, and their recipients used to be floored at their beauty.
  After a while, I left NYC and new cupcakes and bakeries captured my attention. I moved on, and since have forgotten this wonderful bakery. Recently, noticed some beautiful floral cake designs somewhere that instantly brought my memory back to the craftsmanship of Cupcake Cafe. I realize now how far ahead of the curve they were on the whole cupcake craze. I'm sad to see the cafe is closed, those beautiful cupcakes were a part of so many wonderful memories.

• Adam S.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 31 January 2021

  Such a strange, awkward place.  Their cupcakes look cute.  And it seemed busy.  With newspapers stacked atop their iPad computer terminal, and a funky Santa Claus-esque cashier, this place really turned me off.  With an espresso machine that "doesn't serve lattes" and a selection of teas that doesn't have a menu, it can be a challenge to order anything in the front section of the "cafe." When I asked what teas they had, the cashier didn't really seem like he wanted to serve me or tell me what they had.  At least in the back where they keep the cupcakes, you can see what you are considering ordering.  
  
  While they have plenty of seating and free wifi, the wifi is painfully slow and there wasn't an electrical outlet in sight.  If you can avoid this place, avoid it.  
  
  For other coffeeshops in the neighborhood: FIKA is around the corner at 41st and 10th - you'll have a better experience there.  Kahve, another local coffeeshop, is on 52nd and 9th.  Cupcakes I can't speak for, although they look pretty.  Needless to say, there are many better cupcake bakeries in NYC...Billy's Bakery is just down the block in Chelsea near 21st and 9th. Worth making the short trip to avoid this place.

• Caroline S.

  star star star star star 29 January 2021

  Love this little hidden spot. Its so easy to miss when passing by, but after stepping in Im always welcomed by the familiarity of its cozy interior (the gruffy lumberjack santa ish barista helps too). He's super nice btw.
  
  Their coffee is yummy (La Colombe) and most importantly, their cupcakes are fucking amazing. The only reason I trek out to Bumfuck, 9th avenue is for these holy cupcakes.
  
  Beautiful frosting artwork + sweet but not too sweet just the riiight amount of sweet cupcakes = shut up and take my money/caloric input.