Lilly’s Shakes & Crepes

- 494 8th Ave, New York, NY 10123

In a city as fast-paced as New York, finding a spot that offers a moment of pure, delightful indulgence can be a small victory. Lilly’s Shakes & Crepes, located on 8th Avenue, is that kind of place. More than just a dessert shop, it's a versatile eatery that provides a range of options from sweet treats to healthy, fresh-made meals. Known for its fantastic milkshakes and what one customer called "probably one of the best acai bowls I’ve ever had," Lilly’s has carved out a special niche for itself in the heart of Midtown. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, making it a perfect stop for anyone looking for a quick bite, a refreshing drink, or a decadent dessert.

Lilly’s is a testament to the power of a focused menu executed with care and attention to detail. The staff is consistently praised for being "fantastic and very detailed," creating a warm and welcoming environment for every visitor. Whether you’re grabbing a fresh juice after a workout, a savory crepe for lunch, or a sugary shake to satisfy a craving, you’ll find that Lilly’s delivers on both quality and flavor. This article will guide you through all the essential information about this beloved local spot, from its accessible location to its diverse menu, ensuring you know exactly why it's worth a visit.

Lilly’s Shakes & Crepes is conveniently located at 494 8th Ave, New York, NY 10123, USA. This prime location places it in the bustling heart of Midtown Manhattan, just a short walk from major transit hubs like Penn Station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and tourist destinations like Times Square and Madison Square Garden. This makes it an incredibly accessible spot for commuters, tourists, and local residents alike. A customer noted its proximity to The New Yorker hotel, making it an easy two-minute walk, further highlighting its convenience for visitors to the area.

The shop’s setup is designed for both quick service and a casual, relaxing experience. With a "lovely open window seating area," customers can enjoy their food while watching the vibrant street life of New York City. While it is noted as a "small shop with about two tables" and no public bathroom, its focus on takeout and quick-service options ensures that customers can get in and out efficiently. The long operating hours—with the shop being open "from early to late"—make it a highly accessible destination for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night dessert.

Lilly’s Shakes & Crepes provides a comprehensive range of services that cater to various needs and preferences, from a quick meal on the go to a leisurely, casual dine-in experience.

• Dine-in: The shop offers a casual seating area where customers can enjoy their food and take in the view of the street. It’s a great spot for solo dining or a small group.
• Takeout: Takeout is a primary service, ideal for those who want to grab their order and continue on their way. The entire menu, from savory wraps to sweet crepes, is perfectly packaged for portability.
• Delivery: Lilly’s offers delivery through various platforms, providing a convenient way to enjoy their shakes, crepes, and bowls from the comfort of your home or office.
• Curbside Pickup: For a quick and easy pickup, curbside service is available, allowing you to get your order without having to go inside the shop.
• No-contact Delivery: In line with modern safety practices, the restaurant offers no-contact delivery, ensuring a safe and secure transaction.
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dessert: The menu is extensive and caters to all parts of the day, making it a versatile option for any meal.

Lilly’s Shakes & Crepes has several features that set it apart and contribute to its excellent reputation in the city. These highlights are what make a visit to this place a unique and enjoyable experience.

• Amazing Acai Bowls: A top highlight is the acai bowl, which a customer enthusiastically described as one of the best they’ve ever had. The freshness of the fruit, the generous portion size, and the quality of the acai are consistently praised. The ability to customize the bowls and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests (like adding coconut flakes or swapping fruits) is a significant plus.
• Fresh Ingredients: The staff’s attention to detail, such as cutting fresh fruit for the bowls, demonstrates a commitment to quality. This focus on fresh ingredients enhances the flavor of everything on the menu, from juices to crepes.
• Wide Variety of Menu Items: Beyond acai bowls, the menu is extensive and diverse. It features a huge selection of milkshakes with popular cereal and candy flavors, fresh juices, various smoothies (including green, fruity, yogurt, and protein options), breakfast wraps, grilled cheese, pancakes, and both sweet and savory crepes.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Multiple reviews highlight the staff's kindness, politeness, and welcoming nature. The personalized service, as seen in the examples of staff member Mariam being "fantastic and very detailed," makes customers feel valued and appreciated.
• Casual and Trendy Atmosphere: The shop has a modern and hip feel, attracting a diverse crowd. It's a "good for kids" spot, making it family-friendly, while also being popular for solo dining.

For any inquiries, to place an order, or to learn more about the menu, you can contact Lilly’s Shakes & Crepes using the following information:

Address: 494 8th Ave, New York, NY 10123, USA
Phone: (646) 476-5430

The shop’s team is friendly and always ready to help you with your order, whether you’re placing it in person or over the phone.

With an extensive menu that caters to a wide range of tastes, choosing what to order at Lilly’s Shakes & Crepes can be a delightful challenge. However, based on the customer feedback and the unique offerings, there are a few items that are absolutely worth choosing for a first-time visit.

The number one item to try is the Acai Bowl. As one customer raved, it’s "probably one of the best" they’ve ever had. The large quantity and the use of fresh fruit, which is cut to order, make it a standout choice. The staff's willingness to customize the bowls is another reason to opt for this healthy yet delicious treat. The Granola Bowl and Nutella Bowl are also great options within this category.

Next on the list are the Milk Shakes. The variety is impressive, with flavors inspired by popular sweets like Kinder Bueno, Oreo, Lotus Biscoff, and even cereals like Fruity Pebbles and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. These shakes are designed to be a rich and flavorful indulgence, making them a perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth.

For something warm and comforting, the Sweet Crepes are a fantastic choice. The menu features classics like Nutella, Strawberry & Banana and S'mores Crepe, alongside unique offerings like the Royal Pistachio Crepe. These are ideal for a decadent dessert or a filling treat. For a savory meal, the Savory Crepes and Lilly’s Lunchtime Wraps are worth trying. While one customer had a mixed experience with a breakfast wrap, they found the Jerk Provolone Wrap to be "very good." This suggests that the savory wraps, in general, are a solid choice for lunch.

Finally, for a refreshing and healthy option, the Fresh Juices and Smoothies are a must-try. The fresh juices have creative and intriguing names like The Cure and The Hangover Helper, hinting at their beneficial ingredients. The smoothies are categorized by type—green, fruity, yogurt, and protein—ensuring you can find one that fits your dietary needs. The customer who tried the juice noted it was "greatly made," a testament to their quality. Overall, the combination of top-tier acai bowls, delicious shakes, and a variety of sweet and savory items makes Lilly's a destination that has something for everyone.

Lilly’s Shakes & Crepes

494 8th Ave, New York, NY 10123, USA