Serendipity 3 - Upper East Side Introduce
Welcome to Serendipity 3, an iconic American restaurant located in the heart of the Upper East Side. For over 60 years, this legendary establishment has been a staple of New York City's culinary scene, beloved by locals and tourists alike for its whimsical decor, classic comfort food, and, most famously, its decadent desserts. Stepping into Serendipity 3 feels like entering a fantastical world, with Tiffany lamps, unique sculptures, and an enchanting, historic atmosphere that makes every visit a special occasion. Whether you're a longtime New Yorker or visiting the city for the first time, Serendipity 3 offers a dining experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. It's not just a meal; it's a memorable moment that captures the playful spirit of New York City.
Serendipity 3 is a place where you can find something to satisfy every craving. The menu features a wide variety of classic American dishes, from savory burgers and footlong hot dogs to comforting mac 'n' cheese and a selection of fresh salads. But let's be honest, the real stars of the show are the desserts. The restaurant is internationally renowned for its extravagant sweet treats, especially the legendary Frozen Hot Chocolate, a creamy, slushy concoction that has been a favorite for generations. This dessert, along with other creations, has made Serendipity 3 a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Beyond the food, what sets Serendipity 3 apart is its vibrant and welcoming environment. It’s a place that's good for kids, perfect for a family outing, and a welcoming space for everyone, including groups and the LGBTQ+ community. The service is known for being quick and friendly, ensuring that even when the restaurant is busy, you'll feel well taken care of. From the moment you walk in, the attentive staff makes you feel at home, ready to guide you through the menu and help you create a perfect dining experience. It's this combination of delicious food, spectacular desserts, and exceptional service that has cemented Serendipity 3’s place as a cherished New York City institution.
The restaurant’s history is as rich as its desserts, with a legacy that includes frequent visits from celebrities and appearances in popular films. This history adds an extra layer of allure, making a visit here feel like a step back in time to a more charming, magical era of dining. It's a place where childhood dreams and adult nostalgia meet, creating a truly unique and joyful experience. As you plan your visit, it’s worth noting that reservations are highly recommended, especially for brunch and dinner, as the restaurant is incredibly popular and often has a wait. This speaks to its enduring appeal and the delightful reputation it has earned over decades.
Serendipity 3 is conveniently located at 225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022, USA. Situated in the charming and bustling Upper East Side, the restaurant is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. For those driving, paid parking is available in nearby parking garages, lots, and on the street. Public transit is an excellent option, with several subway lines and bus routes serving the area. The location is just a short walk from major transit hubs, making it a convenient stop whether you're coming from another part of Manhattan or the outer boroughs.
The restaurant is committed to being accessible to everyone. The entrance, restrooms, and seating areas are all wheelchair accessible. This dedication to inclusivity ensures that all guests, regardless of mobility, can comfortably enjoy the unique and delightful atmosphere of Serendipity 3. The surrounding neighborhood is also a delight to explore, with numerous shops and attractions within walking distance, making it easy to turn your visit into a full day of sightseeing and fun.
Serendipity 3 offers a variety of services to accommodate all dining preferences and needs.
- Onsite Dining: Enjoy the full, whimsical experience of dining inside the restaurant with table service.
- Dine-in: Sit down and be served by the friendly and efficient staff.
- Takeout: Order your favorite dishes and desserts to enjoy at home or on the go.
- Catering: Plan an event and have Serendipity 3 cater your next gathering with their famous dishes.
- Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which are highly recommended, especially for brunch and dinner, to avoid a long wait.
- Dessert: Indulge in an incredible selection of cakes, pies, and their world-famous Frozen Hot Chocolate.
- Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner: Serendipity 3 offers a full menu for all three main meals of the day, with a dedicated kids' menu available for younger guests.
What makes Serendipity 3 a standout destination in New York City? Here are a few key highlights that contribute to its timeless appeal:
- Fast Service: Despite its popularity and frequent crowds, the restaurant is known for its quick and efficient service, ensuring you get your food and desserts in a timely manner.
- Great Desserts: This is a must-mention. The dessert menu is legendary, featuring treats like the Frozen Hot Chocolate and extravagant cakes that are a major draw for customers.
- Historic and Cozy Atmosphere: The interior is a feast for the eyes, with its historic charm and unique decor creating a warm and inviting environment.
- Vegan Options: The menu includes a variety of vegan dishes, such as the Vegan Black Bean Burger and Vegan Truffle Mac, ensuring there's something for everyone.
- Family-Friendly: With a dedicated kids' menu, high chairs, and a welcoming environment, it’s a great place to bring the whole family.
- Extensive Beverage Menu: Serendipity 3 offers a full bar with cocktails, beer, wine, and a great selection of coffee and tea.
- LGBTQ+ Friendly: The restaurant prides itself on being a safe and welcoming space for all, including the LGBTQ+ and transgender communities.
- Accepts Reservations: To manage the high demand, the restaurant wisely accepts reservations, making it easier for visitors to plan their trip.
- Address: 225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022, USA
- Phone: (212) 838-3531
For anyone considering a visit to Serendipity 3, the experience is about more than just a meal; it's about the ambiance, the history, and the iconic desserts. The menu is a delightful mix of classic American comfort food, perfect for a satisfying brunch, lunch, or dinner. Customers consistently praise the quality of the burgers, such as the Bacon BBQ Cheeseburger and the Infamous Truffle Burger, as well as the variety of hot dogs and sandwiches. The loaded fries, in their various forms, are a popular choice and the salads, like Miss Milton's Cobb, offer a lighter, yet equally delicious, option.
However, the ultimate reason to choose Serendipity 3 is to indulge in its famous sweet treats. The Frozen Hot Chocolate is an absolute must-try, an experience that has become a rite of passage for many New Yorkers. Customers rave about this signature dessert, which is perfect for sharing and brings a sense of wonder to the table. Beyond that, the cakes and pies are large, rich, and perfect for satisfying any sweet craving. The Blackout Cake and Creme de la Creme Cheesecake are particularly popular choices.
The warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with the quick, friendly service, makes this a standout choice for any occasion, from a romantic date night to a fun family outing. The fact that it's good for kids and offers a variety of seating options, including high chairs, makes it a stress-free option for families. The restaurant is also a go-to spot for celebrations, with many customers choosing it for kids' birthdays and other special events. It’s a place that fosters joy and a sense of shared experience, whether you're a local or a tourist. With its unique blend of great food, unforgettable desserts, and a magical atmosphere, Serendipity 3 stands as a truly unique and beloved institution in the city.
Serendipity 3 - Upper East Side Menu
BEGINNINGS
- THE ULTIMATE POTATO SKINS $17.95
Gluten Free. Loaded with nachos cheese, bacon, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, tajin & micro cilantro.
- NOT YO' ORDINARY NACHOS $20.95
- GUAC & CHIPS $15.95
Gluten Free
- QUESO & CHIPS $13.95
Gluten Free
- TEX - MEX CHILI & CHIPS $15.95
Gluten Free.
- THE SERENDIPITY 3 $20.95
Gluten Free. Guacamole, Tex Mex chili & Queso & chips.
- FRIED MOZZARELLA $18.95
Tomato sauce & Parmigiano Reggiano.
- BOOM BOOM SHRIMP $20.95
Gluten Free option available (grilled). Jumbo shrimp, spicy mayo, scallions, & lime.
- ALL AMERICAN WAGYU SLIDERS $20.95
American cheese, special sauce, lettuce & tomato.
- CRISPY BUTTERMILK CHICKEN TENDERS $19.95
Served with honey mustard.
- BONELESS BUFFALO BITES $20.95
Served with pickles, blue cheese crumbles & dressing.
- CRISPY CHICKEN & LEMONGRASS DUMPLINGS $18.95
Asian peanut sauce, scallions & sesame.
- GENERAL TSO'S CAULIFLOWER $18.95
Cauliflower, tempura, sweet chili, scallions, sesame.
BURGERS
- HAMBURGER $25.95
With Special Sauce. Served with French Fries, lettuce, and tomato.
- CHEESEBURGER $27.95
American cheese, with Special Sauce. Served with French Fries, lettuce, and tomato.
- BACON BBQ CHEESEBURGER $29.95
Bacon, onion rings, mayo, american cheese, honey bbq sauce. Served with French Fries, lettuce, and tomato.
- CHILI CHEESEBURGER $28.95
Tex Mex chili, american cheese, cheddar-jack cheese, with Special Sauce. Served with French Fries, lettuce, and tomato.
- INFAMOUS TRUFFLE BURGER $31.95
Boursin cheese, truffle vinaigrette, black truffle mayo. Served with French Fries, lettuce, and tomato.
- VEGAN BLACK BEAN BURGER $28.95
Gluten Free. Spicy vegan mayo, vegan cheese, guacamole, pickled onions. Served with French Fries, lettuce, and tomato.
- JALAPENO JACK BURGER $29.95
Pickled jalapenos, pepper-jack cheese, shredded cheddar-jack cheese, onion ring, with chipotle mayo. Served with French Fries, lettuce, and tomato.
- BREAKFAST BURGER $30.95
American cheese, bacon, with fried egg. Served with French Fries, lettuce, and tomato.
- PEPPERONI PIZZA BURGER $29.95
Marinara sauce, grated mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, with micro basil garnish. Served with Parmesan French Fries, lettuce, and tomato.
- NACHO BURGER $28.95
Queso, crushed tortilla chips, pico de gallo, micro cilantro garnish, with side ramekin of queso. Served with French Fries, lettuce, and tomato.
FOOTLONGS
- CLASSIC FOOTLONG $19.95
Gulden's mustard. Served with French Fries.
- CHILI CHEESE DOG $22.95
Cheese sauce, cheddar-jack cheese, chopped onion, Tex Mex chili. Served with French Fries.
- BACON CHEESE DOG $21.95
Cheese sauce, chopped bacon, cheddar-jack cheese. Served with French Fries.
- BUFFALO DOG $23.95
Buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, chopped celery. Served with French Fries.
- ITALIAN STALLION $24.95
Marinara sauce, grated mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, with micro basil garnish. Served with Parmesan French Fries.
- CHICAGO DOG $23.95
Chopped pickles, chopped red and green bell peppers, chopped tomato, crispy onions, with side ramekin of mustard. Served with French Fries.
- MAC N CHEESE DOG $26.95
Kids sized portion of Mac N Cheese, grated cheddar jack cheese, with panko breadcrumbs. Served with French Fries.
FRIES & SIDES
- CLASSIC FRIES $10.95
Classic French Fries.
- CHEESE FRIES $11.95
Classic French Fries with cheese sauce and shredded cheddar jack cheese on top.
- LOADED FRIES $16.95
Classic French Fries with cheese sauce, bacon, honey bbq, and scallions.
- TRUFFLE - PARM FRIES $15.95
Classic French Fries tossed in Italian seasoning and truffle oil, with shaved Parmigiano Reggiano on top.
- CHILI CHEESE FRIES $15.95
Classic French Fries, cheese sauce, Tex Mex chili and shredded cheddar jack cheese.
- BUFFALO SPICED FRIES $11.95
Classic French Fries, tossed in buffalo spice.
- ONION RINGS $12.95
Crispy breaded onion rings.
- PARM FRIES $13.95
Classic French Fries, tossed in Italian seasoning and topped with shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.
- SIDE CAESAR $8.95
Iceberg lettuce, Caesar dressing, croutons and Parmigiano Reggiano.
- SIDE HOUSE SALAD $8.95
Iceberg lettuce, simple house vinaigrette, pickled red onions, croutons, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.
MAC N CHEESE
- MAC N CHEESE $20.95
Classic creamy Mac N' Cheese.
- CHILI MAC $22.95
Creamy Mac N' Cheese with Tex Mex chili.
- BACON MAC $22.95
Creamy Mac N' Cheese with crispy bacon.
- TRUFFLE MAC $25.95
Creamy Mac N' Cheese with 4 cheeses, truffle oil and black truffles.
- VEGAN TRUFFLE MAC $25.95
Creamy Mac N' Cheese with vegan cheese, truffle oil and black truffles.
SALADS
- THE MONET $21.95
Gluten Free. Baby arugula, strawberry, avocado, candied walnuts, blue cheese crumbles, and balsamic vinaigrette.
- MISS MILTONS COBB $30.95
Cobb Salad & Fried Chicken with bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and classic toppings.
- CALVIN'S CAESAR SALAD $21.95
Creamy dressing, croutons, and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.
- CLASSIC WEDGE $21.95
Gluten Free. Iceberg, bacon, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and blue cheese.
- THAI PEANUT SALAD $23.95
Cabbage, pea shoots, bell peppers, red onion, cilantro, mint, scallions, peanuts, mandarin oranges, sesame, wonton strips, lime, and Asian peanut dressing.
- IT'S GREEK TO ME $21.95
Romaine, feta cheese, cherry tomato, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, green bell pepper, and Greek dressing.
SANDWICHES
- ULTIMATE BLT $23.95
On 'Brioche Toast' with Special Sauce. Served with French Fries.
- GRILLED YOUNG CHICKEN SANDWICH $29.95
Blackened grilled chicken breast, avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pepperjack cheese, and spicy mayo. Served with French Fries.
- FISH TACOS $26.95
Battered codfish, pickled onion, coleslaw, lettuce, cilantro, lime, and spicy mayo. Served with French Fries.
- BUFFALO CHICKEN SANDWICH $29.95
Crispy fried chicken tossed in buffalo sauce with crumbled blue cheese, blue cheese dressing, and pickles. Served with French Fries.
- GRANDMA HOLTS FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH $29.95
Pickles, Coleslaw, Honey BBQ, and Chick'n Dip'n sauce. Served with French Fries.
- VEGAN CHICKEN TACOS $28.95
Breaded vegan chicken, pickled onion, lettuce, pico de gallo, lime, and spicy vegan mayo. Served with French Fries.
SIDE SAUCES
- MAYO $1.00
- GULDEN'S MUSTARD $1.00
- MAPLE SYRUP $1.00
- BBQ SAUCE $2.00
- SPECIAL SAUCE $2.00
- BOOM BOOM SAUCE $2.00
- HONEY MUSTARD $2.00
- RANCH $2.00
- BLUE CHEESE DRESSING $2.00
- BUFFALO SAUCE $2.00
- CHEESE SAUCE $2.00
- CHICK N DIP SAUCE $2.00
- CHIPOTLE MAYO $2.00
- MARINARA $2.00
- SOUR CREAM $2.00
- PEANUT SAUCE $2.00
- SWEET CHILI $2.00
- TRUFFLE MAYO $4.95
- SPICY VEGAN MAYO $2.00
- VEGAN MAYO $2.00
- BALSAMIC VIN $2.00
- VEGAN TRUFFLE MAYO $4.95
SWEETS
- BLACKOUT CAKE $19.95
- CREME DE LA CREME CHEESECAKE $18.95
- ULTIMATE CREME CHEESECAKE $20.95
- OVER THE RAINBOW CAKE $19.95
- HUMBLE PIE $18.95
- BIRTHDAY CAKE $18.95
- "BIG APPLE" PIE $18.95
- SOUTHERN PECAN PIE $16.95
N/A BEVERAGE TO-GO
- CAN OF COKE $5.00
- CAN OF DIET COKE $5.00
- CAN OF 7-UP $5.00
- CAN OF GINGER ALE $5.00
- CAN OF ORANGE FANTA $5.00
- CAN OF ICED TEA $5.00
Serendipity 3 - Upper East Side Details
Service options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Assistive hearing loop
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- Good for kids birthday
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Serendipity 3 - Upper East Side Photos










Serendipity 3 - Upper East Side Location
Serendipity 3 - Upper East Side
225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022, USA
Serendipity 3 - Upper East Side Reviews
frozen hot chocolatemoviesundaewhipped creambanana splittourist trapfudgegift shopandy warholblackout cake
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We loved Serendipity!!! I made a reservation online about a week in advance, thank God I did. It was so busy! My husband and I and our 2 girls (ages 6 & 9) loved all our food and desserts! My husband got a bacon cheese hot dog and I got the truffle burger. Both amazing. We all had more fries than we could eat. We also got the frozen hot chocolate to share, and each daughter got 1 scoop of ice cream with a topping, which was also more than they could eat. Despite it being packed and needing a reservation, our food came out super quickly. I was really impressed by that. And our waiter, Leo, was SO friendly, which made the overall vibe amazing. We hope to be back next time we visit the city!!
June 27 · Samantha CyrPersonally I didn't love the food I ordered which was chicken waffle and boneless. But I saw more dishes around me that looked interesting and of course the huge desserts looked amazing. I might come back again to try those. The service was very good, super quick and super friendly waiters.
July 12 · J. Yesenia DelgadoWe stopped in Serendipity 3 for a quick snack and a glass of wine during a busy touring day. We were able to walk in and get a table for two. Service was great -- the only thing that was odd was we got our food before our wine. I am not sure what caused the delay on that -- but once we did get our wine everything was fine. We did the guacamole and chips and the boom boom shrimp. Both were great though -- the atmosphere is iconic and fun to be in and we enjoyed our time.
April 07 · Jennifer WilliamsonOne of our favorite stops in NYC. I will say i miss the traditional look. It’s all modern and it has lost its original feel. Still has great food and the absolute best deserts!! We got the frozen hot chocolate and the outrageous banana split. These are both shareable and FANTASTIC!! The server was very friendly too. Highly recommend!!
March 23 · David HoffhinesSuch a fun and unique treat if you’re going to experience New York! The atmosphere is one-of-a-kind, sure to make you feel like a kid again. Then throw in the over-the-top desserts and it’s hard not to have a good time here. And such a friendly staff! Randy greeted us at the door, making us feel incredibly welcome (not always a common experience in NY). Super grateful I finally got to experience this, it def lived up to the hype!
June 13 · JJ Barrows
More Best Restaurants Near Me

227 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

217 E 60th St, New York, NY 10065, USA

238 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

208 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

206 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

200 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

1145 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

1155 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

207 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

201 E 61st St, New York, NY 10065, USA

1165 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

1165 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Bites & Banter Posts





