Where to Find Cupcakes in New York City - Uptown, Midtown and Downtown

Cupcakes are the perfect treat for a midday snack or a birthday party. New York City has some of the best varieties of cupcakes and because of the growing popularity there are delicious cupcakes to be found all over Manhattan. In most every neighborhood you'll find a variety of homemade specialty bakery shops where cupcakes are taken very seriously. If you're in the mood for just one or a dozen you'll never be far from a great cupcake shop. And out-of-town visitors should definitely put visiting a cupcake shop on their must-do list when visiting the city. Here's a guide to some of the best cupcake shops in Manhattan:

Magnolia Bakery:

This is one of the original cupcake shops that spawned the cupcake trend. There are four locations throughout Manhattan as well as locations in LA and Dubai! The prices are higher than at other shops because of its notoriety, but they are yummy. Try the Coconut, Pumpkin or Sno-Cap.

Cupcake cost: $2.75-$3.25

Locations: West Village at 401 Bleecker St between Perry and W. 11th Sts.

Upper West Side at 200 Columbus Ave between W 68th and 69th Sts.

Rockefeller Center at 1240 Sixth Avenue between W 49th and 50th Sts.

Grand Central Terminal in the Lower Level dining concourse

Buttercup Bakeshop:

If you're near Magnolia on the Upper West Side - but on a budget - try this cupcake place out for a cheaper price but still tasty treat. Try the "Devil Dog," German Chocolate or Hummingbird.

Cupcake cost: $2.25

Locations: Midtown East at 973 2nd Avenue between E. 51st and 52nd Streets.
Upper West Side at 141 West 72nd Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Aves.

Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery:

This inviting hangout is owned and run by two gals - one of them used to work at Magnolia. Try the Sunshine, Pistachio or Lemon Yummy.

Cupcake cost: $1.50

Location: Lower East Side at 126 Rivington St between Essex and Norfolk Sts.

Tribeca Treats:

These tasty cakes are a tad smaller than other places but still delish. The bakery is located at the rear of the store. Try the Red Velvet, Hot Chocolate or Boston Creme.

Cupcake cost: $2

Location: Tribeca at 94 Reade St. between Church St. and Broadway

Two Little Red Hens:

This uptown spot has big cupcakes and a big price tag. Try the Brooklyn Blackout, Butter Lane or Raspberry Jam.

Cupcake cost: $4

Location: Upper East Side at 1652 Second Ave between E. 85th and 86th Sts.

Billy's Bakery:

The store has a 1940s era classic-American homey feel. Try the Holiday, Yellow Daisy or Carrot.

Cupcake cost: $2.50 - $3

Locations: Chelsea at 184 Ninth Ave between W. 21st and 22nd Sts.
Tribeca at 75 Franklin St between Church St. and Broadway.

Eleni's Cookies:

This place has mixed reviews. Try the Oreo, Banana Split or Chocolate Peanut Butter.

Cupcake cost: $2.95

Location: Chelsea in the Chelsea Market at 75 Ninth Ave between W. 15th and 16th Sts.

Crumbs Bake Shop:

This is a big chain that has stores in a lot of locations through out Manhattan. So if you have a need for a cupcake and can't find any of the above place Crumbs is a decent substitute. Try Toffee Coffee, Salted Caramel or Cookies and Cream.

Cupcake cost: $3.85

Locations: Wall Street at 87 Beaver St between Pearl and Hanover Sts.
Midtown West at 43 W. 42nd St between Fifth and Sixth Aves.

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