Is Magnolia Bakery worth it?
Skip itLives up to the hype · +10Original West Village bakery made famous by Sex and the City, known for cupcakes and banana pudding
Usually not worth it. 4.3 on 5,337 Google reviews — modest for a viral icon — with frequent 'meh' and 'nothing special' verdicts.
Hype26How famous and hyped it is
Reality36Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.3 ★ Google · 5,337 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to Magnolia Bakery? Was it worth it?
One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.Is it worth it for you?
Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 sex and the city fans vote
The original shop is the pilgrimage, close to Carrie's stoop.
Why Reality is 36
Lives up to its fame2/54.3 on 5,337 Google reviews — modest for a viral icon — with frequent 'meh' and 'nothing special' verdicts.
Value for money3/5A few dollars for a pudding or cupcake is fair, but you're paying partly for the name.
Can’t get it elsewhere1/5Five other NYC branches (and 30+ worldwide) sell the same banana pudding.
Easy to do4/5Lines move quickly and the shop is central; no seating.
What people loved
Banana pudding is the bestseller and many reviewers call it creamy and well balancedCupcakes with high-swirled buttercream get consistent praiseLines look long but move fast; staff are friendly and efficientPretty West Village corner near the Carrie Bradshaw stoop for a TV-fan strollWhat wore them down
Many reviewers come away saying it's fine but 'meh' after the hypeBanana pudding is called one-dimensional or 'mostly cream' by someSame menu is sold at five other NYC branches, including Grand Central and Rockefeller CenterSmall, cramped shop with no seating and frequent linesKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: Walk-in only; lines are common but move quickly.
Banana puddingFrom $4.75 (4 oz) to $8.75 (16 oz) as reported in Feb 2024Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HistoryOpened 1996; a 30-second Sex and the City cameo (season 3) brought the linesSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Other NYC branchesAlso at Grand Central, Rockefeller Center, Penn Station, Bloomingdale's and Columbus Ave (UWS); 30+ stores worldwideSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
SeatingTakeaway only — no real seating inside; reviewers eat in the small park across the streetSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Hours9:30 a.m.–10 p.m., to 11 p.m. Friday–Saturday (Google)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Time needed15–20 minutesSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Getting thereBleecker St at W 11th St in the West Village; 1 train to Christopher St, a few minutes' walk; ~15 min from Times SquareSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
In their words
“I had high hopes after hearing the rave reviews but was left feeling meh. Not bad but nothing impressive.”
“The banana pudding, though, was nothing special.”
“It's touristy, no question, but the quality holds up regardless of the crowd”
“Is it the best thing I’ve ever had? Probably not. But it’s tasty and worth trying at least once”
Tips from people who went
No tips yet. Be the first to share one.
0/400 · no links · posts right away
Questions people ask
Is Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker Street the original?
Yes, 401 Bleecker St at W 11th St is the original 1996 shop.
How much is Magnolia Bakery banana pudding?
As reported in 2024, from $4.75 for 4 oz to $8.75 for 16 oz.
Which Magnolia Bakery was in Sex and the City?
The original Bleecker Street shop, where Carrie and Miranda ate cupcakes in season 3.
Is there seating at Magnolia Bakery?
Not really — it's takeaway; reviewers eat in the small park across the street.
Better fits, according to people who went
Sources
- Magnolia Bakery — official site
- Free Tours by Foot — Magnolia Bakery
- Fortune — Why Magnolia's banana pudding is famous (Feb 2024)
- Google Maps — Magnolia Bakery