Serendipity 3 - Upper East Side

225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022, United States
+1 646-212-1442
$$$ American restaurant , Dessert restaurant , Restaurant
(6413 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Serendipity 3 - Upper East Side stands out as a classic American restaurant with a strong dessert focus nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side. Known for its playful yet cozy vibe, this spot has cultivated a loyal following over decades, especially among families and groups looking to combine hearty comfort food with indulgent sweets.

The atmosphere balances retro charm with a bustling energy, especially on weekends and afternoons when the place fills up quickly. Booking ahead is practically a necessity, as the dining room can get quite crowded — locals know this well and tend to plan visits accordingly, often reserving for special occasions or leisurely weekend meals. The interior décor notably shines during holidays, adding a festive layer to the experience.

On the savory side, the menu offers a broad range of comfort-forward dishes with standout items like Grandma Holts Fried Chicken Sandwich, The Infamous Truffel Burger, and their creative takes on American staples such as chili cheese dogs and truffle mac and cheese. These dishes have a solid reputation for satisfying appetites with generous portions and rich flavors, making it a great stop for those craving filling, approachable American fare.

Where Serendipity 3 really sets itself apart is with its desserts and signature beverages. Their Frrrozen Hot Chocolate has become a local icon—thick, perfectly balanced between sweet and rich, and topped with a fluffy whipped cream that many suspect is made in-house. It’s popular enough that even visitors grabbing it “to go” walk away impressed. Other dessert highlights include the Forbidden Broadway Sundae, Chocolate Blackout Cake, and the Creme De La Creme Cheesecake. For those dining with kids, there are sweet treats like the Kid’s Cake Batter Scoop that keep younger diners engaged and happy.

Service here tends to be thoughtful and knowledgeable; waitstaff often go out of their way to accommodate families and larger groups. They’re attentive to pacing meals so that kids get fed first and the table's flow feels relaxed despite the busy setting.

Serendipity 3 fits well into the Upper East Side’s mix of casual dining destinations with a bit of theatrical flair. It’s a place where locals celebrate milestones, indulge in comforting classics, and enjoy moments that strike a balance between hearty meals and playful dessert experiences. Visiting in the afternoon or early evening, particularly on a weekend, captures its lively spirit best.

Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves wine
Best for
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Does not have assistive hearing loop
No wheelchair-accessible car park
Parking
Paid multi-storey car park
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Difficult to find a space

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

6413 Reviews
James Gibney

19 Dec 2025

We had the Buffalo Chicken Bites and Potato Skins as appetizers which were excellent. The kids sliders and Cheese Burger were amazing. We landed the desert dismount with the Peanut Butter Frozen Hot Chocolate, Can’t Say No Sunday, and the Kid’s Cake batter Scoop. We’ve been here multiple times over the past two decades and Serendipity 3 always delivers. Grateful for landmarks that we can share with our kids. Such a fund place for a multi-generational memories.

Keiron Miles

18 Dec 2025

My first time having the iconic frozen hot chocolate! 11 out of 10! This thing is fantastic. Thought maybe the chocolate would be too rich, but it was perfect. That whipped cream I think is homemade – the perfect fluff. I got it “to go” because I was pressed for time and it was phenomenal. And it slurped through the straw just fine. I went around 4 PM and it was BUSY.

Mookie

10 Dec 2025

Booking a reservation for this store was nothing short of a miracle. When we arrived, they had to make accommodations for the additional seating of two kids plus 6 adults. Please if you get the opportunity to book in advance do so. They get packed on a Sunday. Our waiter , Gio was exceptional. He knew the best recommendations for all of our dishes. He made sure the kids got there food first as they were the first to get antsy. All in all , with gigantic proportions we managed to take most of the food home. It was a birthday for my nephew and he stated "This is the best restaurant ever!" Success. In a way that's all we needed to hear. Adorable decor for the entire family.

Boston Ma

15 Nov 2025

This place is great. Went here for my birthday. Love the vibe, the decor is amazing, especially during the holidays. Service is always great. Drinks were good, food hmmm not a fan. But the dessert was amazing. Definitely will come back. We booked a reservations.

jymer1102

16 Oct 2025

It was so filling, the staff were very nice, and I got a souveneir spoon with my frozen hot chocolate, which they are famous for. Everything was so overpriced. They had a Golden Opulence Sunday that cost freaking one thousand dollars! I would love to try it sometime, I just don't have that type of money. It was very good though. If you get the frozen hot chocolate, I recommend eating the hot chocolate part, the whipped cream is so thick and filling.

Katy Lamers

08 Oct 2025

I have been wanting to go hear since the movie Serendipity came out! It was on my bucket list and I am SO glad I got to go this trip to NYC. It was even more whimsical and fabulous than I imagined and the frozen hot chocolate was everything I had hoped it would be and more! I ordered the Thai salad and it was extremely fresh and delightful, huge portion with loads of flavor. My friend had a beautiful BLT that she loved and we both had the best time enjoying the brightly decorated room upstairs. We made a reservation and got seated quickly when we arrived. There is lots of fun stuff you can parooz around while you wait, all super colorful. I seriously can’t wait to go back!! The staff was so friendly, kind, attentive and efficient. I ordered what my girl recommended and had no regrets because it was SO yum! I appreciate y’all so much and the space is wonderful, enchanting and a party all at once!

Laura Lee

18 Sep 2025

Serendipity in NYC is such a fun and memorable experience! The decor alone sets the tone—playful, whimsical, and full of personality—making it feel like a true destination rather than just a restaurant. What really stood out, though, was how gluten-free friendly the menu is. There are plenty of options, and the staff is knowledgeable and accommodating, which makes dining there feel stress-free and inclusive. The service was excellent from start to finish—warm, attentive, and genuinely happy to help with menu questions or modifications. Add in the lively vibe, delicious food, and that signature Serendipity charm, and it’s easy to see why this place is so beloved. A must-visit whether you’re gluten-free or just looking for a joyful NYC dining experience!

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