Sugar Rush: NYC's Best Dessert Crawl

As a pastry chef, I'm extremely picky about desserts. But these three spots? Absolutely worth the calories.

Stop 1: The Cookie

Levain Bakery - That half-pound chocolate chip walnut cookie is dangerous. Crispy outside, gooey inside, borderline overwhelming in the best way. Get it warm.

Stop 2: The Ice Cream

Van Leeuwen - They make their own ice cream from scratch, and it shows. The honeycomb is my personal favorite, but you can't go wrong.

Stop 3: The Showstopper

Dominique Ansel - Yes, the Cronut is touristy now. Yes, it's still worth it. Or try the DKA (Dominique's Kouign Amann) - fewer people know about it and it's arguably better.

The Route:

Start in Harlem at Levain (less crowded than the UWS location). Hit Van Leeuwen in East Village. Finish at Dominique Ansel in Soho. Total walking time between spots: about an hour. Perfect for working off the calories before the next stop.

Pro Chef Tips:

At Levain, the cookies are best within 2 hours of baking. Ask when the next batch comes out.

At Van Leeuwen, don't be afraid to ask for samples. Try before you commit.

At Dominique Ansel, weekday mornings = shorter lines.

The Science:

Why do these places stand out? Quality ingredients, proper technique, and respect for the craft. You can taste the difference when someone actually knows what they're doing.

Fair Warning:

This crawl is not for amateurs. Bring friends. Share everything. Hydrate between stops. Consider it a marathon, not a sprint.

Your dentist might hate me for this guide, but your taste buds will love me.