Serendipity 3

You'd never guess that this whimsical place was once a top stop on Andy Warhol's itinerary. Wonders never cease -- and neither does the confection at this delightful restaurant and sweets shop. Tucked into a cozy brownstone a few steps from Bloomingdale's, happy people gather here at marble-topped ice-cream-parlor tables for burgers and foot-long hot dogs, country meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, and salads and sandwiches with cute names like "The Catcher in the Rye" (their own twist on the BLT, with chicken and Russian dressing -- on rye, of course). The food isn't great, but the main courses aren't the point -- they're just an excuse to get to the desserts. The restaurant's signature is frozen hot chocolate, a slushy version of everybody's cold-weather favorite, but other crowd-pleasers include dark double devil mousse, celestial carrot cake, lemon icebox pie, and anything with hot fudge. So cast that willpower aside and come on in -- Serendipity is an irony-free charmer to be appreciated by adults and kids alike. Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Price

Main courses $7-$18; sweets and sundaes $5-$17 (most under $10),I

Credit Cards Accepted

AE, DC, DISC, MC, V

Reservations

Reservations accepted for lunch and dinner (not just dessert)

Directions

Subway: N, R to Lexington Ave.; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St

Area

Btwn Second and Third Aves

Hours

Sun-Thurs 11:30am-midnight; Fri 11:30am-1am; Sat 11:30am-2am

Information by Frommers