Serendipity 3 - Times Square

"The enormous, fancifully illustrated menu at Serendipity 3 Times Square feels like the restaurant equivalent of a Dr. Bronner’s label, or possibly the Magna Carta. On it, you’ll find a section called Guinness World Records. But ask them what makes the Golden Opulence Sundae $1,000, or the Quintessential Grilled Cheese Sandwich $214, and your inquiry might be met with a shrug. “It’s… made in a fancy way.” The rest of the food at this second location of a classic New York spot is still expensive, if not eye-poppingly so, and it's just fine. Expect diner fare like burgers, mac and cheese, and potato skins—like a Fuddruckers dressed up for a screening of Barbie. In close proximity to both tourist hotspots and the Theater District, this place is a reasonable choice for parents whose children are in need of a meal they’re all but guaranteed to enjoy (budget be damned). For everyone else, we’d hesitate to recommend it, especially considering that the genuine article is only about 15 minutes by subway. photo credit: Molly Fitzpatrick photo credit: Elena Vels photo credit: Elena Vels photo credit: Molly Fitzpatrick Nestled in a brownstone on the Upper East Side, that first Serendipity 3 (the “3” is a reference to the three co-founders) is a quirky soda fountain-esque spot, filled with antiques and known for its extravagant desserts. In operation since 1954, it’s counted Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe, and Cher among its loyal fans. The place is not not a tourist trap, but it’s also rightly beloved, particularly by children, and mostly because of its famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. What you’re really paying for at Serendipity 3, though, is Tiffany lamp-lit nostalgia, and this location’s efforts to achieve it synthetically fall short. Designed by the same architecture firm as Rice To Riches, the restaurant is in a hotel lobby, and the decor leans heavily on Warhol imagery, employing a shrooms-laced Funfetti palette of neon colors. Serendipity 3 has tried and failed to expand before—with closed locations in Boca Raton, Tokyo, DC, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, and beyond. They’ve yet to recapture the whimsical allure of the original, and the Times Square outpost is no different. Food Rundown photo credit: Molly Fitzpatrick Frrrozen Hot Chocolate The famous sundaes here may be spectacularly plated, but the ice cream itself is average, with the notable exception of the classic-for-a-reason Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. It really does taste like hot chocolate, a neat little magic trick: crunchy, milky, but still robustly chocolatey. There’s a minimum charge of $18.95 per person at Serendipity 3, and at a steep $19.95, the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate is no doubt the best way to hit that threshold. So long as you’re not planning to share it, which is, unfortunately, what we’d recommend. photo credit: Molly Fitzpatrick The Ultimate Potato Skins The flavors of the toppings all play nicely together, but the Ultimate Potato Skins could, ultimately, be crisper. photo credit: Molly Fitzpatrick Serendipity Mac N' Cheese Stouffer’s-level creamy, but bland. (This is the most basic of five macaroni and cheese options on the menu, which include vegan truffle.) photo credit: Molly Fitzpatrick Hamburger Served with a side of fluffy fries, the burger—which may or may not come with cheese, even if you ordered it that way—is juicy but underseasoned." - Molly Fitzpatrick