Magnolia Bakery
The lines get long and lively at this West Village institution, a sacred space for New Yorkers long before Chris Parnell and Andy Samberg immortalized its lowbrow delicacies on Saturday Night Live. That skit, a low-concept, low-budget music video parody, was widely said to be the first interesting thing SNL had done in years, which isn't surprising--the goodies here are known to inspire. The primary draws are the cupcakes, manageably sized, firm and flavorful vessels for the delivery of Magnolia's unrivaled icings, fitting crowns for baking royalty. (Cakes, cookies and puddings here are all baked with great accomplishment, as well).
Magnolia has some of the best cupcakes in the city. And some of the best celebrity-watching as well.
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