Fall—the optimal season for the sensitive and contemplative, when the beauty of change elevates the spirit. The air is restless and cold, the earth warm and bountiful—a yin and yang reflected in autumnal flavors. While you might not be able to count on the Weather app for optimal dressing, New Yorkers can always count on the abundance of festive sweet treats as the weather cools and sunsets come sooner. For those who prefer their fall vegetables with a hearty side of sugar, here’s a curated list of NYC’s fall-themed delicacies essential for savoring the season
Petit Chou
229 1st Ave | $
Apple Monkey Bread, courtesy of @milesformunchies on Instagram
Petit Chou has the habit of turning modest ingredients into luxurious treats in a typical French fashion. The apple monkey bread transforms the light fruit into a hearty, rich dessert–perfect for packing on a few pounds before winter hibernation. They seem to favor apples as an ingredient considering how an apple dessert is almost always at the forefront of their fall menu. Not that we’re complaining, but pumpkin usually gets the spotlight for fall treats (no shade). Whether you’re on Team Apple or Team Pumpkin, it’ll be nearly impossible to choose just one dessert off their menu (a recurring theme). Between their apple crumb Danish, apple puff, pumpkin Danish, and pumpkin eclair, Petit Chou will keep you coming back for seconds, thirds, and fourths… wait, is it Christmas already?
Felix Roasting Co.
145 Greene St. (multiple locations) | $$
Hickory Smoked S’mores Latte, courtesy of Neeha Kakanuru
The moment I stepped inside, I half-expected to be prompted by a card reader asking me to pay a fee just to breathe the air. Felix Roasting Co. boasts the most extravagant and luxurious interiors of any café on this list, and that same indulgence is reflected in their craft. The latte took its time getting ready before arriving in my hand, taking a sauna bath through a glass smoker before being topped with a freshly roasted marshmallow. However, its smoky sweet scent alone evaporated any thought of the impending credit card debt I’d accrue. It took me an hour to get through the hundred or so layers of chocolate, espresso, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet marshmallow goodness of the first sip, or so it felt. After downing the other four sips, I remembered I had walked in the door a devout iced coffee drinker and walked out with a hot coffee tumbler added to my Amazon cart. This latte is life-changing– a must-order for any coffee lover of any creed. Just do yourself a favor and pretend you’re paying with Monopoly money.
Maman
239 Centre St. (multiple locations) | $
Almond Brownie Croissant, courtesy of Neeha Kakanuru
If you’re an NYU student, chances are you’ve been to Maman at least once. But if you’re avoiding the area during the fall semester, you’re missing out on a quintessential aspect of the Maman experience. Make no mistake - Maman takes fall seriously, adding over 15 new pastries and drinks to their menu. The bakery puts a unique twist on classic fall flavors, like the pumpkin pie croissant cube and apple chai pecan roll, while also introducing new ones, like the pistachio caramel brioche and whipped cinnamon honey cappuccino. The almond brownie croissant caught my eye for its gravity-defying shape, and having been familiar with Maman’s brownie game (give their nutella brownie a try!) I knew this treat wouldn’t disappoint. The soft, rich, brownie bottom complements the light, crunchy croissant shell perfectly, and a lingering toasted almond flavor carries a touch of fall essence to bring it all together. This fan-favorite spot remains beloved for a reason - there’s something for everyone, with absolutely no compromise on quality or quantity.
Red Gate Bakery
68 E 1st St | $
Pumpkin Olive Oil Loaf, courtesy of Neeha Kakanuru
I find that pumpkin often suffers from a lack of delicate handling and love. Its soft, mellow flavor is frequently drowned out by seasonal spices and copious amounts of sugar (looking at you, Starbucks PSL). But the humble pumpkin deserves to be celebrated for its own strengths instead of being used as a prop, and Red Gate Bakery’s pumpkin loaf does exactly that. They pay true homage to fall’s essence, blending classic autumn flavors into a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness. As Thanksgiving approaches, I can be sure that you’ll add Red Gate Bakery to your gratitude once you bite into this pumpkin and cinnamon-flavored cloud!
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
30 W 8th St. | $
Salted Maple Latte, courtesy of Neeha Kakanuru
Black leather jackets and iced coffee - two things that never go out of season, no matter what anyone says. And while maple is a year-round commodity too, it shines brightest in the fall, standing out among the rest of the seasonal flavors. The rich, sticky sweetness of maple complements warm spices perfectly and works in practically any form, from pastries to drinks. Stumptown Coffee captures this versatility in what can only be described as a pancake in a cup. Their maple latte delivers the comforting warmth of a syrup-drenched pancake breakfast in drinkable form, blending the deep, caramel-like tones of maple syrup with the robust bitterness of their signature espresso. It’s the ultimate fall indulgence for coffee lovers - a perfect balance of cozy and bold, sweet but not overpowering. Whether you’re sipping it iced or hot, this drink is a must-try to fully immerse yourself in the flavors of fall.
As fall wraps up its fleeting but magical stay, indulging in these seasonal delicacies becomes a way to capture the season's essence before winter's chill sets in. New York City’s offerings—ranging from decadent lattes to expertly crafted pastries—remind us why autumn holds a special place in our hearts (and taste buds). Whether it’s the smoky luxury of Felix Roasting Co., the innovative twists at Maman, or the perfect pumpkin loaf at Red Gate Bakery, each treat offers a unique experience that embodies fall’s richness. So, grab a friend, explore these spots, and make fall in the city an experience that’s as sweet as it is unforgettable!
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