Magnolia Bakery

Often credited with inspiring the return of the cupcake fad, Magnolia Bakery was first established at this West Village location in 1996. Furnished with lacy curtains, black-and-white-checkered floors, and doily-topped trays lined with sweets, the old-fashioned shop soon became known for nostalgic desserts like banana pudding and icebox cakes. However, when Sarah Jessica Parker's Sex in the City character Carrie Bradshaw was filmed eating a cupcake here, the shop became a wildly popular tourist destination. Fans still wait in line for hours for a taste of the signature red velvet cupcake, paired with the bakery’s own organic coffee.