Name: The Muffins Cafe
Address: 222 Columbus Ave, New York, NY, 10023, US
Telephone: (212) 875-1173
Rating: 4.11

The Muffins Shop Cafe opened its doors in 1993, to an Upper West Side that was in transition from a slightly scruffy but colorful neighborhood to the elegant enclave it is today. During these past 20 years, we have witnessed many changes from our little spot. We've seen customers propose over cappuccino, and bring their first-borns for teething bagels, and grab a sandwich for lunch, year after year.

We've seen Columbus Avenue repaved (in the early days) and re-structured (bike lanes). We've seen mega-coffee shops come and go, and grocery stores and banks. Through it all, we have done our best to hold to the principles that we began with; fresh, delicious food, served in a congenial atmosphere, by friendly and capable people.

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We value your opinions and suggestions! For requests such as lunch orders and catering, please give us a call for a more prompt response. When ordering please allow as much notice as possible, at least 48 hours in advance for small orders. We will accept last minute orders if we are able to fulfill them.

Reviews (19)

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Christine P.

Jan 12, 2022

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I love this place! It's hard not to go everyday. Can't miss with their muffins. I particularly love their Morning Glory muffin.

Alicia C.

Nov 11, 2021

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I've been stopping in here once or twice a week since moving to the neighborhood. They have really good pastries, and their hot chocolate is now one of my favorites. Sweet and very chocolatey, which is the way I like it. They also have option to make it less hot for little kids, which I think is nice.
The people working there are always attentive and helpful.
I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for something quick and tasty.

Eric G.

Jul 18, 2021

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Their biscotti is much, much too soft, like a soggy bread. Biscotti is derived from the Latin biscoctus, meaning twice baked or cooked. I am not sure whether these were even fully baked the first time.

Brian K.

Jul 17, 2021

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Fantastic in every sense. The food, the variety, the freshness, the service, the prices, everything is in the fantastic category. I love Epices salad, yogurt cakes, friendliness and efficiency of all staff. So great.

Nola L.

Jun 24, 2021

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Ugh!!! This was my favorite spot - I walked 10 minutes there and back every morning. This morning I ordered my normal iced hazelnut coffee and the woman working didn't hear me say iced, so she gave me a hot coffee. I clarified - and instead of making it over she rudely poured the hot coffee over ice - and didn't use their actual cold hazelnut coffee from the fridge. She kept yelling that I never said iced. I remember saying it, but of course there's a chance I made a mistake and didn't. Instead of being nice about it and keeping a customer for life, now I'm embarrassed

Isabella B.

Jun 11, 2021

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Almond milk cappuccino was a little weak, but still very tasty! blueberry muffin was excellent, did not taste too sweet with a nice crispy top.

Emily O.

May 29, 2021

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The absolute cutest cafe, hands down! The shop itself is extremely warm and homey. The food and drinks are incredible - especially the orange cake and hazelnut coffee. The staff is friendly and sweet. It's my favorite spot on the UWS and a MUST if you're in the area!!

Danicah W.

May 01, 2021

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My favorite place on the UWS. Best hazelnut iced coffee I've ever had. INCREDIBLE bagels (just only plain cream cheese, so if you're looking for the fancy stuff, go elsewhere). Wonderful staff.

Elizabeth K.

Jan 12, 2021

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I was a fan of this place and clearly a lot of people are based on how many people went in and out throughout my time outside. the coffee itself was pretty good, prices were nyc average but the place itself has character. seating outside as well!

Allison B.

Jan 02, 2021

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When I think of an authentic New York cafe, Muffins Cafe always comes to mind ! The staff are the friendliest and warmest people I've met and it makes the entire experience enjoyable ! The food is fresh, they have great sandwiches, great coffee and pastries, and (of course) great muffins ! I love the mozzarella and pesto sandwich with tomatoes on toasted ciabatta bread and my boyfriend loves the chocolate croissants. You'll be happy with anything you order !

Covid updates : the cafe is a very safe spot to get food at during Covid. The staff and patrons always wear masks, only a few people

Tamara L.

Jan 01, 2021

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I went last night for muffins and this morning I had half of the lemon poppy which was
Even before you ate it you could smell such a strong lemon scent. Highly recommend!

Rebecca C.

Dec 20, 2020

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First time in a while I've said WOW when having a cookie and coffee. This place is great!

Sonya H.

Sep 01, 2020

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This is a nice cozy comfy sidewalk café. You're able to enjoy a pastry and a tea while social distancing, during the pandemic.
I order an Arnold Palmer today and it was delicious. Nice to be able to sit outside and people watch.
They were open past 3pm. I was there closer to 5 so the yelp hours need to be updated.

Eunsung L.

Jul 15, 2020

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I visited here for the first time to get a cup of ice coffee. I loved their hazelnut ice coffee with their bakery. It gave me a little bit of hope during this pandemic outbreak. Thank you so much!

Joy G.

Apr 30, 2020

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Everyone who knows me knows that I am into my muffins. It started in high school, when my mom got it into her head that raisin bran muffins were a health food and so I had one everyday for breakfast. I think we both realized years later that muffins were essentially cupcakes without the frosting but my love for muffins has never dwindled.

So naturally I will gravitate to any place specifically named Muffins Cafe. I have only tried the muffins here. Note there is a section of the menu called "Health Muffins" which I do my very best to avoid.

Blueberry: They do the sugar crumb streusel

Nick C.

Nov 26, 2019

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I was walking south from the upper west side and decided to stop and have a little snack. I am always looking for new places to have a little nosh and found the Muffins Cafe. It is very small and there are several tables where one can sit and have coffee, etc. I was waited on immediately and opted for a cup of coffee and a chocolate croissant. It would have been even better had it been heated but it was still delicious. It is reasonably priced and the staff is very accommodating, to everyone who was waiting on line. I would recommend.

Mahsa T.

May 06, 2019

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Regular coffee was terrible. You'd think for a coffee shop, you'd be able to make a decent black coffee. Didn't try any of their pastries or specialty coffee drinks. Too many other coffee options in the area, don't think I'll be back. Very limited and tight seating. Friendly service.

Mi Rae C.

Sep 09, 2018

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Great lattes, espressos, croissants lemon cake and bagels! Cute neighborhood joint with fast service.

Emanuel C.

Jul 02, 2018

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Whenever I go up to the Upper West Side I'm usually there to grab some coffee from Sensuous Bean, however, since I'm usually walking these days I always stop into this spot and grab a quick bite. It is inexpensive and has a really nice bench out front for sitting. As luck always has it, the bench is always free for me to claim and either sit with my girls and my lady.

There are roughly 8 different bakery spots in this area within blocks of each other but I like the value here the most. It is not pretentious and the food is very good.