The new Serendipity that was recently opened in the Edition Hotel at 157 West 47th Street is making a big splash and has the same type of charm as the 70-year-old original location on East 60th Street. The Andy Warhol themed wallpaper and bright pink walls just perk you up the minute you walk inside. Pictured above are items that I enjoyed there yesterday: the Spicy Margarita, fried chicken dumplings, Thai peanut salad with chicken breast, New York cheesecake and the Summer Bries sandwich (featuring turkey, apple slices, Brie, alfalfa sprouts and more on pumpernickel, an exclusive to the Times Square location). A ton of fries come with all the amazingly unique Serendipity sandwiches.
I probably do not have to tell you that Serendipity is legendary for its “Frrrozen Hot Chocolate.” The restaurant has a rich history, having first opened in 1954, and has become a cultural landmark in New York City, attracting both locals and tourists alike. The Times Square location continues the tradition of fun, extravagant decor with an old-fashioned soda fountain vibe and eclectic, colorful design elements that give the space a playful, nostalgic feel.
The extremely large illustrated black and white menu at Serendipity 3 lists all the resto’s decadent desserts, such as massive sundaes, indulgent cakes, and the signature Frrrozen Hot Chocolate—a rich, creamy frozen chocolate drink that’s large enough to share. Alongside desserts, the menu also includes a variety of savory items like burgers, sandwiches, and comfort food favorites like foot-long hot dogs and mac and cheese. However, it’s the dessert offerings that truly make Serendipity 3 stand out.
One of the restaurant’s more extravagant offerings is the “Golden Opulence Sundae,” a Guinness World Record-holding dessert priced at $1,000, made with edible 23-karat gold and rare ingredients like Tahitian vanilla ice cream and Amedei Porcelana chocolate. You can see the mini version of one that I devoured at the new Serendipity location’s preview reception.
This iconic spot has long been a celebrity favorite, with notable guests like Marilyn Monroe and Andy Warhol frequenting the original location. (You can see the Madame Tussaud’s version of Warhol above; the statue was present by the check in desk during the preview event.) Serendipity has also been featured in various films and TV shows, including Serendipity, a romantic comedy that highlights the restaurant’s magical appeal.
I suggest trying both the original Serendipity 3 as well as the new location; the original is in a townhouse and has vintage bric-a-brac and art while the new one is retro in a pop art type of way. What would Andy Warhol think of the new location after being a patron of the old Serendipity for decades? I think he’d absolutely love it especially since so many pieces of his art are featured on the walls–from his famous “Marilyns” to his lesser known portrait of a young Queen Elizabeth. Reservations are recommended by not necessary. You can check out the truly unique menu or make a reservation at either location here: SERENDIPITY 3. Families and big parties are welcome!
