Serendipity 3: A Unique Restaurant in Times Square, NYC

*Okay, please note that there are TWO Serendipity locations—one on the Upper East Side and one in Times Square. This post is about the one in Times Square ONLY. I haven’t been to the original one on the Upper East Side, but hopefully, we will go soon!

Also, this is not the restaurant featured in the 2001 movie “Serendipity” with Jon Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. That restaurant is at 225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022.

Serendipity 3 Times Square Location

If you’re looking for a little magic in the heart of New York City, Serendipity 3 is the place to be. Nestled near Times Square, this iconic eatery is a whimsical escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. They offer decadent desserts, playful décor, and a sprinkle of nostalgia. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned NYC explorer, this legendary spot is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

On our recent trip to New York City, my daughter and I ate dinner at Serendipity 3. We were staying at the Hilton (just on the next street over) so it was just a quick walk to the restaurant.

Above Photo: We entered the restaurant through the hotel OYO next door.

Things we loved:

• Fun atmosphere – the atmosphere is definitely fun and exciting
• Friendly service – all of our interactions with staff was pleasant
• Funky Decor – so much to see!
• The Desserts – so good!
• Family-friendly – a good time whether eating with small kids or your teenager (like me)*

*I did want to say that this place is LOUD. The music is pumping. I loved it. But this might not be a good fit if you or your kiddos have sensory issues. The decor is A LOT, and adding in the loud music could be overstimulating to some.

A New York City Icon

See the FULL ONLINE MENU HERE

Serendipity 3 opened its doors in 1954 and has delighted guests ever since. Over the years, it has attracted a long list of celebrity fans. They have served Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol, Cher, and even modern stars like Selena Gomez.

Serendipity 3 Times Square has 150 items on its menu! While it’s famous for its over-the-top desserts, it also serves comfort food classics. The menu offers burgers, mac and cheese, and foot-long hot dogs. My daughter and I agreed that the food was good, but it felt like typical diner food.

If You Want Something Special

There are TWO Serendipity Restaurants in NYC – These menu items are only served at the Times Square location:

• Sunday Chicken Dinner Sundae (Available in Times Square only) – A huge goblet lined with melted cheese and French fries. It is topped with fried chicken tenders (drizzled with Buffalo sauce), mashed potatoes, peas, gravy, and a cherry tomato on top.
• Serendipity’s Cheese Ravioli (Available in Times Square only) – Fresh cheese ravioli in a tomato-cream sauce, with fresh peas, garnished with micro basil and olive oil
• Salmon in the Garden (Available in Times Square only) – Fresh salmon fillet in lemon cream sauce, seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, garnished with micro greens

Serendipity 3: Home of the Famous Frozen Hot Chocolate

You can’t talk about Serendipity 3 without mentioning its most legendary treat: the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. This rich and creamy concoction is a blend of multiple types of chocolate, blended with ice, and topped with a mountain of whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Serendipity 3 actually offers 13 different Frozen Hot Chocolate flavors! And, most of them are Gluten-Free (GF)!

Here are the 13 different Frozen Hot Chocolate flavors:

• Frrrozen Hot Chocolate® (GF)
• Peanut Butter Frrrozen Hot Chocolate (GF)
• Frrrozen Hot Mint Chocolate (GF)
• Salted Caramel Frrrozen Hot Chocolate (GF)
• S’mores Frrrozen Hot Chocolate
• Frrrozen Mochaccino Hot Chocolate (GF)
• Hot Strawberry Frrrozen White Chocolate (GF)
• Frrrozen Hot White Chocolate (GF)
• Birthday Cake Frrrozen Hot Chocolate
• Vegan Coconut Frrrozen Hot Chocolate (GF)
• Fruity Pebbles Frrrozen Hot White Chocolate (GF)
• Cookies and Cream Frrrozen Hot Chocolate
• Cotton Candy Frrrozen Hot White Chocolate (GF)

It’s so popular with its own at-home mix, so you can recreate the magic long after your visit.

Decadent Desserts and Over-the-Top Treats

Beyond the Frozen Hot Chocolate, Serendipity 3 is known for its extravagant desserts. Their Outrageous Banana Split and Coward’s Portion Sundae are both delicious. If you’re feeling especially indulgent, you might want to try the Golden Opulence Sundae. It is a Guinness World Record-holding dessert. It features edible gold and the world’s finest ice cream (at a whopping $1,000 price tag!).

A Playful Atmosphere with Vintage Charm

The moment you step inside Serendipity 3, you’re transported to a different world. The eclectic décor—featuring Tiffany-style lamps, antique mirrors, and quirky trinkets—feels like a cross between a Victorian parlor and a whimsical wonderland. It’s a feast for the eyes for sure, full of nostalgic treasures.

Tips for Visiting Serendipity 3

• Reservations Are Recommended: Serendipity 3 is incredibly popular, and booking a table in advance is a smart move. Walk-ins are welcome, but expect a wait. You can make a reservation on RESY HERE.
• Minimum Purchase: There is a minimum charge of $19.95 per patron ($12.95 per child) that is required (according to RESY). A frozen hot chocolate is $19.95, so it’s easy to spend that much. It is fine if you only want to order frozen hot chocolate or desserts here.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a “treat yourself” moment, this is a great place to celebrate.
• Save Room for Dessert: The savory menu is great, but the real star is the sweets—so don’t fill up before dessert!
• Sit at the Bar: If you can’t snag a reservation or you just want to grab a quick frozen hot chocolate, you can ask to sit at the small bar.

Above Photo: The bar at Serendipity 3 Times Square. See the BAR MENU HERE

Should You Go?

Serendipity 3 is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. We enjoyed its nostalgic charm and its delicious desserts. Yes, it’s very “touristy”, but we loved it! It was a lot of fun! Go for the famous Frozen Hot Chocolate and to soak in the whimsical ambiance.

Things You Should Know…

So, exactly where is this place?

Serendipity 3 Times Square WEBSITE

Looking for more fun, whimsical activities in NYC?

Read Visiting the JellyCat Diner in NYC: What to Expect & Why You’ll Love It

Have you ever been to Serendipity 3? Share your experience in the comments below!

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