Discovering Andre’s Cafe was by “accident” while my husband and I were on our way to lunch in one of the Upper East Side restaurants by 2nd Avenue. It was difficult to notice this Hungarian Bakery and Restaurant alongside the great number of restaurants and shops on 2nd Avenue but what grabbed my attention was the display of deliciously looking pies, breads and pastries! We just had to stop and walk in.
I am glad we did. Once inside, we discovered a nice, cozy place with very friendly staff that was nice enough to answer our questions. Not being very familiar to Hungarian pastries, I was surprised to see that most of the desserts, albeit foreign sounding, looked quite familiar. And yes, delicious! There was a whole shelf of heavenly smelling Strudels (Cherry and Cheese, Poppy Seed, Cabbage and Apple-the best seller, which also has a sugar free version), Cakes and Rolls (Chocolate Mousse, Rumball, Chocolate Raspberry, Mocha Apricot, Chestnut, Hazelnut), Pies (Apple, Cherry and Blueberry), and many other breads and pastries (Rugelach, Linzer Tarts, Croissants, Danish and Croissants).
We finally settled with a slice of Cherry and Cheese Strudel (a huge slice for $6) and a Dobos Torte (a slice of butter cake with generous layers of smooth chocolate icing topped with another layer of crunchy caramelized sugar). The Strudel (which must be served hot from the oven) had a very flaky and buttery crust, the cheese filling creamy with sweet juicy cherry bits that provide flavour and texture. Sinfully delicious! The Dober Torte had a moist cake, the velvety chocolate not too sweet, and the caramelized top slightly bitter... so luscious! I really found these delicious! What a nice break from the usual cupcakes, pies and pastries I have been having.
Researching on Andre’s Cafe, many of the reviews I see were similar as mine – that it was discovered by accident, while passing through 2nd Avenue en route to another place, but a place that customers enjoyed and highly recommend. How unfortunate that this wonderful place, opened way back in 1976, remains quietly within its little cozy nook waiting for passersby to discover it. I have not read much about it from the usual NY Magazine or Time Out New York pics. Sadly, the website does not have much information either. With good prices, very warm and friendly service, delicious baked products and a restaurant that has also received good reviews for their authentic Hungarian entrees, Andre’s Cafe is most definitely a heavenly find!
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