Best Black-and-white cookie
in New York City

Verdict: While primarily a gourmet grocery, Zabar's cheesecake is a staple for Upper West Side families; it is a straightforward, high-quality New York style that is perfect for a picnic in nearby Riverside Park. — Upper West Side

Queue: On Broadway & 80th St.

Go: Weekday morning to avoid the weekend grocery chaos.

Price: $$

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Verdict: Operating since 1914, this is the definitive "appetizing" shop where lox and cream cheese are treated with religious reverence; the counter service is an art form, and their Gaspe Nova smoked salmon is the city’s undisputed gold standard. — Lower East Side

Queue: In the historic Lower East Side.

Go: Weekday morning to avoid the massive weekend tourist rush.

Price: $$$

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Verdict: A historic 1916 institution; their black-and-white is a perfect example of the "neighborhood" style, featuring a tender crumb and a distinct vanilla-chocolate contrast. — Upper East Side

Queue: On 78th St.

Go: Morning for the widest selection.

Price: $$

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Verdict: A popular Manhattan favorite; Amy’s version is known for being exceptionally soft and cakey, almost leaning into the territory of a miniature cake. — Hell's Kitchen

Queue: On 9th Ave.

Go: Morning.

Price: $

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Verdict: Known for their legendary babka, Breads also produces a highly-regarded cheesecake that is often sold in individual or large rounds, featuring a thin, buttery crust and a bright, citrusy finish. — Union Square

Queue: On 16th St.

Go: Morning for fresh babka.

Price: $$

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Verdict: Specializing in high-end versions of nostalgic snacks, their black-and-white is a "reimagined" classic with premium ingredients and a perfectly smooth finish. — Chelsea

Queue: In Chelsea.

Go: Afternoon.

Price: $$

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Verdict: Widely considered the best black-and-white in Brooklyn; it is a massive, traditional cookie that has been a staple of the Heights for over 80 years. — Brooklyn Heights

Queue: On Montague St.

Go: Weekend morning.

Price: $

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Verdict: While primarily an Italian bakery, Veniero’s serves a very solid, classic NYC black-and-white that benefits from their high-volume turnover. — East Village

Queue: Limited confidence

Go: Anytime.

Price: $

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Verdict: Another Italian icon that keeps a traditional black-and-white in the case for the many seeking the "full New York" experience. — Little Italy

Queue: Limited confidence

Go: Anytime.

Price: $

Dietary:

Queue: Limited confidence

Go: Anytime.

Price: $

Dietary:

Verdict: The undisputed king of New York pastrami since 1888; their brisket is cured for 30 days and hand-carved to order by legendary "cutters." The result is a thick, juicy sandwich that is the city’s single most iconic meal. Don't lose your ticket given at the entrance. — Lower East Side

Queue: On the corner of Houston and Ludlow.

Go: Weekday mid-afternoon (15:00) to avoid the legendary queue.

Price: $$$

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Verdict: Known as "The Sturgeon King," this legendary appetizing shop also serves a world-class hot pastrami sandwich that is among the city's most soulful, though often overlooked in favor of their fish. — Upper West Side

Queue: On Amsterdam Ave.

Go: Weekday breakfast or early lunch.

Price: $$$

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Verdict: While famous for the cake, locals know Junior's as a reliable destination for classic, high-quality pastrami and brisket sandwiches in a high-volume, festive Brooklyn atmosphere. — Downtown Brooklyn

Queue: Near the DeKalb Ave station.

Go: Afternoon.

Price: $$

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Verdict: A 24-hour icon that serves a "cookie-style" black-and-white that is perfect for late-night cravings. — Chelsea

Queue: Limited confidence

Go: Anytime.

Price: $

Dietary: