Eileen's Special Cheesecake

Most Famous Cheesecake in NYC

While exploring Manhattan’s Chinatown on a cool afternoon, I had hot pot at Lao Jie, a restaurant highly recommended by a Chinese friend. The food was spicy, comforting, and filled me up - just the perfect lunch for a day of wandering around the city. As we were finishing up and checking the map for what to do next, I noticed that Eileen’s Special Cheesecake, known by many as the most famous cheesecake shop in New York City, was only about a 10-minute walk away. Located just on the edge of SoHo, it was the perfect next stop on our little impromptu New York food tour.

The Hidden Gem of SoHo

Eileen’s is tucked away on a small corner street, and it’s quite easy to miss if you’re not actively looking for it. Even though I had passed that area dozens of times over the years, I somehow never noticed this cozy little shop. This was my first visit, and even though it’s widely regarded as a must-visit dessert spot in NYC, I hadn’t made it out until now. The outside looks humble, but inside, you’re welcomed by the rich smell of freshly baked cheesecakes and the hum of happy customers.

What’s really impressive is that Eileen’s Special Cheesecake has been around since 1974, operating out of this single location. They never expanded into a chain or opened other branches. That sense of staying true to their roots gives the whole experience a feeling of tradition and authenticity - like walking into a cheesecake artisan’s workshop.

A Full House of Cheesecake Lovers

As soon as we stepped inside, the shop was buzzing. The small interior was packed with people, all eagerly trying to place their orders or waiting for their to- go boxes. We were lucky enough to get to the counter without much delay, but within minutes, the line had doubled. It was clear that this place was no hidden secret.

The counter showcased rows upon rows of perfectly portioned cheesecakes - from individual mini cakes to larger sizes perfect for sharing. It was honestly a bit overwhelming because they all looked so good. Behind the counter, you could see staff constantly working, boxing up orders and rotating trays of freshly baked cakes from the kitchen in the back. One staff member told us that even though the fridge looks full most of the day, by closing time, they’re usually down to one or two cakes because demand is so high.

Deciding What to Order

We asked the staff what the most popular flavors were, and they recommended four: Classic Plain, Strawberry, Oreo, and Salted Caramel. Everything sounded amazing, but since we were still full from hot pot, we decided to keep it light and ordered two: the Classic Plain and the Strawberry Cheesecake. Both were packed into adorable individual boxes and handed to us almost immediately.

There’s a small bar-style table inside the shop, so we decided to eat right there and soak in the atmosphere of this iconic dessert destination.

---

Our Picks

Classic Plain Cheesecake

As soon as we took our first bite of the plain cheesecake,weI involuntarily said, “Wow, this is delicious.” We were honestly shocked by how light it tasted. In the U.S., desserts - especially cheesecake - tend to be extremely rich and overly sweet. But Eileen’s cheesecake felt balanced. It was light, creamy, and subtly sweet, with a soft texture that almost melted in your mouth. The graham cracker crust at the bottom added the perfect amount of crunch and contrast.

This is the kind of dessert you can enjoy even when you’re full. If you’re looking for a dessert idea that doesn’t overwhelm your palate or make you feel heavy, this is it.

Strawberry Cheesecake

Then came the strawberry flavor. It used the same base as the classic, but topped with a generous spoonful of fresh, juicy strawberries. What stood out was how bright and tangy the strawberries were. American strawberries often lack flavor, but these were vibrant and fresh, perfectly complementing the creamy cheesecake below.

The added fruitiness made it feel like a completely different dessert, and if you’re someone who enjoys fruity sweets, this one is a winner. It’s a great dessert idea for anyone who likes a mix of richness and freshness.

Even after a heavy hot pot meal, we devoured both cakes and were left feeling totally satisfied - not too full, not too sweet, just right.

---

Why Eileen’s Is Worth the Visit

There are many famous dessert spots in New York City, but Eileen’s Special Cheesecake stands out for several reasons:

• Consistency – They’ve been baking the same recipe for decades and have mastered the balance of flavor and texture.
• Small-Batch Freshness – Cakes are made right there in the back, and you can often see them come straight out of the oven.
• Variety – With flavors ranging from blueberry to dulce de leche to seasonal specials, there’s something for every type of sweet tooth.
• Cozy and Local Vibe – Unlike big name bakeries, Eileen’s feels local, charming, and rooted in community history.

If you’re on a New York food tour, this is absolutely a must-stop. It’s not just a cheesecake; it’s an experience.

---

Final Thoughts: Should You Go?

Absolutely, yes. Even if you’re not a big dessert person, Eileen’s offers something uniquely comforting. The cheesecakes are simple but full of flavor. They feel homemade, yet polished. And best of all, they’re not overpowering.

Next time, I’m definitely trying the Salted Caramel and Oreo flavors. Until then, I’ll be dreaming of that perfect, fluffy cheesecake with the tiniest hint of sweetness and that unforgettable creamy texture.

---

Pro tip: If you’re visiting during the weekend, try to go earlier in the day - lines can get long, and popular flavors sell out quickly.