Best Black-and-white cookie in New York City

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

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Anytime.

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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

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Morning for the widest selection.

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The undisputed gold standard; made famous by *Seinfeld*, Greenberg’s produces a soft, cakey base with smooth, fondant-like icing that remains the benchmark for the entire city. — Upper East Side

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Weekday morning.

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A local favorite that produces a particularly soft, fresh version of the cookie, often sold out by mid-afternoon. — Upper East Side

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Anytime.

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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

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Weekday breakfast or early lunch.

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$$$

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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

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

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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

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Afternoon.

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The quintessential deli-style cookie: large, heavy, and satisfying, designed to be the final note of a massive meat-heavy meal. — Murray Hill

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Anytime.

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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

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Weekday morning to avoid the massive weekend tourist rush.

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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

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Morning for fresh babka.

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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

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Anytime.

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

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Anytime.

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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

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Afternoon.

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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

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Weekday morning to avoid the weekend grocery chaos.

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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

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Morning.

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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

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Weekend morning.

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