Hungarian Pastry Shop
New York City
November 22nd, 2024
Ah yes, Hungarian Pastry Shop: the cafe deemed “old reliable” for many students at Columbia University. With its vast array of pastries, coffee options sprawled across several different menus, long hours (7:30am - 8:30pm, so whether you study in the morning or at night, there’s always a place for you… if you can find a table, that is), and lively energy – it’s no wonder this cafe is beloved by the student community in Morningside Heights.
While I am no longer a student at Columbia, entering Hungarian will always bring me back to my undergraduate days. Were these said “undergraduate days” mere months ago? Perhaps. But, still. Life moves pretty fast. Memories wither, feelings fade. My fondness for the Viennese Coffee and almond croissant at Hungarian, though? Never. That’s locked in. I highly recommend trying these options; the coffee you can get hot or cold AND, the best part, it comes with whipped cream.
I have included pictures in this post from my visit in October and also my most recent November stop-in. Both times I met with friends who I hadn’t seen in months, and we had lovely conversations that were probably overheard by at least ten other people, as these tiny tables are rather close to one another. If you want to sit in this cafe, you must be comfortable with strangers being looped into the updates and secrets of your life, or maybe – if you're there to work – glancing at your computer while you type the worst essay you’ve ever written.
I don’t mind having to sit so close to other people in this environment, though. Sure, forced proximity in other situations (i.e. the subway) is not my favorite thing in the world, but at Hungarian it feels comforting to be both with people and alone at the same time. Going there is a good way to get out of your head, because if you get tired/frustrated/any other emotion, all you have to do is look up and listen to the people around you. Suddenly, the world feels a lot bigger, and your problems feel a lot smaller. Or at least, that’s the effect it has on me. Plus, the dark wood of the tables/chairs, and warm lighting of the lamps across the walls creates a cozy atmosphere that I find especially compelling in the fall/winter seasons. Very cinematic.
If you choose to venture to Hungarian Pastry Shop, which I encourage you to do, just beware of the line that can accumulate out the door… especially considering the colder weather. Plan to go at a strange hour, and get a seat as soon as you can.
P.S. If you’re in a party of two or more, send someone to get a table ahead of you if possible.
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