I felt like a real New Yorker! I ran into the nearest bake shop, screaming "I need a cake!" Why may you ask? They flubbed Granny's 100th Birthday cake. It was supposed to be magical *Je Sigh* I ran in and was immediately greeted and alleviated seeing a nice cake selection. I chose a Large Strawberry Shortcake. Only had to wait 7 minutes and it came in a nice cute tote. I love totes ya'll. Carrot Top Pastries is a nice cozy spot with excellent customer service! Ceceli and the team saved the day! Give them a try. Hopefully there isn't another cake emergency next time I get to stop by! read more

Carrot Top Pastries - Large Strawberry Shortcake - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

This bakery has the best carrot muffins that I've ever tasted. My mother has raved about them for at least 10 years. When I finally tried it, I understood the hype. I usually get it toasted with a little bit of butter. -I recently also bought a slice of the chocolate cheesecake which was delicious. It was a perfect balance and not overly sweet, the rich chocolate cake complimented the cheesecake. -Word of advice: there is no parking in this area so take public transportation or park in a lot. read more

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A tasty pastry shop near Columbia Presbyterian Hospital! This might look like a hole in the wall when passing by, but step inside and take a pick from MANY cake/pastry varieties. The carrot cake is its most famous slice for good reason. This slice is the perfect amount of moist and sweet. The buttercream frosting is also not overly sweet which is usually the case with most cakes. It's perfect to gift someone on their birthday or just to brighten someone's day - not too expensive either! The other flavors are pretty good but nothing extraordinary. Will definitely come back when in Washington Heights! read more

Carrot Top Pastries - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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tl;dr their accolades were certainly well-deserved -- definitely swing by for the top-notch carrot cake, but pass on the non-carrot baked goods Carrot Top Pastries has been well-regarded in NYC, boasting the self-proclaimed best carrot cake in the city. A recent visit to Washington Heights was the perfect opportunity to check out the hype myself. The custom, orange-and-green neon signs and backlight bakery display span two walls and pop out against the muted tiles and dimly-lit room. The walls are otherwise decked with memorabilia representing Carrot Top's many accolades. A few varnished wooden tables and green-cushioned chairs are dispersed around the space. I popped into this location midday, and there were a few other folks browsing the options. One staff member was brusque, while another was clueless, but I still managed to successfully secure a slice of carrot cake and a brownie. The carrot cake was intensely carrot-y and perfectly sweet. The cake itself was dense yet moist, slightly grainy sporting large chunks of walnuts, complemented well by heavy cream cheese icing. Brownie, in contrast, was a letdown. It was nearly as dense as fudge, yet strangely didn't taste overwhelmingly sweet or chocolatey. Further, it was overwhelmingly walnut-y, with a layer on top and large chunks many mixed in. My items set me back right around $10, expensive on paper, but fair considering that each individual item could easily be divided between two folks. While I admittedly don't love carrot cake and wouldn't usually order it, I would return to Carrot Top for their spot-on rendition. read more

Carrot Top Pastries - Carrot Cake and Brownie - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

If I could give 0 stars on my experience here today, I most certainly would! But first let me add that I have been giving this place GOOD BUSINESS for YEARS! In earlier days they were "the place" to stop and get respectful and warm customer service, which garnered me into leaving generous tips. Today was a different story! I go in, to pick up a birthday cake, paid right away and the nasty female acted as if she didn't want to work making her a TOTAL TURN-OFF to deal with! Unfortunately, she was the only one cashiering there. The other girl who was doing absolutely nothing just lingered around, just cause....smh The deal-breaker here was waiting 45 MINUTES for a simple cake with writing, while a few other customers came/ went until I finally got up from the chair and asked "its not ready yet?" ( I've bought a couple birthday cakes from here before and NEVER waited no more than 10 mins.!)..... The nasty one with the attitude looks at me and goes "oops!" ... with a smirk on her face, while the other do-nothing, LAZY female could've easily did everything from the start and I would've been in/ out of there like everyone else! The nasty one then shows me simple writing on the cake which is when I realized that I won't be returning here ( until I speak with a manager or owner) again. Had I'd known that I'd encounter nasty customer service here, I would've took my business downtown to Carlo's where the pastries and cakes are super-delicous, FRESH and the CUSTOMER SERVICE IS IMPECCABLE!!!.... The high prices there are worth it and now I understand why their tip jars are ALWAYS overflowing, the lines are ALWAYS long and the reviews are A+..... I believe that Carrot Top still has a chance....but under one condition.....GET RID OF THE PEOPLE IN THERE THATS BRINGING THEM DOWN!!!!.... so they can get their customers back like how it was pre-Covid, because they ARE capable of it!!!!​ read more

Nice bakery and deli very close to Columbia Presbyterian and Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. Right off the 168th subway stop. Some small casual seating inside. Great prices. Burnt bitter coffee. I normally drink mine black and I was craving cream and sugar. Bacon egg and cheese for $6. Rugelach for $2.25. BEC was good. Roll was fresh. Good portion of egg. A little skimpy on bacon. Street cart would have been better (nyc street carts have some of the best food) but it was nice to sit down. Good portion sandwich. This place is known for its carrot cake pastries. I had a carrot cake muffin. Good portion. Had raisins and nuts. Very good carrot flavor and you could see the carrot shreds. Husband had a vanilla cupcake with chocolate frosting. It was rock hard when he got it and had to wait a few hours at room temp. He said the icing was delicious but the cake was dry and terrible. He threw the cake part out. Rugelach hasn't been tried yet. Would definitely go back based on the indoor seating and reasonable prices. Nice alternative to hospital food. read more

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Cases full of cakes. Slightly overwhelming considering there's cakes seemingly baked in the container, slabs from rectangular cakes, slices from a round, whole cakes, and cupcakes available. I guess from a production standpoint it's not hard to split a large batch amongst many forms. Considering it is noted to be *the* place for carrot cake it's just good carrot cake. Not too sweet, balanced by the cream cheese frosting, visible carrot shreds and walnuts throughout. Probably a good choice and maybe a quintessential bakery in the neighborhood but not necessarily worth the trip vs another cake bakery. It's not like they're doing something exceptionally unique. read more

Carrot Top Pastries - carrot cake - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Carrot Top is a typical bakery located in Washington Heights. I would come by several times when I used to work in Columbia. The employees would place a large breakfast order every morning. The food would come fresh and delicious. It is your typical bakery which serves breakfast options, cakes, muffins, etc. As the name states, it is most popular for its carrot cake which I have tried several times. This week I was in the mood for some sweets so I decided to order a chocolate cake and muffins. I ordered a carrot muffin and a chocolate muffin. Both muffins were packed with flavor and healthy portions of carrot/chocolate. The chocolate cake was large for the price. However, the cake was very dry and didn't have much flavor. There was a lot of icing on the cake but it just a pure sugar that I didn't care for. Overall, the cake was just way too sweet for me. If I come here again I would go for the muffins but probably will pass on the chocolate cake. read more

I recently visited NYC and make it a point to buy their carrot muffins every time I'm in town. I was introduced to this bakery back in 2007 when I worked at the Hospital next door. They have the best carrot muffins in the whole world. I look forward to making a visit to Carrot Top yearly. Wish we had one in California. Thank you! read more

I always walk by this pastry shop and decided to stop by today and try it. I saw that there were many good reviews for their carrot cake so I got a slice. It was a pretty large slice for a decent price ($6.25). Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed after taking my first bite since there were so many good reviews for their carrot cake. The cake is somewhat dry and the frosting is too sweet for my taste. But I do think that if you enjoy a not-so-sweet carrot cake you may enjoy this. They also added a generous amount of walnuts in the cake. I will definitely be back to try their other pastries though! read more

Carrot Top Pastries - Carrot cake - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Love their carrot cake!!! Def better than Lloyds IMO because it has a lot more spice. They always have carrot cake in person, but sell all kinds of cakes, pastries, and cookies. read more

I have known about Carrot Top since the very early '80's! My family was very good friends with the Owner and his late wife. When they were on 214th and Broadway, in the Inwood section!! My favorite was always the Chocolate cake! In fact both of my brothers had their wedding cakes from here back in the day. Today I was looking for a cheese cake. So we ventured out to Washington Hts! I bought a cheese cake with strawberries on it! So glad we did. I picked up some of my favorite chocolate cake, a little carrot cake and a chocolate cheese cake. All small sizes. My husband had the cappuccino which was excellent!! Can't wait to try the cheese cake we got for a friends house tonight! read more

Carrot Top Pastries - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

I decided to give this place another try as we weren't happy with our last strawberry cheesecake. What happened? When we cut into the cake, it crumbled as if it was previously frozen... My husband thought I was imagining it and said "why would a bakery do that?" The cake itself was good, and we were happy with it. We decided to give their strawberry cheesecake another try and picked one up for a birthday celebration to help redeem the bakery. BIG MISTAKE! I can confirm that they do freeze their cheesecake, as when we cut into the cake after several hours of bringing it home, the strawberry as well as the center of the cake was still frozen. Worst part? I couldn't get a slice of the cheesecake on to a plate without it crumbling into numerous pieces. When I serve it, it looked like slop. Even worse than that, more than half of the cake tasted like really bad freezer burn. Gross!! We had to throw it out as it was inedible. For over $40 for a medium cheesecake, you'd think they would sell a freshly baked cake. But nope, they probably mass produce it, freeze it, and sell old cake to unsuspecting customers. Unacceptable! I hate writing negative review, but it had to be done. Won't be picking up any more cake from this establishment, and I can't recommend this place either. read more

Carrot Top Pastries - Defrosted & Freezer Burned Strawberry Cheesecake - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

Whenever we have a family event, we ALWAYS order the Special Carrot Cake. The cake is so yummy and there's rarely any leftovers at the end of the day. I love this cake mainly because the nuts that line the outside of the cake are a nice touch. The cake itself isn't too spongy or dry and there's just the right amount of icing on top. They do not make you pay extra to have a message written on the cake. The carrots muffins are also a good option for a snack or for smaller groups when you don't need an entire cake. I love these because they give you a generous amount of muffin top, which is my favorite part about any muffin. However, it doesn't come with icing and nuts. Maybe I've just been lucky, but every time I've ordered a carrot muffin, I always get a warm one and it pairs perfectly with coffee. read more

Carrot Top Pastries - Special Carrot Cake - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

Food is fantastic from sandwiches to their cakes. Miss it so much. Wish I still lived downstate.

Love them. Been coming here for well over a decade to consistently good service. Always love their carrot cake but lately I've been enjoying their club sandwiches too. read more

What happened to their carrot cookies?! My goodness, not only were they hard but they tasted horrible, not just stale but the ingredients were in big chunks and not blended properly. Renee, the old owner would never stand for this quality. She worked so hard to become successful. What a shame. They need new management. read more

This bakery has been a birthday tradition for me since I was a kid! I have a very fond memories of all of the delicious chocolate cakes over the years from there! I happen to be in town for my birthday this year so I decided to get a cake for nostalgia's sake! I'm happy to report that their chocolate cakes are still every bit as delicious as I remember them to be! Their chocolate icing is my favorite icing in the world! I might be getting old, but I will get old with a tasty cake! read more

Carrot Top Pastries - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Ms.Pupo made my daughter's birthday cake and mine at the last minute. This baker offered amazing customer service Followed the instructions of the orders I submitted She went above and beyond to make them on time Perfect beautiful design very detailed She's reliable and dependable Great communication throughout the process I would order another cake for my next celebration read more

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Very disappointed on how the quality has gone down and prices gone up. Have no problem paying more but when quality is no longer there dont think its worth the new prices. Over the summer had to mention to worker behind counter that the slice cheese cakes had green mold on it for she can remove it. In addition, the past workers in front were great very professional, informative and great attitude never an issue when asking questions. Since the old front workers been gone the people at the counter have a bad attitude to the customers not all, but especially the short guy that sometimes he is cooking and other times working the from counter. To hear him tell a customer for asking questions about the cakes on display and calling them basically stupid and dont know how to read is pretty disgusting. This really show me that his behavior and bad attitude he is the one with an IQ the size of his shoe! If you don't know how to communicate with the customers in front and cant treat the customers with respect go back to the back of the kitchen and stay back there cooking! Happy Thanksgiving!! read more

You know what. I love carrot cake because it has carrots so I can feel as if I'm eating a salad. But their chocolate covered carrot cake??? Is BEAUTIFUL IT has chocolate mousse, instead of cream cheese frosting, but it proves that carrot cakes can go with anything. It can probably be used as a burger bun if you ask me. Their cannolis are just. Mozart. Which is love. My friend was saying maybe she's at the age where she loves cannolis, but carrot top had revived that love. Also coffee is great with any and alll the sweets (I miss gabi (gabby?) who was so sweet every time she was there, she made my day) read more

I'm a carrot cake snob, and I'm slowing working my way through all the carrot cakes in NYC. I like them all - raisins, walnuts, pineapple, cream cheese or buttercream - it's all good! I actually had to make two attempts to come here in one day, the first I tried biking and got caught it the heaviest downpour of rain I've been in for years, so I turned around defeated, got a change of clothes, and took the subway instead. It's absolutely a decent slice of carrot cake, moist, carroty, and very sweet icing. Lloyds Carrot Cake it the other bakery that claims to specialize in carrot cakes, and Carrot Top is the clear winner between the two. I'll be coming back, but it's a stretch to call this the best carrot cake in NYC - I've definitely had better so set your expectations accordingly! read more

The food here is alright. A pretty standard bakery with a decent selection of goodies. We tried a macadamia nut cookie and some pastries, but these were alright and some not too good. Its still a solid spot and has a bathroom for customers. The cakes here do look pretty good as well. read more

First time trying this cake from here today for a co-workers birthday. It's a strawberry shortcake one. It's very dense. The strawberries are fresh and delicious! The cake was moist. The strawberry filling is fresh too. The custard is creamy. The frosting is very, very sweet! I could only handle one piece of this cake. Very good!! Want to try their carrot cake now that I've heard about it. Will update soon.... read more

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Today my daughter brought me a $40 carrot cake from this store, I used to love going there for their carrot muffins when we used to live in manhattan close by. It was an almost a heavenly experience devouring those carrots muffin or the carrots cakes per se. But today all those memories dissipated away with this mix of nothing but sugar and very dry cake mix, feels like a very old cake that didn't get to sell. Today was supposed to be a very special day cake, and this dry sugary concoction try to ruin it. I understand that these pandemic days, might change the way we do business nowadays, but to justify paying $40 for a hard sugary cake, is a sin. read more

Carrot Top Pastries - Dry sugary concoction - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Wasn't a fan, cakes was dry and overly sweet. Coffee tasted old not fresh at all. Would not recommend the carrot cake, nor the cheesecake.

Okay. I am a sucker for carrot cake. The time I almost got married, we were going to have it as our wedding cake. So when there's a spot around promising carrot cake? You know I'm gonna try it! For $5.25 per slice, you too can get yourself some of the deliciousness that is Carrot Top's Special Carrot Cake. They don't skimp on the walnuts, or icing, both of which I really appreciated. I also got the flan. It had a nice, smooth and velvety texture with a butterscotch caramel taste like the sauce is supposed to have. You know I'll be back to try out more- but will definitely be getting that carrot cake again! read more

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Unfortunately this establishment NO LONGER ACCEPTS debit cards. I Like their food and pastries but they should announce their policy on the phone while customers place orders. read more

Carrot Top Pastries - Sign - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Carrot Top was recommended while I was working on a gig in Washington Heights. They said the carrot muffins were great, I had an hour break and was filming outside all day, so I figured I'd check it out. Had a good cup of coffee and the carrot muffin, but the muffin was a little dry. Maybe they're better right out of the oven, but since it's their signature food, I think I had one that was sitting out for awhile or just over baked. The staff was very nice and I was in there for a little over an hour and they didn't say anything/ give any looks. read more

Carrot Top Pastries - Carrot muffin - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

This was not cool at all. I have been coming here for about 8 years, during which time I have gone out of my way to spend a good bit of hard earned money at this business for birthdays, special occasions, cravings, and normal needs. Today I was excited to pick up some dessert for our first family function after the COVID situation, I was exited to visit this business specifically. When I walked in I was told to wait, the person I waited 5 minutes for felt as if I was a waste of their time. I had her rolling eyes and yelling at me to speak up. It was daunting, intimidating, unfriendly, not at all what I expected, and a horrible experience. I don't care how these cookies and pastries will taste, I will never come back here nor will I recommend this place based on how rude my service was today. They ruined my 8 years of fond memories of this place in just 10 minutes. I used to tell my friends and family in the neighborhood to go there. Not anymore. The only reason this is not a one star review is because I can't lie, I've been coming here for years and the products are solid and the service used to be awesome. But today was not it. read more

Really nice pastries and the costumer service is amazing! My indecisive friend pestered one of the employees behind the counter for the best to get (I am friend s with one of those people ), and she was eager and extremely helpful!! read more

Huge selection of pastries from cookies to cake slices. I loved the carrot cake because it was moist and rich. Every bite was as good as the last. It was a decent-sized cake that I was not going to let depreciate in value by pacing myself. Mmm...so good and pairs nicely with a warm glass of milk. Now that is how you complement a meal. read more

The carrot cake is delicious! I am a fan of more walnuts. Some people might not like the amount of walnuts in there but I feel they can cram in no more. This is the special carrot cake with three layers of tart cream cheese frosting. The sweet potato pie is also delicious! I prefer this over a pumpkin pie. I notice the one $ sign... no no no- this place is actually at least $$. The three layer extra walnut carrot cake I bought was $42. It makes about 8 reasonable slices. read more

Carrot Top Pastries - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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