You can once again get your cupcakes and banana pudding at Magnolia Bakery’s UWS location (200 Columbus Ave. at 69th Street). On Sunday, October 2, we saw the iconic bakery back in action following a renovation process that began on September 12.
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People who are averse to change will be mostly pleased to know that this Magnolia Bakery, its second to open (2008), has the same look and feel as it did before.
“The recent renovations included updating back-of-house operational elements, as well as updating branded elements throughout the space,” a representative from Magnolia Bakery emailed us in a statement. “We are excited for the UWS location to be our first store to feature our new logo.”
Sadly, however, the bathroom in Magnolia’s side room is still off limits to customers.
This area was used in the past for parties and additional seating, and customers could use the bathroom. During the pandemic, however, it became a fulfillment center for to-go orders which still remains today, as it’s still a viable option for people looking to grab and go.
This evolution is sort of similar to Zabar’s removing seating in its café amidst the pandemic.
Would a pumpkin spice banana pudding cheer you up?
I remember when this place used to be Lenge. They had pretty decent sushi but even though I lived less than a block away, I’ve never stepped foot in Magnolia.
True story about Lenge. They had one of the most dangerous and illegal situations going on for years. The prep cooks were in the basement. But if you notice, there is no exterior “vault” for them to use. And the restaurant did not have a staircase. So how did they get to the basement? There was a hole in the floor through which they would lower themselves, a hole barely wide enough for them to fit. To say that this was a fire hazard would be far too kind. They put their employees in serious danger!!
“The issue that still remains” is that the ordering process is a total clusterfluck, the cake is always stale, and the employees are as unfriendly as can be. Good pudding though!
The real question is: have they fixed the air conditioning? It has not worked properly in at least the past 10 years, and despite promises to fix it (not just for the customers, but for the staff, who have to work in oppressive conditions during the summer), it has never been done. Magnolia has claimed that it is the responsibility of the landlord, who does not want to pay for it. But Magnolia just got in influx of ~$200 million. I’m sure they can afford to spend the money to do it themselves, if they want their staff to be safe and their customers to be comfortable.
Couldn’t they have fixed the totally ambiguous waiting -in- line situation? I never know where to start in that place. Maybe a simple marked off area would help.
simple solution to all of those problems: let’s go elsewhere. lots of great baked goods on the UWS and if they don’t care about us, well….
NYC law requires establishments with 20 or more seats to have a public bathroom. If you notice businesses who do not abide by this law, please report it on 311.
My guess is that they know that, and there will be exactly 19 seats going forward. 😉