A neighborhood favorite since 1954, this fun ice-cream parlor bedecked with stained-glass lamps also dishes out excellent burgers, foot-long hot dogs, French toast, omelets, salads, and special sandwiches. However, most people come for the huge decadent sundaes, as well as Serendipity's most famous dessert -- frozen hot chocolate (now available in a mix you can prepare at home). As demonstrated by John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale in the movie Serendipity, this is the perfect spot for a break after a sweep through nearby Bloomingdales. Subway: N, R, W, 4, 5, 6 to 59th St.-Lexington Ave.