I didn't understand why people waited on a line around the corner at Magnolia Bakery. It's very good, but there are places that are just as wonderful (although not featured in Sex & the City, I... More

I didn't understand why people waited on a line around the corner at Magnolia Bakery. It's very good, but there are places that are just as wonderful (although not featured in Sex & the City, I suppose). This is one of them! Billy's is a candy-coloured small bake shope that makes you want to try one of everything. The vanilla cake is great. I've bought cupcakes here and over-nighted them to friends that don't live in the city. So if you're in Chelsea and don't want to deal with the hassel of waiting 15min for a cupcake, stop by Billy's!
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I went to visit a new friend at her Chelsea digs. We had a great play date with the kids and then decided to go for a walk in her neighborhood. My life may never be the same. We decided to stop... More

I went to visit a new friend at her Chelsea digs. We had a great play date with the kids and then decided to go for a walk in her neighborhood. My life may never be the same. We decided to stop in here so she could get a piece of carrot cake. I thought I'd try a cookie. Bad idea. We were both attempting to lose out baby pounds (a little note of self congratulations I hit my goal 6 months post baby) and this spot is way too tempting. They sell those little cupcakes everyone seems to be crazy about since Magnolia Bakery landed on SATC. Not my thing, I'm a cookie girl. And these cookies knocked me for a loop. Thank god I live a 30 minute subway ride away. The peanut butter cookies simply melt away in one's mouth. They are soft, yet there is a hint of crispness. The portions is just right too, small enough to allow your to sample two without feeling loaded down, yet large enough to be satisfying. And they aren't overly buttery. The decor is 50's girly cutesy. My friend reports the carrot cake is responsible for her not attaining her post-baby weight.
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...but have eaten these babies "take out" style and have enjoyed them. We did a little taste test during the Fringe last year - one on day 1, one on day 2. Day 2 cupcake still was moist &... More

...but have eaten these babies "take out" style and have enjoyed them. We did a little taste test during the Fringe last year - one on day 1, one on day 2. Day 2 cupcake still was moist & delicious. I feel bad for those who have not had the same experience. Great frosting from Billy's. I look forward to checking out the shop (I like to see where my cupcakes come from during these days of cupcake wars).
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it didnt suprise me when i learned that the guy who founded this place was a magnolia alum. it fits the mold perfectly. in fact inside i'd say its cuter than either say buttercup or magnolia. but... More

it didnt suprise me when i learned that the guy who founded this place was a magnolia alum. it fits the mold perfectly. in fact inside i'd say its cuter than either say buttercup or magnolia. but these damn cupcakes are so dry - i dont see why everyone gets so excited. otherwise the offerings are pretty much the same as magnolia expect for the location. not worth the trip to the neighborhood....
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I think Billy's is way better than Magnolia. And better than the cupcakes is not having to wait on that ridiculous line to get inside--the ambiance is much better. It's decorated super cute and I... More

I think Billy's is way better than Magnolia. And better than the cupcakes is not having to wait on that ridiculous line to get inside--the ambiance is much better. It's decorated super cute and I absolutely love the sprinkles inside the Mason jars set in the window sill.
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if you live in chelsea you dont have to make the trip down to the west village anymore. those magnolia spinoffs are bredding like rabbits and one is coming to your neighborhood soon. they have... More

if you live in chelsea you dont have to make the trip down to the west village anymore. those magnolia spinoffs are bredding like rabbits and one is coming to your neighborhood soon. they have basically the same exact stuff. i havent tasted them side by side but cant imagine they are any different. its all good but the peanut butter pie and icebox cakes are my favorites. everyone else seems to love the cupcakes.
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A while ago, a few of us dropped by Billy's Bakery to see if they really have the "top-rated" cupcakes.The bakery, fashioned in the green, pink and white colors of the quaint '50s' is a very warm... More

A while ago, a few of us dropped by Billy's Bakery to see if they really have the "top-rated" cupcakes.The bakery, fashioned in the green, pink and white colors of the quaint '50s' is a very warm and inviting place. Staff are ever so helpful and friendly.When you walk in the store, you notice the place is divided into 2 tiny seating areas: 2 tables, a few chairs on the left; one table, with even fewer chairs on the right. But what definitely stands out are the huge kitchen space and 2 glass-encased counters of baked goods: pies, cakes, cookies and cupcakes! Instantly, my eyes trailed to the refridgerated icebox cake. I haven't had one of these since the days of La Fondue (early 90s). I ordered a piece with some english breakfast tea (Twinnings!). The lady who served me, cut me a huge slab -- enough for 3 people to share! I definitely forced some of the cake on others to share. I needed room to at least try 2 cupcakes: one vanilla, the other chocolate. The cake is just how I remembered it should taste: light, airy and so oreo-like. Tasty. The problem was that after you consumed a few bites, it totally sunk into your stomach. But I was here to try cupcakes!I ordered the vanilla cake with vanilla pink buttercream and the chocolate cake with vanilla yellow buttercream. Again, with barely little room, I forced half of each onto another. I didn't care for the chocolate cupcake as much. A bit on the dry side. The yellow cupcake definitely was more flavorful and airy. Overall, I thought the cupcakes were too heavy on the sugary and thick frosting. Wouldn't say its the best cupcakes I've had either.If I had to rank my cupcakes, it would be as follows:1. Cupcake Cafe2. Magnolia Bakery3. Buttercup 4. Billy's BakeryI would definitely recommend going to Billy's Bakery for the excellent Icebox cake. Try their other cakes and pies too.
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