Skip to content 
Dessert Shops, Handmade Cakes, Cheesecake
The Cheesecake Guy | Authentic New York‑Style Cheesecake Bagels & Coffee on York’s Historic Shambles
New York cheesecakes, American desserts, and custom cakes served in York’s famous Shambles. Enjoy fresh cheesecake slices and cupcakes at independent local food shops.
- 37 Shambles, York YO1 7LX, UK
- Mon-Sun _ 10 AM–4 PM
- +447534497845
- 4.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆(134+)
Welcome to The Cheesecake Guy
Tucked away at number 37 on York’s world‑famous Shambles – the crooked, timber‑framed street that inspired Diagon Alley – you’ll find The Cheesecake Guy. This is not just another dessert shop. It’s a small slice of New York City in the heart of old York, run by a native New Yorker who has dedicated himself to one thing: baking the finest authentic American cheesecakes this side of the Atlantic.
The shop specialises in New York‑style baked cheesecakes – dense, creamy, not too sweet, and packed with flavour. From classic vanilla and zesty lemon to indulgent Kinder Bueno and white chocolate raspberry, every cheesecake is baked fresh on the premises using high‑quality ingredients and a family recipe that stretches back to 1960s Manhattan.
With a 4.8/5 rating from over 128 Google reviews and a Travellers’ Choice award from Tripadvisor, The Cheesecake Guy has become a must‑visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Whether you need a quick bite‑sized treat, a slice to enjoy as you explore the Shambles, or a whole cake for a special celebration, this is the place for cheesecake lovers.
What They Sell & Services
Our Story – From New York to Olde York
The man behind the cheesecake is Matt Kaplan – a native New Yorker, former aircraft painter, and baker supreme. Matt’s story is one of passion, heritage, and a deep‑rooted love for baking.
Matt’s grandfather owned Sherry’s, a bakery on 110th and Broadway in New York City during the 1960s and 1970s. Although the bakery didn’t pass down to the next generation, the family recipe, passion, and skill remained in the blood. While working as an aircraft painter in Florida, Matt baked a cheesecake for his colleagues as a donation to a ‘pot luck’ feast – and it was an instant hit. Suddenly, friends and colleagues were asking him to make them cheesecakes. At dinner parties and meet‑ups, his cheesecakes were always invited, celebrated, and devoured.
After meeting his Leeds‑born wife and falling in love with York, the couple moved here in 2014. Just like in America, Matt’s reputation grew from his home kitchen across the city, as word of mouth and social media spread the news of these mouthwatering creations. For several years, he traded online. Then, in 2021, the former Lunch Box unit on the Shambles became available. Matt knew it was perfect and snapped it up. The shop opened in April 2021, and the rest is delicious history.
What Makes The Cheesecake Guy Different?
🍰 New York-Style Baked Cheesecake
Matt bakes dense, tangy cheesecakes fresh daily – no factory goods.
🥯 Authentic Bagels
Leeds bakery bagels with Yorkshire cream cheese and coffee.
🤝 Friendly Service
Free samples, warm chats, dog treats – legendary hospitality.
Menu – Sizes, Flavours & Prices
Three Sizes to Suit Every Craving
Size | Description |
Cupcake size (mini cheesecake) | Perfect for a quick, individual treat – great for trying multiple flavours |
Slice | A generous portion of a larger cheesecake – ideal for one (or two) to enjoy as you walk the Shambles |
Whole cheesecake (up to 9 inches) | Available for takeaway – perfect for birthdays, weddings, office treats, or sharing at home |
Flavours – Something for Everyone
Flavour | Description |
Vanilla | The classic – smooth, creamy, and not too sweet. Often cited as a favourite even by people who don’t normally like cheesecake |
Lemon | Bright, zesty, and refreshing – a customer favourite |
Cherry | Rich and fruity – “fabulous” according to reviews |
Raspberry & White Chocolate | A classic combination – sweet, tart, and indulgent |
Kinder Bueno | Decadent chocolate‑hazelnut perfection |
Blueberry Crumble | A customer favourite – fruity with a crunchy topping |
Biscoff | Caramelised biscuit heaven |
Salted Caramel | Sweet, salty, and utterly moreish |
Crunchie | Honeycomb crunch meets creamy cheesecake |
Coffee | Rich, creamy, and with just the right amount of coffee flavour |
Carrot Cake | A unique fusion – cheesecake meets carrot cake |
Jaffa Cake | Orange and chocolate – a crowd‑pleaser |
Banoffee | Banana, toffee and cream – the hubby’s favourite |
Seasonal and limited‑edition flavours also appear – including maple bacon, mango, passionfruit, and pumpkin. And yes, there’s even a plain vanilla with berries on top.
Bagels & Drinks
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Fresh bagels | Authentic New York‑style bagels from Street Lane Bakery, Leeds |
| Bagel with cream cheese | Served with Yorkshire cream cheese from Longley Farm |
| Coffee | The perfect accompaniment to your cheesecake |
Prices – Great Value for Quality
Item | Approx. Price |
Cupcake‑size mini cheesecake | £4 |
Slice of cheesecake | £5 |
Whole cheesecake (up to 9 inches) | Varies – please enquire |
Bagel with cream cheese | |
Coffee | Please enquire |
Why Customers Love The Cheesecake Guy
- Authentic New York‑style baked cheesecake– dense, creamy, tangy, and not too sweet
- Everything made fresh in‑house– baked on the premises every day
- Generous portions– slices are “generously sliced” and mini cheesecakes are the perfect size
- Wide variety of flavours– from classic vanilla to adventurous maple bacon
- Friendly, passionate staff– Matt and his team are known for warm hospitality and free samples
- Dog friendly– water bowls and dog treats available
- Takeaway, delivery & online ordering– perfect for locals and visitors alike
- Wedding and celebration cakes– whole cheesecakes available for special occasions
- Halal options– staff are happy to advise on halal suitability
- Great value– consistently praised for quality relative to price
Opening Hours
The Cheesecake Guy is open seven days a week, with early closing times – so don’t leave your visit too late!
Day | Hours |
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 9:00am – 3:00pm |
Wednesday | 9:00am – 3:00pm |
Thursday | 9:00am – 3:00pm |
Friday | 9:00am – 3:00pm |
Saturday | 9:00am – 3:00pm |
Sunday | 9:00am – 3:00pm |
What Customers Say
“WOW! Is really all that can be said about this Cheesecake. I am a Cheesecake lover and have tried many all over the world, but I have to say I’ve never had better than from this little shop in the Shambles! We met the owner (lovely guy) who told us about all the flavours. We decided on the cherry and the carrot cake and were surprised when the owner gave us a piece of his vanilla to try – as he is that confident in his product (rightly so!). Don’t think I’ll ever visit York again without getting a piece (or several) of Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Guy!”
— Maria B, Tripadvisor (5/5)
“I was feeling a little down and my God daughter took me to the Cheesecake Guy for a treat. The staff were really friendly! They provided a water bowl for any passing dogs which Kali my hound approved of! They also had a box of dog treats behind the counter – anyone with a dog appreciates a dog‑friendly business! The Cheesecake was rich, delicate and delicious. Well worth a visit if you’re a cheesecake fan or just in need of a pick‑me‑up when you are down.”
— Andymercer, Tripadvisor (5/5)
“This little shop found in the iconic Shambles is worth a visit. The cheesecake is smooth, creamy, tasty & delicious. You must try!”
— K. A., CityMaps (5/5)
What Customers Say
“WOW! Is really all that can be said about this Cheesecake. I am a Cheesecake lover and have tried many all over the world, but I have to say I’ve never had better than from this little shop in the Shambles! We met the owner (lovely guy) who told us about all the flavours. We decided on the cherry and the carrot cake and were surprised when the owner gave us a piece of his vanilla to try – as he is that confident in his product (rightly so!). Don’t think I’ll ever visit York again without getting a piece (or several) of Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Guy!”
— Maria B, Tripadvisor (5/5)
“I was feeling a little down and my God daughter took me to the Cheesecake Guy for a treat. The staff were really friendly! They provided a water bowl for any passing dogs which Kali my hound approved of! They also had a box of dog treats behind the counter – anyone with a dog appreciates a dog‑friendly business! The Cheesecake was rich, delicate and delicious. Well worth a visit if you’re a cheesecake fan or just in need of a pick‑me‑up when you are down.”
— Andymercer, Tripadvisor (5/5)
“This little shop found in the iconic Shambles is worth a visit. The cheesecake is smooth, creamy, tasty & delicious. You must try!”
— K. A., CityMaps (5/5)
FAQs
What is the most famous cheesecake in New York?
What is the best cheesecake in NYC Times Square?
Why is cheesecake famous in New York?
What are reviews saying about cheesecake Guy?
Is the cheesecake halal?
Do you offer vegan or gluten‑free options?
Know Before You Go
More Stories for You
Traditional barber shop on Lemon Street, Truro. Men’s haircuts, skin fades, beard trims, hot towel shaves & children’s cuts. Walk‑ins welcome. Open 7 days. Book online.
Blend 71 is a small, independent cafe at 71 Lemon Street, Truro. We serve freshly made ciabatta sandwiches (including the famous Festive Chicken Club), Monmouth coffee, homemade cakes, and breakfast options. Open weekdays only. Takeaway available. Dog friendly.
Discover Kernow Churros in Truro, serving vegan churros, hot doughnuts, and delicious toppings at Truro Farmers’ Market on Lemon Quay.
Subscribe My Newsletter
Make sure you’re always up to date with fresh content.
Every new post will reach you without delay.
