Sweet! (And Some Savory, Too): Woops! Macarons Is Open On 5th Avenue

Woops! Macarons (620 5th Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets) opened for business on Saturday, August 22 to a steady flow of traffic full of curious neighbors. It has been almost a year since Has Beans — the previous tenant — had closed its doors.

We’re happy to report that the wait has been more than worth it. You’re in for quite a few choices of sweet treats. And you’re in for some surprises, too.

Owner Ellie Lippel’s newest outpost functions as a bakery with excellent confections, a relaxing café (Woops! is open until 10pm every evening), and even a place to have a sandwich for lunch.

Woops! — first and foremost — offers its signature macarons. There are many of the tried-and-true flavors you might expect if you’re a macaron fan: dark chocolate, red velvet, pistachio, and vanilla. But add to that flavors such as caramel fleur de sel, Nutella, and rose, and you have some new tastes that you can add to your macaron vocabulary.

The rose flavor is particularly interesting. It might be odd to say that you really can taste rose, but it’s strikingly natural and devoid of any overly-perfumed flavors. The lemon poppy flavor is also notable, with a natural citrus zing that comes with each bite.

The sweets continue with the cookie selections, the red velvet one standing out — it balances crunchy and chewy perfectly, and is not overly sweet.

Now onto some more of the surprises. We know there are savory fans out out there. We know there are rugelach fans out there. You both win. Try the jalapeño or the feta and olive flavors — they are soft and flaky. More interested in a sweet rugelach experience? The Nutella-flavored choice will do you right.

Iced coffee fans are in for a good cup. And if you want to stop in for a sandwich, try the mini brioche with pesto, arugula, and tomato.

Alissa Smith, a neighbor from 16th Street, stopped in for the first time because she was “curious about the new business,” she told us. “I have friends who are very excited about it. I used to go to Has Beans and I’ve been watching for this to open. The iced coffee is great.”

You’ll be greeted by the friendly and knowledgeable Ariana Hidalgo and Rebekah Woods, who know their ingredients. They have their recommendations, and you’ll be in good hands when you hear them.

So believe the hype. Welcome to the neighborhood, Woops!

Woops! Macarons (620 5th Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets, 718-788-0511) is open Mondays-Fridays from 7am-10pm, and Saturday-Sundays from 8am-10pm.