Duke's is certainly up there in the NYC mac & cheese pantheon, but it isn’t alone. I’d love to give you the definite answer you crave, but unfortunately New York provides a few other spots that strongly contest the crown. Our editor Carey adores S’Mac, as do many others most especially after S’Mac offered their signature dish for $1 to celebrate its 2nd birthday. Blue Smoke’s version is one of the best, but is available as a side only. Other mac & cheese favorites include Cafeteria, Eatery, and Daphne’s Caribbean Express (the Times raved about this spot 2 years ago). Also for a high-class option, the hype over the truffled mac & cheese at The Waverly Inn has yet to die down.

S’Mac (345 E. 12th St. and 474 Columbus Ave.)

Cafeteria (119 7th Ave.)

Eatery (789 9th Ave.)

Daphne’s Caribbean Express (233 E. 14th St.)

The Waverly Inn (16 Bank St.)