You’ve seen the jars. Maybe it was on a friend's Instagram story or just a flash of a bright blue logo while driving down Broadway. There is something almost magnetic about how Laika Cheesecake & Espresso Broadway Alamo Heights TX manages to stay packed. Honestly, in a city where breakfast tacos usually reign supreme, a Ukrainian-owned cheesecake shop becoming a local titan is a bit of a curveball.
But it happened.
It’s 2026, and the flagship Broadway location still feels like the beating heart of the brand, even as they've sprouted new spots in Helotes and New Braunfels. Walking into the Alamo Heights shop at 4718 Broadway, you’re immediately hit by that specific "European café" vibe—part cozy, part chaotic, and always smelling like pulling espresso shots and toasted sugar.
Why the Jars Actually Matter
Most people think the glass jars are just for the "aesthetic." Sure, they look great in photos, but there’s a practical reason Anna Afanasieva and Viktor Krizma went this route when they launched in December 2020.
Building a cheesecake inside a jar allows for textures that would never survive a traditional slice. You can have a bottom layer of buttery graham crust, a middle of dense, velvety vanilla bean cheesecake, and then top it with something as delicate as a lemon curd or a toasted meringue without it all sliding off the plate.
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It’s basically structural integrity meets dessert.
The Picnic In Space is the one that most people lose their minds over. It's a combination of blueberry jam, vanilla bean cheesecake, and lemon curd, finished with a crown of toasted meringue. If you're lucky, you'll catch it when the meringue is still slightly warm from the torch.
The Menu Isn't Just "The Regulars"
One thing about Laika that keeps the Broadway crowd coming back is the rotation. They don't just sit on a static menu. While you can almost always find the NY Strawberry or the Cookies & Cream (which uses a chocolate cookie crust and has a serious amount of Oreo bits), the seasonal stuff is where it gets weird and wonderful.
We’re talking flavors like:
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- Dubai Chocolate: A dark chocolate cheesecake base stuffed with that crunchy Kunafa pistachio filling everyone was obsessed with recently.
- Tiramisu: This one actually uses coffee-soaked vanilla cake inside the cheesecake.
- Cuckoo’s Nest: Usually pops up around Easter, featuring carrot cake and malt chocolate eggs.
The espresso side of the house doesn't play second fiddle, either. They’re pulling serious shots. A hot latte here isn't just a caffeine delivery system; it’s actually balanced. If you aren't a coffee person, the Raspberry Lemonade or the Dragon Strawberry handcrafted lemonades are usually what you'll see the college students from nearby UIW sipping on while they study.
More Than Just Sugar and Caffeine
There is a weight to this place that goes beyond the sugar high. Anna Afanasieva is from Ukraine, and when the conflict began in early 2022, the Broadway shop became a literal rallying point for San Antonio. They donated 100% of their profits over a weekend to the Ukrainian army—tens of thousands of dollars.
That community tie-in is why you’ll still see a line out the door on a Tuesday night. People in Alamo Heights don't just go for the cheesecake; they go because they feel like they’re supporting a family that actually gives a damn about the world.
What You Should Know Before You Go
Honestly, the seating at the Broadway location can be a bit of a struggle. It’s a small footprint. If you’re planning a "sit and linger" session with a group of four, you might be hovering over a table like a vulture for ten minutes.
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Prices? They aren't cheap. You’re looking at $7 to $10 for a jar or a slice. Some people complain about that, but when you realize they are often baking around the clock to keep up with the demand of nearly 1,000 jars a day, the labor cost starts to make sense.
Navigating the Visit
- Parking: It’s Broadway. It’s tight. If the front lot is full, don't stress—there's usually a spot within a block if you're willing to walk.
- The Jar Return: Don't throw the jars away. They’re high-quality glass. You can reuse them at home for spices, or just bring them back to the shop to be recycled.
- The "Off-Peak" Myth: There is no true off-peak here, but weekday mornings right after they open at 10 AM are your best bet for a quiet corner.
If you’re heading to Laika Cheesecake & Espresso Broadway Alamo Heights TX for the first time, skip the plain stuff. Go for the Space Jam or the Toffee Turtle. You’re already paying for a premium dessert; you might as well get the one with the wild toppings and the complex layers that made this place famous in the first place.
Check the weekly menu on their social media before you head out, as the "Jars of the Week" can change without much warning. If they have the Earl Grey with Blood Orange, grab two. It sounds like a strange combination for a cheesecake, but the floral notes against the citrus compote are exactly why this shop outlasted the initial hype.