TLDR
Authentic Danish bakery known for exceptional sourdough, signature rye breads, and flaky, house-made pastries.
Details
This Danish bakery is widely celebrated for its high-quality, authentic pastries and diverse bread selection, including popular sourdough and specialty rye options [1], [2], [4]. Visitors frequently highlight the cafe as a reliable go-to for breakfast, citing standout items like the Salmon Sandwich and various sweet treats [5], [8], [11]. It is often described as a convenient and welcoming spot, whether found by happy accident or chosen for a reliable quick bite [11], [13], [20].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on Danish-inspired baked goods, with particular acclaim for the 'Chocolate Social' slice, Copenhagen pastry, and Salmon Sandwich [11], [15], [17]. Customers also highly recommend their specialty breads, specifically the soft grain rye and chocolate rye, while noting that the bakery offers great options for breakfast sandwiches and salads [8], [17], [18], [22], [23].
Highlights / Recommended
"The Salmon Sandwich and 'Copenhagen' pastry are frequently cited as top-tier choices [15]. Customers also strongly recommend the chocolate rye bread and the house-made blueberry latte [22], [23]."
Customer Sentiment
Feedback is largely positive, with guests appreciating the quality of both food and ingredients, such as organic, house-made syrups [8], [11], [22]. While some consider it a staple, others view it as a solid, reliable cafe option that is perfectly convenient for a quick meal near the park [17], [20], [21].
Caveats
While many praise the products, some note that the birthday freebie is a minor perk rather than a major destination driver [10], [21]. Additionally, one user mentioned that the soft grain rye bread can be difficult to butter due to its dense texture [18].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About OLE & STEEN
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Where Can I Get Some Sort Of Good Chocolate Bread
"This user expresses interest in the chocolate rye bread from Ole and Steen."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Get Some Sort Of Good Chocolate Bread
"This user strongly recommends Ole and Steen for their chocolate rye bread."
PositiveFrom post: Coffee Shops With Housemade Syrups Upper East Side
"Ole & Steen was mentioned for making their cardamom syrup in-house. They also noted that their Cinnamon Social syrup is organic and from a minority and woman-owned business. The commenter enjoyed the blueberry latte."
PositiveFrom post: Restaurants That Do Birthday Free Fooddiscount
"Ole & Steen offers a free pastry for birthdays. This is listed as a decent option but not one the commenter would go out of their way for."
NeutralFrom post: Coffee W Seating Near Bryant Park
"Ole & Steen was mentioned as a cafe option located on the corner of 40th and 6th Ave."
NeutralFrom post: Midtown East Patisseries
"Ole & Steen, located at 40th and 6th, was mentioned as being 'OK'."
NeutralFrom post: Are There Any Local Bakeries That Sell Bread That
"The user recommends the Ole & Steen soft grain rye for those seeking an ultra-healthy bread, noting it's dense and can be sliced to preference, though it doesn't absorb butter well."
PositiveFrom post: Bryant Park Lunch Recommendations
"Ole & Steen, a Danish bakery, has nice sandwiches and salads and is located at the corner of the park at 40th and 6th."
PositiveFrom post: 7 Nights In Your Marvellous City
"This commenter highlighted the Salmon Sandwich as the best item at Ole & Steen, with the Copenhagen pastry being a close second, and mentioned it was a go-to spot for them."
PositiveFrom post: 7 Nights In Your Marvellous City
"This commenter mentioned that Ole & Steen has locations all over Denmark and that the Manhattan branches are closer to them."
NeutralFrom post: 7 Nights In Your Marvellous City
"The author mentioned finding Ole & Steen by accident, calling it a 'very happy accident' and implying a positive experience."
PositiveFrom post: 7 Nights In Your Marvellous City
"This commenter thanked the original poster for introducing them to Ole & Steen, indicating it was a positive recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: 7 Nights In Your Marvellous City
"The author listed Ole & Steen and their 'chocolate social slice' as one of their favorites from their NYC trip."
PositiveFrom post: Cheese Danish
"The author suggests checking any Ole and Steen location for danishes."
PositiveFrom post: Nonchain Birthday Freebies
"Ole & Steen is listed as a secondary option for birthday freebies, not as highly rated as the top choices."
NeutralFrom post: Bryant Park Winter Village
"Suggested 'Ole and Steen' as a better option for food than the Bryant Park Winter Village vendors."
PositiveFrom post: Bakery Recommendation
"Ole & Steen is recommended as a good option for breakfast sandwiches and kid-friendly pastries."
PositiveFrom post: Bakery Recommendation
"Ole and Steen is located at 6th and 40th and has good pastries."
PositiveFrom post: Bakery Recommendation
"This user recommends Ole and Steen."
PositiveFrom post: Bakery Recommendation
"Ole and Steen is noted as being popular with tourists and locals for run-of-the-mill breakfast items with a Danish twist."
Positive