Ole & Steen

This establishment was right across from our recent hotel stay in midtown NYC. Wonderful selection of sweet and savory pastries, sandwiches, fresh breads, and hot beverages. There are various locations throughout the city. I chose a poppy seed covered pastry with almond paste and a lemongrass hot tea. Both were excellent. However, service was quite slow and server not so friendly. Visited the next day with family and service was quick and friendly, and the coffee excellent. Prices on the higher end, but clean place with some delicious offeri as to eat in or take out. Restroom for customers and a cde is needed to punch in.

Good location. Staff not super-friendly, not mean. Just doing their jobs. Drip coffee - good flavor, but not hot enough. Oat meal - overpriced, extra charges for add-ons ($10+ for nothing special) Cinnamon swirl - Very good flavor. But just a little hard. My daughter liked it.

Sunday afternoon. The pastries were whet you could expect on a weekend. The place was rough and shabby, understaffed I suppose. Could do with a good cleanup. Enjoyed my Danish vanilla though with a black kaffe.

Our favorite place near Grand Central to have great coffee and delicious sandwiches Today we had house special hot chocolate and a turkey press sandwich. All great. Back again today as we were in the area. Today just had the regular hot chocolate. It was great and really hit the spot on a cold blustery day. Can’t wait to come again. They have a nice bathroom setup. Two bathrooms w/o sinks and a sink area outside. Works very well. Stopped in for late lunch today. Place was pretty busy so we had to wait a few minutes to get a table. Today we ordered tuna salad sandwich and chicken bacon toastie. And a delicious cup of decaf Americano. Everything was delicious.

I really wanted to like this place. I love Scandinavia bakeries and was excited to try their version of the Tebirkes. The pastries didn’t look fresh and tasted only slightly fresh. The Tebirkes literally tasted like popcorn, the blueberry muffin was loaded with sugar and hardened oil, and the oat milk Cortado was a watery mess at near boiling temps. And they used way too much paper to wrap a dine in order. So much for Scandinavian klimatsmart (yes, I google-translated that). Approach with trepidation and misgivings.

Popped in for breakfast as it was just round the corner from our hotel. Pastries the size of your face, and full of flavour. Great coffees, quick service and the place has a lively atmosphere.

This cafe has seating. The service is slow. The hot chocolate is very good and doesn’t have the same line that holiday pop-ups in Bryant park have. I didn’t like the yogurt either granola because it was more soft granola heavy than yogurt. The cinnamon swirl pastry was good. You can also get savory items here.

Nice patisserie. Popped in for a sweet treat around 3:30pm on a Friday. There was a small line of about 5 people that cleared quickly. I bought a small strawberry tart and a gateau marcel. The tart was a perfect balance of short crust, strawberry and cream with just enough chocolate on the short crust.👌 The Gateau Marcel was what it was supposed to be... extremely rich chocolate. It was just too much for me, as I anticipated, but had to give a try. We will be trying this place for breakfast and will update the review.

One of my favorite caffès to stop at when visiting the city. This location has a good amount of setting to enjoy a quick bite or get work done. Coffee and food is delicious. It does get busy during peak hours, service is quick & efficient.

I've been stopping buy to get a few pastries for breakfast before going into the office. I have tried the Savory Spinach Swirl and chocolate croissant. I also ask to have it warmed up before leaving so that it is softer when I eat it in the office. There are also a variety of tother items such as sandwiches and other breads, but I have not yet tried them. Overall, I think this is a a nice bakery! There is sometimes a short line as it is during morning rush hour time, but it moves fairly quickly.

{Overall: 4; Food: 4} Ambiance: 3.5; Service: 4 I love having a little snack at Ole & Steen. The Cinnamon Swirl is my favorite. It's flaky on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside. Make sure to ask them to heat it up for you! Ambiance is 3.5 because even though the interior design is modern and sleek, the seating areas can get really crowded and a bit messy.

Great food, service and ambiance. I enjoyed a ham and cheese croissant and a caramel latte. Excellent quality at a reasonable price point. Stopped in briefly during a busy period, so seating was limited - however I will certainly stop by again if I'm back in the city

This place was so busy in the morning but line moved fast! I had an Americano and Latte, both were on point! The pastries were delicious too! Ordered a croissant, big fluffy and flaky! And ordered an apple pastry! Also super delicious! Both paired well with the drinks! There's also plenty of comfy seating here! Great place to meet up with a friend to chat! Will be back!!!!!

Very crowded and a little overpriced but that's not surprising for this location. Lost our coffee order but provided a complimentary pastry to make up for it.

Everything was delicious! The cinnamon social slice was delightful (this coming from someone who has high standards for cinnamon rolls and related cinnamon pastries). Every bit was full of delicious cinnamon and two days later, it still tasted great. The chicken blt toastie was full of flavor. I personally didn't care for the sauce they used on the sandwich, but my friend seemed to enjoy it. The overnight oats were filling and full of actual ingredients- we could tell what's in it. Same goes for the fruit cup. The prices are pretty on par with other nyc bakeries. Worth a try if you're near one.

Ole & Steen is located on a busy corner and not only in a great location but has a huge space inside. Their pastry and baked goods case is loaded with breads, muffins, sweets, savory items, and cookies. They have a solid coffee menu and I ordered a macchiato which is my go-to along with a cortado if I'm visiting for the first time. It's usually my test to see if it passes for me to return. My macchiato was very bitter and not smooth at all. The croissant I ordered was delicious though, so I'd definitely go back for a bite but maybe just a drip coffee.

This is a great bake shop to work at! There's Wi-Fi and plenty of seating. There's also not a fight for seats at this location. I'm not that much of a coffee connoisseur, but I do drink a lot of lattes and make my own espresso and coffee drinks at home. I think a latte is worth it when it tastes better than what I can make at home (which it doesn't always), especially as I'm trying to avoid buying drinks outside. The latte was ready in less than 5 minutes, so this spot is a great grab-and-go spot as well!

Yummy pastries and they have large tables to get work done. Good view of the Chrysler building from the outdoor seating too.

They don't have any overnight or hot oatmeal at all, was craving it too. How disappointing. Grabbed a turkey, egg and cheese on bread, yogurt parfait, fruit salad and a small oat milk latte. $28.49. Didn't realize until biting into it that it's a Turkey Pattie. The Pattie is soft and mushy and reminds me of liverwurst, rather a rude awakening and not pleasant to say the least. The egg is medium hard, should be hard and fully cooked through. The yogurt parfait is interesting with the hard bits of granola and whatever the dark, hard and crunchy stuff is. The fruit salad is okay, could have more berries in it than cantaloupe and green melons. The oat milk latte is okay, as usual. Service is all about in and out, nothing a kiosk couldn't do for the same experience.

Stopped in for a quick lunch this week. Grabbed a couple of salads -- salmon and mezzo salad. Both were really good. I wanted so bad to grab a few of their tasty looking treats but I showed a bit of restraint. Next time.

I got 4 of their pastries from a Too Good to Go order. Given that price point, quantity, and quality, definitely a great purchase. On their own, I thought the pastries were decent and clearly of higher quality than store bought pastries but also nothing special to note. Not too sweet, not too heavy, easy to eat 1 or 2 at a time.

I see no opportunity, on their website, to contact the company directly, so here I go: I frequent the Union Square store on Broadway & 18th St., and this morning, this was my experience -- I probably was their first customer, arriving minutes after they opened. I walk up to the counter and a young woman stares at me blankly. I say, "Good morning!" -- to no response. I continue that I'd like the spinach swirl and please heat it up twice as much as you normally do. (If I don't say that, by the time I leave the store it is no longer hot/warm). I pay for it, and then look up, it is sitting on the counter. I take the bag and see the young woman walking back towards me. We make eye contact, I smile (again to no response) and I say, "Thank you! Have a great day!" She forces a nod. I realize robots and AI will soon be prevalent, but in the meantime -- 'acting' human is appreciated. This isn't the first time I've experienced this at Ole & Steen, and am wondering if Sales Training, or basic Customer Service is no longer taught, or a prerequisite in hiring (?) Needless to say the spinach swirl was not warm/hot while I walked home. The idea of going into the store is now a turn-off, knowing that I'll most likely have an 'inhuman' experience.

If you are in the area, this is a good place to grab a warm breakfast roll with a cup of coffee. Their bread is very fluffy, and most breakfast rolls come with an egg with a runny center. Coffee is always strong and piping hot. You can order from anyone behind the counter and wait for your order number to be called. The only downside with this location is that the tables and chairs are not clean a few times I stopped by.

Ole & Steen was a pastry store I stumbled by when looking for a place to work with outlets and WiFi. Not only are there a plethora of outlets and free WiFi for work and studying, but the inside is lovely and rustic with tons of wooden decor and open white seats. The selection of pastries was also large with tons of options including croissants, sandwiches, cookies, cakes and tarts. The pastry I decided to try out was the mango tart, and it was thick, crunchy, chewy and divine. The mangos were soft and tender and the tart below was sweet from the chocolate and crunchy. Definitely check out Ole & Steen if you are looking for a nice study spot and love pastries!

Came by and grabbed a lemon poppy seed muffin, which was decent. I like the seating area, could definitely work from here!

I had high expectations for this pastry shop but it was a little underwhelming. I had their latte and croissant. The latte was pretty good but I didn't love the coffee bean flavor. The croissant was also not as flaky as I had hoped and didn't taste as fresh considering I was there early morning. The bakery is pretty spacious though with plenty of setting and open relatively late. The staff is also very quick with getting out orders! Though I didn't love the things I got, I will give them the benefit of the doubt. I had heard from a few people that their bread loaves are a lot better and truly delicious. I'll try those next time for sure!

We came to Ole & Steen because it was featured as a provider on the app Too Good To Go. For $5 we were going to get a taste of this cafe! We came in 7 minutes before closing. Even then, there were quite a few customers ordering things still. The main dining room was already closed off for cleaning but I did take a picture for posterity. Ole & Steen Cafe serves Hot & Cold beverages as well as patties, sandwiches, and salads. Our $5 surprise bag included a fresh salad bowl, a fresh Tea Bun, and a chocolate cookie covered in nuts. Not bad when you figure that the average salad, alone, in Manhattan runs at about $10. Check out our pictures and see what we got! Everyone was very helpful and friendly even at near closing time. Nobody was rushing you to get out. The girl behind the counter handed off our Surprise Bag after helping us pull up the app in order to claim it. She was all smiles and very sincere. The ambiance is very appealing and clean. There is a long community table to sit at and smaller tables, booths, and counter areas to sit at. I believe there are restrooms available but I didn't get to see it. This is a place we'd be happy to sit and chill at alone or with a friend with the usual cafe yummies to purchase!

Pastries so good I went back two more times. I saw this storefront passing by and took note for a stop in the next morning. As you could imagine it was quite busy but the staff knew how to handle the workload. I ordered a bag full of different pastries and sandwiches and everything was really good. This is a great spot for a morning coffee and pastry to go. It was crowded inside with all of the seating take so is you go before lunch you probably won't find a seat.

Passed by this bakery while I was in New York, and since I hadn't seen this chain before on the West Coast we decided to check it out. The inside was clean with plenty of open tables, and at the front of the store is the section with a selection of pastries and drinks. They definitely have a pretty interesting spread of cool Danish pastries, so I highly recommend checking those out! We got one with mango and another with strawberries on top to try out; they were great and I was impressed with the flavors! The pastries are fairly substantial with a good thickness to it while not being too overly sweet. Definitely swing by if you're in the NYC area!

One visit to Ole & Steen made me fall in love with its pastries. The variety here is impressive and even at 6PM on a Friday night, they were still well stocked. I spotted some inviting lemon swirl buns and mini cakes, but I ordered a slice of the Cinnamon Social instead. This was a slice of soft cinammon bun with braids of brown sugar cinnamon and icing swirled throughout. There was nary a dry pocket in the entire pastry, a discovery I made while enjoying it all in one sitting. They have a big space, big tables, and comfy chairs for you to kick back and relax in. I'm very curious to see if their other pastries are so irresistable.

Don't expect same Ole, same Ole from this bake shop. I popped in for a morning coffee & pastry, but was met with an entire menu. For 7am this place was packed but the service was quick. However, the atmosphere was more grab and go, although they had a handful of seats & tables. The coffee was standard, but their pastries are where they really shine. Don't get me wrong they cost a pretty penny (~$6 for a croissant) but they do live up to the price tag. I got a seasonal blackberry swirl and you could see + taste the real fruit! Overall, wouldn't mind stopping in here again but gotta make sure my wallet is ready!

Tasty Scandinavian pastries, I was told the cinnamon one is easily their best seller. I liked it!

I love the chicken blt, and they warm it up nicely. However, they were a bit short on the lettuce and tomato (see photo for the entire content) the last time I ordered. It was pretty pathetic and the daggone thing is $15.

Good for a pastry or breakfast sandwich and coffee. My ham and cheese croissant was tasty, but unevenly heated

Good lattes! Flimsy lid though so beware. This location tends to get backed during the day up bc of nearby offices and hotels. Was fully packed inside and out when I came this morning but a reliable coffee brand in the city

Unfortunately, I will not be a repeat customer. The pastries were full of air and layers, and lack flavor.

Excellent coffee (had basic coffee here) as well as the chocolate marble cake. Always good for breakfast. Ambiance is on par for a coffee shop Saturday morning - not too loud; but not silent either. Service is where I'm docking a star; was a bit of organized chaos to get our order. May have been on an off morning. Still would recommend is you're in the area.

Been here a few times and it really hits the spot for pastries and drinks. Plenty of space to sit and hang. The ham and cheese croissant sandwich is excellent. Their tuna sandwich is great too (I think this one's seasonal because it disappeared from the selection). Also they have this bread I really like- seeded and looks like it has carrots.

Great cinnamon buns and sandwiches. Midtown has lots of tables. Please add some tables to 86th and Lex. You have the space.

Amazing! Lively place with amazing pastries. Stopped in for coffee, was surprised to see a beautiful selection of Danish pastries. Picked up a latte and a chocolate swirl -- a must! The latte was good but the chocolate swirl was perfect. The perfect crisp. With aromatic cinnamon flavors and a delicious chocolate glaze. Latte: $4.85 Chocolate swirl: $4.50

The cinnamon swirls at Ole & Steen are devine! The baked goods smelled and looked delicious each time I went in. Good coffee options as well but a number of items weren't available iced.

Wasn't a big fan of this location but it could have been not knowing that everything was made to order already and they just microwave and hand it over. The staff was nice enough so nothing against that. There wasn't enough seating and options for those who are not into condiments. While this didn't work for me, I would try it for yourself if you are on the walk and looking for a quick sandwich, in and out. See what you think ...

Great place. The customer service was incredible. Their cortado was perfect - just the right balance of heavy and smooth- and they even did that heart thing with the milk. The chocolate swirl would be great if I was a cinnamon bun person. The rum balls are to die for. Go.

I went twice while in NYC. The brewed, traditional, American drip coffee was ok; not bad and not great. The banana bread with chocolate chips looked average but was really moist and tasty. That was my favorite there. I should have gotten an Americano. Maybe their espresso drinks are better. I went back at lunch and was disappointed. The sandwich was a LOT of bread and little meat. I mean, a LOT of bread. I would not get another sandwich. Stick with breakfast or go for pastries if you are looking for a sweet snack.

Coffee and Danish pastries from Ole & Steen were well worth the walk. If you don't like sweet pastries just let them know, they'll provide excellent recommendations. The servers are very friendly. Plenty of indoor seating and extremely clean though keep in mind some of the tables are small. We're already planning to return tomorrow!

Finally checked this place out after passing by many times on my morning commute. At almost 9am this place is buzzing with so many people! Surprised because I thought I would have skipped the morning peak time rush. I noticed there were a fair amount of finance dudes in suits ordering a coffee and stretching out at tables either taking calls or waiting for someone. Then the occasional tourists sprinkled around the seating. Most are there to grab and go. Staff tries to move as quick as possible to keep up with the steady lines. There is a large selection of baked goods ranging from sweet, savory, and sandwiches. Find a menu of coffee and drinks to get your caffeine boost. I went for the famed 'cinnamon social' and basically inhaled that sweet goodness! For $5 it's a sizable pastry with layers of carbs that worked well with my black drip coffee. It would have been nice if the staff offered to warm this pastry up a bit. Perhaps life changing for the taste too. I also would have preferred having the pastry on a plate to enjoy like others I saw. However the staff didn't ask and simply assumed I'd be getting items to go. The small coffee ($3.25) was a bit too bitter for my taste, but the sugar in my cinnamon social made up for it. Plenty of seating around from small booths with round tables, high stools to sit along windows and people watch outside, and one large table. They have a restroom for customers too. I imagine this may be a good place to work on a laptop for a bit during a non-rush hour time. With its close proximity to Grand Central and midtown location, it's probably busiest in the mornings. Overall, great selection of Danish pastries and a quick option on the go. I'd suggest going a bit later in the day if you want to sit and enjoy your food.

Friendly people that serve tasty lunch sandwiches that you can take to the park. I'd recommend anything with flour.

Simple order. Got an earl grey with almond milk. It was done well. Probably an odd order to 'rate' but I enjoyed it and liked the place. I wish I would have ordered a snack. They all looked great.

Came here as I had lovely experiences at other locations. The latte was great as usual, but I have to say the pastry was incredibly dry - may have just been a miss, but definitely disappointing.

This was my first time here. Blueberry muffin was Excellent! Slightly crispy on the outside for the best part which is the muffin top. Extra moist on the inside. They have plenty of pastry options to choose from. I love that! It's a great place to meet a friend. I ordered an iced Americano w chocolate but that's not really what are you doing so if it's just OK. The barista was able to make me one, and he was very friendly so was the lady who took my order was probably new. Then there was a lady (wearing glasses) wiping down the counters and she was really pleasant. She told me about the samples, but they were out. It's a little noisy in here. But it's bright and open w plenty of seats. I would recommend this place.

Ppppllleeaasseee come to dc !!! Wow !! Tender pastries, delicious breads, gorgeous displays and interiors, tart jams in their fruit pastry and decadent chocolate in their sweeter selections! Ppllleeaasseeee come To dc !!!

Contrary to a lot of the other reviews I've seen, I actually really enjoy the ambiance of the place -- there's always plenty of spots to sit at and it never feels too crowded (things you don't often get to say about nyc cafes). Additionally, I am a big fan of the traditional hot, black coffee server here. It's rich and just the right amount of tangy without being too bitter. The only reason I took off one star is because I haven't found much luck with the pastries. Each one I've tried is quite bland and seems like it's missing something. I understand they aren't as sweet as a typical American dessert, but I've yet to find a pastry here I fully enjoy. Still, would definitely recommend going to this place for their coffee and more savory food options.

Pastry was dry and had little filling. Servers were impatient. Overcrowded. Would not come back.

Their baked goods are fresh and tasty. Try the Cinnamon Social, which is particularly good and generously sized for the price. Yum! This is primarily a to-go spot, but they have some seating.

Super cute place to grab a breakfast and coffee or a snack. The food was great, cinnamon social bun was delicious. Service is ok, not the friendliest when I was there but it wasn't horrible

Am a regular here. Almost always a line but it goes quick. The sandwiches and pastries are what keeps me coming back. Always a lot of variety and something new to try. Staples of mine are the breakfast sandwiches: salmon, sausage, savoury croissants... the ingredients feel high quality and the price is very reasonable for what you get. Plenty of indoor seats as well, high ceilings, well lit.

Cute bakery shop with modern interior. They have unique selections to pick from - we got the raspberry spandauer, cinnamon swirl, cardamom raisin almond bun, and smoked salmon bun. Everything was good, but the raspberry spandauer was a bit boring, nothing special about it. Their buns/breads are delicious!! Definitely coming back again to try the carrot buns and other pastries.