Ole and Steen

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers craving a taste of authentic Scandinavian baking, Ole & Steen—known as Lagkagehuset in its native Denmark—offers a stylish, welcoming slice of Copenhagen right in Downtown Manhattan. More than just a bakery, Ole & Steen is a true Danish Sourdough Bakery & Coffeehouse, dedicated to bringing the Danish concept of Hygge (a feeling of coziness and contentment) to the city. The Church Street location in particular serves as a perfect stop for a quick morning pastry, a midday sandwich, or simply a warm cup of coffee to pause and refresh.

Founded by bakers Ole Kristoffersen and Steen Skallebaek in 1991, the bakery chain is celebrated for its commitment to high-quality, whole ingredients and traditional, artisanal baking techniques. This means their breads—like the dense, dark rye loaves and airy sourdoughs—are made with long-fermented sourdough and often baked in stone ovens, ensuring a distinctive crust and deep, complex flavor. Beyond the rustic breads, the bakery case is famously stocked with their signature Danish pastries, offering a refined, comforting counterpoint to the rush of New York City life.

The menu extends well beyond traditional baked goods to offer an expansive selection of breakfast and all-day dining options, including specialty sandwiches, toasties, and fresh salads. Whether you're a local resident, working in the Financial District, or visiting nearby attractions, Ole & Steen provides an inviting, contemporary atmosphere to enjoy a truly authentic Danish culinary experience.

Location and Accessibility

The Ole & Steen location in question is conveniently situated at 100 Church St, New York, NY 10007, USA, placing it squarely in the heart of Downtown Manhattan. This makes it an ideal spot for professionals, commuters, and tourists alike, given its proximity to major transit hubs and the Financial District.

Its Church Street address offers excellent accessibility. Being located in a major commercial area, the bakery is easily reachable via New York City's expansive subway system. Given the area's robust infrastructure, the location is generally considered easy to get to from various points in Lower Manhattan. Furthermore, the establishment is confirmed to have a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring a welcoming experience for all patrons. Whether you're rushing in for a quick takeaway order or settling in for a relaxed dine-in breakfast, the location’s central position and accessibility are a major benefit for New Yorkers on the go.

Services Offered

Ole & Steen on Church Street provides a comprehensive suite of services to accommodate various needs, making it a versatile stop throughout the day.

• Dine-in Service: Guests are welcome to enjoy their pastries, coffee, and meals in the sleek, modern space, embodying the sense of Danish 'hygge'.
• Takeaway: Perfect for the busy New Yorker, all menu items, from fresh bread to pastries and breakfast, are available to take away.
• Delivery: For maximum convenience, the bakery offers delivery services, allowing you to enjoy your favorite Danish treats right at your home or office.
• In-store Pick-up: Place your order ahead of time and pick it up in-store for a quick, efficient visit.
• Catering & Large Orders: While not explicitly listed as a service option, the availability of large format items like the Whole Cinnamon Social™ and full loaves of bread suggests capability for larger group orders or celebrations.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts a variety of modern payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

Ole & Steen stands out in the crowded New York bakery scene due to its unique Danish heritage and extensive, high-quality menu.

• The Iconic Cinnamon Social™: This is arguably the most famous item—a soft, braided sweet dough pastry filled with vanilla custard and cinnamon paste, served as a slice or a whole, shareable 'social'. Many reviewers cite this as a must-try for its moist, squidgy texture and rich flavor.
• Authentic Danish Pastries: The selection of traditional Danish pastries, including the Copenhagener (with almond paste and poppy seeds), the vanilla or raspberry-filled Spandauer, the Cardamom Bun, and the classic Croissant, showcases genuine European craftsmanship and quality.
• Artisanal Sourdough and Rye Breads: The bakery prides itself on traditional Danish bread, which uses a long sourdough process. Featured loaves include the dense, whole-grain Soft Grain Rye, Christianhavner Bread, and the popular Skagen Loaf, excellent for homemade Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches).
• Extensive All-Day Menu: Beyond pastries, the menu covers all dining occasions, from full Breakfast items like the Yogurt Parfait and Egg & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich to hearty lunch options like Toasties (e.g., Reuben or Mortadella Focaccia) and fresh Salads (e.g., Kale Chicken Caesar).
• Modern Danish Design: The interiors are designed to reflect the principle of hygge—a blend of sleek, modern Scandinavian style with an inviting, cozy atmosphere that encourages gathering and relaxation.
• High-Quality Coffee Program: The coffee menu is robust, featuring classics like Cortado, Flat White, and specialty drinks such as the Cinnamon Social Iced Latte and Strawberry Iced Matcha, catering to all coffee preferences.

Contact Information

For any inquiries, to place a large order, or for general information about the Church Street location in New York City, please use the following contact details:

Address: 100 Church St, New York, NY 10007, USA

Phone: (646) 980-1265

Mobile Phone: +1 646-980-1265

What is Worth Choosing

For first-time visitors or dedicated bakery enthusiasts in New York, the clear must-have choice is the Cinnamon Social™ Slice ($6.54). This is the bakery's signature item and a crowd-pleaser, praised for its soft, sweet, and comforting texture—a true representation of Danish baking finesse. Its combination of cinnamon paste, vanilla custard, and icing makes it an indulgent treat perfect for any time of day. The entire Whole Cinnamon Social™ is also available for purchase ($29.94) for those looking to share or cater a small event.

Beyond the iconic pastry, a selection from the Danish Rye & Sourdough Breads menu is highly recommended. The Soft Grain Rye ($11.34) or the Christianhavner Bread ($11.34) offer an authentic, healthy Danish staple that is dense, flavorful, and excellent for savory applications like toast or open-faced sandwiches. The quality of these sourdough-based breads is a key highlight of Ole & Steen’s dedication to traditional craftsmanship, setting it apart from many other Manhattan bakeries.

Finally, for a full meal, one of the hot Toasties—like the flavorful Reuben Toastie ($17.95) with pastrami and sauerkraut on house-made focaccia, or the savory Mortadella Focaccia ($16.75)—offers a hearty, high-quality lunch that perfectly complements the baked goods focus. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick breakfast bun, a Danish staple, or a full midday meal, Ole & Steen on Church Street provides an authentic, high-quality taste of Scandinavian culture in a convenient downtown location.