Ole & Steen

For New Yorkers seeking a taste of Scandinavian charm and hearty, rustic baked goods, **Ole & Steen** offers a distinctive experience right next to the iconic Bryant Park. This corner Danish bakery is impossible to miss, with its inviting big windows and a tempting display of pastries that beckon passersby. While the vibrant New York City culinary scene boasts a plethora of bakeries, Ole & Steen brings a unique Nordic flair, offering a different kind of sweet and savory indulgence. It’s a place where the simplicity and robust flavors characteristic of Danish baking traditions come to life, providing a cozy retreat from the urban bustle. This isn't necessarily your ultra-fine patisserie, but rather a spot that emphasizes substantial, satisfying treats, perfect for pairing with a coffee or enjoying as a substantial snack. For locals and visitors alike, it presents an opportunity to explore a different facet of European baking without leaving Manhattan. While New York is a city of endless choices, Ole & Steen carves out its own niche by providing a unique aesthetic and a particular style of baked goods that appeals to those who appreciate a more rustic and comforting approach to their pastries. It’s a good option for those looking for generous portions and a taste that leans towards traditional Danish flavors.

Ole & Steen is conveniently located at **80 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018, USA**. This prime address places it directly adjacent to Bryant Park, one of Manhattan's most beloved green spaces, and in the heart of bustling Midtown. Its corner position with large windows ensures it's highly visible and easy to spot for anyone in the vicinity of the park or commuting through the area. For New Yorkers, accessibility to this location is a significant advantage. It is exceptionally well-served by public transportation, making it easily reachable from virtually any part of Manhattan and beyond. Numerous subway lines have stations within a very short walking distance, including the B, D, F, M lines at 42nd Street-Bryant Park, and the 7 train at 5th Avenue-Bryant Park, among others. Grand Central Terminal, a major transportation hub, is also just a few blocks away, providing access to Metro-North trains and additional subway lines. Multiple bus routes also traverse 40th Street and surrounding avenues, offering further convenience. While street parking in Midtown is notoriously difficult and expensive, the extensive public transit options make a car unnecessary for most visitors. The bakery's proximity to offices, tourist attractions, and residential buildings ensures a constant flow of customers, making it a convenient stop for a morning coffee, a quick lunch, or an afternoon treat. Its prominent and accessible location contributes significantly to its appeal as a viable option for those exploring Midtown Manhattan.

Ole & Steen offers a diverse range of baked goods and beverages, drawing heavily from traditional Danish and European influences. Their selection is designed to cater to various tastes, focusing on hearty and flavorful options suitable for breakfast, a quick snack, or a sweet indulgence. While the exact daily offerings may vary, here's an overview of the types of services and products typically available:

• **Danish Pastries (Wienerbrød):** A core offering, these are likely to include variations of traditional Danish pastries, known for their flaky, buttery dough and various fillings such as fruit, nuts, or cream.
• **Cakes by the Slice:** They offer individual portions of popular European-style cakes. Noted examples include:
  • **Gâteau Marcel:** A French flourless chocolate cake topped with mousse, offering a rich and intense chocolate experience.
  • **Tosca Cake:** A chewy caramelized nut cake, often dipped in chocolate, named after the Italian opera, providing a unique texture and flavor profile.
• **Cream Buns:** Such as the **Vanilla Cream Bun**, which is a puff pastry generously filled with vanilla pastry cream and whipped cream, known for its generous portion size.
• **Muffins:** Including choices like the **Blueberry Muffin**, perfect for a classic breakfast or snack.
• **Sourdough and Rye Breads:** As a Nordic bakery, they likely offer rustic and wholesome breads, including sourdoughs and traditional dark rye breads, suitable for sandwiches or as accompaniments to meals.
• **Sweets and Cookies:** A variety of smaller sweet treats and cookies, ideal for a quick indulgence.
• **Coffee & Tea:** A full range of hot and cold coffee beverages (e.g., cold brew), and various teas, perfect for pairing with their baked goods. Customization options, like additional pumps of flavor, are usually available.
• **Savory Items:** While primarily a bakery, some Ole & Steen locations might offer savory items like sandwiches made with their artisanal breads, or small savory pastries.

The emphasis is on generous portions and flavors that reflect a thoughtful approach to traditional Danish and European baking, providing a substantial and satisfying culinary experience.

Ole & Steen, while operating in a highly competitive culinary landscape in Midtown Manhattan, possesses several distinctive features and highlights that define its unique appeal and draw in a specific clientele. These attributes contribute to its Nordic charm and overall customer experience:

• **Sleek Nordic Charm & Aesthetic:** The bakery's interior and exterior are noted for their "sleek Nordic charm" and "big windows." This inviting aesthetic creates a bright, modern, and pleasant atmosphere that stands out, offering a distinct European cafe vibe right next to Bryant Park.
• **Impressive Variety of Pastries:** Despite critiques of comparative finesse, customers acknowledge an "impressive variety of pastries." This wide selection ensures there's something to appeal to different tastes, from various cakes and cream buns to muffins and possibly traditional Danish pastries.
• **Hearty, Rustic Danish Pastries:** The bakery excels in offering "hearty, rustic Danish pastries." For those who prefer substantial and flavorful baked goods with a comforting, less delicate approach, Ole & Steen perfectly caters to this preference.
• **Generous Portion Sizes:** A consistent highlight is the "generous portion sizes" of their offerings, such as the Vanilla Cream Bun. This provides excellent value for money, especially in an expensive city like New York.
• **Thoughtful Flavor and Texture Fine-Tuning:** While individual taste is subjective, the bakery is recognized for putting "thought into fine-tuning the flavors and textures," leading to "occasional 'wow' moments." This indicates a genuine commitment to the craft of baking.
• **Prime Location by Bryant Park:** Its position right next to Bryant Park is a significant asset, attracting park visitors, office workers, and commuters, making it a convenient stop for a treat or coffee break in a high-traffic area.
• **Focus on European Classics:** Offering specific European desserts like Gâteau Marcel and Tosca Cake allows them to cater to those seeking authentic flavors beyond typical American bakery fare.

These features collectively establish Ole & Steen as a distinct and appealing option for New Yorkers who appreciate a specific style of European baking and a pleasant environment in a prime city location.

For New Yorkers eager to experience the hearty Danish delights and Nordic charm of Ole & Steen, here is their essential contact information. It's always a good idea to confirm specific hours or current offerings, especially for popular items or if you have specific dietary needs.

Address: **80 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018, USA**

Phone: **(929) 209-1540**

Mobile Phone: **+1 929-209-1540**

These contact details provide a direct line to the bakery, allowing you to inquire about their daily selection of pastries, cakes, and breads, or to ask about their coffee and beverage options. Given its prime location in Midtown Manhattan, Ole & Steen likely operates with extensive hours to cater to the constant flow of customers throughout the day. However, a quick call can always confirm their precise opening and closing times, ensuring your visit aligns perfectly with your plans. Their team should be able to assist with any questions you might have about their unique European offerings.

Ole & Steen is a well-suited choice for locals in New York City, particularly those in or frequenting Midtown Manhattan, for several distinct reasons that cater to urban preferences. Firstly, its prime location directly adjacent to Bryant Park is a major advantage. For office workers in the surrounding buildings, park-goers, or those simply passing through this central hub, it offers an incredibly convenient and appealing spot for a coffee break, a quick breakfast, or an afternoon treat. This accessibility is invaluable in a fast-paced city. Secondly, its specialization in "hearty, rustic Danish pastries" provides a unique culinary alternative to the more common bakery offerings in NYC. For New Yorkers who appreciate substantial portions and a focus on comforting, traditional European flavors rather than delicate, intricate confections, Ole & Steen hits the mark. This niche appeal allows it to cater to a specific taste, ensuring a satisfying experience for its target audience. Furthermore, the bakery's "sleek Nordic charm" offers a pleasant and inviting aesthetic, providing a serene escape from the urban hustle. While service experiences can vary, the overall inviting atmosphere and the quality of its distinctive baked goods make it a valuable addition to the local food scene. For a New Yorker looking for a generous, flavorful pastry and a cozy spot near a major landmark, Ole & Steen serves as an excellent local option, adding a touch of Scandinavian warmth to the city's diverse culinary tapestry.

Ole & Steen

80 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018, USA