Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
Beloved Danish Bakery Ole & Steen Opens First US Outpost In NYC
By
Scott Lynch
Published Jan 25, 2019
Modified Jan 25, 2019
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Scott Lynch / Gothamist
View all 16
By
Scott Lynch
Published Jan 25, 2019
Modified Jan 25, 2019
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Fragrant bricks of dark, heavily seeded rye. Marshmallow puffs studded with peanuts, a swirl of caramel hidden inside. Smorrebrod piled with bright, blackcurrant herring, or roasted chicken salad. Gooey cinnamon and chocolate "socials." Hot rolls stuffed with ham and messy with eggs. Intensely chocolatey Truffle Logs. Ole and Steen, aka Lagkagehuset, a Danish bread and pastry shop which opened on Thursday in Union Square, wants to be your new everything bakery, a place to sit and enjoy a full meal, or grab a coffee and a treat (or a box of treats), or a loaf or three of bread. Given how exceptional everything I've eaten here over the past couple of days has been, it has a very good shot at doing just that.
Founded in 1991, in Copenhagen, by Ole Kristofferson and Steen Skallebaek, there are more than 90 of these in Denmark and the UK, but the Union Square flagship is the bakery's first outpost in this country. It will not surprise you that, like its international-chain baked goods predecessors here (Breads, Le Pain Quotidian, Maison Kaiser), the company is planning on opening more shops in NYC, and already have two spaces leased and under construction in Midtown. But until then expect legions of homesick Danes, Brits, and anyone who appreciates first-rate sweets and carbs to descend upon this spot.
Most of the baking is done right here at the Union Square location—they prep the long-fermented dough at a commissary kitchen in Long Island City—but there's still plenty of room left for seating for about 70, available at both the street level and in a large dining room/hang out spot downstairs. The real action, of course, is up front, with breads and pastries stacked high in the window looking out onto Broadway and at the long counter just inside the door. Even during the general mayhem of opening day, the young staff was speedy, efficient, and eager to answer the many questions thrown at them by Lagkagehuset newcomers.
The menu is long and appealing, but a few highlights from a couple of preview events these past few days include an insanely rich and delicious Peanut Pie, which is basically a chocolate covered brownie stuffed with peanuts and caramel; the dense and chewy loaves of Rugbrød, or Danish rye bread; the Chistianshavner, a fluffy fruit tart, available in small or large sizes, and featuring one of the best crusts—hazelnut with "cookie crumble"—you'll ever eat; and the Marzipan Slice, which is actually more like a log, and will satisfy that very specific almond-cake craving like few other pastries in town.
In addition to the breakfast dishes (Skyr Yoghurt Pots, bowls of Porridge) and an array of sandwiches and salads, there's also hot food such as Chicken Meatball Stew, Brandt Beef Soup, and Herb Roasted Salmon. Coffee, juices, beer, and wine provide liquid refreshment.
Ole and Steen: Lagkagehuset is located at 873 Broadway between 18th and 19th Streets and is open weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on weekends from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (929-209-1020; oleandsteen.us)
Tagged
bakery
lagkagehuset
ole and steen
union square
original
Scott Lynch
Photojournalist, food writer, preschool receptionist. Love NYC.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
Can a congressional candidate's dumpling diplomacy win over Queens’ immigrant communities?
Chuck Park is building on Zohran Mamdani’s food-centered mayoral campaign.
By
Caroline Shin
Published Jun 12, 2026
Gourmet pizza is all the rage in NYC. Are the towers of toppings worth the high price?
That's a lotta burrata!
By
Walter Wuthmann
Food
Gourmet pizza is all the rage in NYC. Are the towers of toppings worth the high price?
That's a lotta burrata!
By
Walter Wuthmann
New York’s only Surinamese restaurant blends Dutch, Asian and African flavors
By
Daniel Maurer
How New York City steakhouses are meating the moment
By
Joshua David Stein
The 10 best ice creams, gelatos, paletas, frozen custards and other cool and delicious treats in NYC
By
Robert Sietsema
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .