Danish Bakery Chain Opens First U.S. Location

NEW YORK — Danish bakery chain Ole & Steen has opened its first U.S. location in the heart of New York City’s Union Square. The opening marks the 100th store for the Danish bakery and their first expansion outside of Europe, with over 90 locations in Denmark and the UK.

Located at 873 Broadway in a landmarked building originally constructed in 1900, Ole & Steen’s flagship NYC location is outfitted in sleek Danish style, with Jura grey stone countertops, blackened brass accents, modern light fixtures and seating for up to 80 guests.

Founded in 1991 by bakers Ole Kristoffersen and Steen Skallebaek and originally called Lagkagehuset or “layer cake house,” Ole & Steen is a pioneer in the resurgence of artisanal and handcrafted baking practices in Denmark. In New York, Ole & Steen looks forward to introducing New Yorkers to their modern takes on traditional Danish pastries, while welcoming guests with a sense of Danish hygge and hospitality.

Ole & Steen will be open throughout the day, offering coffee, salads, soups and open-faced sandwiches, in addition to its signature breads, pastries and cakes. Guests can start the day with savory or sweet porridges, bircher pots with seasonal fruits or a traditional Danish breakfast roll with soft cheese. For lunch or dinner, open-faced sandwiches are served on carrot rye bread and topped with smoked salmon, roasted chicken or herring, and salads are composed of seared Yellowfin tuna, heirloom carrots or roasted turkey. To round out the savory options, guests can opt for warm soups and hearty entrees such as slow-roasted tomato soup or herb-roasted salmon. In addition to coffee, hot chocolate and tea, Ole & Steen will also offer wine and beer from Mikkeller, another Danish import in New York City.

The bread and pastry menu includes variations of traditional Danish rye, Olander and Skagen loafs, a Danish puff pastry called the Copenhagener and Christanshavner tarts, made with strawberry mousse and fresh berries.

Ole & Steen is open Monday through Friday from 6:30am-10pm and weekends from 7:30am-10pm.