Explore NYC: Ole and Steen

c/o Blenheim Design

During 15-minute breaks and the moments before school, one thing is on every Dalton student’s mind: caffeine. A new bakery on Lexington and 87th, Ole and Steen, has just that and more. The luxury chain was established in 1991 by Ole Kristoffersen and Steen Skallebaek, with the aim to bring “a Danish sensibility and style to New York City,” according to their website. From the outside, its semi-tinted, large glass windows dominate the street corner, while its inside is spacious and peaceful. The Daltonian sat down with its manager, Kaelan Pena-Rolla, to learn more about the new store and what it’s bringing to the neighborhood.

Why open an Ole and Steen in this area?

We have four other locations which are all in Lower Manhattan –– Tribeca, Union Square, Briant Park, and Midtown –– and we’ve had a lot of requests to meet more demand uptown. We also have another store that should be opening in the near future on the West Side as well.

What is your vision for the store? What do you hope it brings to the neighborhood?

We really hope to bring fresh, authentic baked goods to the area with good ingredients at a reasonable price. Everything is made daily.

Why did you decide to go into the restaurant business?

I’ve been in the restaurant business since early high school. I actually recently moved to NYC about a year and a half ago, so I wanted to get a head start in the restaurant industry with something I’m familiar with. I’m also half-Danish, so I thought a Danish bakery would be kind of cool.

What’s your favorite item on the menu? 

My favorite item would either have to be the Savory Swirl, which is a five cheese blend with spinach, or the Chocolate Swirl. We’re most known for our Cinnamon Social, which is a soft dough braided with cinnamon sugar and vanilla custard.

What atmosphere do you hope the space emulates?

We hope to give off an intimate bakery, kind of European vibe, with all the wood and gold accents. But, the main thing is authenticity in terms of our ingredients and our service. We want to make sure everyone feels welcome, and that they’re in a place with fresh baked goods.

What’s one thing you hope the neighborhood knows about Ole and Steen?

That we’re here and that we are open for business! We have a bread of the week, so it’s easy to try a new bread or pastry. Depending on which one it is, each bread is half off every week. We’ve been feeling a really warm welcome from everybody and just hope to continue that.

Is there anything specific you’d like Dalton students to know about you?

Just generally, we have a little bit of everything here. We have breakfast sandwiches, whole bread, half loaves, fresh pastries, and any sort of espresso, chai, or matcha.

As I looked around the store, it became clear that many of my initial observations were in fact correct: the space was open, inviting, and somewhat minimalistic. Everything about the location contributed to its sleek and elegant appearance, from its advanced brewing machines to its pastry display. The staff were friendly and helpful, moving quickly to prepare orders while assisting each customer as needed. The pastries delectable, the energy subdued, and the sunlight beaming through the windows, Ole and Steen makes a perfect stop for a quick caffeine run, snack, meal, or study session.