The Picnic Basket

Good sandwich for the money. But a little slow. Order ahead or stay away from the hot sandwiches if you want something fast.

My wife and I found this place with Unilocal when we were visiting NYC and absolutely loved it. The sandwiches aren’t a basic deli sandwich. They’ve got some great full flavored sauces and topping combinations that leave your mouth watering.
We forgot the name of the place and returned to NYC another time and once again found this killer sandwich shop on Unilocal.Imagine our surprise when we walked into the same place and realized we had been there before. Im reviewing it now to save myself sometime when we return to the city.
Remember the name or just look on Unilocal for the best sandwiches in the city. Either way you’ll end up at The Picnic Basket.

This is a tiny little spot right off W. 37^th, and I imagine it can get pretty busy, making it hard to find a spot to sit. Luckily, we were able to snag one of the only seats in here, but otherwise this is better off as a to-​go joint.
The service is friendly and quick, and my girlfriend and I both ordered the egg on brioche sandwich, and it was out within 5 minutes. The egg was nice and fluffy, but the bun was the best part here. It was so light and tasty, and it really made the sandwich. I could have done without the endpiece of the tomato giving it an unwanted crunch. It’s unappealing.
Note: They only make a limited amount of croissants, which is what I initially wanted, so if you want one, it’s better to be here sooner than later.
Overall, this is a quick weekday breakfast and lunch spot for those in the area. The lunch menu looked intriguing with some not often seen sandwiches, and if I worked in the area, I’m sure I’d have tried them all already. This place is a solid 4 stars.

I was actually completely shocked as to how packed it was in here today, considering it’s a very brisk 23 degrees out. Nonetheless, they failed to disappoint my taste buds. My pastrami sandwich was perfectly pressed and the crunchiness of the bread really complimented the ingredients inside the sandwich. My one complaint would be that the cheese wasn’t melted this time, like it was last time. All in all, I will definitely return the next time I come to Manhattan!

I come here for lunch quite often and my go-​to is the crunchy tuna sandwich. I’ve been getting it on pita bread as of late because the ciabatta bread is hard and pokes the inside of my mouth. Get it with avocado!!! Plus the spicy mayo on the side!

I am completely amazed and floored by this place! Last week I posted a picture of my really delicious sandwich but because it was over pressed, I received a call from the owner! He invited me to try another sandwich on them because he didn’t like the way my sandwich looked in the photo. I love how he has so much pride and passion in his products!
I gave the pastrami sandwich a try today and it is so good! Here’s a great pic of my sandwich today! If this doesn’t make you drool, I don’t know what will!

There’s always a long line during weekday lunch hour… just make sure you call ahead to order!
Maybe I should venture out to other items on their menu, but I always get the Crunch Tuna sandwich every time!

Cute little lunch spot in midtown! Small, so if you’re planning to sit or visit during the busy lunch hours, plan ahead. Go early or late if you want to sit and order ahead if you don’t have time to wait in the long line inside a small space.
A good selection of gourmet-​ish sandwiches and speedy/​friendly staff. Definitely on the pricier side for sandwiches, but they do use good ingredients and it is NYC.
I tried the goat cheese sandwich. It was good, but I wish it wasn’t a cold sandwich. I’m not exactly sure if you can ask for them to press or heat up your sandwich, but that’s the only thing I felt was lacking especially on the cold day that I visited. I also tried their coffee which was expensive, but decent.
Overall, I’d definitely visit again, but might need to pay a little more attention to the menu and what they offer!

Really good sandwiches. Stopped in here for a bite after having a long touristy day with my mom, and we both really enjoyed the food. All for a reasonable price. we both got a sandwich, and split a drink and chips all for under $ 20.
Even though I only had one, if you like spicy things, I recommend the spicy turkey sandwich. Yum!

Great spot to grab a quick sandwich for lunch.
My coworker Brad found this place and we’ve been hooked on it every since. I’ve gotten the Crunchy Tuna every time I’ve gone, not because I’m afraid to try something new — I just don’t think they can top that sandwich.
It’s right next to the chik-​fil-​a which still has insane lines so skip that and just grab picnic basket.

I met a friend midtown for lunch, and The Picnic Basket wasn’t too far from where our subways met at Times Square. As others mentioned, it’s sometimes swallowed outside by the line for Chick-​fil-​a (which made me laugh now that I live in NC – we have Chick-fil-a’s everywhere).
I got the turkey pesto hot sandwich. Ordering was quick, although the wait for my sandwich was 10+ minutes. After I got it, we headed out since there was no space in the little restaurant at lunchtime. We walked up to Bryant Park and ate there which worked perfectly. The sandwich was pretty great – crunchy bread, great cheese and pesto… really really good.
The only reason I don’t give 5 stars is because of the long wait and indifferent counter service. I’d have no problem coming back, though.

It’s easy to miss this place now since there’s a line going into chick fil A that sometimes blocks the entrance. I came to try the crunchy tuna sandwich, ordered it to go (they’re super quick). It took me about 10 minutes to go in and out. I thought the bread was a bit too hard and the tuna was just the standard canned tuna mixed with some vegetables. Not impressed by their sandwich, maybe their hot pressed sandwiches will be better.

— recommend: turkey herb press w/​a side of spicy mayo
— the counter person threw in a side of spicy mayo with my sandwich because «it’s amazing…,» she was not wrong
— the sandwich was smaller than I had hoped but upon finishing it, I found myself more satiated than I had expected to be (it’s probably the portion size we’re all supposed to be eating)
— great meat-​to-​bread-​to-​condiment– ratio
— friendly and helpful staff
— will be back to try the roast beef and crunchy tuna

Amazing sandwiches and sides. What stood out to me is the freshness and flavor of their ingredients. They make everything right in front of you (open kitchen) so you can actually see what’s going on. This is why there is always a line (not out the door) during lunch hours. The wait is usually not long — about 10 minutes. TIP: Order online in office and it will be ready for pick up when you arrive.
I tried the prosciutto today — the meat was good but the mozzarella is REALLY good. The portion is standard sandwich size. I usually have a pretty small stomach and can never finish a whole sandwich but I managed to chow down the WHOLE THING today. That means something. I have got to try the Crunchy Tuna next time.
Sides I recommend are sweet potato fries and hummus, although the prior could be hit or miss sometimes. But when it’s good, it’s damn good.

The Picnic Basket is starting to grow on me. When I don’t know where to go for lunch or what I particularly want to eat, I come here.
I get the crunchy tuna sandwich by default, and lately the fifty-​fifty, a blend of lemonade and hibiscus tea.

Had the Crunchy Tuna on a fresh crispy Ciabatta bread. Devoured in minutes.
The only reason for the 1 star off, is the carrots in the sandwich. Totally messed up the texture. Don’t fix what’s not broken – a classic tuna on delicious bread is all you need.
I hate the carrots in there as much as I hate celery in a lobster roll. Totally unnecessary.
Will be back and get a «Crunchy Tuna sans carrot.»
I never realized how much I hate carrots.
Until now.

Für mich einer der Tipps um in NY gut und günstig zu frühstücken oder Mittags einen Snack zu nehmen.
Das Baguette kommt fast zu 100% an das aus Deutschland und Frankreich bekannte Brot heran. Der Belag ist frisch und lecker, es wird gut auf die Wünsche der Kunden reagiert. Etwas klein und unscheinbar von außen, wird aber mit Charme und Style wieder weggemacht. Der Kaffee ist selbstverständlich auch organic.
Bezahlung ist Problemlos mit Kreditkarte möglich.
Die Lage ist an der 37 Straße, relativ nah zur 5^th Avenue.

J’ai pris le french goat cheese ou quelque chose comme ça, au début ils se sont trompés de sandwich sont j’ai dû attendre encore plus. Je lui demande si ce sera bien dans du pain ciabatta elle me dit oui, franchement c’était de la baguette de décongelée élastique… Dedans il devait y avoir des figues, j’ai peut être eu un micro bout mais ça s’arrête là, par contre le goat cheese ça pas de problème ils ont mît la dose! Heureusement que j’avais vraiment faim… Décevant, surtout après avoir vu la note Unilocal

Was looking fro bfast place and came across Picnic Basket on our way to Statue of Liberty.
Its a tiny place with great menu choices, however, by 9:30 am they were out of both breads they offered so only had pita bread. To me it shows poor management when on weekend you do not order sufficient amount of food and you specialize in breakfast/​brunch.
With that being said the egg and ham pita was good and fresh– solid food but nothing out of the ordinary. Great option fro «to go» sandwich as long as you are not hung up on getting the bread that is advertised on the menu.

After getting bored of the food around my workplace, I started searching for sandwich shops and I stumbled upon this place.
This is a small sandwich shop/​café that sells different types of sandwiches and salads. I settled for the Tunisian Tuna Sandwich which came with tuna salad, hard boiled egg, olives and tomatoes. I also had the option to have my sandwich spicy. The sandwich itself was delicious. The bread was toasty and everything about the sand which was perfect.
They also had hand sanitizer and cucumber infused water at the tables if you’re feeling that you’re not «healthy» or clean enough, then give it a try lol.
Overall, I was pretty satisfied with my experience here and I can’t wait to try the other sandwiches that they offer. Would I come back? Sure!

Nice stop for a quick bite, they have a very straightforward menu, a tad expensive but you can tell that the place is famous by the number of people that are prepared to queue for a sandwich for lunch.
Oh yes, avoid lunch times, you can’t literally get inside the place!
Quick update:
Got a mail from the owner of the place thanking me for the review and inviting me again to the restaurant. I have to say that I truly love when things like that happen, mostly because it shows the dedication and passion that the staff puts in the work that they do.
Hence, the place gets 4 stars and not 3 as I gave originally (the owner did not mention the score or anything in the message, just thanked me for the patronage).

J’y suis allée un mardi midi vers 13h donc la file né contenait qu’une dizaine de personnes. J’ai pris le sandwich à la mozzarella fraîche, une soupe aux lentilles et une limonade. Le sandwich était excellent, surtout à cause du pain qui a l’air de tout juste sortir du four. La soupe était goûteuse et consistante, si vous aimez le cumin, curry etc. Et juste la limonade valait le détour!
Le service était excellent et rapide. J’y retournerais sans hésiter!

Great place for a quick stop. I had breakfast on a Tuesday and it was 50% filled with customers.
The service was quick and nice. The cashier was very patient with my questions about the menu. The food was finished quickly.
I enjoyed the interior. It’s unique, fun and welcoming.
The Med Egg was delicious and different.
Overall a really good place.