Welcome to The Picnic Basket
At The Picnic Basket, we believe in the joy of fresh, quality food that brings people together. Nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, our café offers an array of delicious sandwiches, salads, and hot-pressed creations, crafted with care from the finest ingredients. From the bold flavors of our Peruvian Ham and Cheese Sandwich to the invigorating Dressed Kale Salad, each dish is a testament to our commitment to quality. With a cozy atmosphere perfect for grab-and-go or a quick dine-in, we aim to make your dining experience delightful and memorable. Join us to savor the essence of good food and warm service!
- 65 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018 Hotline: (212) 382-2627
Welcome to The Picnic Basket, a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at 65 W 37th St. This quaint café specializes in crafting sandwiches and salads that prioritize freshness and flavor, making it a go-to destination for busy professionals seeking a quick yet satisfying meal.
Upon stepping into The Picnic Basket, you will immediately sense its charm. The cozy space features a simple pick-up counter and a few small tables, creating an inviting, casual atmosphere. It's perfect for a fast lunch pick-up or a quick sit-down with a friend. Many customers rave about the fast service and the friendly smiles from the staff, ensuring a pleasant experience every time.
The Picnic Basket takes pride in its menu, showcasing an array of hot pressed sandwiches and hearty salads. Here are some standout offerings that have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many:
- Hot Pressed Pastrami: A luscious blend of pastrami, provolone, sautéed onions, and pickled jalapeños, all brought together with house mayo for just $13.50.
- Chimi Chicken Sandwich: Grilled chicken breast with mild chimichurri, fresh greens, and juicy tomatoes, all for $13.50.
- Dressed Kale Salad: A harmonious mix of curly kale, medjool dates, spiced chickpeas, and parmesan flakes, dressed in chili-infused olive oil—perfectly delightful at $15.50.
- Crunchy Tuna Sandwich: A hearty mix of tuna, Mediterranean pickles, corn, and greens, priced at $15.00, showcasing a delightful crunch that will have you coming back for more.
What truly sets The Picnic Basket apart is its combination of quality ingredients and affordability. As Brian W. mentioned in his review, if you're in the area, don't miss out on this sanctuary of flavor. Nicole B. praised the Chicken Melt with sun-dried tomatoes on ciabatta bread, reaffirming the café's ability to consistently deliver delicious food with speedy service.
Whether you're stopping by for a quick lunch during your workday or looking to grab a meal to-go, The Picnic Basket is ready to serve you high-quality, affordable fare that doesn't compromise on taste. As you savor each bite, you'll understand why this little establishment is a cherished spot within the bustling New York City dining scene.
In summary, The Picnic Basket is not just a café; it's a community hub where lunches become cherished experiences. The delightful sandwiches, vibrant salads, and welcoming atmosphere will leave you longing for your next visit.

The food is fresh and delicious. The service is fast and with a smile! Loved the lemonade too!

This place is great cozy and small and is perfect for a fast lunch pick up in midtown. It's not a restaurant, just a pick up counter with a few chairs. The sandwiches and soups are all good. Def one of my go-to's in the area

This place is great for carry out! This location is small with 2 tables and a counter to dine at. But the food is delicious. My favorite is the chicken melt with sundried tomatoes on ciabatta bread soo good. The staff is always friendly and the order comes out quick. I have been coming for lunch since I work in the area and I do recommend.

Got a really good sandwich from the Picnic Basket. It's a nice little place, with just a couple of small tables and a small counter. Fast service. I was looking for lunch and came upon this place. I got the turkey and herb panini. Really good. If I'm in the area I'd do it again.

Great weekday lunch spot. It's small, intended for more of a grab and go experience, but the meals are hearty! The dressed kale salad is one of my go-tos! The dates, spiced chickpeas and parmesan make for the perfect bite with or without the added protein (Chicken $3). The olive oil the salad is tossed in has a nice chili taste, which it's infused with. And if you're wanting more sustenance, you can make it a combo and choose from options like the baked sweet potato pieces. Not pictured but a great option is their Prosciutto Di Parma hot pressed panini. The Italian ciabatta they use is chefs kiss

I will preface that I have never been to their storefront, but Picnic Basket is one of my favorite spots to order lunch from. The sandwiches and salads are affordable and always high quality. I especially love the hot pressed shiitake melt, quinoa garden salad, and dressed kale salad. Overall a welcome reprieve from the dozens of build-your-own-bowl office lunch options in the area that I highly recommend!

Great lunch takeout option in the midtown area. Affordable, quality sandwiches. I'll order from here again. Delivery was fast and attentive.

Amazing spot for sandwiches and wraps. I come here all the time for lunch. The Chimi Chicken Sandwich and Chicken Amarillo sandwiches are fire.