Recommendations

My go-to spot for a grab-n-go Flatiron lunch.

Guide: Entrepreneur (Jack)
Location: Flatiron

Strengths

• When I need to get out of the office for some air and lunch to bring back, and I’m typing away on my blackberry, my feet automatically take me to City Bakery. They have a high-end, gourmet buffet with a somewhat odd mix of items that somehow work together, and a selection of cookies and other baked goods that’s almost impossible to resist.

Shortcomings

• The prices are a bit ridiculous, but I can’t seem to stay away. Doh!
• The lines can get a bit long, too.
• They tend to rotate the same items through the buffet, which is a mixed blessing. It makes choosing easy, without boring you to tears, but they could branch out a bit more.

Insider tips

• The downstairs seating is cramped, and it can get stuffy upstairs. Take it back to your office.

Anecdotes

• I’m hooked on, of all things, their Cornmeal-coated Catfish and their various forms of crumb-crusted chicken (e.g. Pretzel crust, with mustard sauce). Once I load up on those, I go after their greens, which usually include a few yummy Asian or Cajun favorites, like bok-choy or okra. It's all so light and delicious that I feel totally justified indulging in their out-of-this-world peanut butter drop cookies.