The Picnic Basket

“This place is impossible to find without the Internet – it's tucked away in the basement of the Atrium on 3rd ave between 49th and 50th.”

“The Picnic Basket is a simple looking place in the basement of a typical NYC office building.”

“The inside of the "restaurant" is just a counter front where you can basically order breakfast or lunch.”

The Picnic Basket

Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Caters: Yes

Price range.

$ Price range Under $10

8 reviews

  1. I order from here almost every other day. Their sandwiches are the absolute best. So tasty and generous sizes. Delivery is always friendly and speedy and I've always gotten my orders correctly.

    My fave is the turkey and pesto herb panini. Wasn't a fan of the courgette salad (raw zucchini noodles, almonds, carrots), it was very bland and even the dressing didn't help. And despite it being a popular item, didn't like the sweet potato chunks either. They were too soggy and could've used some seasoning. But their hummus and homemade pita chips are awesome.

    Def a favorite spot.

  2. This place is impossible to find without the Internet – it's tucked away in the basement of the Atrium on 3rd ave between 49th and 50th.

    I've been to the other Midtown location a while back, so I knew they have great sandwiches here. I got the Turkey & Herbs pressed sandwich, which I loved! It's basically turkey, swiss cheese, and some basil pesto on ciabatta bread, but the flavors come together very well and makes the sandwich very enjoyable!

    The staff seemed like laid back/chill people, which is always refreshing to see, especially in Midtown during regular lunch hours. Only reason I took a star off is that these sandwiches are on the pricy side, considering its size. My sandwich was almost $9 – don't get me wrong, it was a very filling sandwich, but I probably would've like another 3-4 bites for it to really hit the spot.

  3. Great lunch spot in midtown east.  I was actually looking for some new place for a good salad (since i had tried every salad place in the area) my sister suggested The Picnic Basket and it did not disappoint!!  There was not a long line, was able to order right away.  I went for the mediterranean salad which came with pita bread.  The salad came out super fast, and was very delicious.  Served with olive oil and this amazing tahini sauce.  I am coming back to try another salad this week!!

  4. My quest to find good hummus and falafel around Midtown continues! This place is located in the lower level of the building. They have a well lit, general area for guests to sit. The hummus is one of the better ones in the area. Definitely would recommend grabbing lunch from here!

  5. This place has been hidden downstairs in the building, so there's no way of locating it outside. Having said that, it was definitely worth a visit, with the great selection of salad and sandwich.

    People were suggesting the crunchy tuna sandwich and the Mediterranean bowl; however I felt like some chicken so ordered the chicken edamame salad – really loved the roasted edamame, so crispy! The multigrain bread was another plus.

  6. This is my absolute favorite lunch place by my office! I usually always get the Prosciutto di Parma hot pressed sandwich on a baguette. The sandwich comes up mozzarella, sun dried tomorrow's, and a generous helping of thinly sliced prosciutto. This sandwich is just heavenly! I sometimes pair my sandwich with their daily soup.

  7. Having a boring work day?  Is it a Monday?  Are you just incredibly hungry?  Go to Picnic Basket!  

    Working in Midtown East, the lunch options are endless.  Picnic Basket provides filling sandwiches and sides that won't break the bank or leave you feeling unproductively full.  I recommend the Chicken Chimi sandwich.  I do wish that the chimichurri was spicier, but this sandwich is very flavorful. The sweet potato side and fruit infused water are also amazing.  

    I recommend adding this to the top of your lunch list.

  8. Had trouble finding this place — it's located in the basement of the Atrium on 49th between 2nd and 3rd.

    Got the panini with turkey, swiss, and pesto.  It was good – I'd get it again. Better than many of the sandwiches I've had in the area.

    I saw a few people mention the sweat potato sides – I considered getting them but $4 is a little pricey for a side.

    Looks like they do a lot of catering business.  I wish my company would order food from here!

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3rd Avenue 805
New York 10022 NY US
Get directions
Monday, 7:45 am - 4:15 pm
Tuesday, 7:45 am - 4:15 pm
Wednesday, 7:45 am - 4:15 pm
Thursday, 7:45 am - 4:15 pm
Friday, 7:45 am - 4:15 pm