I just saw a write-up in one of the local papers and City Bakery was listed as one not to miss and being one of the places to go for the best food in the city. I haven't been there but have to admit that the write-up made my mouth water.

I was eating there for a very long time and enjoyed it too. It was a go to place to meet friends for a quick bite and to grab lunch near my office. Until one day I saw things hanging around the salad bar that made me not want to return. I also didn't expect it, because the salad bar is popular during lunch, so they should have been more diligent in keeping the area clean.

The salad bar is pricey ($13/lb) for what it is. The main attractions are the hot chocolate, pretzel croissants and marshmallows. The caramelized french toast, mac n cheese and the fried chicken in the hot bar are good also, they charge by weight (about $13/lb) so it gets expensive.

As alternatives I would recommend Clinton Street Bakery for good muffins, breakfast and cookies (during the week is less crowded) or Birdbath Bakery and Mariebelle for hot chocolate.

P.S.
For back-up or substantiation, you can check the restaurant's inspection reports for 2007-2009 they are all online for every restaurant in NYC.

Birdbath is owned by City Bakery and Maury Rubin. Birdbath has all the charm of a gulag company store and the selection is limited compared to City bakery.

We too have been going to City Bakery since the beginning and fortunately never saw anything by the salad bar. It is still one of our favorites.

Clinton Street Bakery makes among the best scones and biscuits in the city and is a zoo on the weekends.

City Bakery has seating, but no table service. (They used to have service upstairs on weekends.) Clinton Street has table service and Birdbath barely has a place to stand.

"Things hanging around the salad bar"...now, that is intriguing. I saw a big ol' New York cockroach last time I was in the city...on the street, fortunately, not in a restaurant. Hadn't realized those things were that big.

k- yes, I actually DID look up their restaurant inspections - for the past 2 years or so - no big violations, one bad month which was corrected very quickly.

I have seen mice in perfectly clean places. Once we informed the server, who thanked us profusely, conferred with the manager and comped us dessert. I've seen roaches on walls in dives and in white tablecloth restaurants. It happens. It's the restaurant business. As long as it's not IN the food, I'm ok.

azzure - that wasn't a cockroach, that was a waterbug. They were here before us, and they'll be here after we're gone.

2 days and counting! Thanks again for all the valuable information.... It's gonna be cold up there!

WooHoo 1 day and counting! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Looks like we are going the same time. We get there in 2 days. Everyone on this site has been so helpful.

Put on your warmest cothes, it is COLD here!

Thanks Elainee! We will dress Warm, it is cold in TN. also: 26 degrees. I guess it is natures way to get us prepared for NYC. I have checked and see no percipitation in the forecast for Fri. thru Thurs.. YEA! Any suggestions on EPB at early morning or late such as 11pm(ish)? The girls must go (they think). I am waiting for the Top of Rock.Thanks again to all, you guys are the best!!!!

Tomorrow, tomorrow I am singing the song!!!!! See Ya There!!!!

Chance of snow on Saturday . . .

don't take cabs-you can walk faster

Thanks ita!!!Good Nite to all you lovely folks

Oh my gosh...are you caught in the giant snowstorm?

Oh, I have missed chatting, however we are nonstop and I want to thank you all and I will respond back when we get home to 55 degree and NO wind! and snow. It is beautiful but very tough conditions to walk around in. WIND oh my what wind! But wanted to wish all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! Your lovely city has made mine...

I am sorry for the weather you encountered. I hope you still were able to do much of what you wanted to. I think that this is a prime example of having to be flexible when you travel and not over planning. I am looking forward to hearing how you coped.

I sympathize..... I walked 6 blocks in that wind this afternoon and that was enough. Am now consoling myself with a glass of wine. Hope you can do the same -

We Loved NYC!!! After our flight was delayed we arrive at 10:30pm, and took a taxi from LAG to 53rd and 7th: Sheraton New York and Towers. The cold and the holiday lights, made us excited and ready to hit the streets. Mr. Hamilton upgraded us to club level with a great view of CP on the 49th floor. This hotel is full of tourist and people off the street, to get warm and free internet, but treated us great. Helpful and friendly in every department. I will stay again with them when returning.
Friday evening- Time Square with 2 freshman in college was great and a late night 2:30 am.
Sat. 7:45am -Hit the ground running: Don't be upset but we did the bus loop uptown/downtown to beat the snow and the unknown of how much was coming. We were pleased and stayed on to get us accustom to the city. We hopped off once we arrived at WTC. and visited Trinity church,Woolsworth Building,Flat Iron, Wall street, City hall, NYSE and lunch at Katz's (thanks) it was great!!! Split the meals because of its size. The buildings are super sized and your servings of food are also.HA! IT HAS BEGUN,SNOW!! Cold on the tour but we hoped back on the bus to get to South Street seaport. Not very interesting but we decided to go to a play that night and walked right into the TKS and got great 2nd row seats in orch. (center) for Rock of Ages for myself and hubby, and 4th row center orch. to In The Heights for the girls.We bought our 7 day pass tickets for the subway and rode back to The Plaza area.EASY going! Now getting windy and colder (1pm) we ducked into buildings to see the sights and get warm. We went in the Plaza, Oak room, Apple Store, FAO,Nike,Tiffanys, Bergodlf Goodman, Henri Bendel, and Cartier. Ducked inside some indoor seating are near Cartier to get our berrings and rest a moment. Nice little unknown by tourist area. No Crouds and locals to talk with for info. It was very nice. Subwayed back to hotel(the 7th and 53rd was right outside our hotel doors)We had happy hour and light horsd'oeuvres then off to the show. A quick walk and we were there. We all enjoyed our shows. However after being inside for 3 or so hours we walked out to a massive amount of snow for southerners. We had to turn nirht to get back to our hotel and the wind and snow was blinding.
Sun.Morning- 9am- Subway to Union Square, did the local outdoor market. Loved the area and the market. We ate at the local venders in the market and then we did Soho and Chinatown. Whoo, Chinatown,not for me! Loved Soho and off to Macy's. Oh my Santa was happy to see my 2 grown girls waiting in line for him. We loved it and laughed alot. Now to the bitter cold ESB. Not any crouds we were in and up in 15 minutes. No others idots out in 17 degree 30 mile winds.
I will return tomorrow with more Good night all!

It sounds so exciting.....cold, but exciting! Looking forward to more.