How is Hot & Crusty?

Is it just one of those Au Bon Pain kind of places, with nothing much to rave about?

[UWSEater]

I live around the corner from the one on 88th and Broadway and find it pretty good sometimes. Since they moved the once semi acceptable slices are inedible, and the pre-made sandwiches are no good. The cookies and tarts I've had never tasted nearly as good as they looked.

Things that are good are the egg & cheese sandwiches, the bagels are typically pretty good there, better than Tal Bagels, Broadway Bagel, and sometimes better than H&H and Absolute Bagels. I picked up a loaf of whole grain bread the other day that was better then what I get at Zabar's, Barzini's or Fairway.
If you go there with proper expectations, and order carefully you can do well.

[Stuartmc910]

Bought some rolls there two times, first and last. Cotton anyone? UGH!

[stephaniec25]

Typical Europa/Pax type of place with subpar food but decent enough if you are in a pinch or if it's right below your office or something like that. I wouldn't go out of my way.

[racer x]

I pass by various Hot & Crusty branches a minimum of twice a day.
I recently finally gave in an decided to try one of the peach tarts that always look so delicious in the window of the 86th & Lex branch.

Awful. Absolutely awful. Mushy crust. Fruit slices a little too sour and bitter. Rest of the filling also not very good.

They may have other goods that are good, but I'm afraid to try them now.

[Bone Thug n Hominy]

I have no idea how they stay in business (in multiple locations, at that). Everything is equally atrocious there.

[City Kid]

I agree...their stuff is all looks, no taste due to, I think, inferior ingredients, i.e., no butter. Au Bon Pain is decent for what it is and actually has some good soups and sandwiches. I must say, I love their pecan buns, for obvious reasons, though they are damn good.

I live near the Lincoln Center H&C. Never buy anything there--except--the seeded rye. It's outstanding. Really. Better than what I get at Fairway or Zabar's. Go figure.

Probably depends on what you get. I hate most of the pastries at ABP, and I really like the danishes at H&C.

Probably depends also on the location. The one near Lincoln Center doesn't seem so good, but I like the one on B'way just above 86th.

it's not even as good as au bon pain

I stayed in Manhattan for a week last December. My friend and I went to the Hot & Crusty on Broadway, probably around 90th street or so, every day for breakfast. We didn't eat very much there, granted, but we loved what we had (enough to walk 15 blocks or so, past other restaurants and diners).