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Sigmund Pretzel Shop
Categories: Food Bakeries Food Coffee & Tea Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Bakeries, Coffee & Tea, Beer, Wine & Spirits [Edit]
29 Ave BNew York, NY 10009
Neighborhoods: East Village, Alphabet City
(646) 410-0333
- Nearest Transit:
-
2 Av (F)
Essex St (J, M, Z)
Delancey St (F)
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 12 pm - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
102 reviews for Sigmund Pretzel Shop
Review Highlights
"Yes, beet horseradish mayo, please."
(in 5 reviews)
"Then I dunked that sucker in an herb goat cheese dip."
(in 6 reviews)
"I had the jalapeno cheddar and garlic parsley."
(in 9 reviews)
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102 reviews in English
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Review from Becca R.
Douglaston, NY
1/22/2012
Ok, so I haven't been to their storefront, but I stopped by their stand at the Union Square Holiday Market in December, and bought one of each savory pretzel.
A.MA.ZING.
Every single one. I don't know how they do it. Actually, I know how to make pretzels so I have a pretty good idea, but Sigmund's Pretzels stole my heart. If you're visiting NYC, or you need a legitimate, amazing NYC Pretzel, this is the place to go. -
Review from Bill S.
12/14/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I saw these folks at the Hester St. Fair and became an instant fan. How can you not love pretzels? Maybe as a kid you got a swirly for not giving them up?
I walk into a nice and cozy store. They have an awesome homemade iced cranberry drink on display as well as bags of pretzel chips, savory and sweet. I can't make a decision so I buy both!!
Now comes all the dipping sauces. I order a truffle pretzel with herb goat cheese. herb. goat. cheese!!!! How cool is that and all for a few quarters?
Happiness for $3. How can you knock this place?Listed in: NYC 5 star restaurants
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Review from Rebecca A.
New York, NY
11/28/2011
So very grateful to Signmund's Pretzels! They provided me with a delicious respite from the hustle and bustle of the fantastic Union Square Holiday Market right when the crowds were starting to bug me a bit.
The animosity I previously felt went away when I chomped into my feta & olive pretzel. Warm, soft, a bit salty, and a good mix of olives and feta cheese (which was the perfect melty consistency :)).
YUM! Luckily this isn't in my hood as I'd be a big fat wooly mammoth in a matter of days if it was! -
Review from Kelli O.
Astoria, NY
2/5/2012
I was really excited to try Sigmund's but it ended up being a total disappointment. I ordered the garlic parsley pretzel and it was stale with almost no garlic or parsley flavor to be found. It was definitely not enough pretzel for the price too. The beet horseradish dip was okay, but nothing great. I don't think I'll be going back.
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Review from Rehema T.
Manhattan, NY
1/21/2012
I went with my google offer and loved the turkey brie apple sandwich on a pretzel roll. I wasn't crazy about the recommended beet horseradish sauce, but the extra cheddar truffle oil pretzel that I got didn't need any sauce. I'll be back to try more flavors.
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Review from Liz M.
11/19/2011
I love Sigmund's pretzels.
They are always delicious. I especially love the olive and feta pretzel as well as the cheddar truffle. I've been to their shop once or twice but every year when I stop by the holiday market in Union Square Sigmund's is there and that's when I really get the most from my pretzel experience.
Sigmund's pretzels are soft but not too chewy, with just the right about of everything. Always a good toppings to pretzel ratio. And the price is right, $3 for mouthwatering pretzel that makes my day better.
If i lived downtown still I would definitely stop in more often. -
Review from Richard W.
Astoria, Queens, NY
12/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pretty cool little pretzel shop that my friend and I went to before we hit up the UFC fight last night. I got a pretzel hot dog and a beer. There's not a whole lot to say about the place except that they sell a bunch of pretzels and some sandwiches and hot dogs and that the food tastes pretty good. I was not blown away, but I was not sad either. :D I want to go back to try their "uber" pretzel, which was a pretzel the size of my head.
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Review from Alexandra C.
New York, NY
10/21/2011
I was so happy to finally try one of their pretzels at Madison food fest.
Chose the cheese pretzel. This was so the opposite of what I imagined their pretzels to be! There was zero cheese flavor.. zero of any flavor.
The only semi-good thing is the pretzel was a nice soft conistency.
3 bucks for this? Biggest disappointing rip-off going. -
Review from Jose antonio P.
12/11/2011
Hot coffee of great quality. Tasty coockie
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Review from Stephanie L.
New York, NY
7/28/2011
Delicious pretzels. Great coffee. Nice atmosphere. Free wi-fi. Open storefront. Come here and chill out.
The pretzels are made fresh all day. I especially love their garlic pretzels with nutella or goat cheese dip.
I also like to pick up a box of their mini pretzels. You get a dozen pretzels and dips of your choosing. It's great for parties or gatherings. -
Review from Darwin G.
6/28/2011
I've been wanting to have some great pretzels ever since this opened, but never had a chance and I was happy to see that they now have a Sigmund Pretzel Truck. Waiting for the Dyke March to reach Washington Square Park, a savory snack is perfect lesbian watching food.
The olive feta mini pretzel ($3) could have a bit bigger, but it was quite good. They reheat it in an oven after you order. The olive flavor was not overpowering and the feta added the much needed salty flavor to the pretzel, as it was not covered in salt. -
Review from Wing L.
4/23/2011
I've tried pretzel from Sigmund Pretzel Shop twice so far. The first time was last summer when they had a booth open at the newly opened (at the time) Hester Street fair. They had the pretzels out in the open getting cold and when you ordered it, they pop it into this portable heating machine to warm it up and hand it to you with a choice of what I remembered to be maybe 3 different dips. Although I liked it, I was not in love with it.
Fast forward a few months later, and when I was passing by Alphabet City, I've noticed that they had opened up a permanent storefront. Seeing that they now have more flavors for both the dips and for the pretzels, I decided to give them another try. After all, the first time was good, just not great. Maybe they have refined their craft further over the months. Thus I found myself holding a another reheated pretzel and again I liked but not loved. Upon further analysis, I figured out why it was so.
The pretzel were better than what you would get at sporting events, movie stadiums, and hot dog carts. These are freshly each day in small batches unlike the factory pre-made pretzels at the aforementioned places. They also have a nice range of different flavors besides the standard salted. Mini feta olive anyone? Despite the fact that I had both the mini garlic parsley and the mini jalapeño cheddar by this point, I personally found them to be a tad too doughy and dry . I have a preference for softer, lighter pretzels like those from Pretzel Time and Auntie Ann's and these were not it. The interesting dips did help to alleviate some of the dryness a bit and I would recommend that everyone give the beet-horseradish mayo a try. It'll be nice if they give a little more dip per pretzel though.
Don't let my middling review discourage you from giving this place a try. Sure, I slightly prefer a different style of pretzel but as you could see from other reviewers, I'm in the minority. There are a lot of fans of this place. Come here and judge for yourself. If you don't go away impressed (like me), you'll at least leave with a better understanding of how bad the pretzels sold at most places are. -
Review from Teresa C.
6/2/2011
Decided to try Sigmund Pretzel Shop among the many stands in Madison Square Park.
I got the:
1. MINI GARLIC PARSLEY - it was pretty good, soft and chewy.
2. MINI FETA OLIVE - did not like it. I asked the sales lady what was good and she said she like anything with cheese so she gave me this one. I should have just went with the jalapeno pretzel because I do not really like feta nor olives.. bad combination...
PROS:
- $3 each for a mini pretzel. not overly expensive
- reheats pretzels for you.
- mini garlic parsley
CONS:
- mini feta olive. -
Review from John P.
10/11/2011 1 photo
I stopped by Sigmund's stand at madison square eats and grabbed a hot dog in a pretzel roll with spiced sauerkraut. I was really looking forward to eat, but it ended up just being ok. The hotdog itself wasn't very good, it was very soft and didn't have that crispy outside. The pretzel roll was different than what i expected, it was really soft, i couldn't tell much of a difference between the pretzel roll and a regular hot dog bun. The kraut was definitely the highlight, and it was really good. I might just get a pretzel next time i stop by.
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Review from Melanie M.
New York, NY
3/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
This limp stale underbaked piece of dough is pretty much the farthest thing I've ever tasted from a traditional Bavarian pretzel. (And let's noy even start on the pastey plastic lump of 'butter' that they served me)
Traditional Bavarian pretzels - and I haved had them many times as they were a staple of my German childhood - are baked to a dark crisp outside while maintaning a fluffy white interior. They are sprinkled light with coarse salt (not bathed in it) and they are always baked fresh and run well under 1€ ( to charge me $3 for such a medicore pretzel is ridiculous.)
If you're passing this shop just say "nein" and keep on walking -
Review from Lori B.
Manhattan, NY
10/24/2011
Tried the cheese truffle pretzel "warmed up",$3. Greasy, no cheese or pretzel flavor, tasted more like a stale croissant,dipped in old truffle oil.
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Review from Masha M.
Long Island City, NY
1/30/2011
My mother was the one who told me about Sigmund's Pretzel shop from an article she read in New York Times. Imagine my delight when shopping through the various NY winter markets this past Christmas and stumbling upon a little Sigmund's Booth with samples of pretzels to choose from. Huzzah!
I've had the same jalapeno cheddar pretzel on 3 occasions. The first experience was the best, the freshest and the most addictive. That would be at Hester St Market. It was unbelievably gooey, moist, buttery, salty and I salivated after one bite. The next two were not up to the first experience, but I'm hoping that's just because they weren't heated enough, or because they were far away from their home in the east village. Maybe the magic lessens as the distance increases?
Whatever the case, I still look on the first experience fondly. And a tip: Get your pretzel heated up! It may change your upscale pretzel experience for the gooiest and chewiest. -
Review from J D.
Woodside, NY
9/8/2011
To the counter girl who gave me the snottiest, dirtiest look for taking a napkin from your cart window at the Fashion Night Out Fest in the Meatpacking District, AND rudely took the napkin dispenser away from me - you really messed with the wrong person. If you were mad because I didn't buy something from you first, well this is enough reason for me to never become a customer. RUDE SERVICE x10. You deserve zero stars.
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Review from Vi N.
I LOVE PRETZELS!
This cute lil place has soooo many different flavors of pretzels, it's hard to narrow it down to which one I want to eat, cuz my instinct tells me to eat em ALL! They're all so good, you can't go wrong w/whichever one you pick!
While picking out my pretzels, I couldnt help but noticed they had some pretzel sammiches on the counter as well, I didnt get to try it this time, but will be back soon to try the pretzel sammich. -
Review from Jen Y.
Milwaukee, WI
4/16/2011 1 photo
I ate from the pretzelcart in front of the Met and was quite impressed... so many unique varieties, it was difficult to decide... went with the jalapeno cheddar and as was told I was going to like it from the funny lady in the cart, I sure did!
And I thought the regular carts on the street corners had good prezels... I won't be able to eat those ever again, these are soo good! -
Review from Mary Q.
Boston, MA
12/26/2010
In a city where craptastic pretzels can be bought from any Joe Schmo hotdog stand around the block, Sigmund's shines through. I've actually never visited the storefront location on Ave B (my bad) but I've had their pretzels twice already. My first time was at the Grub St Food Festival and second time was at the Union Sq Holiday Market. Both times I got the salted pretzel, I dunno what got into me I'm usually more adventurous with food. But the salted pretzel delivers! The exterior was not as hard as I expected but had a rather chewy texture. The flavor was not as smokey as the regular hotdog stand variety and also not as buttery as Auntie Anne's. The interior had a nuggety soft consistency and had just the right amount of sweetness. Perfecto!
As for dips, I have tried the wholegrain mustard and beet-horseradish mayo. The wholegrain mustard was pretty awesome, probably homemade because I've never seen mustard seeds that large from a jar. Loved how the small mustard seeds added a texture dimension to the whole experience. The beet-horseradish was a bit lackluster for my taste. I was expecting the horseradish to kick my tastebuds into shape but it was more of a mild beet flavor.
This is totally off topic, but these people have the BEST business cards. I took one to remind myself to write a review and wow it's adorable. It's the I heart NY logo with a red pretzel in the place of the heart. Ace! -
Review from Grant C.
11/29/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I love me a good pretzel. The shining glory of true pretzeldom has been tarnished, of course, by those god-awful frozen strands of cardboard they sell at the circus or a ball game and those butter-flavored-oil soaked monstrosities you get at the airport or a shopping mall. But when you find a good one, whoa, Nelly!
Sad to say Sigmund's is not the promised land I hoped it would be. I mean, the pretzels here are not bad, certainly light years beyond those pretzel impostors, but I think there is still room in Manhattan for a true pretzel contender. Setting aside the specialty flavors, the traditional pretzels here are just okay, and the one I had here the last time was, even after being heated up, *frozen* in the middle. Egad. -
Review from Loren Y.
Brooklyn, NY
11/18/2010
When this place first opened I was delighted, raved about it.--the gruyere paprika, the garlic parsley accompanied by a goat-herb cheese dip to boot = scrumptious. In fact, I was even in a country where the pretzel (along with beer and sausage) has become a cultural mainstay, when I expressly told my European friend that she had to try the pretzel shop on Ave B for one of the few if not only proper pretzels available in the city.
But I was sad to learn I had spoken to soon and that my commendation would have to be retracted. Upon returning from Germany they had since changed the composition to the "mini-pretzel" which fine if they keep it in true pretzel form, but the bread is not spaced so much in between enough that it just ends up being a disappointing roll, too thick, too doughy, not a pretzel. Part of what makes a pretzel so tasty is the structure and the outer "crust" layer. Taking the hole out of the center of a bagel and still try call it a bagel = BS.
Additionally in the beginning there used to be pleasant people behind the counter and now it seems to be consistently one short curly-dark haired girl who has a constant scowl on her face **especially when you ask her to warm your "pretzel" (aka roll) when all the pleasant people pre-her would graciously offer.
So disappointing to have a good thing go to crap and scowl because now I'll never go back and long for how lovely it was in the beginning. -
Review from Sandy X.
Brooklyn, NY
1/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pretzels? Really? Yes. I forgot where I first saw these guys... probably Daily Candy or something similar. Anyhow, I decided to take the ol' ball and chain (http://www.yelp.com/us...) to this seemingly fantastic, quirky pretzel shop.
They have interesting pretzel varieties displayed in wicker baskets and little cake stands. We had cinnamon raisin (that's why I went, the boo loves his cinnamon raisin) and caramel pecan (CARAMEL AND NUTS. LIKE CHOCOLATE AND PEANUT BUTTER - matches made in heaven). They were pretty tasty - a little too soft and chewy, but the flavors and dipping sauce made up for it.
HOWEVER, I'm not sure if some health inspector is reading this (I doubt it), but we went in the summer. And you know what loves summer. Flies. We saw a few floating around in the store. And sort of in the display. That was the only downside. I hate flies.
We ordered a coffee and say down on the cafeteria style benches. They had some quaint old posters on the wall and a mirrored wall (if I recall correctly). I love their exterior (the floor to ceiling windows).
I hear they're at Bryant Park this winter. Winter = no flies! -
Review from Samantha P.
New York, NY
8/22/2011
Yum! Thanks for the reminder that street pretzels are NOT the way delish soft pretzels should taste. Came here with a friend who lives around the corner and had two sandwiches (served on a fresh baked pretzel roll) which we shared: 1)roast turkey with brie and apple and 2) ham and fontina with mustard greens. It took all of my will power NOT to go home with a big bag of pretzel bread to bring home with me. Great spot.
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Review from Jim P.
10/2/2010 3 photos
As Kevin James' character in the King of Queens has probably said. "What food group is NOT better wrapped in bacon?"
Today, that included Pretzels, and I did him proud and scarfed down a scallion bacon wrapped pretzel at the Madison Sq. Markt today.
That was good, but a little light on the scallion taste.
Their standard size is $3 and the smaller scallion pretzel is also $3. Their uber is $8 and is enough for 2 people. IF you're in the mood for sharing. (see pictures) all in all very good quality, fresh, and they'll heat i up for you. -
Review from Rachel A.
9/20/2010 1 photo
If the only pretzel you've ever had in NYC came from one of those dirty water hot dog carts on the corner of the sidewalk, then I feel bad for you. Surely the smell of burnt pretzel and taste of rock salt slathered with mustard would never make you boast about this classic NY snack.
Sigmund Pretzel Shop is here to redefine the pretzel experience. I've had them in the back of my mind for some time now and now that I've had one (or two) pretzels from them I can't wait to blabber and boast about the goodness of their dough.
The pretzel bread is perfect. It tastes fresh. It's beautiful. It glistens as if it were glazed with butter (a non greasy touch confuses me because I think it tastes buttery as well). The knot is a work of art. I can never go back to Auntie Anne's or Pretzel Time ever again. I am now an official pretzel snob!
The pretzel sandwich ($7) of turkey, gouda and apples is filling. It is dainty and husky at the same time. The saltiness on the outside is balanced with the sweet apples and spread on the inside. Pretzel as sandwich bread? Genius.
Regular pretzels ($3) come with free dipping sauce. The gruyere paprika pretzel did not need any additives at all even though we paired it with the beet horseradish. It was cheesy and spicy. The paprika was a bit much. Though interesting and smoky, it didn't fare well. The paprika in excess left traces on my lips and stained my fingertips. Not date food and definitely not sexy when you are supposed to be camera ready for an elite party.
The shop is quaint and relaxing. They have communal picnic table style seating and are ripe with iced teas perfect as we fade out of Summer and into Autumn.
Walk quickly past the hot dog cart, close your eyes when you see Poco, just say no to the chicken wings and beer at Croxley Ales, and give the pretzels at Sigmund Pretzel Shop a try. Such delicacies should not be overlooked or passed over in light of the other temptations on Avenue B. And if you are wondering, yes those GIANT pretzels are real. You'll know what I'm talking about when you see them. EPIC. -
Review from Matt P.
Brooklyn, NY
10/11/2010
I'm from Philly where they do pretzels right. So I was absolutely thrilled to hear about this place when it opened. After many attempts at trying to make it here (closed on Mondays, closed for private parties, etc), I was finally successful... and I don't really think it was worth the wait.
First & foremost, I'm happy to have a mediocre pretzel place in NYC than no pretzel place. I admire their love of pretzels. But I just found most of their flavors to be terribly bland. (Note: Of course, true pretzel connoisseurs wouldn't even bother with "flavors" of pretzels, but I appreciate variety & uniqueness from time to time.) I've been here twice & I've tried the plain, the jalapeño cheddar, the gruyere paprika & the garlic parsley. Honestly, I was barely able to distinguish the flavors of the latter varieties. I like the fact that you get to choose a dipping sauce (honey mustard, wholegrain mustard, beet horseradish sauce & herb goat cheese among a few of them), but I had a hard time figuring out which dip went best with which pretzel.... and I DID want to dip b/c I found the pretzels kind of bland.
I also found them to be a bit too doughy. Maybe I'm just used to South Philly pretzels, but I felt like Sigmund's pretzels were more like pretzel rolls... which means next time I think I'm going to have to try one of their pretzel sandwiches. I have high hopes for that. But if that doesn't wow me, it'll be three strikes, so they'd be out. (I REALLY want to love you, Sigmund!) -
Review from Kristen W.
Strongsville, OH
9/3/2011
These pretzels put the ones you would buy at a mall to shame! They are so chewy and fresh I wish I would have discovered them sooner. You can't go wrong with a salted soft pretzel! The honey mustard sauce and Nutella are my favorite dipping choices
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Review from Billy L.
12/11/2010
I know eating a pretzel at holiday market doesn't qualify for the real deal, especially when it's freezing out, but I am giving Sigmund Pretzel a 3 star review for making a cold guy warm inside with a hot pretzel and mustard.
I tried the parsley and garlic dusted pretzel which was decently accompanied by a spicy and sweet brown mustard.
I like the idea of one stand just focusing on making one product right. This is that location for pretzels. Now all I have to do is head down to the actual location to try and try a variety when it's not freezing cold out as I'm sure that will also improve the taste. -
Review from Peter D.
When Sigmund first opened, I thought, "How will they stay in business? It's such a spacious storefront, and they are just selling pretzels. It just doesn't seem like a viable business model, seeing as how those carts can only get by because of their minimal overhead."
And then I started thinking, "Why are you thinking about this? You should mind your own damn business."*
And then I thought, "As long as their friendly, Cake-loving** employees continue to serve delicious and surprisingly filling $7 turkey, cheddar and apple pretzelwiches, I will continue to eat them. And that will be the extent of my Sigmund Pretzel Shop involvement."
And then I thought, "I should write a review, to invite the people of Yelp into my psyche."
And that's what I did.
_________
*I don't actually have a business. Unless you count giving out free hugs. Which is also not a viable business model.
**The band, Cake. They might love cakes as well. Perhaps red-velvet or carrot. But we haven't discussed it. -
Review from Daryll H.
New York, NY
10/4/2010
I just got back from Munich, where I was eating at least one giant Brez'n per day. I was sad that I could not find them in the states. BUT NOW I CAN
Apparently they're baked by some old german lady. So, so good. The "jumbo" isn't on their menu but it's $6 if you can find it (I found them at the madison sq park market) -
Review from Jessica H.
KNICKERBOCKER, NY
11/21/2011
another great addition to the lower east side. I mean really pretzel sandwiches and fresh pretzels with amazing dipping sauces. That space has been many different businesses in the past 4 years and I hope this pretzel shop stands the test of time.
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Review from Brendan M.
New York, NY
1/18/2011
Pretty good pretzels, but fairly fu.
Giraffe Friendly-ish -
Review from Marc A.
6/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
Stop everything and head over to Sigmund Pretzel Shop and pick up a Gruyere Paprika pretzel and dip that sucker in the herb goat cheese on the side!
Super delicious pull-a-part dough covered and baked in goodness.Don't forget to get them to warm it up so it's nice and hot as you walk down the street with it or sit at their tables overlooking the street.
Bonus star for having a 2-4-1 special when we were there.Enjoy!Listed in: New York, New York...
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Review from Maia D.
12/5/2010
I loved the garlic & parsley pretzel.
The cheddar & truffle was just okay.
The wanko cookie was pretty amazing. Chocolate, peanut butter and pretzel. Um. Seriously?
$3 for the little guys & cookies.
$6 for the big salted guy.
They taste like bagel/pretzel combo. I was happy. -
Review from Athena C.
8/2/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Sigmund Pretzel rocked my world! My impression of pretzels are from street vendors and Auntie Anne's Pretzels. Overall, I am not too thrilled with the either overly dry and salty ones from the street or those overly buttery ones from Auntie Anne's.
Sigmund however, totally changed my mind. They have cinnamon pretzels, jalapeno cheddar cheese pretzels, sesame and more. Besides pretzels, they also offer great dippings.
I didn't get to try any of their sandwiches but I am sure I will be back soon! -
Review from David S.
Glen Ridge, NJ
11/17/2011
Quality of pretzel you cannot get anywhere else. 3 dollars is nothing for the joy I get every time I visit. These guys took regular bakery staple and turned it ino a piece of art. thank you!!!!
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Review from pat b.
New York, NY
6/7/2010
Some things are just better when you were a kid:
bologna sandwiches.
peanut butter and fluff.
Barney & Friends.
I really used to enjoy a buttery. salty pretzel. Pretzeltime at the local mall was heaven in my mouth. Soooo....
At Sigmunds I got a dry, non greasy pretzel. The jalapeno lacked alotta holla. The salt pretzel was more or less cardboard stuck in a toaster over with a less than generous salt & grease addition.
Saving grace was the turkey apple cheddar pretzelwich.. which didnt come out warm, and had even spreading of both cheddar & apple. Tasty yes. could have been better? yes.
Meh, Sigmund, you failed me. -
Review from beth p.
NY
9/18/2010
I've got one word for you: WANKOS.
Wankos: a giant peanut butter chocolate chip cookie with hard pretzel chunks. Holy frickin' fantastic. I'm getting misty-eyed just thinking about it. Or maybe that's drool...
The original salted German soft pretzels are also great.
Stop by Hester Street Fair on the weekends to taste this deliciousness.
