Looking for a quick, yet healthy alternative for lunch? Cosi is the perfect solution! The bread is baked fresh in open flame heated ovens. You can sample it still warm as you walk in the door. They have a delicious selection of vegetarian and meat sandwiches. My favorite is the goat cheese and cucumber combo. If you're lucky enough to find a table (grab one when you see one), you can eat there - otherwise these sandwiches are great for on-the-go. Find a outside fountain and have an impromptu picnic.

Cosi Sandwich Bars are popping up all over Manhattan and even in the suburbs! I was *lucky* to find one close to where I live.

Cosi has an upscale decor with vibrant, orange, Tuscan-colored walls with mirrors, tasteful artwork, and plants. Each location has a cafe feel with a loungy atmosphere. It's a take on Starbucks' concept, except that they offer full breakfast, lunch, and dessert menus. I guess they cater to an "anytime crowd."

When you walk into Cosi, there is usually a drink bar that makes gourmet shakes and coffee drinks. Right after that you can find the brick oven and the deli-style counter for ordering your food choice. Each Cosi that I have visited is very similar in design and always has tables for seating, and some have outdoor seating.

As you are waiting in line to order your made-to-order sandwich or salad, you can sample the yummy flat bread. It's so delicious!!

They offer so many choices for you to pick for your sandwich. They have signature sandwich combos - order by number or you can choose one, two, or three different ingrediants.

Example of a signature sandwich coice:
Cosi Club Turkey, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Mayo
Ham and Brie with Honey Mustard
Green Market with Eggplant, Roasted Peppers, Mozzarella, Basil, and Vinaigrette
Hummus and Veggies Hummus spread with Lettuce, Cucumber, and Tomato

Separate items:
Tomoto and fresh Mozzarella
BBQ chicken
Tandoori Chicken (my favorite with Muenster Cheese)
Pesto Chicken
Salmon Spread
Tuna Salad
Ham, Turkey, and Cheese

Have fun and be creative with your choices! They also do Cosi melts!!

The salds are very similar in nature. They have signature salad combos:
Bombay Chicken- Tandoori Chicken, Roasted Red Peppers, Tomato, Cucumber, Onion, and Ranch Dressing
Cosi Signature- a mix of Mesclun Greens, Red Grapes, Pistachio Nuts, Gorgonzola Cheese, Pears, and dried Cranberries with a Sweet Sherry Vinaigrette
Shanghai Chicken Grilled Chicken with Crispy Noodles, Carrots, Scallions, and Ginger Soy Dressing
Cobb Salad (my favorite by far) Greek Mixed Greens Salad

Sandwiches run about $6.50 to $8.50 with a bag of chips or carrots. Salads run about $6.50 with a slice of Cosi bread.

Cosi is a reliable place to stop in for a sandwich or salad. The atmosphere is very casual. You wait in either the salad or sandwich line, then wait in a separate line to pay, and then take your food to a table.

They make their own flatbread on the premises, so it's usually warm at lunch time. Sandwiches are served on the bread, and salads come with it on the side.

Their Signature Salad is my favorite. It comes with mixed greens, pistachios, dried cranberries, grapes, gorgonzola cheese, and pears. They also have several other salads to choose from, or you can select your own ingredients. Salads are priced at $7.69.

If you plan to go often, pick up their frequent diner card. After 10 purchases of salads and/or sandwiches, you get one free.

The Shanghai chicken salad is very good, as well as their signature salad. The pesto chicken sandwich is good. Select anything from their menu and take it across the street to Bryant Park.