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Little Collins
Master Critic Review
Little Collins
8.5
An Australian-style café a few blocks from Grand Central, Little Collins turns out serious sandwiches and breakfast rolls alongside specialty coffee in a tight, always-busy space. Since opening its first Midtown shop in 2013, it’s become a regulars’ spot for well-built egg sandwiches, BLATs and fried chicken on real bread instead of generic deli rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Pick Me Up, Dash's Fried Chicken Sandwich, B.L.A.T.
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Australian-inspired café where coffee-shop sandwiches are treated with restaurant-level care.
Who should go: Midtown workers wanting better-than-deli sandwiches and coffee.
When to visit: Early lunch or mid-morning before peak caffeine rush.
What to order: The Pick Me Up, Dash's Fried Chicken Sandwich, B.L.A.T.
Insider tip: Mobile-order during peak lunch; counter pickup beats the walk-up line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive during business hours; rely on nearby garages along 3rd Ave and 44th–46th Streets.
Dress code: Casual and office-friendly; anything from jeans to business casual fits the crowd.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak caffeine and lunch rush; quieter mid-morning.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — primarily a daytime café and closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes depending on the rush; mobile orders shorten wait substantially.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several sandwiches and breakfast items can be made vegetarian, plus avocado-forward options.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified (e.g., hold cheese/egg), but no dedicated vegan sandwiches.
Gluten-free options: Partial — gluten-free substitutions are available for some items, though cross-contamination is possible in the small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a casual, daytime meet-up. The space is tight and busy, better for coffee-and-a-bite than a linger-worthy date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with first-come seating. During peak hours, expect to hover briefly or take your food to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who can handle tight quarters; no dedicated kids menu, stroller space, or amenities.
Best For
Better for: High-quality breakfast sandwiches, specialty coffee, and well-built café classics executed with more precision than nearby delis and grab-and-go shops.
Skip if: You need spacious seating, a long sit-down meal, or robust vegan/gluten-free offerings.