high-brow pretzels

The sesame pretzel from [brand new] Sigmund Pretzels
comes with a free dip of your choice. Mine was wholegrain mustard.

Braving the windy, chafing, chapping cold of the East Village yesterday, we set out on our pretzel pilgrimage to Sigmund Pretzels. Why? Because this review in Serious Eats New York told us that Sigmund had soft pretzels to rival Philadelphia's. Well, the pretzels were quite tasty. But the pretzel attitude was all wrong.

In my humble opinion, a soft pretzel is a food of the Everyman. Sigmund's pretzels, however, are a little too precious. And they don't make enough of them. I was planning to buy 6 (and give a bunch to my Mom & Dad), but they only had one sesame pretzel left. And it was only 2pm. Weren't they going to make any more? I mean, they're open until 10pm. The counter person wasn't so forthcoming with any information. And the two owners were milling about having coffee. It wasn't a great vibe at Sigmund, to be sure; but upon returning home, heating up the pretzels, and making our own tasty sandwiches, I wouldn't necessarily never return. Well, that's the best I can do for a positive review here. Try it if you are nearby. On a warmer day.

Sigmund Pretzel Shop
29 Avenue B (2nd & 3rd Streets)
East Village/Alphabet City
646.410.0333
Tues-Sun 10am-10pm
Closed Mondays

I amazed myself and deftly sliced the pretzels in half. No rips!
And then spread the mustard on every square inch, both sides.
Super delicious.

Voila! A pretzel sandwich many vegetarians would enjoy.
Sesame pretzel, mustard, soy salami.


I definitely want another right away. But to be honest, I would
probably take the Amtrak to Philly and get the yummy Philly Pretzel Factory
soft pretzels instead. We still have 2 in the freezer! More pretzel sandwich pics to follow.