Cafe 53 Reviews

This little eatery had it all and was right out the back door of the midtown Hilton. It is part deli, part lunch counter, part convenience store. The guys that operate the grill are fast and organized. We went here for breakfast, lots of choices from breakfast sandwiches, platters with pancakes and eggs -- they had tons of choices. They were super friendly and food was made to order. Coffee is self serve and checkout is separate. There are also hot and cold buffets which a big variety (sold by weight). While I didn't have any, the food looked great! There was also a smoothie counter where you tell them what you want in it - all fruit looked very fresh. I will definitely visit this place again when I am in the area.

Well it was Christmas Day and open , very busy totally fine for a quick bite on the hoof so to speak, clean and prompt service.

This place is DISGUSTING. I went in with a family member who was recently in an accident. I asked if they could use the bathroom and was told we had to buy something. As I picked something out and stood in line, I asked again for the bathroom key. They said I couldn’t have the key until I was finished paying, and made my family member stand there in pain while I waited in line. I asked to speak to the manager and told them I thought their policy was dehumanizing and they should’ve let my family member use the restroom while I stood in line to buy something. I set my phone on the counter while I spoke to the manager, and then heard one of the cashiers tell the other one to “push her phone off the counter”?!?! Then as we left, this same cashier said “screw you” and “go to hell” to me and my elderly family member. The manager did nothing. This place is disgusting, do not support them with your business.

A perfect place for a quick lunch. Food is very fresh, hot and cold dishes, salads, fruit, tea and coffee. A small supermarket is there as well for chocolates, drinks etc. Only one washroom in the restaurant, but must ask the cashier for the key.

This restaurant is near my office when I travel for work. We grab breakfast here and sometimes lunch. The sushi is good!

My friend and I stopped there for lunch our first day in the city because I had eaten there on a previous trip. What's great is that you have such variety to choose from to eat there at one of their clean, quiet tables or take out whatever you want. I had the fresh salad bar and my friend had Asian food prepared exactly the way she wanted it. We picked our drinks, paid (under $15 per person), and relaxed at a table. I love salt bagels, so twice I went back for a fresh toasted salt bagel with butter and fresh coffee (under $8), then our last night I had a hot pastrami on rye that was so big I could hardly finish it ($12 with beverage). I will frequent this place on every future trip to NYC!

We discovered this fantastic cafe/deli called Cafe 53 on 53W just near 6 1/2 Ave around the corner from our hotel right in the bustling heart of Times Square district. Every morning we would drop in and order breakfast or brunch from the short order cooks or select from the fresh fruits, yoghurt, cereals and grab a coffee sitting with tourists and locals on their way to work and we loved it! Before we left we would check out all the ready made self serve salads, meals, chopped fruit and later in the day the ready cooked dinners … you just filled a container and paid by weight. It was the best food we had in all of NY and fresh and full of flavour. Do yourself a favour! Dine in or take back to your hotel or even picnic in Central Park…. And not a serving of FRIES in sight!

Gave me incorrect change (shorted me), proceeded to argue & say I gave a different amount. A staff was also rude to my daughter.

We were just wanting a light meal (salad) for our lunch so the Concierge recommended this place. Oh wow! We ended up eating more than just a salad! They had choices of just about anything you would want at 2 different counters to pick from.

My mother loved eating here! You get to pick your lettuce and all your toppings. Service is super fast and there is a lot to choose from!

We stopped off for a snack and had the NY Pastrami sandwich. It was not a touristy place and the sandwich was hearty and filling. There were lots of options and you could see many people getting their lunch during a regular work day. We always like the local places to capture more of the experience of living in a place we visit.

Just around the corner from The Sheraton Hotel Times Square is this little Gem. It serves literally everything from Sushi to Breakfast. I had Pancakes (3) Bacon and Eggs for $6 which was large enough to keep me going most of the day. Just be aware that the fruit and other produce are mostly charged by weight and the Fruit in particular gets expensive. I would use this simply as a Breakfast stop and go off the fixed grill menu at the Counter. I would agree with some of the comments on here regarding a lack of polite service from staff...but hey it's no nonsense NYC. Take it and give it back.

Kids love this place Great home made sushi and all other types of hot food. Prices are reasonable and the place is clean

A wonderful variety of various cuisines all tucked into a nice efficient NY-style deli. Great Korean and other Asian dishes. Hot and cold self service. Awesome soups, which change daily. Hearty sandwiches. Overall a great and affordable stop in NYC.

The salad bar had no labels or any way of reporting allergens. The prices are high in contrast with the low quality of both the food and the service.

This cafe was across the street from the Hilton. Was recommended to us to try for breakfast as it is much more reasonable in cost than the hotel. I found it to be convenient, quick and lots of choices.They have a large selection of hot foot bar to choose from. Food was good, not anything really special but good-- It's what you can expect from a deli like establishment. bottom line, I would recommend this place, and if I ever find myself in that area again, I would certainly go back!

From the outside, this place looked clean and had the plentiful look of a well-stocked grocery store, we weren't in the mood to sit down and eat in a grocery store. So we ordered by phone, then waited and waited and waited. Called the store and it took them a while to locate the delivery person who, it seemed, was lost. In midtown Manhattan, no less, with well-marked streets and avenues. After waiting for 2 hours and no sight of the food, we called back and cancelled the order. Management was not happy and mildly rude. Not at all sure that I'd be willing to give them a second chance after management's lack of any apology or acceptance of responsibility.

If you happen to be staying in the Sheraton this is literally round the corner (out of the side entrance and turn right). Eat like a King from the Hot Buffet. Maybe buy some Cheese Cake and a Bottle if Wine and eat in? Great for breakfast as well.

Very convenient if you're staying at hilton midtown, and a lot cheaper plus so much to choose from, we visited for breakfast, mid day snacks and late night suppers, quality was all ways great and fresh

We were staying at the Midtown Hilton hotel and cafe 53 is just around d the corner ,we had at least 5 visits here ,it's open for breakfast, lunch and early dinner,as it closes at 7pm,if your going late, be aware they seem to start clearing about 6,food is freshly cooked,it,s not cheap but where is in nyc....but everything we had was delicious ,well worth a visit

Pretty good options here and decently priced. Very friendly staff and an excellent spot to grab a bite if you're staying at the Sheraton Times Square hotel.

If yiur looking for the best Bagels in NYC unbelievable range of food and great coffee highly rated will defo visit again when I go back to NYC

We were staying in Hilton Midtown just across the road Used the cafe every day of our five day stay Lovely coffee! Hot sandwiches and buffet choice no matter what time day Also great soft drink selection we would take back to our hotel food for half the price that our onsite cafe was charging We found all staff friendly Never used the seating areas but always plenty room Favourite of mine lovely cheesecake and carrot cake not bad either

What a choice they have here. You can put everything together yourself. From sandwiches, to meals, to salads. I chose a salad. You scoop food of your choice into a container and the weight determines the price. Everything tasted equally good and fresh. Fine place to eat.

We ate here for lunch and had food from the hot bar which was mediocre at best. The prices are fair but there is little room to sit.

This is my first less than 5 star review. I try to always be fair and honest when doing reviews. The salad / fruit bar is 10.99 a pound which even in NYC is excessive when you can buy a whole fresh cut mango on the street for $3. We tried this place three times despite the price and unfortunately encountered two different staff members whom were very rude. The first day we just left but decided everyone has a bad day so let's try again. Once it was the deli guy who tried to sell me a sandwich with brown avocado and wilted lettuce..when I asked for fresh he said we have no more turkey and so I said ok thanks anyways and began to walk away he said "oh here I do have some" - it made me feel like he only offered the fresh when I was going to leave. The next day it was a counter guy ..who yelled at me to leave because I had my Starbucks drink in my hand while my teenager checked out with her 13$ container of pineapple and kiwi, a container of sushi and a drink that was 29$ total... I did not even drink it (straw was not even in my cup yet it was still in my hand) inside the cafe I just did not want to send my 13 year old in alone. I respect a no outside food or drink policy but I was just standing there while she checked out...did not try to sit and was not in the flow of traffic of customers. He screamed at me so loudly just not called for. I will say on a positive note they did have good sushi and they have a large variety. We will not spend any more of our money here *three strikes you are out" as there are multiple places on the same block with excellent customer service and food! Walk about 35 more feet and try a plate from the Halal Guys Truck- you will not be disappointed in bypassing Cafe 53!~

Let no one be discouraged from going to Café 53 for breakfast, lunch or quick dinner. Café 53 is centrally located in New York City, easy to find, immaculately clean, well stocked, offering a wide variety of items, and most comfortable than most New York City delis, where you have to eat with your elbows three inches from each other and listen to everyone's conversations. The staff is friendly and eager to be of service. And the food is good! If you decide to have the Reuben sandwich, like we did, ask the cook to please try to drain the cole slaw a bit more so you do not end up with a soggy sandwich that almost needs a spoon to be eaten, since it closely approximates the consistency of Reuben Soup. The Reuben Sandwich Soup was tasty, however, and quite large considering the charge of $8.95. It was perfect for a quick lunch on a busy day. On the other hand, if your teeth are bad and you cannot chew well, the Reuben Sandwich Soup should be just what you wanted.

We ate two lunches here when we were staying at the Sheraton just around the corner. Most is self serve....many salads to choose from along with proteins to add such as meats and seafood. There is also a hot food area. Everting was ver fresh and good!

This deli offered a breakfast buffet in the morning and a hot & cold buffet all day long. Additionally, they offer a wide variety of sandwiches and wraps. I had the hot pastrami & swiss on rye for only $7.95. Large selection of soft drinks, snacks, juices, and bottled water.

A little hidden gem is Cafe 53 which serves deli sandwiches, every kind of drinks, breakfast lunch n dinner. If you're not looking for a resturant feel and just want to take out or eat in, with decent prices, go and enjoy.

I went here at 4am for coffee as no where else was open. What a great surprise this place was. Lots of varieties of tea(something quite rare in NY) and lovely staff serving. Great food too, don’t miss it.

My son orders a burger with lettuce, onion and tomato. Pretty simple. The waiter brought him a cheeseburger with mushrooms. When he politely told him the order was wrong, the waiter scraped the cheese and mushrooms off the burger in front of him and walked away. The cashier then charged him extra for mushrooms. Deplorable. Nobody should put up with a business that treats a child like that.

As far as atmosphere it's the same as any grocery, deli, restaurant. Several employees, looked up but no hello can we help you....nothing. I am okay with this (I have heard much about New York....what I am not okay with was the food, I cannot say it was even luke warm, and when noodles and rice get cold they are inedible. I won't go into detail on each dish, but coming from a state that cares about return customers, this food would not be edible enough to keep the doors open. STAY AWAY

Great place to eat, offers classic American breakfast dishes, has weight food option for lunch and dinner, very clean and all fresh. You can take or consume on site. Great pink option at 7th avenue.

Very good place. Has nearly every cuisine. With noodles burgers and pizza. Healthy options like rice and salads also available and is a place that isn’t too expensive.

we had lunch in this nice cafe and we really enjoyed it as there was a big variety of things and the prices were quite reasonable!

If you are in the area this is a pleasant place to dine. Extensive menu, helpful staff and reasonable prices. This is not fine dining but a comfortable place to eat. Some of the theatres are in this area so it's another eating option. Sheraton Hotel is around the corner.

Close to all the Broadway action, we wanted a place for fresh food and a quick meal to say goodbye to some friends who had a plane to catch. Cafe 53 ticked all the boxes! We had bagels with a range of fillings and fresh coffee and sat inside the spacious cafe. Excellent. Staff friendly and pointed us in the right direction for the Museum of Modern Art which is minutes away. A great find.

What's not to like about this place? You really can't go wrong with anything you order. The food is super fresh, delicious and the options so multiple, it makes it a wonderful choice for breakfast or lunch. Prices are average.

Two eggs cooked to order plus loads of bacon, potatoes, add an everything toasted bagel.. in 5 minutes for under $10. Alternatively, Breakfast bar if you want plus many types of fresh fruit... many fresh baked items to choose if you just want a continental. Great brewed coffee...

As Fred Astaire and Judy Garland sang in Irving Berlin's "we're a couple of swells", we had "walked up the avenue". Fifth Ave to be precise. It was a hot day and we'd walked a long way. The street was blocked off due to the Dominican Day Parade, but we were getting tired and hungry. So hungry we nearly went for a food hand cart but a kindly cop directed us to a cafe on 53rd. Cafe 53. That's not gonna be a chain is it. Unless they call it cafe 110 or cafe 14 etc. but nevertheless they had great healthy food, buffet style, by the pond. Kids loaded up on what the wantedZ we sat by the window. Highly recommended. And suitably refueled we continued to walk until the avenue until we're there.

Read brilliant reviews of this place.. and have to say it exceeds expectations. Very lovely staff and food was amazing!!!! Will miss visiting this place daily whilst I was in new york. Best deli around!

The best deli when visiting the theatres. Perfect reuben and cheesecake. Will n Be back often so i can try everything out on the buffet.

Great place to get breakfast, lunch or just snacks. Friendly people who work there. Super efficient and clean place. We were in NYC for 5 days and probably visited them over 10 times! Their buffet was always full of food. They have a grill for custom food.

Large "foodhall"-like cafe-restaurant. Near MOMA, the modern art museum. There are large counters in the spacious hall with vegetables, meat, pasta etc. where you can compose your own meal. Your scale thus collected food is weighed and the weight determines the price. All kinds of accompanying drinks are of course also ample in stock. After checking out, pick a table. That's where the enjoyment begins because everything from the counters is very fresh and of top quality. Nice crispy salads, wide choice of very well prepared meat. Excellent address for lunch, brunch or dinner. Another side note for lazy people .. one also sells ready-made sandwiches etc. But composing your meal like that is more fun. Quality / price ratio good.

I such a busy city it’s great to stumble across places like this that are keeping the quality good and the prices real. Ate here for breakfast lunch and diner brilliant

Fresh food that is made to order, from Sushi to Pastrami on Rye. This is good for those of us who are allergic to many things and need special treatment. The Chinese man at the cashier is always happy to see you and the prices are reasonable. This is a great place to visit on the go if you are staying at the Hilton Midtown on 53rd street. We tried the Burgers (Delicious and Big!), the Serrano sandwich (Excellent!) and the french fries were fresh!

We stopped in here twice for a quick lunch while at a convention in the hotel across the street. I had a chicken club sandwich one day and grabbed some Chinese food off the hot bar another day. The sandwich was delicious and stuffed with fillings! The general tso’s chicken was lacking in flavor and the sauce tasted more like ketchup than anything. Most of the food on the hot bar was unlabeled, which can be a choose-your-own-adventure of nightmares if you have food allergies (I don’t, thankfully). I think if you stick to the freshly prepared items, you’ll be satisfied, but maybe avoid the lukewarm lackluster food on the bar.

We ordered 4 sandwiches with fries. They did not taste very good and were way too big. Also way too much chicken. It's better to share with 2-4 people. Although the cafe looks nice and healthy and it sounds generous these large portions. It's actually the opposite, it feels like this is a key example of how the US is contributing to global warming

Fresh, clean, tasty, great variety of choices, many vegetarian options, very reasonable prices, friendly staff. We’re very happy for a quick lunch.

Cafe 53 was right next to our hotel and we tried breakfast and tea from here, food quality is excellent, loads of choice and all fresh, very reasonable prices and can eat in or takeaway, it’s also a shop with a wide variety of items

My spouse and I went in after a Broadway show to have a quick dinner before leaving for the airport. We had been here several times over the weekend and were impressed by their buffet. We were going to eat dinner today until we encountered the rudest person we’ve experienced in twelve months. Without going into the details, please know that I completely lost my appetite, and will never go here again.

My daughter and I were looking for a restaurant that would be quick, delicious, clean, reasonably priced- we hit the jackpot!! This restaurant/cafe was the most pleasant surprise! They had cold, hot, great variety meals...so delicious!! I would always recommend this Cafe 53!!!!

Just across the street from the Hilton, where breakfast is limited or very expensive. Varied, fresh and generous servings. Service was great.

Whilst staying in NYC we visited this deli many times. Each time we were served very quickly and our food was prepared quickly and to a high standard. Great variety of choice. We would recommend highly,