Essen Slow Fast Food Reviews

We stopped here twice with my DW on a way to Port Authority to take a bus to the NJ hotel. First time - our option was a take out from salad bar with chicken for $8.25. Second time - the salad bar was already closed (it's open only until 5 or 6 PM not clear). In any case we took from the pre packed salads and we went upstairs to eat (just to kill time to avoid a mad rush of humanity to the NJ buses). It's funny that the word "Essen" means "To eat" in Yiddish, but this place is so far away from Jewish food as possible.

In a city where eating in restaurants has become economically challenging, this place represents a good solution. Here you can choose from a series of dishes at a buffet ranging from salads to various types of meat, fish and pasta. You pay by weight and the prices are honest. Good quality of food. You can eat what you bought at Buffett on the mezzanine. Recommended if you don't want to spend too much.

We went here twice for breakfast. What a selection! You name it, they had it. And you could also have your breakfast cooked to order. It was very clean and the food was very fresh. Good coffee. We enjoyed it so much for the first time that we went back the next day again for breakfast. I think it would be great for lunch as well.

Good fresh food with plenty of variety. We used this place for a panini when we needed a snack. The panini guy was very unhelpful, he was unable to tell us what was in one of the fresh panini's that was unlabelled and did not notify us when our food was ready. Although this would not stop me going back. Seating is also available upstairs

They offer everything! If you choose a freshly made sandwich, sushi, fresh cut fruit, Japanese and the most incredible salad bar in the city! Hand Down - Guarantee!!

Great for takeout, gallery for eating in. Convenient, fast, fresh, great variety of New York specialties. (Lox, bagels, cool pastries) Lots of fresh fruit, good coffee.

We love the Essen. Super convenient, lots of choices. Good food, good service. It's a really nice option if you tire of hotel food, and the buffet looked fresh. Lots of vegetables, of which I can never get enough.

Watch out when you pay the bill with a credit card. The cashier didn't tell us that they charge more than 3% on top of the original amount. Our Hot Cold Salad from the buffet was 42,34 USD and they charged 43,82 USD, (1,48 USD more, 3% should be 43,61 USD). When I asked the one in charge , he showed me the list on top of the counter where you order, and this was not where the buffet was, neither at the cashiers. Here I will never go back. The boss could have offered us at least some drink, because of their failure.

This place has everything you want for breakfast & lunch but not the normal big budget places, so glad we stumbled across it. It caters for all from a muffin right up to a full on brekki & smoothies, all cooked fresh right in front of you & there’s also a buffet style option which is charged by total weight of your box which is $11 per LB of food. I’ll def be back now on every trip to NY & we’ve used now for 3 days, there’s seating up stairs or obviously a take out option. For me if your on a tighter budget this place is great as you can have what ever you want at a price to suit and not be charged restaurant prices so give it a go!

Had breakfast and u can either have something made fresh or pick from the buffet, trust me get something fresh

'Essen is one of those New York places that seems to make everything you could ever imagine. From baked goods to sushi, from sandwiches to salads they do it all. The food is pretty good, and it certainly is convenient, especially if you are with a group of people who can't make up their minds. It's pretty affordable for New York and also offers a decent place to sit upstairs.

There was a good selection of food choices here but the food was on the cold side and some of the fruit was not as fresh as it looked.

The place made us wonder if people in the area would be able to be without a kitchen in their homes. Plenty of choices, including healthy ones. Combining yoghurt with muesli and fresh fruit ourselves tasted better than the available pre packed choices. We found a nice spot upstairs to have our breakfast while NYC life passed by on us. Some instructions for first timers would be helpful. We were wondering if yoghurt and fruits could be mixed together or needed to be paid separately (together) and where to get the hot water for a tea. Very obvious if you are familiar with the place or places like this. Prices in NYC continue to be impressively high.

Great food with every choice you can think of buffet style and fresh cooked if you want, I can recommend

Essen Slow Fast Food was convenient and fast. There is seating upstairs or you can take it to go. More cafeteria style per the pound. Fruit and salad was fresh, while hit items were greasy.

I have been here plenty times and realized I order the same thing. Salmon with vegetables and teriyaki sauce. However they scimp on the black folks but give everyone else bigger portions. I have witnessed this and they have done the same thing today! I will never eat from here again. My BLACK FOLKS DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY EATING FROM PLACES THAT TREAT US BAD!!

My wife and I recently spent 8 nights in Manhattan. Working for 4 days and tourist for 5 days. We went here for lunch twice. The first time we had a prepared hot meal (chicken and rice) and the second time I had a custom sandwich and she had a custom salad. Both times we spent ~$35, with drinks. We ate upstairs, which was clean. Lots of other options that we didn't get a chance to try, but we'll be back.

I have travelled a lot and this in a first class eatery. Fresh and clean. Cooked right in front of you. Great value for money.

What a wonderful idea, just choose what ever you want to eat, put it in the boxes provided and pay by weight! We ate upstairs in the restaurant, very busy excellent food, the bacon and egg croissant is maybe the best I have ever tasted. The choice of dishes is awesome and, as ever in the USA, service with a smile. Opens at 5.30 am so is especially good for breakfast, also open at lunchtime but I was too full up still from breakfast. All sorts of hot dishes from Chinese style to American to sandwiches were being prepared for the lunch menu... next time I will make room for lunch too! If only they stayed open in the evening too!

What an amazing idea! Don't spend 20$ for Hotel breakfast ... go to Esssen36. With a family of 5, we spent daily 65$ (13$ each) for full stack of breakfast items, coffee and fresh orange juice. Great deal!

We had all our breakfasts during our stay, there is an incredible cabbage, we pay by weight. Everything is fresh is very good for a reasonable price.

Amazing choice you can find something for ever taste. As self-confessed fussy eater I was delirious with being able to choose what I can have in my salad. Not only do they have a great selection but they also give good portion sizes. Great value for money all round.

Great for quick breakfast on the run or eat in. Hot items (omelets, sandwiches, etc) in the rear. Danish and muffins in the center. Coffee selection to the right. Good selection, fast service, courteous staff. Dining area upstairs. Five minute walk from Penn Station.

Go here most weeks mostly for breakfast. Food is always fresh and of good quality. Breakfast selection is massive from healthy to all the carbs you could require! Only downside is it’s a bit pricy when you get carried away and at the end it’s weighed, but apart from that a good little spot to grab some good food and a coffee.

Essen at 8th Avenue and 36th Street offers fresh, good food. Walk in and choose between a hot buffet ($9.99/lb.), a cold buffet and numerous side counters. Food comes from Korea, Vietnam, Italy and America. Sandwiches are tasty and varied. Noodles are served with wonderful toppings as are panini

We came here every morning for breakfast just a short walk from our hotel. There is plenty to choose from and something for everyone. It's well worth a visit. You grab a box full it up then go to the till and she will weigh it and give you the price. There is seating upstairs for you to take your stuff up or you can take out which ever way suits you.

The food and people here are outstanding and its always busy with locals so you know its got to be good. as well as a big breakfast selection to grab and go they do a huge range of smoothies freshly made to order

Ate here a couple times, very much like wholefoods but I liked it better but it can be very pricey if you don't watch yourself!!!!

We took food from here to our hotel in the mornings. They were yummie, had tasty fresh fruits, oatmeal, all kind of sandwiches, bagels and whatever you can imagine made from egg. I only hated the plastic waste which came with the food - but that's unfortunately typical everywhere in NYC.

Found this great place where you can pay by weight for breakfast on 8th Ave. For about half the price of nearby diners had eggs, bagel, home fries, and more and it was all pretty good.

Big Fan. Was staying in hotel just around corner on 35th St. We'd passed Essen the evening before and it looked inviting. When I was looking for a bagel vendor on street the next morning I noticed that Essen was packed. Stumbled in and discovered a great breakfast sandwich option. They have a food bar by the pound and also a made to order breakfast bar that was doing some great business. I noticed they had seating in a second floor but didn't go up there. They also serve lunch and dinner that looked pretty good as well. Will certainly visit Essen again if we're in the neighborhood.

Essen's seem to be consistently a good deal for NYC; good quality, reasonable (by NYC standards-unless go crazy on salad bar but that is anywhere), lots of different options and stations, clean. We often go to one when in NYC.

Location was awesome, a huge variety of choices, great experience! Shout out Michael, you helped to make our trip that much more memorable!

Delightfully surprised by this deli with many options to choose from. There are a variety of prep stations ready to make your sandwich, rice bowl, or noodles. In addition there is a large selection of both hot and cold buffet items that would satisfy anyone's craving. A great place to stop and grab something to take back to your hotel after a long day of exploring Manhattan!

Great food selection, great quality and decent pricing. Has almost everything for any taste. Very impressive considering we found it by accident! Close to the Ghostbusters firehouse and Friends Appartment.

Not 100% sure this is the correct store. But visited the Essen by the New Yorker hotel. Rude surely staff with poor hygiene practices! Never again!!!!

Handy for grabbing a quick breakfast or a takeaway supper. Ideal grab and go but there were also some seats upstairs ( but no restroom)

The variety of ready-made meals and ingredients to customize the dish make Essen a perfect place to be satisfied; you can have lunch or dinner on the high floor, or bring the food to consume it wherever you want; it encompasses entrees, including delicious soups, resistance plate and varied desserts; selling to weight, good care, reasonable prices; to take into account.

The Essen is our go-to eatery when in New York, as we tend to get up too late for the breakfast at our hotel near-by. Also, it offers much healthier choices and more varied food than the hotel. It's a larger deli, with enough seating on the mezzanine. They not only have a breakfast bar but can make your omelet or bagel to taste, etc. The brunch/lunch bar is also vast and good. Coffee is good. I mean, why go anywhere else, especially is you're dragging kids who are picky eaters or teens who like things their way. Close to the train station and inter-city drop offs.

I was in NY for a week and staying about a block away. This place is amazing. Its huge and they have everything. Basically a buffet but they do make salads and sandwiches. Mostly takeout but there are tables upstairs. The selection is unbelievable. They have almost everything and it's all good. Ate there at least once a day.

I was ripped off at the Essen. No way! I never go to this DELI! 深夜に行ってオレンジジュースをクレジットカードで買うと、4.95＄なのに6.48＄で決済されてました。 中国人のオッサン店員にオレンジジュースを見せながら 『これいくら？』 『4.95だ！』 『値段が違う』と言うと『タックスだ！』とのこと。 ああ、そうか・・・と店を出てからニューヨークの税金をネットで調べて(8.8%) 冷静に計算すると31%も税金を取られてることになる！ そこでもう一度店に行き、さっきのオッサン店員中国人の目の前で計算してみせ、 『ニューヨークは31%も税金がかかるのか？！』 と言うと、 『お前が買ったのはラージだからこれで合ってる！』 いや、さっき4.95＄だってお前が言っただろ！ ちゃんと商品を見せながら確認したし、間違ったってことは100%無いです。 多分、差額は店員の懐でしょう。 昼間はともかく、夜いる中国人店員に気をつけてください！

It was getting late after flying into New York and I just wanted a quick bite. Around the corner from the hotel was this open air foodery. I opted for a sandwich on a delicious, fresh roll. Very tasty! Quick bite, not disappointed.

This restaurant is located in the heart of Manhattan close to the theaters, hotels, and the garment district. We found the food to be very good. We have tried about 8 different veggies and 7 meats and have yet to find a bad choice. A range of dishes are served on a hot bar or a cold food bar. Food is served by the pound . Prices for the hot food bar are 10.99 per pound. You pay only for what you get. Customers serve themselves buffet style then either take their food out, or, sit upstairs in a dining area. Other foods available on site include sandwiches. soups and a wide range of prepared salads or use the salad bar to make your own. Desserts and a smoothie bar are available. The range of food options is impressive. Traffic is sufficient to allow the food to be kept fresh but it does not feel crowded unless you go right at meal time. Service is friendly. This is a great way to eat in NYC without breaking the bank. If you find this information helpful please click the link below to ket us know.

Huge selection of sandwiches, noodles/stir fry, crisps drinks. Ordered the chicken stir fry. The meal was reasonably priced and fresh. Great place next to hotels.

We stopped here for lunch before getting our train to Boston. There's plenty of cafeteria style seating upstairs. There are 100s of choices of salad, hot foods and desserts. You pick which size bowl you want and you can then add whatever you want. I had teriyaki chicken, sesame chicken, tempura vegetables, pasta, rice, wedges, mushrooms, salad and lots of other bits and pieces. You pay by weight. It's not the cheapest place I have been to, my salad bowl was $13 but the quality was high and we will definitely return.

We spent part of our time in NYC looking for a deli we remembered from our last trip there. Never found it, but, silly us, this one was right down the street from our hotel--and my husband and I each had a deli sandwich to remember---yummmmmy. And so large, each made two meals! A place to remember...busy, busy, busy--but almost no wait time!

Nice place to get something for everyone in your groupl. They have tons of different food - anyone in your party can be happy!

We were staying nearby and went here for breakfast everyday with the family. It's an excellent option because there's something for everyone. And it's super fresh. You pay by weight. Highly recommended.

Stopped in this one and the one on Madison avenue. Excellent choice of food made fresh to order and seating upstairs. Reasonably priced too.

Something for everyone great Buffett breakfast good value for the food given staff amazing just the place needed a deep clean the bin and doors needed a repaint

I think this place is awesome whether it be for some fruit, yoghurt or a cooked breakfast to go to a huge and delicious sub sandwich for lunch this place has it covered! Reasonably priced and friendly staff!

Very nice place with a wide variety of options for breakfast. You can either take away or eat it in the large second floor. Several types of coffee, many types of Bagels, fruits, cakes. Great place for vegetarians. It is not cheap but it is fresh and tasty. Recommended. GL

This is one of those places that seems better than it ends up being. The idea of being able to get almost anything to eat, from fresh fruit to sandwiches to soup and French fries at any time of day is appealing. The food was only so-so. My son got a couple of sliders and mashed potatoes at about 7 pm and they had been sitting there a long time. I got a pesto chicken panini that was a little too greasy. Sigh!

Had breakfast here every morn before long days of sightseeing. Plenty of choice hot and cold and very quick service. Loved the chocolate and raspberry coffee. Always found seats for 6 of us upstairs. Definately recommend.

Very nice lunch good prices service exceptional thank you for a great experience. A relaxing atmosphere much needed from the crazy streets!

I was in NYC at Unified auditions and needed a quick bite to eat. Someone recommended Essen and I had no idea what to expect. The storefront was obscured by scaffolding but once you enter it is clean, well lit and has an amazing number of food options. I ordered a sandwich at the deli in the back. It was a turkey sandwich with hummus spread and it was delicious. I paid about $10 bucks. I did not have an opportunity to try the hot food bar but I would definitely check out other options on my next NYC trip.

From toasted bagel with egg in Hollandaise sauce to all the familiar breakfast foods, hot and cold, Essen will be a stead visit any time I am in New York. They have sandwich counters as well as the full buffet. I grabbed a container and at $9.99 per pound felt I got my money's worth for NY dining! A wide variety of juices, tea, coffee, and other drinks are available. I did not go to the deli counter but the set up of the restaurant makes it possible with different stations to serve a lot of people simultaneously. They have a great loft upstairs with communal dining, long tables and seating. One added feature is the view through the all glass front and sides. You get to people watch the city bustle while you eat. You don't feel trapped in a small box. I grabbed a muffin (priced separately) and snacks for later in the day. What a great location and variety! The staff were all friendly, smiling, and the ladies at the registers were very upbeat. The food was average to above average, including egg dishes, home fries and much more. Go. Sit. Enjoy. Essen.

Lots of great fresh food options, with a hot bar, salad bar, and place to order other options.I loved the oatmeal bar, with options for milk, coconut milk, etc. Good seating area upstairs.

Located 519 8th Ave New York went for breakfast you can get anything you’d want super clean very fresh ingredients friendly staff breakfast for us came in about 15 dollars a head they also do food throughout the day hot ,salad sandwiches desserts etc value for money would highly recommend there are several other branches we saw in New York but we stuck to that one as it was just one block from our hotel so really convenient for us

Loved all the different choices of food and very casual environment. Enjoyed sitting upstairs to eat.

I bought a lovely tasty large fresh roll with ham and cheese and it was awsome. Coffee was good too.

We were staying in New Yorker hotel and didn't like their Tick Tock Diner. This restaurant was about two or three bock far from the hotel so it was very convenient for us. We've been there 4 times for breakfast and 2 times for the dinner. Everything we chose was very tasty and not expensive, e.g for breakfast we usually had oatmeal with choice of fruits, coffee by choice, croissant which did cost for both of us not more than 30-33 dollars, for the dinner of excellent choice from about 15 salads, variety of cooked chicken or pork or fish, rise or potatoes, soups, Korean or Chinese food etc. we usually paid between $55-65 for both of us - elsewhere it was just for 1 person. But what was most important everything we ate was very tasty and the staff was nice. If we will travel again to NYC we definitely will visit this restaurant.

We stayed at the Crowne Plaza around the corner and this place was a great find for breakfast or the odd sandwich or panini when you didn’t feel like a full meal elsewhere. It’s for a great selection and a handy seating area upstairs, a little pricey but it is midtown so you kinda expect that, good value overall for what you get though.

We found this great place to grab breakfast perfect during our 7 days in NYC. Self service and an absolutely tremendous selection we never failed to find something different and it was just great to set us up for a days roaming the Island. The paninnes looked great but we had always moved to another part of town by lunch. I didn't find anywhere remotely as favourable to feed teenagers on our trip. I will 100% return when I am next in NYC. 10/10 well done #essen36and8th

4 of our 7 breakfasts were eaten here. Bagels were fresh and toasted to order with a generous schmear of cream cheese. Sausage egg and cheese croissant was good. Coffee brewed fresh and Essen had numerous flavors and cream choices. It was a beehive of local activity every business day.

This place is very impressive. They have all sorts of meal options from cook to order to self serve breakfast that include an oatmeal bar, yogurt and fruit bar, hot breakfast bar and pre packaged items like yogurt parfait and cut up fresh fruit. We did not go there for lunch but I am sure they have great selections as well. In addition to meal options there is a juice bar and a huge selection of snack and other items. When we were sitting upstairs eating our meals we observed how efficient the staff is. They are hard workers, constantly replenishing the food, cleaning and dusting the shelves. Very impressive and seem to take pride in their jobs. The only thing to note is that there is a 3.5% charge for using a credit card and that it is a bit pricey but worth it.

This restaurant is centrally located at the corner of 8th Av and 36th St. We found the food to be fresh and very good. A range of dishes are served on hot bars, on cold food bars as well as freshly prepared to order. Food is sold by the pound. You pay only for what you get. Customers serve themselves buffet style then either take their food out, or, sit upstairs in a dining area. Other foods available on site include sandwiches. soups and a wide range of prepared salads or use the salad bar to make your own. Desserts and a smoothie bar are available. The range of food options is impressive. Traffic is sufficient to allow the food to be kept fresh but it does not feel crowded unless you go right at meal time. Service is quick and friendly. Pay by weight as you leave. This is a great way to eat in NYC without breaking the bank. It is open 24 hours. If you find this information helpful please click the link below to ket us know.

Stayed in nearby hotel but went for breakfast here every day. Excellent choice of hot and cold dishes for breakfast, dinner and lunch. The self service section is well stocked and good value. Good seating upstairs with free WIFI.

What a find! This place was amazing. It is a casual deli with sit in option. Heavily used by local workers, not a touristy place at all, but the food on offer was fantastic, freshly prepared and varied. If I lived or worked near this place I would be there every day....hold on....thats not good LOL!