I came in around noon expecting fresh food at the hot bar. I guess they prepare it a bit earlier for the lunch rush. I sampled a variety of options including: steam veggies, general tso chicken (I believe or maybe another type of Asian chicken that is similar), one calamari, salmon and shrimp.I was a big fan of ‘Essen since 2014. Seems as if they’ve closed all of their locations except this location. There isn’t much area to sit but there is some seating in the front (from other pics it looks like they may have seating upstairs but I was unaware). The veggies were tasty, the chicken was okay (a little dense), the salmon was alright (not as dry as expected) and the shrimp was so/so- it was difficult to pick pieces that were seasoned evenly. Overall it wasn’t bad, just very mediocre. Not sure I’d return soon. Cashier was friendly though it is annoying they charge more for using a card but I guess that’s not uncommon in NYC anymore.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Cec 39
Principle of self-service with a multitude of choices of very appetizing foods.From breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, you can create your plate to your liking with vegetables, fruit, eggs, cheese, starchy foods, meat or fish, there is something for everyone, hot or cold.There are also ready-to-go portions for people in a hurry.Tables upstairs for eating on site
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Mukamil Bakhshi
This is ripoff for 14$ a pound of food that taste like it was from yesterday. It’s a ripoff stay away from the hot food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Christina
Love the coffee here. I always stop by on the way to the office.
Food: 5
Mia Quandie Auclair
Excellent food with lots of options, excellent service! Definitely recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jaime Ramos
I was pleased to find ESSEN as my company just moved to a new office around the corner
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Laura Irene
I've always loved this place. It is Manhattan prices for sure but all of it is worth it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Juan T.
They've gone waaaaaay downhill. Grabbed a bacon, egg, and cheese this morning that was dry and flavorless. How can anything with bacon and American cheese be dry??? I had to choke it down. The lack of any sort of line should have been a warning - they used to be packed, even after the post-pandemic reopening. And, of course, the price of a BEC has gone up a buck since the last time I was there. Not worth it - sorry.
Cindi Cronk
Best Udon and salad bar. I moved to Florida and I can’t find anyone who makes udon like Essen!
Wesley K.
I was told about Essen from a coworker. Apparently, it is the place to get their unlimited toppings salads and other items. The store is located on 53rd street on the side of 515 Madison. $11.50 for a small and $12.95 for a large before tax for an unlimited topping salad. The shady situation about their salad bar is that not all the toppings are actually available at the time even though their toppings are of a good quality. I have worked food and retail for quite a while so I know how things go. What ended up being even more shady is that anytime I asked for a "high cost" ingredient to be put in my salad, I was immediately met with a "we don't have this" reply: example involve roasted zucchini and avocado. From my second visit, they ran out of kale as a base. I said thank you and immediately walked out of Essen and headed to Sweetgreen where I got a custom Super Green Goddess with kale for $9.95 + tax.
For the Essen on Madison Ave. I Love the smoothies, but I will no longer go there because of poor costumer service from the cashier. She always has an attitude.Today I watched her move from the register to the smoothy section without putting gloves on. I asked to please put on glove before preparing my smoothy, her reply to me was "I didn't touch it" referring to an Item she started to put in a blender. I was shocked at her reply. I had to insist that she wears gloves and the attitude got worst.I honestly do not know what is going on with her, but it is best that I no longer go there for my food.
Dane A. Burnham
Beef udon is very tasty, get the spicy seasoning added
Victor S.
I got sick after eating here and the place was just closed for two days because they failed a health inspection.
ShamMu72
We needed to grab a quick breakfast and found Essen. Wow! Fantastic food and service. Breakfast was great and plentiful. Very reasonably priced. Coffee was great and there was plenty of indoor seating.
Lauren S.
Such a good spot for a quick affordable meal. Personally love coming here for breakfast. I am obsessed with their rolls they are so fresh and pairs really well with my sausage egg and cheese! Their lunch menu is also really convenient and always has a big option of choices. I have never been disappointed here
I came in around noon expecting fresh food at the hot bar. I guess they prepare it a bit earlier for the lunch rush. I sampled a variety of options including: steam veggies, general tso chicken (I believe or maybe another type of Asian chicken that is similar), one calamari, salmon and shrimp.I was a big fan of ‘Essen since 2014. Seems as if they’ve closed all of their locations except this location. There isn’t much area to sit but there is some seating in the front (from other pics it looks like they may have seating upstairs but I was unaware). The veggies were tasty, the chicken was okay (a little dense), the salmon was alright (not as dry as expected) and the shrimp was so/so- it was difficult to pick pieces that were seasoned evenly. Overall it wasn’t bad, just very mediocre. Not sure I’d return soon. Cashier was friendly though it is annoying they charge more for using a card but I guess that’s not uncommon in NYC anymore.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Principle of self-service with a multitude of choices of very appetizing foods.From breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, you can create your plate to your liking with vegetables, fruit, eggs, cheese, starchy foods, meat or fish, there is something for everyone, hot or cold.There are also ready-to-go portions for people in a hurry.Tables upstairs for eating on site
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
This is ripoff for 14$ a pound of food that taste like it was from yesterday. It’s a ripoff stay away from the hot food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Love the coffee here. I always stop by on the way to the office.
Food: 5
Excellent food with lots of options, excellent service! Definitely recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was pleased to find ESSEN as my company just moved to a new office around the corner
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I've always loved this place. It is Manhattan prices for sure but all of it is worth it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
They've gone waaaaaay downhill. Grabbed a bacon, egg, and cheese this morning that was dry and flavorless. How can anything with bacon and American cheese be dry??? I had to choke it down. The lack of any sort of line should have been a warning - they used to be packed, even after the post-pandemic reopening. And, of course, the price of a BEC has gone up a buck since the last time I was there. Not worth it - sorry.
Best Udon and salad bar. I moved to Florida and I can’t find anyone who makes udon like Essen!
I was told about Essen from a coworker. Apparently, it is the place to get their unlimited toppings salads and other items. The store is located on 53rd street on the side of 515 Madison. $11.50 for a small and $12.95 for a large before tax for an unlimited topping salad. The shady situation about their salad bar is that not all the toppings are actually available at the time even though their toppings are of a good quality. I have worked food and retail for quite a while so I know how things go. What ended up being even more shady is that anytime I asked for a "high cost" ingredient to be put in my salad, I was immediately met with a "we don't have this" reply: example involve roasted zucchini and avocado. From my second visit, they ran out of kale as a base. I said thank you and immediately walked out of Essen and headed to Sweetgreen where I got a custom Super Green Goddess with kale for $9.95 + tax.
Restaurantji Recommends
For the Essen on Madison Ave. I Love the smoothies, but I will no longer go there because of poor costumer service from the cashier. She always has an attitude.Today I watched her move from the register to the smoothy section without putting gloves on. I asked to please put on glove before preparing my smoothy, her reply to me was "I didn't touch it" referring to an Item she started to put in a blender. I was shocked at her reply. I had to insist that she wears gloves and the attitude got worst.I honestly do not know what is going on with her, but it is best that I no longer go there for my food.
Beef udon is very tasty, get the spicy seasoning added
I got sick after eating here and the place was just closed for two days because they failed a health inspection.
We needed to grab a quick breakfast and found Essen. Wow! Fantastic food and service. Breakfast was great and plentiful. Very reasonably priced. Coffee was great and there was plenty of indoor seating.
Such a good spot for a quick affordable meal. Personally love coming here for breakfast. I am obsessed with their rolls they are so fresh and pairs really well with my sausage egg and cheese! Their lunch menu is also really convenient and always has a big option of choices. I have never been disappointed here