Fairly basic cafe service (tea, coffee, chips, pastries) in a beautiful space inside the museum.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Chris Farrell
Vegetarian options: Lots of excellent vegetarian options
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
DEADMANS BABY
Features: DO NOT NEED ANY MASK WHILE EATING.
Mark Shahon
Great source for learning
Andrew M
Great energy and vibe. Calmness permeates the open space. Delicious food. Really enjoyed the Cauilflower salad !
bigwawao
We saw this place by accident when we were going to a vegan place. It said " Himalayan " restaurant so we decided to try it. We don't know if the food was Himalayan per se but the food was definitely Asian food. And it was good. However, each serving portion was small. Being a cafe, the number of choices was somewhat limited. They do have a bar and do serve alcoholic drinks. You order at a counter and they bring the food to you. Service is a tad slow but not unduly so. Ambience is fanstastic. Low level mood lighting; Subdued colors; chair and tables not squeezed side by side. You can enter the cafe without having to buy a Museum admisssion (Rubin Museum). It is located on the ground floor of the Museum. Great for a quick bite.
Terri S.
I SO wanted to enjoy this restaurant, but left feeling let down. The waiter was unfriendly, seemed miserable to be there, and walked away after taking my order while I was still asking him a question. The salmon entree was very bland and needed salt and pepper which wasn't on the table. When I asked for salt and pepper it was delivered in plastic take-out dishes. A beautiful setting like the Rubin Museum deserves a restaurant that's better run.
Mary Jane P.
The food was fine but the people working at the cafe are not really 'buddhist' in their vibe. I was hoping for a more holistic experience at The Rubin, so sad because there is a lot of opportunity in terms of menu and service. Kind of disappointed- 2nd thoughts about being a member :|
Jigme Tsering
I went for a quick look at the Rubin for a school project and stopped by for a drink afterwards. When I went to order a chai latte, I was baffled to be served a cup of hot water with a "chai lattee" bag. If you're going to serve it in a bag, change the price, please.
William Dewey
I am a little biased because I’m an employee and get a discount. But the food is tasty, especially the pork buns.
Cafe Serai's stated hours are 11-6 on Saturdays, and I confirmed this with the Rubin Museum staff before going there for dinner. However when I tried to order food at 5:15 PM I was told that the kitchen had just closed for the day. I could see food available behind the counter and politely explained my situation, i.e. that I was hungry after a long drive, would be happy to order anything available, and was due to attend a Rubin program shortly. However the server stood firm and said I could only procure a beverage but no food. So I got a glass of pinot grigio, half filled small glass @$12.00. Very disappointing experience, especially by an institution that supposedly espouses compassionate Buddhist values. By the way I have eaten at Serai before during their Friday night K2 events with live music. Food is pretty good, especially if you stick to Indian dishes like chicken masala and naan bread. You order at the counter, get a number for your table, then server brings your food over. Be aware: Two for one drinks are a decent value on Friday nights but not on other nights due to chintzy pours.
Steph W.
My kids grilled cheese was as expected for grilled cheese. I actually enjoyed the vinegary side salad more than the grilled cheese! It was so yummy and wish I could have just gotten the full size of that. It also came with a side of veggie chips. For a $6 kids meal, very worth it. We also had the chicken baos which were delish as well. Portion size was a bit small but I believe it was just an appetizer size anyways. Service at the cafe serves your dishes and cleans up after you. We didn't wait long for our food. Happy to energize after our visit in the museum. Would recommend!
Laurie C.
The worst food I have ever had in New York City. Absolutely horrifying squash entree. The taste was terrible, the squash was warm the sauce and mushrooms tepid, the tofu straight from the fridge. Yuck!!!!
elciervo
Great vibe on Friday night. DJ provided background to a lively social scene and an enjoyable dinner. My husband's piping hot osso bucco was a delicious and generous serving; we shared a bowl of freshly made humus with flatbread. My munchable lamb meatballs were served in a delicious, well-spiced sauce with hot flatbread. Service was good despite the high demand. Always a pleasure to dine here and to enjoy meditating and viewing several exhibits in upstairs galleries.
Olga K.
I came here for the Museum mainly on Friday night. So how surprised I was when I found out they don't serve any tea or any other non-alcoholic beverages. Isn't it weird that the cafe at the main Buddhist museum forces you to drink alcohol
Fairly basic cafe service (tea, coffee, chips, pastries) in a beautiful space inside the museum.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Vegetarian options: Lots of excellent vegetarian options
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Features: DO NOT NEED ANY MASK WHILE EATING.
Great source for learning
Great energy and vibe. Calmness permeates the open space. Delicious food. Really enjoyed the Cauilflower salad !
We saw this place by accident when we were going to a vegan place. It said " Himalayan " restaurant so we decided to try it. We don't know if the food was Himalayan per se but the food was definitely Asian food. And it was good. However, each serving portion was small. Being a cafe, the number of choices was somewhat limited. They do have a bar and do serve alcoholic drinks. You order at a counter and they bring the food to you. Service is a tad slow but not unduly so. Ambience is fanstastic. Low level mood lighting; Subdued colors; chair and tables not squeezed side by side. You can enter the cafe without having to buy a Museum admisssion (Rubin Museum). It is located on the ground floor of the Museum. Great for a quick bite.
I SO wanted to enjoy this restaurant, but left feeling let down. The waiter was unfriendly, seemed miserable to be there, and walked away after taking my order while I was still asking him a question. The salmon entree was very bland and needed salt and pepper which wasn't on the table. When I asked for salt and pepper it was delivered in plastic take-out dishes. A beautiful setting like the Rubin Museum deserves a restaurant that's better run.
The food was fine but the people working at the cafe are not really 'buddhist' in their vibe. I was hoping for a more holistic experience at The Rubin, so sad because there is a lot of opportunity in terms of menu and service. Kind of disappointed- 2nd thoughts about being a member :|
I went for a quick look at the Rubin for a school project and stopped by for a drink afterwards. When I went to order a chai latte, I was baffled to be served a cup of hot water with a "chai lattee" bag. If you're going to serve it in a bag, change the price, please.
I am a little biased because I’m an employee and get a discount. But the food is tasty, especially the pork buns.
Restaurantji Recommends
Cafe Serai's stated hours are 11-6 on Saturdays, and I confirmed this with the Rubin Museum staff before going there for dinner. However when I tried to order food at 5:15 PM I was told that the kitchen had just closed for the day. I could see food available behind the counter and politely explained my situation, i.e. that I was hungry after a long drive, would be happy to order anything available, and was due to attend a Rubin program shortly. However the server stood firm and said I could only procure a beverage but no food. So I got a glass of pinot grigio, half filled small glass @$12.00. Very disappointing experience, especially by an institution that supposedly espouses compassionate Buddhist values. By the way I have eaten at Serai before during their Friday night K2 events with live music. Food is pretty good, especially if you stick to Indian dishes like chicken masala and naan bread. You order at the counter, get a number for your table, then server brings your food over. Be aware: Two for one drinks are a decent value on Friday nights but not on other nights due to chintzy pours.
My kids grilled cheese was as expected for grilled cheese. I actually enjoyed the vinegary side salad more than the grilled cheese! It was so yummy and wish I could have just gotten the full size of that. It also came with a side of veggie chips. For a $6 kids meal, very worth it. We also had the chicken baos which were delish as well. Portion size was a bit small but I believe it was just an appetizer size anyways. Service at the cafe serves your dishes and cleans up after you. We didn't wait long for our food. Happy to energize after our visit in the museum. Would recommend!
The worst food I have ever had in New York City. Absolutely horrifying squash entree. The taste was terrible, the squash was warm the sauce and mushrooms tepid, the tofu straight from the fridge. Yuck!!!!
Great vibe on Friday night. DJ provided background to a lively social scene and an enjoyable dinner. My husband's piping hot osso bucco was a delicious and generous serving; we shared a bowl of freshly made humus with flatbread. My munchable lamb meatballs were served in a delicious, well-spiced sauce with hot flatbread. Service was good despite the high demand. Always a pleasure to dine here and to enjoy meditating and viewing several exhibits in upstairs galleries.
I came here for the Museum mainly on Friday night. So how surprised I was when I found out they don't serve any tea or any other non-alcoholic beverages. Isn't it weird that the cafe at the main Buddhist museum forces you to drink alcohol