Essen Fast Slow Food
“For a small salad, it comes with unlimited toppings at a fixed price of $7.95 for a small.”
“A bunch of my coworkers prefer some of the other grab and go's around here, but I'm not really sure what sets them apart.”
“Casual but nice vegan options, curry lentil soup was a bit salty but the three bean and split pea soups were good, it's convenient and the upstairs seating area is heated well in the winter:)”
Essen Fast Slow Food
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Caters: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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Good lunch choice if you time it right.
I work down the street and come here every so often to mix up my lunch routine. There's plenty of options for whatever your heart (and stomach) desires – similar to other deli style shops in the surrounding area. The buffet and sandwich stands get a lot of attention based on my experiences. I prefer the brick oven sandwiches, which are made in the back right corner. Overall, the food quality is pretty good. There's also seating upstairs, which is always convenient.
I say "time it right" because this place is a mad house during the week at peak lunch hours. The layout of the restaurant doesn't do any favors during this time, as the area between the buffet and sandwich counters gets congested to a point that you would think you were on the 4/5 at rush hour. I've also noticed that some buffet items run out pretty quickly.
The food tastes good, the options are plentiful, but I recommend coming here when you're in the mood for an earlier lunch (i.e. 11:30).
I routinely come here during my lunch break. There are so many selections that it can be a bit overwhelming. My go-to (especially when the salad line is long) is the "fast slow food" buffets in the middle of their store. You chose from 2 size containers (small and large) which are located above the food trays. In the first area they have the cold food: caesar salad, pasta salad, caprese salad, potato salad, quinoa, couscous, guacamole, hummus, etc. The next area is the hot food: penne alla vodka, chicken cordon bleu, lemon chicken, salmon, lobster, pork, shrimp, etc. Better hope you wear your stretchy pants.
When you check out, your food is priced based on its weight. It can get expensive so be cautious of how much food you put into your container.
Essen is a short walk away from Bryant Park so typically when it's nice out, a group of us will find a table and enjoy our food outdoors.
I always come here for the salad and it satisfies each time. You choose a protein and then unlimited sides. Ingredients are pretty fresh and the selection is large The line is always long during lunch but it moves pretty quick. In my opinion probably the best deal for salad around the area.
They have a great variety of food options, but was literally packed to the point of anxiety. I had to leave.
They have soups, sushi, sandwiches, hot and cold buffets, freshly pressed juices, cookies.. whatever you could imagine. I would definitely go again.
Maybe not during lunch time next time.
This place has everything. Salads, soups, juices, sandwiches, buffets, Chinese, and the reason I've come twice – Korean, even though ktown isn't too far.
The soondubu isn't as flavorful as I'd like, but it gets it did fix my craving.
The bibimbop presentation is hilarious cause the bowl is HUGE. I felt awkward carrying it to the register. That being said the portion is a great size and filled me up.
The chef/guy putting together the food has an attitude when he takes my order but I guess I'll deal with it.
Lines are long at the register during lunch time rush, but it moves quickly.
Pretty decent buffet. I had a sizable amount of grilled salmon and salad and it came out to around $6. It is easy to go overboard here, though!
Quantity over quality over here. Quantity as in there a soooo much variety of different foods in one place but the food itself is average and bit pricey in my book.
During peak lunch hours, the lines get very long but do move at a decent speed. $5 credit card minimum is something I can also live with.
In the few times I've come here since my coworkers wanted something conveniently close to my office, I've tried their spicy pork rice, salads, and omelettes. Eh, like I said.. Average.
I rather walk a little farther more to get to Delmonico on 41st and Lexington.
This place is near to my office. It has quite a good selection for lunch- buffet , made to order..
They have hot bar,cold bar, salad bar, pasta bar .I guess the buffet was aroung $8 per pound.
It is usually bustling with people for lunch but the line moved quite fast. They have a seating place but not enough for the number of people.
Good place for a quick lunch.