Brunch @ Cafeteria | New York City

Yesterday my husband and I headed to the airport to see my friend, Leena, off before she headed back to Hong Kong.  The 3 of us spent an hour talking as we enjoyed some Dunkin Donuts.  I had a Blueberry Coffee which was heavenly, while Leena snacked on a Glazed Donut – yummy!

After seeing Leena off, we headed to New York’s Chelsea district to meet up with my friend, Marian, for brunch at Cafeteria.  It was such a beautiful day outside, as you can see some people preferred outdoor seating.  This is a great little restaurant for people watching.  🙂

LOCATION
119 7th Ave.
New York, NY 10021
212.414.1717
(Chelsea)

AMBIENCE
Cafeteria is simple and sleek with a modern setting that provides American comfort food.  After 5 pm this cute brunch spot turns into a romantic hangout with candle votives setup all around the restaurant.  The best part is Cafeteria is open 24 hours, 7 days a week and serves brunch until 5 PM – gotta love Manhattan!!! 

RECOMMENDED TO
24 Hours, Bar Scene, Couples, Groups, Casual Dining, Romantic Dining.

CUISINE
American 

MENU – $$
Cafeteria Menu – click on ‘menu’.  The appetizers here range from $6 to $14.  Salads range from $10 to $14 and I observed many people ordering salads which were served generously.  Sandwiches range between $9 to $15, while entrees range from $14 to $20.  Desserts are about $8 each and seriously HUGE, they should be split between 3 to 4 people.  I saw a waiter carrying a massive piece of Red Velvet Cake and I was scared looking at it!  Sides come in at an affordable $3 each.  Cocktails come at about $12 each, whereas Mocktails are about $6 each.  I was here for brunch which ranges from $6 to $13.
Brunch for 3 people: 
1 Cocktail + 2 Coffees + 1 Appetizer + 2 Brunch Items = $64 (including 20% tip)

MY REVIEW
Our brunch started at 4:30 PM and I was famished to say the least.  Both my husband and I started off with a Coffee each which was incredible, medium bodied, and flavorful.  

Marian went for the Wildberry Mojito which was made with Raspberry Rum, fresh berries, mint, and lime.  It sure looks pretty, and she said the drink was delicious!

As my entree, I had the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes served with fresh blueberries, lemon zest in every bite, and topped off with fresh cream.  

It was really good, especially the cream, however I felt the pancakes could have been slightly more fluffy – take a look.  In addition, after a few bites of these yummy pancakes, I yearned for something salty, perhaps I should have gone for eggs.

My husband ordered the Build Your Own Omelette with Wild Mushrooms & Jack Cheese with a serving of Home Fries and Toast.  

Although he said his omelette was just okay, I thought it was quite good.  I loved the wild mushrooms with a hint of butter and spicy arugula in every bite.  

Marian ordered the Mac Attack which consisted of 3 types of Macaroni and Cheese: 

1. with Cheddar and Fontina… this was delicious and what you would expect of Mac & Cheese.
2. with Smoke Gouda and Bacon… Marian said this was good, I didn’t try it since I don’t eat bacon.  I know all you bacon lovers think I’m missing out on life!!!  🙂
3. with Truffle Oil… OMG, this was seriously intoxicating, holy f**kin’ AMAZING macaroni and cheese I ever had in my life, pardon my language.  I’m not sure what was in it besides “truffle oil,” but there was just a little something that sent me over the edge, perhaps garlic.  Now if you are gonna squander on those “fat” calories, do yourself a favor and order this particular Macaroni and Cheese with Truffle Oil which comes at a very affordable $11.  It’s a steal!

VERDICT – 4 / 5
Okay, I did some thinking on how I should rate Cafeteria.  The food was easily above average, however I felt the pancakes could have been slightly better, slightly fluffier.  In addition, even though I enjoyed my husband’s omelette, he wasn’t too crazy about dish and felt it was a bit dry.  Furthermore, this place got really loud and rowdy after 5 pm which made it difficult to have a conversation.  

On a positive note though, I believe Cafeteria has a lot to offer, including its outrageously delicious Macaroni and Cheese with Truffle Oil, great coffee, friendly waiters, and 24 hour dining service.  I’ve also heard the Mac and Cheese Spring Rolls are damn good.  Lastly, the menu items here are quite affordable for Manhattan standards.  I’ll definitely be going back for some Truffle Mac & Cheese!  🙂     

TELL ME: Have you dined at Cafeteria?  If so, what did you think and what did you order?  Share with us!