Ben's Fast Food

- 245 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036

In a city that moves at the speed of light, finding a food option that is both genuinely healthy and incredibly fast can feel like a rare find. Ben's Fast Food, located in the heart of Times Square, is a place built on the idea that healthy cuisine should be as delicious and affordable as traditional fast food. This establishment is a versatile culinary spot, offering a wide range of options that cater to various dietary needs, including those looking for a vegan or vegetarian meal. By focusing on simple, whole ingredients, Ben's Fast Food offers a refreshing alternative to typical quick-service fare, proving that fast food can be both satisfying and good for you.

The restaurant's menu is centered around customizable bowls, giving customers the freedom to build a meal that perfectly suits their tastes and dietary requirements. While it offers options with roasted chicken, pork, and wagyu beef, the core of the menu is built around plant-based ingredients. All of the sauces, sides, and dressings are vegan by default, making it an ideal choice for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone who wants to enjoy a meal packed with fresh vegetables and grains. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, reflecting the modern, health-conscious approach to dining. Its mission to make healthy eating more accessible and convenient resonates perfectly with the lifestyle of a fast-paced city like New York.

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Ben's Fast Food is conveniently located at 245 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, USA, placing it directly in the vibrant and bustling Times Square area. Its location is a major plus, making it an easy-to-reach spot for a quick and healthy meal. However, it is important to note that the restaurant operates as a "ghost kitchen" or a part of a larger food hall, specifically "Picnic Times Square," as mentioned in a customer review. This means it may not have a traditional storefront and can be a bit challenging to find if you're not aware of its location inside the food hall.

For those traveling by public transportation, the location is highly accessible, being a short walk from the Times Square-42nd Street subway station, a major hub for numerous subway lines. While it is a ghost kitchen, the physical address is in a very walkable area. The business is also noted to have a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that it is welcoming and easy to access for all customers, which is a significant advantage in this high-traffic neighborhood.

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• Delivery: Ben's Fast Food specializes in delivery, making it a perfect option for a quick and healthy meal at home or in the office. This service is essential for a business that operates as a ghost kitchen, catering to customers who rely on convenience.

• No-contact delivery: In line with modern safety practices, the restaurant offers no-contact delivery, providing an extra layer of comfort and security for customers who prefer it.

• Takeout: For customers who prefer to pick up their food, takeout is a primary service option. This allows for a fast and efficient way to get your meal and continue on with your day.

• Catering: The menu's bowl format and focus on wholesome ingredients make Ben's Fast Food a great choice for catering corporate events, team lunches, or other gatherings that require healthy and satisfying meal options for a group.

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• Healthy and Clean Ingredients: The restaurant emphasizes its use of clean, minimally processed ingredients. The entire menu is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, and it contains no refined sugars, making it an excellent choice for those with specific dietary restrictions or a desire to eat cleaner.

• Vegan and Vegetarian Options: The menu is built with plant-based eating as its foundation. The (V) Slow Roasted Chickpea & Potato Bowls, as well as the Green Smoothie and Dark Chocolate Cashew Pudding, are fully plant-based and vegan-friendly. This focus makes it a reliable destination for those seeking vegan and vegetarian comfort food.

• Fast and Convenient: As the name suggests, "Fast Food" is a key component of the business model. This focus on speed ensures that customers can get a nutritious meal without a long wait, which is crucial for the pace of New York City life.

• Versatile Menu: While specializing in healthy bowls, the menu offers a variety of base options, from grains to fresh veggies, and a range of proteins, including chickpeas and potatoes for a fully vegan meal. This flexibility allows customers to customize their food to their preference and dietary needs.

• Affordable Pricing: The menu's pricing is noted for being reasonable, especially for the Times Square area. A review highlighted that the prices are "perfect for a relatively cheap lunch around NYC," making it a great value for healthy, prepared food.

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Address: 245 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, USA

Phone: (917) 997-1171

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Ben's Fast Food is a compelling choice for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal in New York City, particularly for those with specific dietary preferences. The most significant reason to choose this restaurant is its dedication to providing genuinely healthy, clean-label food that is also fast and affordable. Its entire menu is designed to be free of gluten, dairy, soy, and refined sugar by default, which is a massive benefit for anyone with allergies or a desire to eat cleaner. For vegans and vegetarians, the (V) Slow Roasted Chickpea & Potato Bowls are a fantastic, filling option that stands out from typical fast-food fare. The fact that the entire menu, from the sauces to the sides, is plant-based by design (with optional meat additions) provides peace of mind and convenience for those following a plant-forward diet.

However, it is important for potential customers to be aware of the business model. As a "ghost kitchen," the experience of picking up an order may not be what one expects from a traditional restaurant, as noted in a customer review. Finding the location inside a food hall like "Picnic Times Square" might require some extra effort. Furthermore, while some customers rave about the quality, another review mentioned issues with food quality and portion sizes, stating that the food "looked like it was going bad" and had a "bad taste." This suggests some inconsistency in execution, particularly with delivery orders, which is a common challenge for off-site kitchens. Despite these potential drawbacks, the positive experiences shared by many diners, praising the "great price," "great portions," and "amazing" taste, suggest that the quality is often very high. Ultimately, if you are in the Times Square area and looking for a quick, healthy, and plant-forward meal with a focus on clean ingredients, Ben's Fast Food is a strong option, especially if you prioritize convenience and are open to the ghost kitchen model.

Ben's Fast Food

245 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, USA