Carol's Cafe Introduce
In the ever-bustling streets of Midtown Manhattan, where the search for a quick and satisfying meal is a daily mission, Carol's Cafe stands out as a practical and cozy retreat. Located on East 51st Street, this cafe offers a straightforward and no-frills approach to dining, focusing on providing classic comfort food and **great coffee** in a casual and welcoming setting. For locals and visitors alike, it’s a reliable spot to grab a bite, whether you're starting your day with **breakfast** or taking a break for **lunch**.
The atmosphere at Carol's Cafe is defined by its **casual** and **cozy** vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can feel comfortable dining solo, grabbing a quick meal, or just taking a moment to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee. The focus is on functionality and simplicity, making it an easy choice for anyone on a tight schedule. While the interior might be simple, the food is varied, drawing from a mix of international and American influences to offer a menu that is both familiar and interesting.
The menu is a significant highlight, featuring an array of dishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes. From classic burgers and sandwiches like the "Bacon Cheeseburger" and "Philly Cheesesteak" to flavorful international dishes like **Shahi Chicken Biryani** and **Saag Paneer**, there is something for everyone. The cafe is particularly known for its vegetarian options, which are both plentiful and well-regarded, as noted by a customer review. This versatility makes it an excellent option for groups with different dietary preferences. The portions are satisfying, and the prices are reasonable, which is a major draw in a city where dining costs can quickly add up.
Carol's Cafe also excels in providing **fast service**, a crucial factor for those in a hurry. One customer mentioned that their food was ready in just five minutes, a testament to the cafe’s efficiency. This speed, combined with a menu of hearty and well-priced dishes, makes it an ideal spot for a **quick bite**. Whether you're looking for a filling meal to go or a relaxed moment to sit and eat, Carol's Cafe is a practical and convenient choice that delivers on its promise of simple, good food.
---Carol's Cafe is situated at 217 E 51st St, New York, NY 10022, USA, placing it in a prime and highly convenient location in Midtown East. The surrounding area is a vibrant mix of corporate offices, residential buildings, and other businesses, making the cafe easily accessible for locals, office workers, and tourists. Its proximity to major avenues and public transportation hubs ensures that it's a simple stop whether you're on your lunch break or exploring the city.
While specific accessibility details beyond the public data are not available, the cafe’s location on a city sidewalk and its setup as a casual, walk-in spot generally make it easy to access for most patrons. Its business model as a quick, counter-service spot naturally lends itself to a straightforward entry and ordering process. For those who prefer to dine with a view of the street, the cafe offers **outdoor seating**, which is a great feature on a pleasant day.
The location on East 51st Street is a busy and walkable area, making it a great place to stop for a meal. For anyone in the vicinity, Carol’s Cafe is a practical and easy-to-reach spot for a satisfying meal or a quick coffee. The absence of amenities like Wi-Fi means it's a place to eat and go, reinforcing its role as a quick-service cafe rather than a place to linger for an extended period. This focus on efficiency and convenience is a key part of its appeal in a fast-paced city.
---Carol's Cafe provides a straightforward set of services focused on convenience and speed.
**Dine-in:** The cafe has **seating** for customers who want to enjoy their meal on-site in the **cozy** and **casual** atmosphere.
**Takeout:** As a cafe that caters to the on-the-go crowd, **takeout** is a primary service option. It's a perfect choice for office workers on a lunch break or anyone in a hurry.
**Delivery:** For added convenience, the cafe offers a **delivery** service, allowing patrons to enjoy their food without leaving their home or office.
**Outdoor Seating:** For those who prefer to eat outside, the cafe has **outdoor seating**, which is a great option for enjoying a meal during warmer weather.
Carol's Cafe is a great spot with a few key features that make it a standout choice for locals.
**Great Coffee:** The cafe is highlighted for its **great coffee**, making it a reliable spot for your daily caffeine fix, whether it's an Americano or another coffee beverage.
**Diverse and Flavorful Menu:** The menu is a mix of classic American **comfort food** and international dishes, including the highly-praised **Saag Paneer** and **Shahi Chicken Biryani**. This variety appeals to a broad audience.
**Vegetarian Options:** The cafe is a solid choice for vegetarians, offering a variety of options like the **Vegetable Pulao**, **Chana Masala**, and the **Supreme Veggie Burger**. As one reviewer mentioned, it's a good place for a vegetarian in a hurry.
**Quick Service:** Speed is a key highlight, as the cafe is known for its **quick bite** options and **fast service**, which is crucial in a busy city like New York.
**Popular for Breakfast and Lunch:** The cafe is a go-to spot for both **breakfast** and **lunch**, with a menu that is well-suited for either meal.
**Good for Kids:** With its casual atmosphere and menu of familiar comfort foods like burgers and chicken tenders, the cafe is considered **good for kids**, making it a family-friendly choice.
**Solo Dining:** The cozy, counter-style setting and casual vibe make it an excellent choice for **solo dining**, providing a comfortable space for individuals to enjoy a meal.
**Address:** 217 E 51st St, New York, NY 10022, USA
---In a city that is constantly on the move, Carol's Cafe stands out as a practical and reliable choice, especially for those in Midtown. The primary reason it is worth choosing is its ability to deliver on the promise of a quick, affordable, and satisfying meal. The cafe's strength lies in its diverse and eclectic menu, which offers a unique blend of classic American fare and flavorful international dishes. The fact that you can get a delicious **Saag Paneer** or a **Bacon Cheeseburger** in the same place is a testament to its versatility.
The efficiency of the service is a major factor in its appeal. As noted by a customer, the food is often ready in a matter of minutes, making it an ideal destination for those on a tight schedule. This **fast service** combined with its status as a **quick bite** spot is a huge advantage in a busy neighborhood like Midtown. Furthermore, the cafe provides great value for the price. The dishes are reasonably priced, and the portions are satisfying, which is a rare and welcome quality in New York City.
The cafe is also a strong choice for vegetarians. The menu offers a variety of well-regarded vegetarian options, including the tasty **Supreme Veggie Burger** and various Indian-inspired dishes. This inclusivity makes it a go-to spot for a broader range of diners. The **cozy** and **casual** atmosphere makes it an easy and comfortable place to dine, whether you're alone or with friends. While some may find the decor simple or the customer service to be less than effusive, the core function of the cafe—providing good food quickly and affordably—is what makes it a local favorite. For a no-fuss, no-frills meal that gets the job done and tastes great, Carol's Cafe is a solid recommendation.
Carol's Cafe Menu
Appetizer & Sides
- Veg Samosa (5 Pcs) $5.00
Crispy turnovers filled with potatoes and green peas
- Chicken Samosa (2 Pcs) $5.00
Crispy turnovers filled with potatoes and green peas
- Salchipapa $6.99
Crispy french fries topped with grilled franks, topped w/ketchup and mayonnaise
- Chicken Tenders(Pcs) $5.99
Deep fried chicken breast tenders served with tomato ketchup
- Crispy Fish Tenders $6.50
Served with marinara sauce
- Mozzarella Sticks $5.99
- Classic Hashbrowns $4.99
Three delicious and crunchy old fashioned hashbrowns, served with a side of ketchup
- French Fries $4.00
Lunch Speical
- Shahi Chicken Biryani $11.99
Indian basmati rice cooked with yakhni (chicken stock) in mughlai style with herbs and spices served with side of green salad and yogurt (raita)
- Saag Paneer $10.00
Fresh baby spinach cooked with cubes of cottage cheese and seasoned with indian spices served with basmati rice and green salad
- Chana Masala $10.00
Chickpeas cooked in ginger garlic, onion and tomatoes with indian spices. Served w/basmati rice and green salad
- Dal Makhani $10.00
Slow simmered mix lentils, kidney beans cooked with indian herbs and creamy tomato sauce. Served w/basmati rice and salad
- Vegetable Pulao $6.99
Basmati rice cooked with mix vegetables. Served w/yogurt (raita)
- Chicken Tikka Masala $10.99
Cubes of tandoori chicken cooked in a fenugreek flavored tomato sauce, served with basmati rice
- Chicken Seekh Kebab $10.00
Minced chicken marinated with chopped mint, coriander and onion seasoned with black pepper powder, garam masala & chat masala served with our special mint chutney, w/green salad & butter naan
- Shami Kebab $7.00
Minced lamb w/paste of lentils & chopped onion, coriander served w/butter naan, mint chutney & salad
- Bombay Hot Dog $6.50
Chicken seekh kebab on toasted hot dog bun w/mint chutney & chopped onions w/green salad
- Tilapia Delux $10.99
Two crispy fish fillets on a bed of mix salad tossed over rice w/tzatziki sauce
Burgers & Sandwiches
- Bacon Cheeseburger $10.99
Grilled seasoned beef patty topped w/crispy bacon and a layer of melted american cheese, sauteed onions, yellow mustard, light mayo on toasted soft roll
- Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich (Steak/Chicken) $8.99
Grilled sirlon steak/grilled chicken, caramelized onion, green pepper topped with melted cheese on grilled hero
- Tuna/Chicken Sandwhich $6.99
With lettuce, tomatoes mayo served with toasted bread (wheat or white)
- Classic Blt $7.50
Crispy bacon, lettuce, tomatoes & mayonnaise on white toast
- Americana Cheeseburger $8.99
100% angus beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, caramelized onions, mustard, mayo & cheese
- Supreme Veggie Burger $7.50
Vegetarian patty made with potatoes, onion, celery, sweet corn, broccoli and spinach topped with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, cheese & tzatziki sauce
- Mexicana Hamburger $8.99
All natural 100% angus beef, lettuce, pickles, jalapenos and american cheese
- Filet-O-Fish Burger (Tilapia) $8.99
Cripsy tilapia topped w/lettuce tomatoes, cucumber and cheese with spread of tzatziki sauce
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich $7.99
Grilled chicken perfectly marinated for juicy flavor, layered w/lettuce, tomatoes cucumber & cheese
- Classic Ham & Cheese Sandwich $7.50
White/wheat toasted bread filled with lots of ham & american cheese, lettuce, tomatoes
Carol's Cafe Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Carol's Cafe Photos










Carol's Cafe Location
Carol's Cafe Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Good place if you are a vegetarian and in a hurry. My food was ready in 5 minutes. There are a variety of vegetarian opinions here, the food is reasonably priced. I paid $10 for the vegetable burger on its own. The bread bun was nice and tasty. There was a good ratio of vegetables in this dish. The mini samosas are nice too. But the saag panner curry was so tasty, better than the curry I have had in England. They make a decent curry here too, I don't have any pictures of it as I was too occupied with eating it. 🤤 good space if you like being around birds too.
September 05 · Lady DeePer tik tok went for the Pancakes which were not the best they gave 3 small pancakes -for $7 and an Americano espresso coffee total paid $14, customer service none look of terror (older man & woman at counter) asked for napkins and cream for coffee, price-ok, paid cash still charged me for cc fee. Only great thing is the environment. Great place to take a quick break or lunch.
August 30 · jeannette garciaWe stopped here in the small park and had brunch. The owners were friendly and professional, and the good was delicious. They did give a good amount of food for the prices. Will return if ever in the area.
September 22 · MistyThis outdoor cafe has a Platter with 2 small pancakes, 2 strips of bacon, 2 eggs, and a hash brown. It's an excellent price for the taste of the food, the speed of the preparation, and the pleasant yet casual ambience. Plus it supports the most beautiful park in Midtown Manhattan (even more beautiful than Bryant Park in my opinion.) I definitely plan on returning here whenever I'm in the area.
June 21 · Michael ParksThis tiny cafe is a true gem! It's affordable, delicious, and fresh- all cooked to order!! Then you get to eat in this secret paradise! My egg and sausage sandwich was super tasty. I can wait to come back and try other things. I definitely recommend a stop here.
September 04 · Missy B
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