'Essen

- 515 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022

In the high-energy environment of Midtown, where time is often of the essence, finding a quick, convenient, and reliable place for a meal is a daily necessity for many New Yorkers. 'Essen, a well-known fast food and deli establishment, has long served this purpose, becoming a go-to spot for office workers, shoppers, and visitors alike. Located on the bustling Madison Avenue, 'Essen offers a wide array of choices designed to cater to a diverse range of tastes and dietary needs, all with the speed and efficiency that modern city life demands. From its expansive hot bar featuring a variety of hot and cold dishes to its selection of salads, sandwiches, and beverages, the restaurant is built on the principle of providing a wealth of options in a fast-paced setting. It’s the kind of place you can pop into for a quick coffee before heading back to the office or for a full, customizable meal during your lunch break. The establishment has a long-standing history in the city, with a loyal following that appreciates its consistency and variety. While some may view it as a simple grab-and-go spot, 'Essen's extensive offerings and commitment to providing a large selection of food make it more than just a quick stop; it's a dependable part of the daily routine for many in the neighborhood. The atmosphere, while designed for efficiency, still manages to feel like a part of the local community, a familiar and trusted place to get a fast and fulfilling meal. Its ability to offer a range of choices from comforting chicken ramen to a customizable hot bar demonstrates its adaptability and dedication to meeting the varied demands of its clientele. For anyone working in or visiting the Midtown area, 'Essen represents a practical and accessible dining solution, offering a quick fix for hunger without sacrificing variety. The experience is about convenience and choice, two things that are highly valued in the urban landscape of New York. The restaurant's longevity and reputation are a testament to its success in meeting these needs and becoming a true staple in the area.

Located at 515 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA, 'Essen occupies a prime location in the heart of Midtown East. Situated on one of the city's most famous avenues, it is surrounded by numerous corporate offices, high-end retail stores, and popular landmarks. This central position makes it an incredibly convenient stop for the many professionals who work in the area, often making it a daily destination for their coffee or lunch breaks. The restaurant's accessibility is further enhanced by its proximity to several major subway lines. The 4, 5, and 6 trains at the 59th Street-Lexington Avenue station, as well as the E and M trains at the 5th Avenue-53rd Street station, are all within a short walking distance. This makes 'Essen a breeze to get to for anyone commuting from different parts of the city. The street-level entrance is easy to spot, and the interior is designed for a fast, efficient flow of customers, which is essential for the lunch rush. While seating may be limited, with some seating available at the front and potentially more upstairs, the primary focus is on quick service and a grab-and-go model. The location is perfect for those who want to get in, get their food, and get back to their day without any fuss. The presence of so many office buildings nearby ensures a constant stream of clientele, and the restaurant is well-equipped to handle the high volume. For a New Yorker who values convenience above all else, 'Essen's Madison Avenue location is a major selling point. It’s a place that is deeply embedded in the daily life of the neighborhood, providing a fast and reliable option for sustenance in a city that never slows down. Its strategic placement means it is a central hub for quick, affordable dining for a significant portion of the Midtown workforce, solidifying its place as a local staple.

Services Offered:

• Hot and Cold Food Bar: 'Essen is renowned for its extensive self-serve food bar, offering a wide variety of prepared hot dishes, salads, and sides. This allows customers to create a custom meal from a large selection of options, catering to different tastes and cravings.

• Deli Counter: In addition to the food bar, the restaurant operates a deli counter where customers can order freshly made sandwiches and wraps to their specifications.

• Coffee and Beverages: 'Essen provides a variety of beverages, including coffee, which, according to a customer review, is affordably priced at just $4.

• Grab-and-Go Options: For ultimate convenience, the establishment offers a range of pre-packaged salads, snacks, and drinks, perfect for those in a hurry.

• Dine-in and Takeout: While seating is limited, customers can choose to dine in or, more commonly, take their food to go, which is ideal for the busy professional.

Features / Highlights:

• Extensive Variety: A key feature of 'Essen is the sheer number of choices available. The food bar often includes a mix of cuisines, from Asian-inspired dishes like General Tso's chicken to more traditional American fare, ensuring there's something for everyone. A customer review mentioned trying steam veggies, General Tso chicken, calamari, salmon, and shrimp, highlighting the wide range of options.

• Affordable Coffee: For many, a good and affordable cup of coffee is a daily essential. A customer review specifically noted that the coffee is only $4, making it a very competitive and appealing feature.

• Customer Loyalty: The restaurant has a history of attracting a loyal following, with one review mentioning they were a "big fan of 'Essen since 2014," which speaks to its long-standing presence and reliability in the area.

• Focus on Convenience: The business model is entirely built around speed and efficiency. The food is pre-prepared for the lunch rush, and the grab-and-go options make it easy for customers to get what they need and leave quickly. The friendly cashier also adds to the positive, if quick, experience.

• Classic NYC Experience: The practice of charging more for credit card usage, though a minor annoyance for some, is acknowledged as a common occurrence in NYC, which gives the place an authentic, no-frills local feel. This is a small detail that many New Yorkers have come to expect and accept.

Contact Information:

Address: 515 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA

Phone: (212) 207-4566

What is worth choosing:

In a city filled with endless dining options, 'Essen stands out as a pragmatic and highly convenient choice, particularly for those in the Midtown East area. The main reason to choose 'Essen is the unparalleled variety and speed it offers. The extensive hot bar is a major draw, providing a diverse selection of dishes that can satisfy a wide range of cravings, whether you're in the mood for something healthy like steamed vegetables or something more indulgent like General Tso's chicken. This variety means you can visit frequently without getting bored of the menu. Furthermore, the focus on quick service is essential for the professional clientele it serves. The food is prepared to handle the lunch rush, and the layout is designed for a fast in-and-out experience. For a busy New Yorker, this efficiency is worth its weight in gold, saving precious time during a short lunch break. Another significant factor is its value. The affordable coffee, highlighted in a customer review, is a small but important detail that makes it a daily-use spot for many. While some reviews note that the quality can be inconsistent, with food sometimes being "mediocre," the overall experience is one of dependable convenience and choice. The ability to customize a meal from the hot bar, or to simply grab a pre-made sandwich or salad, gives customers control over their dining experience. The friendly staff also contributes to the overall positive, albeit brief, interaction. Ultimately, 'Essen is not trying to be a gourmet dining destination; it is a highly functional and reliable fast food establishment that expertly fulfills its role. It’s a place you choose for its practicality, variety, and speed. For anyone who works in the area or is just passing through and needs a quick, no-fuss meal with plenty of options, 'Essen is a trusted and established choice that delivers on its promise of convenience.

'Essen

515 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA