The Original Soup Kitchen

- 259A W 55th St, New York, NY 10019

In a city famous for its larger-than-life characters and pop culture landmarks, few places hold as much nostalgic charm as The Original Soup Kitchen. For New Yorkers and fans of classic television, this restaurant is a piece of living history, instantly recognizable as the inspiration for the infamous "Soup Nazi" episode of Seinfeld. Located in the heart of Midtown, this unique eatery offers more than just a bowl of soup; it provides a connection to a beloved part of New York’s cultural legacy. Beyond the famous name, The Original Soup Kitchen is a destination for those seeking a quick, comforting, and delicious meal that stands on its own merit.

The concept is simple and timeless: high-quality, flavorful soups served daily. While the fictionalized version was known for its strict rules and intimidating demeanor, the real-life establishment is a far more welcoming place. As one customer noted, the staff is "friendly," and there's no yelling, making for a pleasant and stress-free experience. The focus is on the food, with a changing selection of soups that ensures there’s always something new to try. From classic favorites to more unique creations, each bowl is a testament to the idea that a simple dish, when done right, can be a culinary masterpiece.

For many, a visit to The Original Soup Kitchen is a pilgrimage. It's a chance to step into a scene they've watched countless times on screen and a way to connect with the city's unique history. However, the restaurant is not just for tourists; it’s a reliable spot for locals in need of a warm and satisfying lunch. The soups are praised for their quality, with one customer describing the lobster bisque as "definitely pleasant." While the price may reflect the New York location and the fame of the brand, as one reviewer pointed out, the experience and quality make it a worthwhile indulgence. It's a case of paying for a piece of authentic New York, both in its food and its pop culture significance.

The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, designed for a straightforward, delicious meal. It's the kind of place you can duck into on a cold day for a quick warm-up or stop by for a solo dining experience. The experience is about the food and the legacy, a simple pleasure in a city of complexities. The Soup Kitchen's enduring popularity, even decades after its television debut, is a testament to the quality of its product and the power of its story. It’s a true New York classic, standing the test of time and continuing to serve up comfort in a bowl.

Whether you're a die-hard Seinfeld fan or simply someone who loves a good bowl of soup, The Original Soup Kitchen offers a unique and satisfying dining experience. It's a place where fact and fiction meet, and where a famous name is backed by genuinely good food.

Location and Accessibility

The Original Soup Kitchen is located at 259A W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, USA. This address places it in a prime spot in Midtown Manhattan, just a stone's throw away from Central Park, Broadway theaters, and major business districts. Its location makes it incredibly convenient for a variety of visitors, from theatergoers looking for a quick pre-show meal to professionals on their lunch break.

The restaurant's proximity to major subway lines is a huge advantage. It's a short walk from the 57th Street – Seventh Avenue station, which serves the N, Q, R, and W trains, as well as the 59th Street – Columbus Circle station, which serves the A, B, C, D, and 1 trains. This accessibility from multiple transit hubs ensures that The Original Soup Kitchen is a practical and easy dining destination for anyone navigating the city.

Services Offered

• Dine-in: Enjoy a meal inside the restaurant in a casual and straightforward setting.
• Takeout: All soups are available for takeout, perfect for a quick, on-the-go meal.
• Daily Soup Selection: The menu features a variety of soups that change daily, offering a new experience with every visit.
• Lunch and Dinner: A popular spot for both midday and evening meals.
• Solo Dining: The casual and quick-service nature of the restaurant makes it a great choice for solo diners.

Features / Highlights

• Pop Culture Landmark: Famously known as the inspiration for the "Soup Nazi" character on the show Seinfeld, making it a unique tourist destination.
• Good Soup Selection: Offers a variety of daily soups, praised for their quality and flavor.
• Delicious Lobster Bisque: A customer-highlighted item that is described as "pleasant" and worth the visit.
• Friendly Staff: Contrary to its fictional counterpart, the staff is courteous and welcoming.
• Generous Portions: While one customer found the soup "a liiittle expensive for the size," the overall consensus is that the price is justified by the novelty and quality.
• Casual and Uncomplicated Atmosphere: A simple, no-fuss environment that focuses on a great bowl of soup.

Contact Information

Address: 259A W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, USA
Phone: (212) 956-0900

What is worth choosing

The Original Soup Kitchen is worth choosing for its unique blend of culinary quality and cultural significance. For a true New York experience, you can't beat visiting a place that has been immortalized in a beloved TV show. However, the appeal isn't just in the novelty; the food itself is a major draw. The daily changing menu and commitment to flavorful, high-quality soups make it a reliable choice for a comforting meal. The lobster bisque, specifically mentioned as delicious, is a must-try for new visitors.

While a few reviews note longer-than-expected wait times or a price point that reflects its fame, most people agree that the overall experience is positive. The friendly staff and the absence of any real-life "Soup Nazi" attitude make the visit a pleasant one. It’s a perfect option for a quick and satisfying lunch, a solo dining adventure, or a fun stop on a tour of New York’s pop culture landmarks. Choosing The Original Soup Kitchen means getting a taste of both classic comfort food and a legendary piece of the city's story.

The Original Soup Kitchen

259A W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, USA