Tisch Cafe

- 550 1st Ave, New York, NY 10016

For New Yorkers on the go, finding a meal that is both affordable and genuinely delicious can often feel like an impossible task. We’re used to trading one for the other, but what if you didn't have to? Tucked away within the NYU Langone medical campus, **Tisch Cafe** is a true hidden gem that defies expectations. Forget what you think you know about a typical hospital cafeteria; this is a place where culinary quality and exceptional value go hand in hand. It’s a favorite among medical staff and visitors alike, and for good reason—it’s a place that prioritizes fresh ingredients, diverse flavors, and a satisfying dining experience. As a local, you understand the value of a great find, and Tisch Cafe is exactly that: a convenient, reliable, and surprisingly excellent option for a quick bite or a full meal.

The first thing that will strike you about Tisch Cafe is the impressive variety of food on offer. It's a far cry from the bland, pre-packaged fare you might expect. Instead, you'll find multiple food stations, many of which prepare dishes right in front of you. This focus on fresh preparation is a major highlight, ensuring that what you're eating is both flavorful and well-made. From hearty entrees to freshly pressed paninis, the selection is thoughtfully curated to provide something for every palate. The cafe also offers a range of grab-and-go items like sandwiches, salads, soups, and parfaits, making it an ideal spot for those with a tight schedule. This combination of made-to-order dishes and convenient, healthy options is a huge part of its appeal, catering to the fast-paced life of a New Yorker.

What truly sets Tisch Cafe apart, however, is the incredible value. In a city known for its high prices, finding a filling and flavorful meal for under $10 is practically unheard of, yet it's a regular occurrence here. This affordability, paired with generous portion sizes, makes it a destination not just for those within the medical center, but for anyone in the Kips Bay area looking for a budget-friendly lunch or dinner. The cafe provides ample seating, creating a comfortable and welcoming environment where you can enjoy your meal without feeling rushed. While service experiences can vary, the overall consensus is one of high satisfaction, particularly regarding the food quality and portion sizes. Tisch Cafe is a testament to the fact that great food and great value can coexist, even in the heart of New York City.

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### Location and Accessibility

Tisch Cafe is conveniently located at **550 1st Ave, New York, NY 10016**, right within the NYU Langone medical campus. While this might sound like a spot exclusively for those affiliated with the hospital, its location is easily accessible for a wide range of visitors. Situated on First Avenue, it's a short walk from several bus stops and accessible from major thoroughfares. The location makes it a great choice for a quick and satisfying meal for anyone in the Kips Bay or Midtown East neighborhoods.

The cafe is also highly accommodating for all guests. It features a **wheelchair-accessible entrance** and a **wheelchair-accessible restroom**, ensuring that everyone can comfortably navigate the space. This commitment to accessibility makes Tisch Cafe a welcoming and inclusive dining option. While there is no dedicated parking lot, its central location and proximity to public transportation make it a simple stop for anyone in the area. For those working or visiting the hospital, its on-site location is a major convenience, offering a high-quality meal without having to leave the building.

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### Services Offered

• **Dine-in:** Tisch Cafe offers a comfortable and spacious dine-in experience with ample seating. This makes it a great place to sit down, relax, and enjoy a meal at your own pace.
• **Onsite Services:** As a cafeteria, Tisch Cafe provides a self-service model for most of its offerings, with staff assisting at hot food stations and cash registers. This is a quick and efficient way to get your meal.
• **Takeout:** All items are available for takeout, making it a perfect option for those who need a meal to go. The variety of grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and other items further streamlines this service.

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### Features / Highlights

• **Exceptional Value and Portions:** Customers consistently praise the **insanely low prices** and generous **great portions**. It's an affordable place to get a filling and high-quality meal in New York City.
• **Diverse and Fresh Food:** Tisch Cafe offers a wide variety of food, including multiple cuisines and food types. A significant portion of the food is **made in front of you**, ensuring freshness and quality.
• **Menu Variety:** The menu is extensive and includes a range of options beyond standard cafeteria fare. You'll find entrées like **Hake** and **Braised Beef Short Ribs**, various **paninis** (including a **vegetarian Eggplant Panini**), and a selection of fresh soups, salads, and sides. The offerings are constantly changing and adapting, with seasonal options like **Roasted Sweet Potato And Celery Root With Aleppo And Cinnamon**.
• **Healthy Options:** The cafe provides numerous healthy choices, including various salads, fruits, and roasted vegetable sides like **Brussel Sprouts And Radish With Sumac And Spices** and **Roasted Cauliflower**.
• **Employee Discounts:** A major benefit for staff is the availability of employee discounts, which further enhances the already low prices.
• **Payment Options:** The cafe accepts a variety of payment methods for convenience, including **credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments**.

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### Contact Information

• **Address:** 550 1st Ave, New York, NY 10016
• **Phone:** (212) 263-7300

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### What is worth choosing?

Tisch Cafe’s biggest draw is the surprising quality and variety of its offerings, especially when you consider its price point. While a hospital cafeteria might not be your first thought for a delicious meal, Tisch Cafe challenges that notion completely. The prepared entrees are often the star of the show. Diners can choose from sophisticated options like **Braised Beef Short Ribs** or the lighter but equally flavorful **Hake**. These are not typical cafeteria dishes; they are thoughtfully prepared and well-seasoned. The panini station is another highlight, where you can get a freshly pressed sandwich like the **Short Rib Panini** or the **Pesto Chicken Panini**, all made to order.

For those looking for lighter or healthier options, the salad bar and various side dishes are a standout feature. The roasted vegetables, such as the **Roasted Cauliflower** or the unique **Roasted Sweet Potato And Celery Root With Aleppo And Cinnamon**, are full of flavor and a refreshing change from standard sides. The cafe's commitment to offering a range of choices, from rich soups like **Turkey Chili** to fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits, ensures that there is something for every craving and dietary need. The fact that the prices are "insanely low" for such high-quality food is the single most compelling reason to choose Tisch Cafe. You get to enjoy a fancy, filling meal for a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere in the city. The portions are generous, and the variety means you can come back day after day and try something new without getting tired of the menu. It's a place that offers exceptional value, a wide selection, and a dining experience that consistently exceeds expectations, making it a truly worthwhile choice for anyone in the area.

Tisch Cafe

550 1st Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA