Eli's Essentials — Restaurant in New York

Eli's Essentials recently opened up in my neighborhood. I appreciate the appeal of a quick self-service bakery, though we already have so many I don't entirely understand why they chose this location. I suppose the popularity of the brand and the quality of the food will help them outshine their competitors. Bagels were perfectly soft and chewy; far better than anticipated. Pre-made sandwiches were kept in a cooler case and thus dry and hard. Fresh squeezed orange juice wasn't the freshest and probably should have been pulled from the shelves (especially at $6 bucks a pop). Service was friendly. The space is tiny and cramped — so many baked goods and items for sale and very little room for customers. A decent place to stop for a bagel or pastry before your...

I only get the Raisin Bran muffins and they are the best. I really want to add that the store on Third Avenue and 80th street is not friendly at all. Called to order my muffins and I got a rude person who wanted my life story on the phone. I hate that store. I was on the train and they wanted me to call back when it was more convenient for some muffins? The nerve. Love the location but do not like the man on the phone, can’t pick up the muffins without money. I called the 87th and Lexington Avenue bakery and had no problems at all. Love that store and the people. Will pick up my muffins pay my bill and will be very satisfied. I do this all the time with this store with...

I am a fan of Eli Zabar and go to the grocery. This is kind of a miniature version.

Extremely tempting. Hot and cold salad bar with things like Baked Apples, chicken curry, noodle pudding, meatloaf. Lots of choices all hot and yummy and easy to get.

They also have hot soups on the side. Who doesn't want to dive into a bowl of matzoh ball soup. There are miniature apple and cherry pies, Baklava muffins, all types of cookies, giant Rugulach. There are also some prepared sandwiches and meals that are wrapped to go. I would recommend it to any Zabar lover or some one who likes quick and easy variety. There is nowhere to sit through and the prices are on the high side...