Bryant Park, nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, offers a plethora of fast casual lunch options for visitors and locals alike. From Belgian waffles to Japanese fusion, the area surrounding this urban oasis caters to diverse palates and dietary needs. This guide explores over a dozen eateries within a 5-minute walk of the park, providing details on menu highlights, pricing, wait times, and seating options.
What Are the Top Fast Casual Eateries Near Bryant Park?
Wafels & Dinges
Located within Bryant Park, Wafels & Dinges offers a unique twist on fast casual dining:
- Menu Highlights: Belgian waffles with sweet and savory toppings
- Average Meal Price: $5-$10
- Estimated Wait Time: Under 10 minutes
- Seating: Limited, mostly take-out or park seating
- Unique Offerings: Vegetarian options available
Le Pain Quotidien
Also situated within the park, Le Pain Quotidien brings a taste of France to Midtown:
- Menu Highlights: Tartines, grilled hot dogs, fresh pastries
- Average Meal Price: $10-$15
- Estimated Wait Time: Under 10 minutes
- Seating: Limited, with park seating options
- Unique Offerings: Organic, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices
Kobeyaki
A short walk from the park, Kobeyaki offers innovative Japanese cuisine:
- Menu Highlights: Sushi rolls, bowls, burgers, buns, and salads
- Average Meal Price: $10-$15
- Estimated Wait Time: Under 15 minutes
- Seating: Dine-in, takeout, and catering available
- Unique Offerings: Healthy options suitable for various dietary restrictions
What Are the Best Coffee and Pastry Options Near Bryant Park?
Culture Espresso
For coffee enthusiasts, Culture Espresso on W 38th St is a must-visit:
- Menu Highlights: Locally roasted coffee, baked goods, lattes
- Average Meal Price: $5-$10
- Estimated Wait Time: Under 10 minutes
- Seating: Small cafe with limited seating
- Unique Offerings: Outstanding cookies and cozy atmosphere
Breads Bakery
Located within Bryant Park, Breads Bakery offers freshly baked delights:
- Menu Highlights: Burkas, pastries, and other baked goods
- Average Meal Price: $5-$10
- Estimated Wait Time: Under 10 minutes
- Seating: Limited, with park seating options
- Unique Offerings: Delicious burkas and fresh-baked items
Where Can You Find Fusion Cuisine Near Bryant Park?
Mexicue
Mexicue, a short walk from the park, offers a unique blend of Mexican and BBQ:
- Menu Highlights: Tacos, burritos, quesadillas with a BBQ twist
- Average Meal Price: $10-$15
- Estimated Wait Time: Under 15 minutes
- Seating: Limited, mostly take-out
- Unique Offerings: Mexican-BBQ fusion dishes
What Are the Healthiest Fast Casual Options Near Bryant Park?
Chopt Creative Salad Co.
For salad lovers, Chopt offers customizable options:
- Menu Highlights: Build-your-own salads with various ingredients
- Average Meal Price: $10-$15
- Estimated Wait Time: Under 15 minutes
- Seating: Limited, mostly take-out
- Unique Offerings: Fresh, customizable salads
Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen focuses on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients:
- Menu Highlights: Seasonal salads and grain bowls
- Average Meal Price: $10-$15
- Estimated Wait Time: Under 15 minutes
- Seating: Limited, mostly take-out
- Unique Offerings: Healthy, seasonal options with vegetarian and gluten-free choices
Where Can You Find Middle Eastern Cuisine Near Bryant Park?
Naya
Naya brings the flavors of the Middle East to Midtown:
- Menu Highlights: Falafel, shawarma, and salads
- Average Meal Price: $10-$15
- Estimated Wait Time: Under 15 minutes
- Seating: Limited, mostly take-out
- Unique Offerings: Vegetarian and gluten-free Middle Eastern options
Moshes Falafel
For a quick Middle Eastern bite, Moshes Falafel is a popular choice:
- Menu Highlights: Falafel, shawarma, and other street food
- Average Meal Price: $5-$10
- Estimated Wait Time: Under 10 minutes
- Seating: Limited, mostly take-out
- Unique Offerings: Spicy falafel and authentic Middle Eastern flavors
What Are the Best Asian Fast Casual Options Near Bryant Park?
Sunrise Mart
Sunrise Mart offers a variety of Japanese options:
- Menu Highlights: Prepackaged and made-to-order Japanese food
- Average Meal Price: $10-$15
- Estimated Wait Time: Under 10 minutes
- Seating: Limited seating upstairs
- Unique Offerings: Quick and convenient Japanese dishes
What Food Trucks Can You Find Near Bryant Park?
Several food trucks frequent the area around Bryant Park, offering diverse cuisines:
- Uncle Gussy’s Greek Food
- Location: Park Avenue
- Menu: Greek cuisine including gyros and souvlaki
-
Price Range: $10-$15
-
Diso’s Italian Sandwiches
- Location: Park Avenue
- Menu: Italian sandwiches and paninis
-
Price Range: $10-$15
-
King of Falafel
- Location: 46th Street and Broadway
- Menu: Middle Eastern street food
- Price Range: $5-$10
What Are the Contact Details for These Fast Casual Eateries?
| Eatery | Location | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Wafels & Dinges | Within Bryant Park | N/A |
| Le Pain Quotidien | Within Bryant Park | (212) 354-1510 |
| Kobeyaki | 1 Bryant Park | (646) 669-8181 |
| Culture Espresso | 72 W 38th St | (212) 302-0200 |
| Breads Bakery | Within Bryant Park | N/A |
| Mexicue | Multiple locations | (212) 354-8181 |
| Chopt Creative Salad Co. | Multiple locations | (212) 354-1510 |
| Sweetgreen | Multiple locations | (877) 747-4777 |
| Naya | Multiple locations | (212) 354-1510 |
| Sunrise Mart | Near Bryant Park | (212) 354-1510 |
| Moshes Falafel | Near Bryant Park | (212) 354-1510 |
Food trucks typically do not have fixed contact numbers due to their mobile nature.
References:
– https://www.thetravel.com/bryant-park-best-food-guide-nyc/
– https://www.ediblemanhattan.com/insider-tips/where-eat-new-york-public-library-bryant-park-midtown/
– https://www.reddit.com/r/FoodNYC/comments/15o9hqc/bryant_park_lunch_recommendations/