The folks at Cafeteria have honed a surefire formula: amped-up comfort food plus an unquestionably hip Chelsea setting, times 24 hours a day. It’s a formula that works. Even though Cafeteria’s no longer got that new-restaurant vibe, well-dressed boys and girls keep returning, brunch after brunch and night after night, for crispy-gooey cheddar-and-fontina mac 'n cheese, Cobb salad, and fried chicken with waffles—not to mention the prime people-watching location (you’re sure to run into someone you know, or at least recognize from US Weekly) and a downstairs bar to get you through the wee hours of a Saturday (or Monday) morning. — Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld
My roommate and I have been at Cafeteria for brunch and we were pleasantly surprised at how good the food was as well as the service. It was even recommended by friends. We thought we'd try it for dinner. So we went to Cafeteria on a weeknight thinking that we'd have an awesome dinner...waited at the bar long enough to have a couple of sips of our drinks...were seated, then ordered appetizers and entrees. Then -- after 40 minutes of waiting for a sign of anything to arrive at our table -- decided to leave. Don't even ask why we waited so long!!! Not even the waiter bothered to come by once to ask if we wanted more drinks!!!
HUH??? What is wrong with this picture in this current economy???? There are so many people lining up for jobs these days and these people working at Cafeteria surely don't deserve one penny for giving bad service!! The same could be said for the owners of the restaurant.
On the fly, some friends and I decided to stop by here for an early dinner a couple of weeks ago... it was a happy accident!
I highly recommend the Wildberry Mojito. The Tomato Basil Soup grilled cheese croutons was very satisfying and the little cheese croutons, were a delightful addition. The Autumn Green Salad was outstanding.
The "Mac Attack," an appetizer of 3 types of macaroni and cheese, cheddar and fontina, gouda and bacon, and truffle oil, was just ok.
The Grilled Turkey Burger was mouth watering! And the Braised Short Rib Sandwich melted in your mouth.
The service was very good. They were able to accommodate us right away.