Crave NYU

- John A. Paulson Center, 6th Floor, 181 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012

Located within the state-of-the-art John A. Paulson Center at NYU, Crave NYU is a modern and casual dining destination designed to serve the university community and beyond. Situated on the 6th Floor, it offers a convenient and accessible spot for students, faculty, and visitors looking for a quick, satisfying, and high-quality meal. Unlike a traditional dining hall, Crave NYU operates as a retail-style location, where various culinary concepts come together to provide a diverse range of food options. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, making it an excellent choice for a casual lunch, a quick dinner between classes, or a comfortable space for solo dining.

The concept behind Crave NYU is to provide a dining experience that feels more like a food hall, offering a variety of choices from different food stations. This model caters to a wide array of tastes and dietary needs, ensuring that almost everyone can find something they enjoy. While it is primarily a hub for the NYU community, its location and public-facing nature make it an appealing option for anyone in the Greenwich Village or Nolita area. It is a place that prioritizes efficiency and convenience while still delivering on flavor and quality, making it a go-to spot for those with a busy schedule.

Crave NYU is located on the 6th Floor of the John A. Paulson Center, an impressive building that is a significant part of the NYU campus. The address is 181 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012, USA. This central location in Greenwich Village makes it highly accessible for students and staff on campus, as well as for visitors to the area. The building itself is well-connected and modern, providing a seamless experience from the moment you enter.

A key feature of Crave NYU is its commitment to accessibility. The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and the seating is designed to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges, ensuring a welcoming environment for all. While specific information about public transportation is not provided, the location is within walking distance of several major subway stations, including the W. 4th St. station (A, C, E, B, D, F, M lines), making it easy to get to from various parts of the city. The convenience of its location within a large university building also means it is a safe and easily findable destination.

Crave NYU operates on a convenient model that emphasizes quick service and flexibility to fit the lifestyle of a busy university crowd. The main service options are designed to be efficient and cater to a variety of needs.

• Dine-in: Patrons can enjoy their meal in the casual dining area, with ample seating available. The atmosphere is designed for a relaxed experience, perfect for meeting up with friends or having a quiet meal on your own.
• Takeout: For those in a hurry, takeout is a popular option. You can grab your food and go, making it ideal for a quick lunch between classes or for a meal to enjoy elsewhere on campus.
• Outdoor Seating: When the weather is pleasant, outdoor seating is available, offering a great spot to enjoy your meal with a view of the surrounding area.
• Counter Service: The ordering system is based on counter service, with several distinct stations offering different types of food. This allows for a quick and efficient ordering process.
• Payment Options: Crave NYU accepts a variety of modern payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions fast and seamless.

Crave NYU stands out for several key features that make it a notable dining option in its area, both for its students and for the general public.

• Great Coffee: The restaurant is known for its high-quality coffee. This is a significant highlight, especially for those looking for a great caffeine fix to start their day or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
• Versatile Dining Options: Crave NYU is popular for both lunch and dinner, and also offers delicious dessert options. Its broad appeal means it's a reliable choice at different times of the day.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: With a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating, the establishment ensures that it is welcoming and easy to navigate for all patrons.
• Casual and Welcoming Atmosphere: The "casual" atmosphere makes it a comfortable space for solo dining, groups of friends, or even families with young children, as high chairs are available.
• Diverse Food Offerings: While not a single-cuisine restaurant, Crave NYU brings together several concepts, offering a variety of food types, including vegetarian and vegan options, which caters to a wide range of dietary preferences.

Crave NYU's strength lies in its diverse offerings, which are designed to appeal to a wide range of palates. The different food stations within the restaurant provide a variety of cuisines, ensuring you can find something that suits your craving. For those who love a classic, the "True Burger" station is known for its hand-smashed burgers. Another excellent choice is the "Sous Vide Kitchen" (SVK), which offers several concepts under one roof. The "BonMi" station provides delicious Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches and bowls, which are a popular choice. The "Eso Latin" station is also a great option, featuring Latin American-inspired bowls that are known for their fresh and flavorful ingredients.

One of the most praised offerings is the "create-your-own pasta bowl," which is a highly customizable and satisfying meal. The "Crispy Chicken Sandwich" is another standout item that has received positive reviews. For those seeking a healthier option, the salad bowls are a great choice, with the Caesar salad being a favorite. The coffee is also a major highlight, with many saying it is "great."

While some reviews mention a "disheartening" and "superficial pricing strategy" for the soda fountain, it's important to remember that this feedback is specific to one particular beverage offering and not a reflection of the entire food menu. The quality of the main food items, like the burgers, bowls, and salads, is generally well-regarded, with many noting the freshness and good flavor of the ingredients. Given the variety of options and the convenient location, Crave NYU is a strong choice for a fast, delicious, and reliable meal in the Greenwich Village area, especially for those looking for a quick bite without sacrificing quality.

• Address: John A. Paulson Center, 6th Floor, 181 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012, USA
• Phone: (212) 998-4900

Crave NYU

John A. Paulson Center, 6th Floor, 181 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012, USA