E.A.T.

I got 2 sandwiches to go in the store. What I thought it was gonna be a nice crunchy mini baguette sandwich ended up being a total disappointment, super hard to bite, super chewy, it really took an effort; not even worth the 16 dollars I payed for. Salmon sandwich was good though.

Had a great experience here, even more so since it was an unplanned visit. We dined in and bought a slice of lemon meringue pie and a brownie - they were both super tasty! My iced coffee was lovely and the lemon meringue pie was amazing. They had a great selection of sweet treats.

Lovely café two blocks away from the MET. I took refuge from the rain here and I have to firstly appreciate the great service, they were all so quick in bringing my order even though it was pouring outside. The macchiato for me was perfect, a good, strong coffee like I enjoy, and from all the patisserie options I couldn’t decide! I tried a raspberry scone and it was great, not too sweet, not to buttery, as a scone should be.

Will, our waiter, was THE BEST. The food was excellent and the service we experienced was some of the best we've ever had. The prices may be a little high, but it was certainly worth it. The location and outdoor seating were also excellent. We will definitely be returning!

Never been here before but passed by and needed a quick bite...asked for a recommendation and was recommended the bacon egg and cheese on a brioche bun...im a New Yorker and this is a NY staple so I was sold. Noticed no prices displayed behind the counter on the menu. When I got rang up it was 22 bucks for a bacon egg and cheese with cold cheese and what seemed like microwave eggs like Dunkin or Mcdonalds...I aint bougie and will eat microwave eggs in a pinch but I expect to pay 5 bucks for something like that. If I overpay by that much I better be blown away and this tasted like airport food instead of gourmet, gots to have, viral on insta type food. Tourist trap but the employees are nice so there's that I guess

An omelet with a side salad for $28 + tax? Hard pass. The coffee was forgettable, barely trying. Came for a reunion with friends, but the waitress brought more attitude than service. The place feels stuck in time; outdated furniture, a tired looking kitchen, and staff who seem like they’d rather be anywhere else. I’m just impressed this place has managed to stay open for 50 years. Maybe it’s running on nostalgia alone

I recently visited E.A.T. with a friend, and we each had our toddlers with us. We had just finished a long, exhausting day and were looking forward to a simple meal in peace. Knowing that toddlers can be fussy, we intentionally chose to sit at the back of the restaurant, away from the main dining area, to be as respectful as possible to others around us. Throughout our meal, our toddlers were a bit noisy, as toddlers often are, but we were actively managing them and doing our best to keep things calm. Toward the end of our meal, a staff member approached us to say that they were receiving complaints about the noise. We found this extremely upsetting. It felt like a moment of unnecessary policing of normal toddler behavior, especially given that we were already wrapping up and had gone out of our way to sit in a less central part of the restaurant. As two African American women in a space that was almost entirely filled with white patrons, the interaction felt especially uncomfortable. It was hard not to interpret the staff’s approach as a microaggression—something that might not have happened if we or our children looked different. Instead of being offered empathy or understanding, we were essentially told that our presence was disturbing others. That’s an incredibly painful message to receive, especially when you’re just trying to feed your child and share a moment with a friend. To add to the stress, my toddler accidentally broke a plate during the meal, and I accidentally broke a cup while leaving—both genuine accidents that were clearly the result of a tense and uncomfortable situation. We left feeling unwelcome, judged, and deeply disappointed. I hope E.A.T. will reflect on how it handles situations like these in the future. Families—especially Black families—deserve to dine out without being made to feel like a disruption simply for existing in a space.

Food is delicious, with a wonderful variety of ready made fare. Staff is personable and like most humans reacts to how they are being treated. More expensive than your corner deli but this is Madison Avenue after all; if it’s too much you’re free to go elsewhere, we love it!

Food was delicious. Great service. Atmosphere was nice and cozy. Highly recommend this place.

Over-hyped, Overpriced coasting on the fumes of its notable past. It does not live up to my memories and my dining companion agreed the food (the one reliable calling card of this establishment) has declined. Service was pleasant and prompt. Atmosphere is reminiscent of a European cafe. Food has sadly become quite mediocre. I applaud them taking a chance of giving a different spin on gazpacho, but the spin itself was lacking the crispness of tang and fresh flavour that is this dish's hallmark. The chicken salad just felt "lazy" though not as disappointing as the gazpacho. This place must go through a lot of postage stamps because they are just mailing it in.

Good selection of fresh pastries, fruits and juices. Friendly service and the options to have a full out meal instead of walk and go id you'd prefer. I felt like the pricing was reflective of the efforts to brand everything. Branding and packaging costs money ... and those costa are passed on to the consumer. Obviously a local favorite I'm glad to come and experience it! Definitely somewhere I wouldn't mind being treated TO, but not somewhere I would treat myself.

Had lunch here on a Saturday when everywhere else was super packed. The servers were really nice. The menu is incredibly expensive for what it is. Even some simple greens with a few pieces of chicken will run you $30. We had a nice time but probably wouldn't go again.

The food was good but pricey. Deli vibe As reviewers, we ate here on our way to the Met. Grilled cheese, egg salad & chicken salad sandwiches were good but very Madison Avenue in price. My Chicken salad surprised me because it was just tarragon chicken on a plate, no lettuce. My misunderstanding I think. Service was good, but not a " on vacation" family place. Beware !

After a stroll in Central Park, we had a lovely coffee break here. The service was welcoming and efficient. The coffee was rich, the raisin bread not overly sweet, and the bagel was toasted perfectly with rich cream cheese to pair with it. The bagel was sliced into 4 pieces so very easy to share or to limit your carb overload if you could prevent yourself from not devouring it. We were even sent home with some mini cookie samples! In the digital era, there's no reason to complain about pricing. Look it up people! Lots of locals here so perhaps the pricing stays high to limit the tourists from visiting. We had a very pleasant and yummy mid-morning break at this gem.

The food is delicious and reasonably priced. I had the cheese danish it's the best I've ever had the service is quick and polite staff clean establishment. Coffee was self serve and hot just like i want it

Vending machine quality sandwiches at Vegas minibar prices. I'm convinced the owners are laughing at their customers.

The food at this place is bad and outrageously priced. $32 for a simple HAM AND CHEESE SANDWICH?! Lol get lost. I could make myself $30 sandwiches for that much money.

This quiche was definitely one of the best ones I've had. Compared to a traditional quiche in France, id say it was way better. This was their ham and cheese quiche with a flaky, buttery, croissant like crust. It was perfectly cheesy and with the tiny bits of ham, paired with the fresh salad adding a perfect amount of freshness to the dish. My daughter got the hot cocoa with a fresh marshmallow and she said "this is the best hot cocoa in the world." 10/10 would recommend this place as their food is one of the best quality foods in NYC.

The food was very mediocre and at 5:00 the service staff couldn't wait for us to leave. Very disappointing. The crust on the quiche was burned, the filling tasteless and falling apart (hardly any eggs and cheese), the salad wilted, boring and underdressed. The soup was cold and we had to ask for the apple pie to be warmed up. The sandwiches were very mediocre and small. All this at $200 for three people. What a shame for a NYC institution. Never going back.

E.A.T. is one of my favorite places for an upscale, delicious deli meal - aka classic NYC deli food without the dive vibe. All places Zabar are delicious - the family is a legend for a reason. This is my fam's favorite. We've come here more times than we can count. It is actually saddening to read negative reviews of a place this good. Is it pricey? Yes, it's fairly outrageous. So is every place on this stretch of Madison. You won't get a sandwich at Serafina, Sant Ambroeus, The Mark, etc. for any less - and it won't be insanely delicious family-style food like (I mean c'mon let's get to what matters): A PERFECT matzoh brei Spot-on chicken soup, with or without the matzoh balls as you please CHOPPED LIVER..."what am I..."...and it's on their incredible raisin bread!! Smoked whitefish! Salad plates - yes! Veggie and vegan options (heart) Lox and eggs, everyone's brunch dream And then there are desserts... I have never had anything but sweet and wonderful service here. They are LOVELY. This IS a very New York spot, and maybe some folks don't get the NYC sense of humor? It's a mystery to me why anyone leaves here less than happy, and I think you should go (maybe before or after the Met, or to fuel some serious shopping cardio, or just a nice stroll in Central Park). Enjoy!

I guess they read all of those mean reviews and improved their act, because we stopped in the other day and everything was delicious. Yes, they are expensive, but they delivered in terms of food quality. The potato leek soup I shared with my wife was excellent. Likewise, the quiche and salad that I ordered. Donna's avocado and endive salad was extraordinary. Service was prompt and efficient. We will happily return on our next trip to the Met.

E. A. T. Madison Avenue has such a low rating. I guess the folks sat and ordered from the menu. They have so many items inside and there's the seating outside. I don't have a problem. You enter the restaurant through the market. I go inside and order what I want or grab something that's on the shelf already prepared. I waltz up to the register and pay then I go outside to sit at a table to eat. The tables are always clean and I felt comfortable even though people on the sidewalk are passing by. I'm sure I'll return as I have in the past. Three Stars because the employees are not up to my liking. The last time I was here I heard a horrible exchange between a customer and a employee. I'm glad it wasn't me!

Went there for a quick lunch on the way to the Met. Food was decent but pretty ordinary. Service is adequate. Ambiance is cute. Prices are outrageous and ridiculous, even for NYC. For the price, I was expecting the food to be outstanding but I could've made that stuff at home myself.

The Turkey club and cole slaw were barely worth HALF their $28 price. This restaurant should be ashamed of how much of a rip-off their food is. I get that it's hard to have a restaurant in this neighborhood, but do your profit margins need to be so close to infinity? The sanitation rating is currently a B too! Get your act together E.A.T.

Rude, obnoxious staff.... And the prices are quadrupled what anything is worth. Food quality is blah and pathetic. Keep walking by this place, don't be victimized.

I understand that there is an inflation... I understand that we have a supply chain issues.... I understand that that commercial rent at 80&Madison is sky rocketing ...... (well I don't but....) I understand that there is a staff shortage so you have to pay higher labor wages ...... BUT - I don't understand mediocre mid size sandwiches that cost $30+......

Always unique gifts. Great shopping for these many years EAT has been here for us......

Walked into this place while visiting NYC and not sure how they justify what they charge for PRE-MADE sandwiches. $25+ for a sandwich with less stuff on it than I make for my kid's lunches. How is a place still in business that charges $29 for a basic ham sandwich (served in a wrapper like at a gas station or Starbucks)??? This is Fyre Festival level food, lol. I'd love for the business owner to respond with justification for their prices. If rent is the reason then I'd suggest moving.

This deli epitomises why, these days, most people never go to delis. Upon crossing the threshold, one is immediately greeted by such an unfortunate combination of inflated prices and rude staff that one wonders whether one has accidentally taken a wrong turn - and wandered into the embassy for North Korea. I give you prices such as $7 for a Diet Coke - more than twice what the fanciest restaurants ask - or $20 for THREE lemonades - without alcohol, I might add. To add insult to what is already a ruinous affair, staff will then demand a tip for opening a can and pressing a button on a till. If this is declined, then expect them to chase you down the street in a way that brings back memories from my childhood of geese at parks pursuing hapless toddlers clutching slices of mouldy bread - so desperate they are for a few coppers. My dear reader, this establishment is best avoided at all costs. Unless, of course, you would like to find out what end stage capitalism really looks like.

Cupcakes were expensive and tasted like they were days old. Really dry. Not what I expected with those prices.

Ordered a pastrami sandwich. I thought I ordered off the children's menu. Tiny. No meat. Plenty of bread and potatoes. Never returning.

Other than the price of the food, the small portions, and the stank attitude of the staff.....it was wonderful

Honestly it's super nice but I think they should update the decor - the people are so nice and the food is really yum so overall you should go here but it's a MUST GO it's more of a oh I'm in town I'll stop by also SUPER EXPENSIVE but it's pretty good

Wow it is expensive in here like really expensive. $28 for a smoked sandwich sandwich on lunch bread. This is highway robbery. All sorts of stuff were overpriced and it took me a second to get over the sticker shock. I have no problem paying for quality but this aint Michelin quality and for the price it better be. In the end I went with a slice of broccoli quiche ($10) and a egg salad sandwich. The quiche wasn't bad but again a little slice was $10?! The egg salad sandwich was in desperate need of seasoning. That was more bland than a piece of cardboard. I would skip this place next time.

Average food. Very high prices. Very rude staff. I would skip lunch before I would go back

The food was very good. The prices were quite high. The service had attitude. My smoked fish plate had a lot of bones in it. They could definitely do better

Terrible food, service, attitude, everything. Avoid at all costs, so many other great options in NY.

I am a big fan of Zabar's but I am much more often in that neighborhood than in E.A.T.'s, so I had actually never been to E.A.T. until yesterday night. A friend noticed there was a TooGoodToGo bag and she wanted to have it at work, so I offered to get it. I was unlucky.....on my way, at about 5:30, there was a sudden downpour and I was umbrella-less, but within minutes it stopped and I got there at 5:40 -- to TooGood pickup time window ended at 5:45. But the door was locked !! though the store closes everyday at 6:00. Fortunately, or so I first thought, the EAT toy store next door was open. I said, probably rather breathlessly, that I was to pick up a bag next door by 5:45 so "why was the door locked ?" The store clerk said, "I know nothing about that," but he called over...and I was told they would open the door for me. After a few minutes standing outside, they did, telling me they had decided to close early because of the rain. This made absolutely no sense to me, the rain came down hard for maybe 5 minutes, but then stopped completely. There was no threat of a tornado or a hurricane, or even more rain....what business closes at least 20 minutes early because it is raining momentarily ? Since the TooGoodtoGo pickup time ended soon after I arrived and since I was asked how many bags I was picking up, it suggests other people would still need the door open to do just that. The toy store clerk came out and told the EAT staff I had been very rude because I had said to him, "Who closes a store because it is raining ?" and then he said, "You are getting free food, what are you complaining about ?" He had indeed claimed not to know what I was there to get and I reminded him that TooGoodtoGo is not free, just reduced in price so a store will not throw products away.... I am sorry if showing up in time to pick up food you have paid for is rude, but that is a good summary of how EAT feels about customers. The above reviews that mention high prices just confirm the experience I had. Back to Zabar's where something like this could not have and never will happen.

INEDIBLE bagels. Over the year I've watched this neighbourhood institution raise their prices as the quality of their food goes down. It's almost embarrassing to suggest to a friend to meet there but in that neighbourhood it's a convenient choice for breakfast. But never again. Today they served us old stale $50 bagels. The lox was no better than what you find at any other good Jewish deli. 4 of us at the table agreed. We were all outraged and disappointed. AVOID.

Stop for for a quick bite before the Met. What a mistake! $28 for one scramble egg with lox. Chicken liver sandwich that wasn't worth the bread it came on. Stay away. You're better off at the food carts outside the Met.

Horribly lit, burnt ham, crazy expensive. How do they do it? (Stay in business, that is). Avoid unless you're wealthy and desperate.

What happened to the bread at EAT? It used to be fabulous. Past few months I've been there they must have new bakers. It's crap. Really awful. A completely different bread. Need to find another bakery because this is not for

Let me add my voice to all the others warning fellow Yelpers off this sad relic. I'm an old time New Yorker who hasn't lived here for some years, for whom the name Zabar's stood for an iconic culinary landmark. How the mighty have fallen. My pastrami sandwich, supposedly a house specialty, was barely edible, as was my dining companion's matzo ball soup. All at sky high prices. Oh and served to you with attitude. As in a waiter who interrupts you mid-order to comment on the weather... It took so long to get the check, and then to pay that we almost left without paying.

Extremely overpriced and mediocre. The cheapest thing there was a $16, shallow bowl of bland chicken soup. Sandwiches are dry, boring, and a waste of $30. Bread tasted processed. Service was eh.

God what a mistake I just made terrible food and awful service. Grilled cheese and borscht was my choice . Bread must have been a week old barely any cheese and I am not starting on how bad was the borscht which was served barely warm . This shouldn't exist in NYC

Turkey is super dry on the club sandwich. Literally unbearably dry. Tried getting honey mustard to help, nope. Also sat outside, flies from the dying plants were swarming our food. Get a bottle, half water, half dawn dish soap and spray your plants. It'll get rid of the Gnats

Im dumb. I should have looked at the almost 400 reviews and two stars that EAT has. This place was horrendously expensive and the food was crap. A egg salad sandwich cost 32 bucks and they put no tomato or lettuce on it just bread and egg salad. And maybe a scoop of egg salad at that. my kid got the mac and cheese said it was disgusting I tasted it it tasted like vinegar because it's made with Swiss cheese. The only people who eat at in this place are 90-year-old elderly people who probably can't taste anything anyway. Do not waste your money and eat in this place unless you like cold soup for $16. I repeat the food in this place the staff and the patrons are horrendous.

There should be someone standing outside to shake you down for all the cash you have on your person before you walk through the door. Or run a credit check. A woman in front of me walked out the door when the total for her and her daughter's two sandwiches and one side (to-go!) was $49. My friend and his fiancé's order was $38 for one sandwich, a bottle of water and a small side of cucumber salad. I am willing to pay above average prices, but the quality better match. It's simply average deli fare at way above average prices. The cheapest sandwich here is about 12 bucks. And it's tiny. My friends shared a chicken salad sandwich that they described as "Meh." My son said his Matzoh Ball Soup was "average, and not authentic" and my Mozzarella and Tomato Sandwich was rendered almost inedible by the too tough to chew bread. For your viewing pleasure I photographed the quarter-sized "Mini" Brownies for $2 and the miniature Black and White Cookies for $3. Do yourself a favor and keep walking, there are plenty of other options in the area with less-hype, more flavor and just your average "crazy" Manhattan prices.

Beware: overt racist treatment at the cafe. My partner at I (both Asians) accidentally stepped in through the wrong door into the cafe. While there are many ways it could have been pointed out at us - a server or the manager came up to us and berated us repeatedly, asking: "Can you even read? Can't you read the sign on the door? Are you able to read at all?" etc. He continued questioning our literacy for a while. I was honestly too shocked to speak. Finally, as we were about to leave this hostile establishment, he asked if we wanted to stay. We decided to leave and never go back.

Five giant stars for the amazing service we received. SERVICE: Right off the bat, we were seated by the nicest man. We wanted to sit outside, but there were no seats immediately available. Instead of telling us to sit somewhere else, he waited outside with us for a couple of minutes until a table opened. We chatted and learned that he had spent some time in LA opening the first CPK. He was absolutely awesome! He didn't make us feel like we were wasting his time. He wasn't uninterested in why were visiting. Businesses could learn a lot from him! FOOD: We ordered the country sandwich with salami, and the chicken sandwich on health bread. Both were very good. PRICE: I see reviews complaining about the price. All I can say is: Look at the menu ahead of time. If you don't want to spend $19 for a sandwich, then try another place. The quality of the food is worth the price tag. After we paid our check, we got up to leave, and the same awesome man who seated us, brought us a variety of little cookies! We ate them all in one sitting. The cafe has a grocery beside it with food for take out. Both the cafe and grocery are very good. Great food and welcoming service! Thank you, E.A.T.!

Love Zabar's products and I am a regular at the 3rd Ave grocery store. I sometimes get breakfast at EA.T. Lately, I only get the toasted bagel and coffee. Why? Everything else is okay, but so expensive. I get it. It's Zabar's and Madison Ave; however, it's regular food (eggs, salmon, etc). The food is okay and the staff is nice, but is it worth the price? I am not sure. Therefore, 3 stars.

Used to be a must for upper east side brunch on trips to Manhattan but that was pre-COVID. Now the food is mediocre and the presentation, especially for what was my favorite, the Tower of Bagel, is sad. And in place of the once-friendly staff it seems the criteria for new hires is to pair indifference with poor hygiene. Sorry Zabar. Now we're looking for a new spot.

Yes the prices are a bit high, but I tried their 3 salad plate (the egg salad is amazing) and their classic ham and cheese sandwich and it was delicious. I would, if my wallet permits, go back there again. I mean yes, $28 for a ham and cheese sandwich is pretty insane, but if you want to splurge on a sandwich on Madison while you're shopping, I think it's worth it. The service was pretty good, a little slow, but not agonizingly so. You get a bread basket, with all types of bread. I love the brioche/challah and the nut and fruit bread slices are so chewy and delicious! I've been here before in the past, and only have fond memories. If you aren't comfortable with the prices, then don't come.

$25 for a pre-made wonder bread sized sandwich to go....no. Just no. $5 for a regular donut. I get that it's the upper east side but this is just ridiculous

these guys have the Best cup of coffee and delish scones and bagels. Would definitely return here again.

The food is horrible. I ordered the grilled chicken which was insipid and extremely dry. The server didn't come to check on me once! I also had to ask someone for water, while sitting with an empty glass for minutes!

OMG. I've lived in Nyc for 30 years, and shopped at Zabars and eaten at their cafe for 20. So I'm not faint of heart when it comes to prices The prices at E.A.T. are insulting. Clearly only for the 1%. I got a small egg salad sandwich to go from the refrigerator and when I went to pay the bill was $50 for 2 sandwiches and one small matzah ball soup. The egg salad sandwich was $20. I didn't even ask about the other items. I just left. Can't believe the arrogance and nerve. Place was packed. Since they only have 2 1/2 stars I assume others feel the same way. I'm sure the food is fine but I can't justify the cost when so many are hungry this holiday season. Shame on you Eli Zabar.