Azure - CLOSED

3.0 star rating
33 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Sandwiches, Delis  [Edit]

830 3rd Ave
(between 50th St & 51st St)
New York, NY 10022
Neighborhood: Midtown East
(212) 486-8080
Nearest Transit:

51 St (4, 6, 6X)

Lexington Av/53 St (E, M)

5 Av/53 St (E, M)

Good for Groups:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
Yes
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good For:
Lunch
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Noise Level:
Quiet
Has TV:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
About This Business:

We specialize in making fresh & smoked "Mutz" (mozzarella), the best sandwiches in town & also providing catering services for all occasions for over 25…   read more »

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "Great food bar with fantastic variety and the store was..." In 7 reviews
  • user photo
    "However, the Mongolian BBQ is really delicious fresh and..." In 4 reviews
  • user photo
    "They have pizza, soup, sushi, sandwiches, tons of drinks..." In 4 reviews
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33 reviews in English

  • Review from Daisy R.

    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    CANAL STREET, NY

    4.0 star rating
    1/1/2012

    i really like the udon noodles there.  i couldn't find a replacement.  if anyone knows where the Japanese chef moved to, kindly keep me posted.

  • Review from Laura W.

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    7/27/2011

    I wish we had places like this in Chicago. A wall of every drink imaginable, 40oz beers, 12oz beers, cheese, salads, etc. I loved having this right by our hotel. We were in there every day buying at least a water and a snack. I also had to get a piece of fried chicken from the bar because it looked (and tasted) exactly how it should.

    The best thing about this place is that it is open 24 hours! No reason to go to a fast food place when you can actually try to eat a bit more decent when on a binge.

  • Review from Jane K.

    New York, NY

    3.0 star rating
    10/26/2010 1 Check-in Here

    There's loads of these mondo-delis here in NYC where you can load up on hot foods, made-to-order sandwiches and salads. Then of course the token odd cafeteria seating upstairs.

    It's great for grabbing a bite when you're not sure what you're in the mood for or need something semi-healthy to go but this isn't my favorite amongst the many super delis I've been to.

    Not to mention it seems much pricier than the normal by-the-pound grub at almost $8 per lb! I ordered up a veggie sandwich, a mini bag of crackers and a soda and it came to $12. Dude. Even for Manhattan that's a rip-off if I've ever seen one.

    Fine in a pinch but otherwise walk on, kids!

  • Review from Jessica W.

    • 36 friends
    • 203 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    3.0 star rating
    12/22/2010

    I'm not a fan of these kinds of food bars in general, since they're all about presenting a variety of foods, rather than doing fewer dishes really well.  But they are convenient if you don't have much time, or if you and your dining companions have differing food preferences.

    While items in the food bar looked pretty fresh and appetizing, I steered clear of them because I knew I could easily load up a container and spent a huge wad of cash.  At first I tried ordering a sandwich at the sandwich bar, but was told that the sandwich I wanted wasn't available.  Meh.  If you don't make something anymore, can't you take it off the menu board?  Rather than ask for another sandwich that might not be available, I wandered over to the pizza section.

    The pizzas are sold as 10 inch pies, and there were a variety behind the glass that were already made.  I pointed to one of them, and the counterperson put it in the oven to reheat.  When one of my friends asked him about one of the pizzas on the menu board, he said he didn't have it--and then hesitated before saying he could make it for her, if she really wanted it.  Um, again, I'm not sure what the menu board is there for, if ordering something that's not already pre-made elicits weird looks.  But he did make the pie for her, and it was a relatively fast process.

    The pizza was okay, but you'll get a much better slice at an actual pizzeria.  A 10-inch pie is plenty for one person--you could eat half of it, and feel reasonably satisfied.  The pies seem to be in the $7-$8 range.

    I was wavering on whether to give Azure 2 or 3 stars, but the vast beverage and snack selections, the friendly cashier, and the upstairs seating--which wasn't too cramped by Manhattan standards--are nudging this review to 3.  Still, I hope that the next time my friends and I can agree on some other place.

  • Review from Larry L.

    New York, NY

    3.0 star rating
    3/28/2011 4 Check-ins Here

    This place is a complete tourist trap. It is incredibly overpriced - from the buffet bar to the bag of chips. The food also of questionable freshness as it sits on the steamtable from the early morning.

    The only thing I ever buy at Azure is breakfast. Sonny, the main breakfast cook, really hooks you up if you get to know him. He's a great guy that somehow can remember 8-10 orders at once.  When I'm in the mood for a big boy's breakfast, I  get the omelet with homefries platter for $5.95. I think the omelet is unlimited toppings (I usually get three) and egg whites come at no extra charge.

    Funny story is, whenever I get the omelet platter, the ajumma helping the first cashier always complains about Sonny giving me too much food. One time, she even refused to let me pay for my platter because it weighed too much. To demonstrate this, she placed my platter on the scale and, at Azure's regular $7.99 price/pound, my platter was almost $15! Luckily, my hunger was saved by the kinder lady manning the cash register and I was allowed to pay $6.45 for my breakfast.

  • Review from Xav V.

    Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    6/22/2008

    Who doesn't like a semi-gourmet grocery store that is open on a Thursday morning at 1:45am?  Azure's little vegetarian sushi tray saved the day, er night, no day.

    I will admit that some of the prices are a bit on the steep side and the salad bar didn't look too fresh.  Overall this place served it's purpose just fine though.

  • Review from KaThy T.

    Huntington Beach, CA

    1.0 star rating
    6/25/2011 1 Check-in Here

    This place is sooo overpriced.  I can't believe the first time I was in NYC, I'd always come here with my friends.  This time I came here with my friend (she came w/ me the last time we were in NYC for our first time)  who is a resident of NYC now.  She was going to buy cereal and another item.  Most of the items in the store do not have prices labeled on them.  Before purchasing anything she asked if the food bar was discounted after a certain time because it was late at night and there was a lot of food just sitting there.  The owner said no.  Then she went on to buy her food.  When the guy rang up both items, she wanted him to take the cereal off because it came out to be $7 for a box of cereal (rip off).  She was going to buy the other item.  But when she asked him to take off the cereal, he gave her attitude and we just walked out.  What a jerk!  Never coming back...

  • Review from Scott H.

    Melbourne Victoria

    Australia
    2.0 star rating
    12/12/2007

    The salad bar looks horrible, with its fake enormous shrimp and food that has been sitting out for HOURS.

    However, the Mongolian BBQ is really delicious fresh and their sandwiches are fresh and filling, especially on multigrain bread and with sprouts.   But that's about it.

  • Review from Deborah H.

    • 212 friends
    • 654 reviews

    New York, NY

    2.0 star rating
    7/31/2007

    This is a typical convenient lunch spot in midtown east.  They have made-to-order salads (limited dressing selection...  They don't have any sesame/peanut/ginger choices, which is the only stuff I'll eat), sandwiches, pizzas, and Mongolian BBQ.  There's also a ready-made hot food section and coffee/tea.  It's about normal for midtown prices (so, pretty unreasonable); the Mongolian BBQ especially can get pricey since it's by weight.

    Food is generally fresh, but it's obvious no thought or care has been put in preparation.  Take-out is most common, but there's a dining area upstairs.

  • Review from Celia S.

    • 63 friends
    • 134 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/2/2009

    Once a week or so I trek up to mid-town to meet up with a jogging buddy and every so often I am running late--well, it's actually almost standard for me-

    But I always no matter what eat breakfast, and this places always seems to save the day when I am lagging behind and am in need of a quick healthy fix!

    They have all of your individual cereals, milk, string cheese's, fruits, and fresh coffee. They have deli foods and soups that smell pretty good but I have yet to try them.

    Yes, their prices are steep but you pay for the convenience of them having exactly what you want! The entire staff is super friendly and helpful--I'm sure I will be back in the near future!

  • Review from Jess H.

    • 11 friends
    • 117 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/21/2010

    This is one of the very best food bars I've ever seen! On my plate: Cottage cheese with huge slices of fresh mango, couscous with cashews, almonds, garbanzo beans and corn, navy beans dressed in vinegar and tomatoes, steamed asparagus and mustard greens... and half an avocado in lemon dressing.

    The hot food plates are extremely tempting with about 20 yummy items waiting to fill you up -- they looked incredibly delicious. But, my days of the power nap are limited and this means so is my intake of foods that take more energy than they give.

    Clean and aesthetically pleasing store, quick checkout and coconut water in the cooler just in case I take another NY evening by storm.

  • Review from Job E.

    • 30 friends
    • 126 reviews

    Sunnyside-Tahoe City, CA

    3.0 star rating
    2/6/2008

    I only get the mongolian bbg in the back:

    Price: Can be surprisingly expensive to get a decent portion size
    Portion: Up to you
    Health: Good
    Speed: Quick
    Tasty: Up to you

  • Review from Kelly T.

    • 3 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/19/2010

    My lateish night shopping experience at Azure was a pleasant surprise. Contrary to other reviewers who found the freshness of their selection questionable, I actually found the spread at their fruit bar enticing. Though the strawberries looked bright and sweet, I ended up with four orange halves (conveniently and thoughtfully de-peeled) in a clean plastic container.

    I also picked up some bottled water and Greek yogurt with honey. Yes, the prices are more expensive (my fruit, water, and yogurt totaled about $20.00) than your local Vons or whatever, but I've rarely seen fruit displayed so deliciously at 9:00 PM and went home to find out that it actually tasted as good as it looked.

    For the convenience and the obvious care they put into their fruit, the extra expense is justifiable. The location's just great, and the rent can't be cheap! The only thing preventing me from giving it 5 stars is that I think their refrigeration system was a little weak. Unless I like my yogurt and water colder than most (or if they'd just restocked), when I grabbed them off the shelves, they were just slightly cooler than room temperature.

  • Review from Greg B.

    • 3 friends
    • 37 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    3.0 star rating
    6/16/2011

    Huge selection of eats!  It's a bit pricey but they have a big selection of teas, which came in handy for me a while back.

  • Review from Christina T.

    Spring, TX

    4.0 star rating
    5/9/2011 1 Check-in Here

    A bit pricey but close to the office and they have a HUGE selection of stuff so it's worth the price.  From the drinks to the snacks, the selection is endless.

  • Review from Anjela D.

    • 4 friends
    • 32 reviews

    Great Neck, NY

    4.0 star rating
    9/14/2010

    My go-to lunch spot for lazy days. Love the food bar! Best sweet potatoes ever! I also like their sushi. I have never gotten a sandwich but my co-worker practically gets one every day. I hear good things about the stir fry station too. Though I've never ate in-house, there is 2nd floor seating which is good for those who don't want to go back to work and eat.
    All in all, a good stop for a variety of food options.

  • Review from Rafik C.

    • 0 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    3.0 star rating
    8/3/2011

    Just found out that Azure is CLOSED! Place is empty. I've been going there for years. I will miss them.

  • Review from Jess L.

    New York, NY

    3.0 star rating
    10/9/2010 1 Check-in Here

    I've only ever come in here for a quick snack past the working day, so I can't speak to the crowds, but there's an amazing selection of go-to snacks here with varying levels of healthiness. Their hot food bar also looks good. I've come here and gotten perfectly ripe bananas but also come when none of their bananas were ready to be eaten because they were so green!

  • Review from Mike Y.

    • 33 friends
    • 170 reviews

    Cary, NC

    3.0 star rating
    2/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    A cool market with a great food bar and plenty of harder-to-find novelty items. Their food bar has lots of healthy eats with great fruit and veggie options. It's a little overpriced but then again, what isn't in NY.

  • Review from Dora T.

    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    5.0 star rating
    4/14/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    I love this place, great variety of fresh food and fruits, all day. I'm totally addicted to their egg salad, I love to pick a little bit of everything.. Had a nice lentil soup. It's also very convenient that they have an upper floor where you can sit down. It's a little bit expensive if you're really hungry.

  • Review from Dr M.

    • 3 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Hampton, FL

    5.0 star rating
    3/9/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Stopped in while visiting the city... Walked in on a saturday and was amazingly surprised! Great food bar with fantastic variety and the store was well maintained and clean. Food was fresh and tasty and I eat a Paleo diet.  So glad I stopped in!

  • Review from angela g.

    • 101 friends
    • 329 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    1/9/2008

    wow i am the only one who enjoyed myself. maybe its because i stuck solely to the mongolian bbq in the back. I got a decent portion and spent under 6 bucks. Not bad. I like being able to choose what is and isn't in my meal. Its a rarity to find a warm meal not covered in grease at lunch time.  I will be back

  • Review from Richard M.

    • 3 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    4.0 star rating
    12/21/2010 7 Check-ins Here

    They offer a nice selection for lunch. Many vegetables, a few different types of rice, pasta, chicken, beef, sandwiches, salad and more.  My only complaint is the price.

  • Review from Nish R.

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    12/24/2008

    Over priced.  Food is okay if you want to grab something quick to eat. Nothing special.

  • Review from Ingrid F.

    • 0 friends
    • 14 reviews

    New York, NY

    1.0 star rating
    12/5/2008

    Worst deli ever. Not only is it overpriced but the food is just plain bad! The buffet section isn't very fresh or tasty. I had a slice of pizza here once and it was awful. The cheese tasted old and I found a hair. I almost vomited at my desk at work. I then gave the soup a chance and it wasn't that bad but the price just killed it. I haven't gone back in over a year and I don't plan stepping in there ever again.

  • Review from Colin S.

    • 3 friends
    • 64 reviews

    Smithfield, RI

    3.0 star rating
    12/17/2010 1 Check-in Here

    A mondo-deli with lots of choices.  They have an extensive menu of hot, made-to-order sandwiches but frustratingly the cook lacked the ingredients for the two I tried to order.  The buffet is endless with huge variety.  There was something that pleased everyone in my family which can be tricky.

  • Review from Seth H.

    • 21 friends
    • 105 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    10/24/2008

    I really like Azure. The salad bar/pre-made food around lunchtime is one of the best I have seen in NYC. Going there around dinnertime it does start to look like the food has been sitting for a while. Overall great variety. They have pizza, soup, sushi, sandwiches, tons of drinks, make your own salad, and many more great things for lunch. The biggest drawback is the price. Most items are very expensive, even for midtown.

  • Review from Stephanie R.

    • 3 friends
    • 40 reviews

    CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/27/2009

    Love the salads!  Also great whole wheat bagels for egg/cheese sandwiches in the morning.

  • Review from Mike T.

    • 2 friends
    • 200 reviews

    Ridgefield, CT

    3.0 star rating
    9/3/2010

    If you work in Midtown East & have not made it to Azure, do so soon.  You can order a deli sandwich, grab some sushi, a salad, soup, or opt for the Mongolian BBQ in the back left corner.  All of the meals that I have had here have been pretty good & consistent for a fair price.  And as some others noted, it is a quick sit down or to-go, if that is what you need on a certain day.  To reiterate, very good option for worker bees in the area.

  • Review from Susan L.

    New York, NY

    2.0 star rating
    1/22/2010

    Ten years ago (how time flies) we got food from their salad/hot food bar and it was very good.  Today I got a mid-afternoon meal there and sat upstairs.  The food was expensive ($7.59/pound) and was the usual type of selection, although it looked fresh.  However; everything tasted like cardboard (or something approximating that), and I'd chosen a variety of items.  I've never eaten such tasteless food....the woman at the register was friendly and smiling at each customer until I told her I'd like some water, at which point she told me to buy (bottled) water.  I don't like being ordered around and I refuse to buy water, so I told her I wanted some tap water.  Amazingly, she complied without any further problems.  The only reason I'm giving two stars instead of three is because the food was so incredibly tasteless.

  • Review from mike c.

    • 9 friends
    • 19 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    8/2/2011

    I worked around the corner and this was always a decent choice for lunch for over ten years. Sadly CLOSED.

  • Review from Miss S M.

    • 3 friends
    • 25 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    7/11/2009

    Try the wok during lunch hour - big fan.

  • Review from Abigail S.

    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Westchester, NY

    2.0 star rating
    1/28/2011

    Azure is totally overpriced, and the two times I've eaten their food (hot food) my stomach has not been happy AT all.

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