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Cafe Blossom
Category: Restaurants Vegan Vegan [Edit]
466 Columbus Ave(between 82nd St & 83rd St)
New York, NY 10024
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
(212) 875-2600
- Nearest Transit:
-
81 St - Museum of Natural History (A, B, C)
86 St (A, B, C)
79 St (1, 2)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 10 pm
Sat 11 am - 10:30 pm
Sun 11 am - 9:30 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
About This Business:
Wrapido combines the freshest ingredients to produce Wraps, Pitas, Salads and Platters that are sinfully delicious from first bite to last. We invite… read more »
195 reviews for Cafe Blossom
Review Highlights
"The soy bacon cheeseburger was really delicious."
(in 25 reviews)
"Where is the love Black Eyed Pea Cake."
(in 8 reviews)
"as well the sweet potato fries."
(in 30 reviews)
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195 reviews in English
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Review from Renee D.
New York, NY
2/5/2012
Fantastic, creative menu. I tried the sweet potato rolls (lite, yum) and the Zucchini Linguini, which was zucchini sliced into pasta like strands with a perfectly salted pesto.
I didn't give 5 stars only because the decor is a bit sparse and the menu is overpriced by $1-2 per item. Will definitely be back many times for the vegan selection and exceptional staff! -
Review from Marlene D.
New York, NY
1/17/2012
I know that to many people 'Vegan' means 'boring'. But when you walk into Blossom, all of that goes right out of the window. This trendy restaurant with a menu that has plenty of things to choose from, while staffed with young, friendly people is a heaven for someone who is too lazy to cook, but needs a healthy, affordable, satisfying bite to eat. I have been here many times, and always love the calm atmosphere this restaurant exudes.
My personal favorite is the quinoa salad. I love the dressing that it comes with. Make sure to get a healthy fruit or vegetable juice on the side. My personal favorite is the pink lady. It has beets in it and some other amazing things like ginger and apple it seems.
Why 4 stars instead of 5? Because I just tried to call for delivery and was told that the kitchen was already closed. (You said WHAT??) "So... At what time does the kitchen close?", I asked. At 9.30 PM. Well... that really took a star down. Come on. We are in Manhattan. We work hard, we eat late. Or however the saying goes. But it would be appreciated it if they delivered a little later. Or even just let me pick it up a little later. But no. Hmpf.
Oh well.... Nothing good comes easy they say....
I am still going back. Nobody makes quinoa salad and the pink lady veggie juice like they do. Next time better. But I'd better be early! -
Review from Aj S.
Chappaqua, NY
1/15/2012
I last went to Café Blossom a few years back as a whiny, spoiled pre-teen kid who only ate chicken nuggets and pizza. Needless to say, I didn't quite enjoy the food, as it certainly requires a more advanced palate.
I recently went back to see how my taste buds have changed (I now eat some pretty exotic cuisines), and was slightly disappointed. I ordered a red lentil soup, which was way too salty. The seitan bacon had an odd aftertaste that made me wish for soy bacon (which is on the menu. I ordered it, and it was actually pretty good!) My spicy southern seitan sandwich was good. Not great, but good. And if the menu hadn't said it was "spicy", I would not have known, because it didn't even have a slight kick. Also, like all things seitan, it had a strange aftertaste. (You can probably tell by now that I'm not the biggest fan of seitan)
However, by far the best part of the meal (and maybe one of my favorite things I've ever eaten) were the root vegetables wrapped in phyllo dough. The sauce was awesome, and it had a perfect amount of crunch.
In short, when eating here, if you're not vegan, my advice would be to order food that isn't trying to be other food. For example, have something like the root vegetables--something that's vegan/vegetarian to begin with and won't make you miss the meat. However, if you ARE vegan/vegetarian, I'm sure you'll find this place to be heaven. -
Review from E O.
Manhattan, NY
2/6/2012
I've been to this place so many times. Really good vegan food. You leave feeling satisfied but not disgusting. I always bring my vegan friends here. We always leave happy.
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Review from Patty T.
Bronx, NY
2/5/2012
Excellent food. I wasn't really feeling the warehouse like pipes running through the ceiling, but the food made me forget all that. My advice, just don't look up. I had the Quinoa lentil burger and it was delicious! my friend had the bacon cheeseburger and he loved it. mushroom risotto, great! Butterfinger shake, Great! Carrot Cake, pretty good. I've had better vegan carrot cake. I'll try the chocolate cake next time. I would be back to try some of the other stuff.
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Review from Regina C.
Chicago, IL
1/29/2012
Loads of options, everything was delicious. I had the hardest time picking what to order. Our server was great, giving us time to decide. The decor was lovely, the portions were filling, but not huge, which was great. Loved it!
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Review from Jason B.
Philadelphia, PA
1/1/2012
Clearly, I fall within their desired demographic because they're playing the music of my disaffected college years? That's supposed to be a good sign, right? Well, I'm not so sure about that. (This is where it seems the bROMANCE ends, BRO.)
I like the music of Joy Division as much as the next guy (actually probably much more than the next guy), but not to dine to. While I listen to Joy Division for many reasons, last time I checked facilitating digestion at mealtimes wasn't one of 'em. Does anyone truly like listening to Joy Division while eating? I can't imagine so. (Listening to 'em while working is another story, the staff seems happy with the musical selection.) Dining to the sound of Ian Curtis' beautifully sorrowful voice isn't so good for a mid-day mood perk up.
Service is polite and perfunctory. Nothing more.
The kitchen seems regimented and ill-equipped to accommodate menu substitutions or requests for items not specifically on the menu. Case in point, the only side of protein offered is "Grilled Tofu". Not necessarily so bad, except for the fact that it's totally unseasoned. (Unless you count "grill marks" as a seasoning, which I don't.) "Grilled Tofu" is literally just that, grilled tofu. Would it hurt to start offering another protein as a side dish? Something with a little flavor perhaps? Maybe it would? OK, forget it. I just won't dine here again. Problem solved.
I'm a veg veteran here (or at least I'd like to think so). This place seems more suited to diners just being introduced to vegetarian cuisine or something (pretentious sounding) like that. (Or how 'bout I'm a vegan, but I like to pretend I'm not so I can pretend that I'd like to become a vegan or try this one: or like that like maybe I can tell people that I'm not a vegan for the purposes of my review and then say that I'm not a vegan in the review, but I ate here anyway and this food tastes just like any other mediocre non-vegan food anywhere else except it's vegan and that's why you should be eating it?) Why settle for unspectacular food just because it's vegan? Up the bar. -
Review from Daniel S.
Manhattan, NY
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Can't speak for the rest of the menu but the soy bacon cheeseburger was a train wreck. The taste was absolutely awful. The lemon cake was pretty bad as well. I will usually give most restaurants a second chance hoping that what I ordered simply wasn't enough to make a fair assessment of the place but in this case, the food was just too terrible to come back. I would stay away.
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Review from Laryssa W.
Jersey City, NJ
12/2/2011
My boyfriend and I split the mushroom ravioli as an appetizer and the soy bacon cheeseburger with sweet potato fries as an entree. We also both enjoyed Wolaver's Organic IPA, which just happens to be one of my all-time favorite every day beers.
Everything about the meal was decadent and flavorful. The mushroom filling in the raviolis was woodsy, and the dough was just chewy enough. I think the buttery sauce added just the right amount of subtle flavor.
The soy bacon cheeseburger was outrageous. I haven't had a real cheeseburger in almost two years, and I was so impressed with this vegan version that I couldn't help but think I was doing something terrible by eating it. I also really enjoyed the sweet potato fries, which were just a little overdone - the way I like them. What a treat!
I love the ambiance, and I felt our server was very laid back and helpful. I would definitely return and am already thinking about making Cafe Blossom my go-to birthday dinner place. -
Review from Joel B.
Manhattan, NY
12/24/2011
I ate at Blossom on Thanksgiving. Perfect vegan dining on the UWS.
I had the Gnocchi and Thanksgiving-inspired Seitan. The sauce was rich and delicious, I think it had a cashew base for creaminess.
The juices are wonderful as well.
Atmosphere is very pleasant, and the service was excellent. 5 stars. -
Review from Sandee L.
11/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Party of 12 for my girl's big 3-0!
About 1/4 of the party is vegetarian/vegan, so this was an appropriate choice of venue for the celebration. I, being a total carnivore, was a little hesitant since I always leave vegetarian restaurants feeling underwhelmed and not quite fulfilled.
The black eyed pea cake appetizer comes in two, and was pretty freakin' delish. However, I did not see a speck of black eyed pea in either. It was more like a potato cake, but I'm not complaining. I love me some potatoes. The chipotle aioli and red pepper coulis added a nice texture and flavor.
I asked if I could have an entree sized portion of the Garlic Herb Gnocchi appetizer. Our server said yes, but it came out as an appetizer portion. That amount ended up being fine for me, as I didn't even finish what I had. The dish was really under flavored. I asked for some salt, and even after giving it a pretty good dousing, it was still not very flavorful.
I left really craving a hot dog. Can't take the carnivore outta me even for one meal!Listed in: My 'hood: UWS
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Review from Anita C.
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really enjoyed this Vegan restaurant. It has a very nice atmosphere and very unique juices and menu. I ordered the Herb crusted eggplant and a Ruby red juice. The juice was very good, as well as the eggplant. I would definitely come here again. This is a place where I'd like to try everything on the menu!!!! Plus, you don't leave feeling disgusted with yourself because you just ate something really unhealthy. Everything on their menu is pretty healthy.
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Review from Madeleine F.
Porter Ranch, CA
11/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Was looking for a vegetarian place close to where i was staying and ended up finding this delicious place.
I had lunch there one day (spinach and pear salad with tempeh bacon)...i was pleasantly surprised at how good it was...the bacon was absolutely to die for...it was a perfect blend of tastes.
The next day i ordered the big blossom breakfast for take out. It came with a pancake, fruit, tofu scramble, sweet potato fries and tempeh bacon...all of it was delcious, the only thing i wasn't too crazy about was the scramble.
The service is good, the food is yummy, and there wasn't an excessive wait(at least at the time i walked in).
No complaints, i will definitely be coming back! -
Review from Liz G.
Boston, MA
10/10/2011
Coming from someone who's not a vegan (and not a vegetarian at that), this place is actually pretty good. I went with the soy bacon cheeseburger with sweet potato fries. The side left much to be desired, but they made up for it with the hardy "burger." (After eating it, I was pretty stuffed and couldn't finish off half the fries anyway.)The tapioca cheddar, to my surprise, was a delicious alternative to the real thing. It was a tad expensive though. At another restaurant I could have gotten a version of this meal with a turkey burger for less.
The staff was quick to bring us our food (because the kitchen was soon closing), but they took much too long with the check. Not a deal breaker, but they could be more attentive. -
Review from Tara K.
New York, NY
1/3/2012
Love the Vegan food here. I usually get delivery but we have had fine service inside the cafe too. Their Soy Bacon Cheeseburger is fabulous and their Vegan Carrot cake is better than any non-vegan carrot cake I have had. I love all the desserts. I wish they had a little more variety on the menu as whoever is cooking clearly knows how to make good vegan food. One negative- pass on the fries, they always seem soggy and uninspired.
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Review from Lauren L.
10/30/2011 4 photos
I'm a vegetarian and my friend is vegan, I also had a coupon to this lovely little eatery, so that makes for the perfect date night! I had purchased a coupon a while back that was $15 for $30. I love me some coupons, and at an establishment like this, wherever you can cut corners and get a little more bang for your vegan buck is well worth it!
During the week we had both looked at the menu extensively wishing and hoping we could order one of everything. But then real life set in and we found ourselves at the table, menus open in front of us still lost as to what we wanted to order. After mentioning to our waiter that we wanted to try one of everything, he suggested (which we somewhat already had planned) to order a bunch of apps. And of course I had to pick his brain to see what items he felt were not only the most popular but what his faves were as well.
We decided to go with: Mushroom Ravioli upland cress, truffle butter. These were three nicely size ravioli's generously filled with mushroom. They were swimming in truffle butter and while I know that's not the most health conscious thing, but it was the truffle that truly brought this dish together.
We also ordered Autumn Sweet Potato Rolls (Raw) coconut noodles, jicama, carrot, red and yellow pepper, scallion, avocado, almond ginger dipping sauce. I just thought this dish sounded so unique, but like I've seen in some other reviews, it needed something else. The flavors were there but it could have used a punch. I also didn't think the dipping sauce was almond ginger, I got a lot more of a djion mustard like taste.
Garlic Herb Gnocchi sautéed shallots, garlic, grilled asparagus, edamame, cauliflower puree, fresh lemon. This dish was a great decision and was extremely good. I loved that the filling was cauliflower and for someone who used to always have cheese style gnocchi you would never know. The edamame was also a nice accent to the dish as its not something you'd think to pair with an Italian dish.
And finally, Live Nachos (Raw) dehydrated flax seed crackers, cashew sour cream, tomato salsa, avocado. I could have had this dish 10 times over. These nachos were sooo good and I think what really made it for me was the cashew sour cream. Who would ever want to use sour cream again after having this. It was nutty and hearty, paired with the saltiness from the guac it made the perfect nacho topping!
I was shocked at how big the restaurant actually was and for a Friday night around 6 pm it was relatively busy but certainly no wait. The service was attentive and of course he was more than willing to help with our menu selections so he earns points in my book. The total bill was $43 and after the coupon we only owed $14.15, talk about a bargain. They are grade pending and I really don't like to eat at places like that, so while it was delicious I can't say I'll be running back anytime soon. -
Review from Sasha G.
10/30/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Randomly strolled into here for lunch earlier today. Of course I consulted Yelp (as I always do) and read all the raving reviews!
The place is a lot bigger than it looks from the outside able to easily accommodate about 50 people+ at any given time. Hostess seated us in the cozy back area. Given brunch menus. Water glasses came quickly.
Decided on the bacon cheeseburger ($13).
Boyfriend decided on the grilled tofu sandwich after the waitress said they were "all out" of the french dipped, whatever that meant.
I was pleasantly surprised by how GOOD the bacon cheeseburger was. Honestly, the cheese actually tasted like regular cheddar which is a great thing for a non-vegan like me. I can't say the same for the "bacon" but it was enjoyable and it was the first time I've ever had it. The burger had vegan bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, mushrooms with onions, and a patty on a pretty big toasted sesame bun spread with chipotle "mayo." The patty tasted like a turkey burger (of course it wasn't) but it was good and meshed well with all the other ingredients and flavors. VERY heavy, filling and came with a side of your choice of: french fries, sweet potato fries or a salad. I chose the sweet potato fries. They were just MEH- didn't seem too fresh. More as if they were sitting under a heat lamp. Didn't stop me from eating them all though.
Of course I tried my boyfriend's dish, grilled tofu sandwich ($13); in fact, we switched... I gave him half of my burger and I ended up eating half of his tofu sandwich. I loved it. It was of course: grilled tofu with lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado and some kind of mayo served on some multi-grain bread. Really good- light yet fulfilling. Loved it- especially with the drippings of the balsamic dressing the bread soaked up from the side salad my boyfriend ordered.
Overall I liked Cafe Blossom. I'd definitely hit this place up again when I'm in the area... vegan deliciousness! The service was average, waitress really didn't come by too much, but the ambiance was very relaxing and semi-comforting. -
Review from christy c.
North Bergen, NJ
9/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Mmm... I heart you Cafe Blossom. I heart you more for your location.
Oh I will miss you when we move. :( -
Review from A K.
New York, NY
12/24/2011
I love the food here, but menu descriptions often seem to be 'approximate'. Why be so specific about the ingredients of a salad, for example, if several of them aren't going to be included? Today's salad was delicious the way it was served, but I really was looking forward to the sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds...I've had this experience with sandwiches, too.
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Review from samuel s.
Manhattan, NY
11/10/2011
I have been going to the more formal Blossom in Chelsea for years, and really love it- so was excited to try this place.
Blossom Cafe needs a little pruning to really be considered the "cafe" version of the more formal restaurant.
Here's the deal- the food is very good, portions are good, I really enjoyed all of what we ordered. I went with 2 friends and we all tried each others stuff. The taste is good- but what detracted from the experience were to me as important as the food.
SERVICE:
The service was spotty at best. The waitress was- (i know this sounds harsh but....) gurl was stupid. Every simple thing we asked her, was a total surprise- even to the mundane things like, "can I get a coffee." Her response was of complete shock and surprise. As if we were asking for a hamster covered in glitter. We were there for brunch and my friend asked for jam for her toast, which again was met by our waitress with the look of questioning and dismay......as if we grabbed her nose when asking "Do you have jam?" she disappeared and then came back and said "we dont have jam"- and walked away. What breakfast place doesnt have some kind of jam for toast? I mean come on. Thats like not having ketchup. I ordered coffee - and it took at least 12-15 minutes to get a cup- and it was served with nothing- no soy milk, no sugar, just a coffee- and when I asked for those basic elements- you guessed it the waitress looked as if I just asked for a blue kitten dredged in maple syrup.
Also- while we were sitting there- I guess he was a manager? or host? but someone who worked there, a tall man with dark hair- carried a HUGE fresh juice into some back room- grinning like a cheshire cat. Within about 25 seconds he walked back out of the mysterious door he went in and his shirt was COVERED with giant wet spots as if he threw the juice in his own face. Bazaar. What the F?
The room was really ugly. This is not a matter of opinion-its fact. The wall color was that of mucous, they put little to NO effort in making a nice environment. Even the decorative mini pumpkin on our table (it was October when we went) had a bight taken out of it- and was rotting. We are in NYC bitches! Get some fricken artwork- theres an abundance of it! Hire someone to do SOMETHING on the walls and make it a nicer space- this place could have been a subway sandwich shop. Its so surprising as Blossom in Chelsea is lovely.
The room was VERY VERY LOUD! Now Im a pretty young guy- I like a party and a raucous- but it was hard to hear the person across the table from me- the reason is so easily fixable- BLOSSOM! Add some fabric somewhere in your interior design to absorb the noise. Everything in the restaurant is a hard surface, All the noise just bounces around the long rectangular space, making what should be a lively environment just feel like you are in a noise tunnel.
So, I might go back there- but probably will just go to Blossom and chelsea. -
Review from Niambi M.
New York, NY
8/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
You make me happy when skies are gray, Soy Bacon Cheeseburger.
I'm lost without you, Seitan Marsala.
Thank you for being a friiiiend, French Toast and Blueberry Pancakes.
Where is the love Black Eyed Pea Cake? In my belly!!
Spaghetti Squash Alfredo, you spoil me.
Let's get it started Cherry Wood Smoked Tempeh!
I'm all shook up Cookies and Cream shake.
This is what Cafe Blossom does to a normally intelligent woman--reduces her to disturbing food-centered phraseology.
One of my NYC favs :)Listed in: My Favorite Veg Spots, Best Vegan Breakfast Thus Far
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Review from Whitney J.
Queens, NY
8/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm not vegan or vegetarian, but Blossom is right around the corner from work. I tried the Veggie Bacon Cheeseburger and was pleasantly surprised. The flavors were really wonderful, if the meal a bit messy.
Was it my favorite meal ever? No. Would I come here in a pinch? Sure.
It's a great place to check out if you're vegetarian or vegan, but if you're an omnivore you're probably better served spending less on a more satisfying meal elsewhere. -
Review from Nora Y.
Manhattan, NY
12/9/2011
The soy bacon cheeseburger was out of this world! So good and really filling I could only eat half and saved the rest for later. Also tried the crostini appetizer which was good, but something I could easily make at home. This place is not cheap but for the quality of food that you get I understand.
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Review from Marianella M.
Maywood, NJ
Please order the black eyed pea cakes. Talk about delicious. They only serve you two and you will not want to share after having one bite so share at your own risk. They serve it with a vegan style aioli and just thinking about it now has my mouth watering.
I ordered the soy bacon cheeseburger and who needs meat? The bacon was crisp, cheese as cheddery as it gets and "meat" was savory down to the last bite.
I am a french fry fanatic and so could be a tough judge. Sweet potato french fries?? Not the best. Some were burned and others were soggy. Will pass next time or who knows maybe it was a bad batch.
I had their slice of chocolate cake for dessert and could only eat 1/4 of it. It was not bad at all just very rich and felt that I could eat it as a late night snack for the following 3 days instead of going into a diabetic shock on my first visit to Cafe Blossom.
Wait staff embraced the bohemian spirit of this vegan feel good restaurant perfectly. No one rushed us and and they were very knowledgable of each item on the menu.
Can't wait to go again...I am feeling like a soy bacon cheeseburger and peanut butter shake...talk about comfort food. Yummy. -
Review from Andrea C.
Manhattan, NY
11/19/2011
Their food is divine, the decoration/ambient is classy, the desserts are memorable, and the staff is very polite. I feel very lucky and tempted for living just 10 blocks away: this is the place my family and I would love to go all the time! But unfortunately you pay for the quality you get, so I wouldn't call the meals affordable. This is definitely a place to treat yourself and your friends.
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Review from Jess L.
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
My vegetarian friend and I came to Blossom to check out the dinner options. It was a glorious menu for vegetarians, and I'd say that the cuisine options were also all over the place (which some people like, though others want more cohesion in the menu options, I guess).
We started with the Sweet Potato Rolls (shredded coconut, jicama, carrot, red and yellow peppers, scallions, and avocado, with an almond ginger dipping sauce). I'd say, sadly, this was probably our least favorite of the dishes. I mean, it was definitely fresh and unique, but I was left wanting more flavor. For $12, it also seemed a bit meager. It also kept falling apart.
However, our main dishes kept us happy. My friend ordered the Southern Seitan Sandwich (with spiced breaded seitan, caramelized onions, avocado, chipotle aioli on rosemary focaccia), and it was really delicious. The aioli really did the trick. And I absolutely loved my Spaghetti Squash Alfredo (with mitaki mushrooms, leeks, slow roasted cherry tomatoes, cashew cream sauce). It was so unique and surprisingly light. I tried to save some to take home, but I couldn't help myself and just kept eating!
I like the realtively minimalist decor with nice candle mood lighting.Listed in: Vegetarian in NYC
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Review from Julie S.
7/24/2011
I have a long list of reasons why I want to move back to New York, and Cafe Blossom, quite honestly, is near the top of that list! The seitan sandwich is addictive (with avocado, carmelized onions, and foccacia); the desserts are great; and the entrees (while a bit overpriced--why no lunch portions?) are all inventive, fresh, and yummy. The atmosphere is also a perfect mix of casual and classy (and a bit romantic at night), and the service is always great.
I also regularly bring non-vegans here who always leaved satisfied, impressed, and excited to return.
Oh, Cafe Blossom, when will you discover the Cambridge, Massachusetts market that is in dire need of your deliciousness?!? Until you do, I will gladly take a 4 hour Megabus to rendezvous with you again... -
Review from Lauren L.
8/24/2011
I'd give this a 3.5 since I absolutely adore Blossom, Coco V, and V Note, but Cafe Blossom was kind of a let down.
We had the cherry tempeh and the soy bacon cheeseburger, both of which were good, but not knock my socks off delicious like V Note and Blossom are. Especially since I've had the cheeseburger at V Note, which was so amazing I practically licked my plate, I was disappointed.
What I found most strange was the design and atmosphere of Cafe Blossom. It was very bare bones and casual, but the prices didn't match the atmosphere at all. For the same price you can go to any of their other sister restaurants and get a much better meal in a much nicer place.
However, my server was very nice--even though I was expecting it to be terrible as other Yelpers mentioned--and both our beer and wine were great.
If I were in the 'nabe again, I'd go, but it wouldn't be my first choice. And I most certainly wouldn't take a carnivore here, as everything had a very strong soy taste. -
Review from Callie O.
New York, NY
10/23/2011
People keep mentioning the burgers, sandwiches and desserts in the reviews. I didn't try those, although maybe I should...I just had soup and salad.
I'm trying out a couple of new places to eat--and a place's vibe is pretty telling. If a place feels negative or unhappy like Cafe Blossom does to me, then the experience won't be a positive one. This cafe was no exception.
The black bean soup was really spicy and tasted 'off,' like it'd been sitting around on a radiator for a day and a half. I sent it back--the server was very nice about it and took it off the bill. The caesar salad was a pile of iceberg lettuce, smothered in a heavy, white, strange-tasting, pickly dressing. $3 extra for avocado on the salad--a hastily cut half of an avocado was dumped on top. Both dishes were badly flavored and carelessly and flatly presented. Both overspiced and overdressed.
A "pot of tea" is a tiny pot that holds one cup of tea. It's not a pot, it's a cup, and well, it's $4.
The decor is dark and tunnel-like with high ceilings. The middle of the tunnel is blocked by a wall-like structure that chokes the energy a bit. Hardly any customers on a Saturday afternoon.
In conclusion, I paid $24 for a pile of pickled mayo on lettuce and a cup of tea. So this place can reportedly do a burger, but not soup and salad. Allrighty then. -
Review from Jenteel P.
Scottsdale, AZ
6/16/2011
After all the raves, I HAD to order the soy bacon cheeseburger. Even though it's fake, I "don't do" veggie bacon. I'm just not into the "porky" taste. In this case, I decided to give it a shot. The "bacon" really worked with the mushrooms and added to the overall texture of the burger. It was very filling and enjoyable. I could not finish everything! Fries were also good. To accompany the meal, I got a chai milkshake. A little sweet, but very smooth and tasty.
Our waitress was very sweet and I love the fact that they didn't "rush us out". We sat and talked for quite a while after our meal. Cafe Blossom has a nice energy... I had been wanting to try this restaurant for quite a while and I am happy I did. I will be back! :) -
Review from Susan C.
New York, NY
10/24/2011
Amazing food, best fried green tomatoes ever and delightful atmosphere/staff. Thank you!
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Review from Meli J.
New York, NY
8/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been on a mission to try out all the vegan friendly restaurants in NYC. I came to this place and got an order to go; a French Dip and Southern Seitan Sandwich. I really *wish* I could give this place more than just two stars but if I am going to base it solely on their food that's what I'm going to have to give.
Let's start with what the actual menu says are on these two sandwiches:The French dip sandwich is a spiced breaded Seitan, caramelized onion, avocado, chipolte aioli on rosemary foccacia. The French Dip is a breaded seitan in gravy, fried eggplant, caramelized onion, mushroom duxelle, garlic butter on rosemary foccacia.
Got all that?
Well that's not what I got.
For someone who is a seitan worshipper this was one hell of a bad sandwich for $14.00. Was it the worst? No. But $14.00 for a few tiny pieces of breaded seitan that was not spicy slapped between two pieces of foccacia with a bare trace of "carmelized onion"?
The French Dip wasn't any better. That also did not taste like it had carmelized onion or mushroom anything on it.
This opinion is also shared by my boyfriend since we tried each other's sandwiches. On the way home the sandwiches smelled delicious in the bag so I wish I could give them a better rating but for that money I really can't. I can get food that is ten times better at the Cinnamon Snail Vegan Lunch Truck for $9.50 and double the size.
The place itself was narrow, dimly lit and had mostly tables that seated two. They did have a long nice bar area and their juices smelled fantastic. I can't really give an opinion on that because I haven't tried it. Would I come here again? Sure. For a juice or smoothie. Not food. Trying two disappointing sandwiches at $14 bucks a piece was enough for me. -
Review from Susan C.
Redmond, WA
10/20/2011
Forest juice, quinoa salad, southern seitan sandwich, sweet potato fries = amazing.
Great location, atmosphere, service.
Go. -
Review from Canny F.
Brooklyn, NY
8/17/2011
I ordered take out in the morning so I was limited options on the menu.
Crostini tapas - came with so little. It was good tho. I wanted more!!
Mash potatoes- normal
Autumn Sweet potato rolls-interesting and yummy! Must try!
Grilled asparagus-normal
Sauteed greens-it was kale, normal
Mixed mushrooms - 2nd best option. Mushrooms are just great! -
Review from Rebecca S.
New York, NY
5/12/2011
I love the food here, and I'm NOT a vegan. Had a delicious soup and appetizer (and chai tea latte), friend had a sandwich. Loved sitting outside on this beautiful spring day.
I will 100% be going back here :) -
Review from Jackie V.
Miami, FL
12/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
So excited to have found Cafe Blossom using "Happy Cow", a vegan/vegetarian online website, as my saving grace referrals for vegan delights! Blossom has a cool stylish, calm ambience, located in the heart of the upper west side of Manhattan, NYC It appears to draw in health conscious, animal loving clients who truly want to nourish their body with vegan friendly dishes without compromising taste or flair. Ok, so I started off with the mushroom ravioli, lightly bathed in a truffle oil. Wow, was this oh so delicious! I felt like I wanted a second serving, perhaps because it was a bit "smaller" than I expected with 3 large raviolis grazing the petite plate, but more likely because it was so enriched in tasty flavor, engaging every taste bud on my tongue! it was truly hard to split this appetizer, but I kept reminding myself that "sharing is caring", and I am in the holiday spirit, soooo I held back, and patiently waited for my main dish. As the server approached our table, the song "Ave Maria" played silently in my mind, as this soy bacon cheeseburger grazed our table. I chose this dish, one because I hadn't tried "vegan bacon" yet, and wanted to see how it would pair with a soy burger, and two I may have been a tad bit hung over from the night before as I am on vacation, and as my therapist recommended, "enjoy and relax", so I did, and now I was craving comfort type food. :) This burger was was to die for! Initially my plan after seeing it was to have half of it, and take the rest back as left overs....but...I ate the whole thing! LOL It was grand! Obviously by now, I had no more room for dessert, however, as satisfied as I was, I didn't feel heavy or run down. We hit the city for some site seeing shortly after, and were fueled and energized all day long! Next time I will split the burger, and have my own mushroom appetizer... then dessert!l :) Bravo Cafe Blossom, you were great choice!!!
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Review from Auriana J.
Newark, NJ
11/21/2011
Really good food, -2 stars for the atmosphere and staff. I definitely agree with most of the other posters that they are rude- it seemed like they were constantly rushing just to get out of there...every time they filled my glass with water I'd smile and say thank you and they didn't even look at me! Super annoying. When I think vegan cafe, I think chill, happy atmosphere- this was more snobby and uninviting. But the food definitely is good!
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Review from Kirsten S.
New York, NY
4/20/2011
I feel a little let down. I'm an ex-vegan, current-pesca, and essentially open to most weird vegetable concoctions, and everything I had was good. That, unfortunately, is where it ended.
Blossom in Chelsea got 5 stars in my book, but this location fell short for a number of reasons. My dad always said that comparison is the thief of joy. Clearly, he was right, because here are a whole bunch of comparisons for you that make me feel sad about Blossom UWS.
1. BC (Blossom Chelsea) made me feel like the food I was eating was fit for a foodie. There's not a chance that Red Bamboo or Peacefood would be able to create the same culinary experience. BW (Blossom Upper West Side) was a bit lunchy. Perhaps it was what I ordered-- seitan sandwich and a spinach salad-- but it could be recreated.
2. BC was small, dimly lit, and swanky/cozy at the same time. BW was roomy and open, and while it was a nice change it really didn't make me feel like it was anything special for what they charged.
3. BC's servers were professional and serious but always took care of what we needed. BW's staff was extremely aloof and not on top of the service at all. We waited quite a while for water, extra plates, ANYONE to check in on us and see how our meal was going, etc.
I may come back here for lunch, but I'm not thrilled. If I'm going to pay $20 per entree, I'd rather make the trek to Chelsea. -
Review from Abby M.
Manhattan, NY
9/23/2011
I am in love. True love. I was sad when you took the BLT off the menu, and sadder when you changed the menu such that your caesar salad no longer included your special bacon (I recommend ordering it with, btw), but nonetheless...You are my favorite vegan restaurant in the City, hands down. For some reason, the UWS location has about a thousand times better juju than the 9th Ave location. LOVELOVELOVE
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Review from Yoni G.
Teaneck, NJ
8/25/2011
I haven't yet been to the other blossom branches, but Cafe Blossom blew my mind! Definitely go for the cheeseburger and the parfait for dessert (though the sandwiches are also delicious).
The foods and flavors are so dynamic; they really know how to cook!
