- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
The Pump Energy Food - CLOSED
Category: Food Juice Bars & Smoothies Juice Bars & Smoothies [Edit]
40 W 55th St(between Avenue Of The Americas & 5th Ave)
New York, NY 10019
Neighborhood: Midtown West
(212) 246-6844
- Nearest Transit:
-
57 St (F)
5 Av/53 St (E, M)
5 Av/59 St (N, Q, R)
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wi-Fi:
- No
Yanoh J. said: "I am not a vegetarian, but a couple of my co-workers are. I decided to try this place after a co-worker brought it in and the aroma filled the room. I got food from the buffet style set up. I love how they are pretty clear about using…" read more »
37 reviews for The Pump Energy Food
Review Highlights
-
"I am addicted to Crystal Light." In 3 reviews -
"...much better than the turkey burger I always defaulted to." In 4 reviews -
"...this dude ate at Pump every day for 2 months last summer..." In 3 reviews
Loading...
37 reviews in English
-
Review from Elizabeth E.
Raleigh, NC
11/27/2011
The lazy health nut in me (oxymoron, I know) loves this place. I discovered it when I had an extended stay at a hotel a few steps away and by my third visit, the people behind the counter not only knew my name, but we had a secret handshake as well.
This place rocks. The food tastes like actual food, it's decently healthy (good ingredients and minimal additives/preservatives), and there's a wide enough selection to where you're not eating the same thing each and every day. I refuse to eat fast food unless I'm very, very drunk (aka delusional) and/or on a road trip, so places like this are my best friend when I don't feel like cooking or sitting down for a meal at a restaurant.
Team pump! -
Review from Daniel B.
9/12/2011
Kind of like Chipotle but without the focus on Mexican food. You get your food fast, but it's not fast food, it's "real" food. Even its setup is very Chipotle-ish (with the food put together in front of you), as is the website.
The idea seem to be that everything is nutritious and low calorie, not "bad" for you, yet still tasty and filling. I had the "calorie-counter" turkey plate, not because I was counting calories, but because I felt like turkey. It was pretty filling, and after browsing their nutrition info, I was shocked to learn they list it at only 306 calories. I thought that was b.s., but after doing the math myself, they may be right (though maybe it'd go up to 350 or 400, given variation in serving size and whatever, but still.) My friend had one of the wraps and liked it. It was huge, the size of a Chipotle burrito or so, but less than 600 calories, per their info.
I'd come here again for lunch. I don't care about the calories so much, but it was nice to get food that wasn't drenched in grease/oil, etc. These are, like, normal portions. Of actual food. How novel! -
Review from Alex S.
4/13/2011
I hate when a place gets crappy reviews for bad reasons. Like the people who give 1 star to Five Guys because of their lack of vegetarian options. It's just not what they do. I feel the same need to defend Pump from similar somewhat misinformed bad reviews. Each (good) restaurant has its own little niche. Pump is no exception.
Coming from someone who cooks their own food and eats healthy, this place is cheap (for midtown). Yeah, it's $10-12 for lunch but so is a burger and fries. And ground beef and potatoes aren't exactly the most expensive ingredients. On the flip side, I just ate braised grass-fed beef, brown rice, sweet potatoes, fresh steamed spinach, lentils, and roasted red pepper sauce for the same price. And it doesn't lack flavor, it lacks grease. There's a difference. My sweet potatoes tasted just like sweet potatoes. Whodathunkit!? The snozzberries taste like snozzberries!
The people who think this place is expensive don't cook their own food, and probably don't eat healthy very often.
I always get the plates and they're always filling and delicious. I see a lot of bad reviews concerning the falafel or other normally deep-fried offerings.
To those people: Let me drop a knowledge bomb on your ass. You're ordering something that you've probably only ever eaten deep fried. Of COURSE it's going to be bland. Geez. It's like ordering your french fries baked with no butter and then complaining that they're dry. DUURRR -
Review from Marissa C.
Jersey City, NJ
Updated - 4/13/2011
So I was initially very disappointed to hear that they have dropped the turkey burger from their menu but they did so because it was too processed and didn't fit in with their philosophy and theme. 1) Valid point and 2) I respect that. Their 12 hour marinated shredded turkey is DELICIOUS and much better than the turkey burger I always defaulted to.
I love the new additions Pump.. keep doing what you are doing :)
and thank you for keeping the Peanut Butter Dream shake.. I'll be by for one soon!Listed in: What's for Lunch?
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/21/2011
I'd say that I don't understand the bad reviews, but since I've ordered lunch here with friends who… Read more »
-
-
Review from Shambavi K.
Jackson Heights, NY
6/20/2011
i've been here a few times. however, every time i went, it was because i had a $5 off coupon or it was a company expense. I like the food and ingredients for the most part. I feel like i can rely on the place to give me healthy "sans crap" food. I love their "taco salad" with the 12-hr turkey and guac. the bison meatballs are great too. But generally i just cant see myself paying 12 bucks for a salad for the number of times i have gone there. the people working there are nice about substitutions.
food is tasty.. no doubt about it. -
Review from Sarah H.
Upper East Side, Manhattan, NY
2/7/2011
Ok.
I ordered everything possible and it came out to $15. Not bad. Variety is better than a normal deli but this is not that special. Clean food if you need it. -
Review from Peter K.
11/16/2008
Thanks to Seamless web I can spend more time at the office without worrying about running around for dinner. I had a desire to eat healthy so I ordered falafels, a pizza and a grilled lemon chicken salad. The delivery was fast.
Have you ever taken a bite into something, then let the food fall out of your mouth?
Holee molee, this food is downright tasteless. The falafels were baked instead of fried, but were dry as sandpaper. The pizza made with non-fat mozzarella, low-sodium sauce and whole wheat crust was worse than Papa's John's wheat pizza [http://www.yelp.com/bi.... I never thought it was possible. The highlight was the salad but even the ginger dressing could not absolve the prior food for its transgressions against taste.
I was able to hold all of the guilt because for the first time in my life I voluntarily fasted for dinner.
I know, the food is supposed to be healthy, but wow. There's got to be healthy options that are edible. Thanks to Pump, I am doomed to obesity.
IFHTP 1Listed in: Pedro Yelp Map
-
Review from Melanie R.
Queens, NY
11/12/2007
This location only gets 2 stars because it sent me into a state of utter disappointment and frustration. I used to order from the 31st Street location when I worked down there, and they were ALWAYS good. What happened to this one?
The first time I ordered from the 55th Street Pump, I got my usual: Turkey Burger with Non-Fat Mozzerella. Not hard, right? Except they sent me chicken breast (which I don't like from there...it's dry). So, I called them and asked for a replacement. When they sent the replacement, it was a very undercooked Turkey Burger. Just in case you're not familiar with turkey temperatures, that=NOT HEALTHY. It was PINK inside. So now I realized I've just eaten a bite of half raw ground turkey. YUM. I called them back, screamed and demanded a refund (on Seamless) and swore them off.
The other star is because I like their rice milk shakes and their soups. Also, I feel bad for the 31st Street location to have a bastard brother like this.
UPDATE:
Ok, ok...so I went crawling back, because I really missed my favorite things from the menu and I thought that maybe a couple months would remedy the quality of the food. I was pleasantly satisfied with the dishes. Yay! I can eat steamed sweet potatoes and baked turkey burgers once again. The only problem is that sometimes they take over 2 hours (YES, TWO HOURS) to get me my food. All the while, their phones are busy and I can't get a status on my order. I'm upping my stars to 3, but only for the increase in food quality. -
Review from Nicole Rynee B.
San Francisco, CA
8/19/2007
Officially: The Pump Energy Food.
Yummy. Healthy. Quick. What more do you need to know?
Well, here's a bit more: Veggies and meats all fresh, no salt added to anything, nothing fried and TONS of protein! Happy Girl!
I ordered a Jr. Lean Body. Because well ... After all, don't we all want our bodies to be/stay lean ... ;) Yummy chicken breast, steamed spinach, tomatoes and peppers topped with soy mozzarella. The Jr. was the perfect size to fill my li'l belly so that I didn't starve until dinner time. Wait, they call that lunch, right?
And they serve Crystal Light! Woop Woop ... I am addicted to Crystal Light. Pathetic I know, but it helps me down ooooooooodles of water daily.
Overall, a great find for some yummy food without the guilt! -
Review from Alessa M.
3/3/2010
They get points for being environmentally friendly, but I'm kinda gonna stop there. I came here years ago but never came back, it gets so incredibly crowded at lunch time, then the sandwich tastes like eating cardboard. Seriously I've tasted healthy food that didn't feel like sand in my mouth.
The calorie count is great, but I wish they would adopt some flavor for the prices people buy for sandwhich (I can imagine what a whole plate would cost).
Good: Calorie count, friendly staff
Bad: NEVER GO DURING LUNCH, EVER! and for the prices it needs to not taste like crap. -
Review from Kaite M.
Brooklyn, NY
2/24/2011
They give you stingy portions, its expensive, and the pricing is inconsistent. When looking at the menu its very hard to tell what your food is going to come out to with the different combinations.
Food is ok, but the falafel ball is very bland and dry. -
Review from patrick c.
New York, NY
2/6/2009
How the hell do people give this place 5 stars? THis is the worst health food chain of them all. The food is disgusting. I would prefer recharge or energy kitchen over Pump.
My egg pita was soggy and my chicken sandwich was gross.
The chicken was actually undercooked and pink but i dont see how this was possible because the chicken definitely didnt seem like fresh chicken it looked like the type that is frozen and pre cooked.
the drinks are foul!
Grilled Lemon Chicken Sandwich- Disgusting
Eight-Inch Pie Super gross
Baked, Not Fried! Falafel- THE WORST falafels ive ever had in my life!
Brain Prep Energy Shake- did i pay 3.55 for crystal light?
Humus with Pita- Only decent thing that i ordered...
never again will i order from pump energy food. -
Review from Kris D.
NY
1/3/2007
I love the Pump! The food is so tasty and they have an option to satisfy any craving -- pies, cookies, pizza, whatever.... you can enjoy a delicious meal without feeling guilty. Their prices are reasonable, and they throw in perks as well, such as a coupon for a free item with every meal purchase. Plus, I love that the portions are large enough to fill you up -- i usually end up with leftovers...
The one downside is their tiny, cramped space. It definitely has all the warmth of a hospital room. Oh well -- get your meal to go or have it delivered... -
Review from Mario B.
New York, NY
8/28/2008
Just had some Pump today - and I am still hungry. I get it, its health food, but seriously, I needed to buy a burger king angus burger to feel full afterwards. I had the turkey burger and hummus wrap. It wasn't bad going down, but just not fulfilling. . .
There is this urban legend out there that this dude ate at Pump every day for 2 months last summer, and lost 30 pounds. That's the story - I heard it again today. So, if this appeals to you, just disregard my review, and eat all the hummus and tuna wraps to your heart's content. I'm sticking to real food. peace. -
Review from Annie H.
4/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
Hmm, not quite certain why all the bad reviews for this place :(
I first was introduced to The Pump Energy food when they were giving out free samples at NYSC. That day, I had the DIesel, which is vegetarian chili over brown rice with your choice of protein. They served tofu that day, and I fell in love. I never knew eating healthy and eating VEGETARIAN would be so tasty!
Now, I am still wary of "healthy" eating... so I never try anything else on the menu. So I can't comment on all the other things they serve, which sometimes tend to sound cardboardish and uninspiring... and basically make you run for the nearest McDonald's.
I've been to the one on 3rd and 50something... and today was the first time I've been to this location on 55th street. I ordered on Seamless web and picked up around 2pm... only 5 people in the shop and it was quick and painless.
The chili was not as tasty as I remembered... or just not as tasty as the one at the other location on the East Side, but still pretty good for what it is. I'd go back again :) -
Review from jen b.
New York, NY
4/1/2010
I'm so happy The Pump is around. If you're working out, trying to get in shape, and want to eat clean, it's a great place for guilt free food.
My favorite things are: the 'Western Twist' - egg whites w/onions, peppers, and bison burger in a whole wheat wrap. I sometimes have them add fat free mozzarella and spinach. It's so filling and quite yummy - it looks like a healthy burrito and it seriously keeps me full for hours! My favorite platter is the 'Baseball' - it's chicken, onions, tomatoes, tahini, and honey mustard over spinach and brown rice. I also love their baked potato or sweet potato sides.
For desserts their sweet potato/banana pie w/egg protein is Mmmmm, or, for a no guilt snack w/coffee, their blueberry protein muffin is excellent. No butter/oil/sugar in their desserts - where can you find that in midtown?
Now, here are my problems with The Pump: their proteins are always overcooked, the chicken is dry, the burgers are tough, etc. Their cooked veggies (spinach) are also steamed to the max and I wonder if all the vitamins have been evaporated, and they use a lot of iceburg lettuce.
I think they are remedying the fact that they had limited salad options (my other gripe) and their new location on 52nd/3rd has a nice salad bar and better fresh veggie/healthy options (I've heard)...I can't wait to try this locale.
One last problem is their location. At lunchtime it is jam packed - the place is teeny tiny. I'd rather call in my order and wait 90 min (their delivery is sloooowwww if you don't order early)...
If you're not in the fitness mindset, you might find this food flavorless, boring, yucky, but I swear, it will fill you up, keep you energized and can help you lose weight. -
Review from Jen S.
6/13/2010
Recently I went here with friends, for a quick dinner.
I'm torn.
On the one hand: Healthy options! Low-sodium options! YAY!
On the other hand....I've had better food.
Now, I'm basing this on one bowl of chicken vegetable soup (it was good - and it was nice to have a lower sodium option that wasn't darn near tasteless), the pita that accompanied it (dry, dry, dry), and a glass of carrot apple juice (tasted fine, but was obviously juiced much earlier, not to order).
I'll happily try this place again, although it's a little out of the way for me if I'm coming from either work or home, simply because I really want to have healthy options, so I'm willing to give other items on the menu a try.
However, I do so with a sense of apprehension since 2 of my 3 items were less that stellar. Edible, not disgusting, just.....not what they could be, y'know? -
Review from Nicole W.
New York, NY
7/16/2010
Awful.
Ordered delivery and was hoping for something healthy and still vaguely tasty. I know finding delicious healthy food isn't always possible so I didn't set my expectations ridiculously high. I was still severely disappointed.
I ordered the falafel sandwich. The falafel is baked, not fried, so I didn't expect the best ever. But I thought it would at least taste good. No. The tahini was also terrible. Overall just a complete disappointment.
Also got a side of fruit and pita chips. They can't call them chips because they aren't crispy but instead seemed stale. I think it's probably that they weren't dried out enough though. And the fruit was not fresh.
All in all, no good. And because I barely ate any of it, I'm still hungry. Thanks. -
Review from Louise P.
Updated - 4/6/2011
They finally reopened after their remodeling and they stopped serving breakfast. I'm so sad about this. Now to hunt for a new breakfast burrito...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/28/2010
During the summer they had a table set up outside every day with samples of their breakfast burrito,… Read more »
-
-
Review from John P.
Jackson Heights, NY
4/29/2011
Incredibly disappointed! I was so excited to try their food. The first time I ate there (this past Tuesday) I had the Moroccan 500 Wrap - it was delicious but I had to run to the bathroom a few hours later - I thought it was a fluke because I had a spinach salad the night before and I know salmonella can be a problem with spinach - or maybe just too much fiber in my diet. So I went today and had a plate with brown rice, Mom's Lean braised beef, mushrooms, broccoli and sweet potatoes. Again, 3 hours later, I had to run to the bathroom - twice! I had no issues yesterday or Wednesday. Twice in one week is no coincidence - this place has some issues or is putting some kind of laxative in their food! I have since filed a complaint with the city - it'll be interesting to know what they find out!
-
Review from Karen D.
New York, NY
9/24/2010
I wish I could give this place 0 stars. I actually have never had something as disgusting as the baked falafel over salad. The falafel tasted like someone breaded a sponge with crushed dog food and baked it. The dressing options were oil & vinegar, hot sauce, and honey mustard. The honey mustard was basically just Gulden's yellow mustard (not really my first pick for salad dressing.) There was no one in there when I ordered yet it took 20 minutes to get this sorry excuse for a salad, which was 10 dollars. I get that it is supposed to be healthy but I couldn't even bring myself to eat it, which is pretty rare for me. I can't believe this is the same place as the Pump in FIDI which is awesome.
-
Review from Deborah H.
New York, NY
11/12/2009
Wow, I have no idea how this place is as busy as it is. I came by solely because I got a free lunch coupon at the NYC Marathon Expo (hollahhhhh). After combing through disgruntled Yelp reviews, I settled on the Dionysus. Whole grain pasta with tahini, grilled chicken, and veggies. It was exactly as I expected: dry, tasteless, and uninspired. Oh well. It was big (and unappetizing) enough to feed me for two days. I would never, ever in my right mind pay any amount of money for this.
-
Review from Nicole R.
New York, NY
1/6/2011
This location just reopened this week and I just started working in the area so I was pleased to find out it is only a couple of blocks away. The menu is 100% up my alley and was so thrilled with the seasonal veggies....I LOVE brussel sprouts and spaghetti squash! I got the "squash it" and substituted tofu for chicken. Additionally, Vital Juice was doing a promo with them and offering complimentary cold pressed juices. Even though they were not offering the flavor I wanted, Duke was kind enough to hook me up with some green ginger and lemon juice! I had the green juice before my after work spin class and it helped me push through. Thanks Duke! I will defintiely go back and add it to my lunch repertoire in my work hood.
-
Review from David P.
New York, NY
2/24/2011
Place just underwent renovations (55th st location) and now it is faster. Before it took a while to get your food, but the menu options now are more limited.
The big problem is now they are stingy and penny pinching. For example only 4 meatballs per plate? Give me a break. Lady also gave me a weird look when I took a bunch of napkins.
So in general, they give you less food but charge slightly more. A plate with hummus costs $12, which is way more than other comparable places. -
Review from Chelsea J.
New York, NY
1/2/2007
After as awful of a review as the girl beneath me gave, I do this warily, but I've always been very satisfied. Their food is good and good for you. You don't feel gross after you eat it, which is such a nice change. I like their Baseball plate, and they've got a few good sandwiches, too. I highly recommend it.
Listed in: Workin' Nine To Five
-
Review from Samantha L.
Manhattan, NY
7/11/2011
I like to come here to grab a quick, reasonably priced lunch. Their build-your-own-bowl options keep me full for hours and they have enough variety in their selection so you feel like you're eating something new each time. A little pricy for take-out, but overall a healthy, quick alternative to other lunch options in the area.
-
Review from elizabeth b.
New York, NY
7/1/2006
I love this place! One of the few truly diet friendly places without having to make a thousand special requests. The popeye super-charged plate is enough for 2 meals (they don't do portion sizes well...) and it delicious! With a little hot sauce, it's one of my faves. The only 8 yogurt is great, too. Kind of like a tasti d lite...I don't know why there aren't storefronts. The pite pockets are a good size and decent value, but doesnt deliver particularly well. I just found out that there's one that will deliver to my apartment and am due to be on a first-name basis with the delivery man soon!
-
Review from Carmen O.
Manhattan, NY
9/30/2009
The hummus is delicious! I found the Western Twist wrap very good too, but the falafels were extremely bland.
-
Review from Nina C.
8/9/2005
A cozy (read small) place for lunch, especially during peak lunch hours. Healthy food for the healthy minded (and me). Try the turkey burger - not the usual dry puck of meat! Beware, if you need a soda with lunch, you better bring it with you, because the only drinks they serve here are smoothies and Crystal Light! http://www.thepumpener...
-
Review from MARIANA L.
New York, NY
10/13/2005
If you're a really strict health/bodybuilder freak, this is the place for you. Very specific in the protein, no extra calories, no unnecessary fat. This menu was created for the gym-bunny in mind. Lots of juice blends, protein-specific dishes, etc. Decor is what you expect from a bunch of jocks, but that's not why you're here. For dessert, they have a no-sugar, no-egg, no-dairy pumpkin pie that, shockingly, tastes better than the real thing...
-
Review from Jennifer W.
Edgewater, NJ
5/12/2011
Awesome if you want a reasonably priced, delicious and healthy lunch. Hard to find all three in Midtown West!
-
Review from jason d.
Brooklyn, NY
3/25/2011
The manager here tries to overcharge if you let him. A market plate comes with 3 vegetables but he rang up myself and the 3 people ahead of me as if they were additional sides to the meal. When I called him out on it he told me I could pay or not. Needless to say I'm done with that place. Other pump locations have been solid though.
-
Review from steve s.
Brooklyn, NY
8/4/2008
Just got a Rookie Burger ($7.69) from the 55th St location and am sitting at my desk wishing i hadn't for two reasons: 1. almost a completely bland taste experience; 2. I can already feel myself getting hungry again. The burger itself tasted like something i might have thrown together in college when I wanted to use up extra ingredients. In other words, the combination of meat, onions, peppers, tomato sauce, pita seems to make sense but lacks any particular quality worth savoring. The most disappointing part was the meat which was pretty flavorless and dry. The sandwich seemed limp and flattened down, probably prepared ahead of time and microwaved. So in my mind this place is an attempt at healthy fast food. But given the price paid, the small serving size and the bland taste, I'll gladly spend my money at another sandwich counter.
-
Review from Jill D.
New York, NY
7/28/2006
While I was delighted to have a healthy option in the neighborhood, after I got a salad with a dead fly in it and my colleague got a salad with a rock in it (which is not, I suppose, particularly healthy) over the course of a couple of weeks, I considered not returning to The Pump. However, I contacted The Pump to see if they could explain or apologize or maybe give me some compensation for the dead fly incident. Nope - they first read me the riot act for waiting two days to let them know, then said I wasn't showing "respect" to them for suggesting that their food wasn't good and for "upsetting" them, and THEN said I should be happy that they'd gotten it right the other times I visited. There was also something else in her mad rant about how I must be lying since I had said the fly was whole and not squished - I did not really follow - apparently, most of the flies that come with their salads are squished, I must have got a bum one. I would have been happy with an apology and a $10 credit, but alas, I got an earful of abuse and, frankly, psychosis. Anyway, after a couple gross incidents like the fly and rock, my whole office is off the Pump.
-
Review from Wafa Y.
New York, NY
12/10/2009
I only tasted a shake and it was very original : beat, carrot; ginger, apple and cucumber for 5$. Good juice. I have to try a salad for lunch!
-
Review from Ella Z.
New York, NY
9/19/2008
I just had lunch @ Pump and had to open an ad hoc Yelp account just so I could write a review about this place.
I've eaten here more times than I'd like to admit, each time desperately hoping that it would be different (kinda like getting stuck in a bad relationship and trying way too hard to make it work).
The concept and philosophy of this place is laudable--the food, not so much.
Do not bother with guacamole; I didn't know that 'no fat' meant it's supposed to taste and have a texture of minestrone soup.
I ordered baked tofu for the first time today (at $5--SIDE ORDER) and it came in one of those small soup containers (super tiny portion!), but in my case that turned out to be a mixed blessing. It was gummy and extremely hard to chew on (my stomach is still in a state of disbelief--I can still feel those little unchewable and indestructible chunks floating aimlessly through my digestive system).
I only tried one of their 'healthy smoothies' (I think strawberry banana) and it tasted like some cheap artificial juice (think Ocean Spray) mixed in with a bunch of crushed ice in it.
Their 'hold the guilt' pie is edible, as is their 'natural burger'. Everything else is pretty bland and pretty blah.
I feel so bad about writing this review especially because I work in the area and am in dire need of decent lunch food (the only other place I frequent is Pret), but i couldn't help it--actually my acid reflux made me do it. -
Review from Bruce S.
New York, NY
3/16/2009
ok, where do we start. this is amateur hour! what the hell happened to this place? It used to be great, now i cant even eat here. First- it took them years to post their nutritional information. What took so long? Then they build this new website, which is brutal. The food is overpriced and under flavored. Their delivery is worst of all. There are plenty of places to spend our hard earned money, this aint one of them.
