Cafe 11 Review

Where  is Cafe 11 located?

Cafe 11 is located at 11 Broadway Ave, right at the bottom of Manhattan Island. It is directly across from Bowling Green (home of the famous Wall St Charging Bull), and just steps away from Battery Park. 

Cafe 11 has the distinct advantage of being one of the only restaurants that is directly accessible by public transport from any of the 5 New York boroughs. 

The Staten Island Ferry docks just minutes (2 to 3, walking) away. The BM18, M20, Downtown Connection, SM2, SM32 and SM34 bus lines all stop at Battery Place, just outside Battery Park. 

The 2, 3, 4, 5, N, R, W, J, and Z trains all stop at nearby (2-min walk, max) subway stations, and the NJ PATH train stops at the World Trade Center, which is a pleasant 8-minute walk. 

If you must drive… just don’t. There is barely ever available street parking near Bowling Green. 

In any case, you really can’t get a more readily accessible restaurant than Cafe 11.

What time is Cafe 11 open?

Cafe 11 is open from 8AM to 5PM, Monday through Thursday, and 8AM to 2PM on Fridays. The Cafe is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Before you get mad (‘what kind of cafe is closed on Sunday?!?’), please remember that Cafe 11 primarily serves the kosher-eating financiers and business-people that work in the Wall St area… which is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. 

What is the vibe at Cafe 11?

Cafe 11 is take-out only. And true to their Wall St home, they move fast. You can wait in line for 5 minutes, they’ll take your order, wait another minute or two… and you’re out, lunch in tow. 

Do I need to make a reservation?

Just to be perfectly clear- Cafe 11 is take-out only. There is no seating. If you don’t know where to eat, try looking for a bench at Battery Park. A delicious picnic lunch, with a view of the Statue of Liberty. What could be better? You can also try to find a spot directly outside the Cafe, at Bowling Green. That’s a great place to people-watch while you enjoy your food. 

Do they deliver?

Yes, Cafe 11 delivers. If ordering locally, you can order for free via the cafe website. Cafe 11 does not deliver north of the World Trade Center (Barclay Street/ Beekman Street).

What kind of food do they serve?

Cafe 11 is the ultimate business-persons cafe. They serve coffee- hot and fast- and quick breakfast, lunch or brunch options. Bagels, with the easy fixings, quick salads, sushi and sandwiches. They also have wraps, pastries, cold drinks and soups. The wait time is practically non-existent. Even though there was a line when I visited (on a Thursday, at 1), I was served within minutes, and out again in 10. 

What is on the menu at Cafe 11?

These are a few of the items that I have tasted, and loved, in the past:

Firstly, sushi.

Cafe 11 has an incredible sushi menu. Every roll is fresh and hand-made to order, and tastes perfect. My favorites are Alaskan Roll and the Black Pepper Salmon Roll, and they deliver beautifully on both. 

Also on the sushi menu are Sushi Salad, Nigiri, Sashimi and Kani (mock-crab) Salad. I have not tasted any of these, but after the quality of their sushi, I can imagine they are spectacular. 

Greek Salad.

Featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onions, and feta cheese. Sometimes these pre-packaged salads taste soggy and gross; the Cafe’s Greek Salad was fresh, crisp and delicious. There was a sign that said ‘made fresh today’, and I absolutely believe them. 

Bagels.

THIS is the Cafe’s mainstay. These are the famous NY bagels, and they are so, so good. You can buy one of these, plain, and down it in under a minute, or you can ask them to fill it with pretty much anything. Tuna? Egg Salad? Cream Cheese? Sure! 

Soup.

They’ve been known to have the best Vegetable Soup (to-go) in Manhattan, but Cafe 11 have also been known to sell out- fast. If it is available, especially in cold weather, grab a cup of this. You will not regret it. 

What else is on the menu?

• Bagels & Baguettes
• Fruits & Yogurt
• Drinks
• Salads
• Sushi
• Sandwiches
• Danishes & Muffins

What is the best dish at the Cafe?

Bagel with Lox and Cream Cheese. Add a tomato slice, slivers of purple onion, and black olives if you are feeling adventurous, and you are golden. The bagels at the cafe are fresh and delicious, and this is the best breakfast, or lunch, or pick-me-up – at any time of the day. 

What Hashgacha are they under?

Cafe 11 is under the Kosher supervision of the OU. All food is Chalav Yisrael, and all breads are Pas Yisrael. 

Does the Cafe serve drinks?

Cafe 11 has hot coffees and teas, and standard cold drinks like Coke, Snapple and juices.

If you are visiting in the winter, get a Hot Chocolate. (You can add a shot of espresso if that’s your thing.) I don’t know what they put into it, but it is hot and creamy and delicious. 

Are there vegan/ vegetarian options on the menu?

Yes, there are vegan options on the menu! You can order a Vegetable Sushi roll, or a Vegetable Soup, or any Bagel with vegetables. The Avocado Salad is also really good, with mixed greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes and cucumber. 

All the food at the Cafe is vegetarian, as the restaurant is certified Kosher dairy. 

Is Cafe 11 kid-friendly?

There is no specific kids menu at the Cafe, but a lot of the food there could be great for little kids. And when in doubt- plain bagel. 

Are they wheelchair accessible?

Technically, yes. Just to remind you- there is no seating at Cafe 11. (Did I mention that? Google has not gotten the memo yet, apparently.) 11 Broadway does have wheelchair access, and the Cafe is in the lobby, so it’s fairly easy to access. 

Does Cafe 11 serve desserts?

There are pastries available in the morning (they sell out fast, though). There are not really any other dessert options, but you can grab a yogurt parfait (fruit and granola) if you are after something sweet.  

Final Thoughts

Cafe 11 is a must-stop if you are in the area. It is fast, the food is great, and the people that work there are extremely efficient. For my lunch of Bagel with Lox and Cream Cheese, plus a hot coffee, I paid just over $13. Amazing.