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Korean Food at Cafe Duke
If you read this blog every day, I’m sure you get the general idea of my taste. I’m not really into those delis that litter midtown with their “choice”. Choice to me is
“Do I get my combo with the pork fried rice, or lo mein?”. I consider most sandwiches kind of boring, and I never imagined I could eat a salad for lunch. That is, until I met the Variety Cafe… and I let my guard down. I allowed myself to fall in love with this Variety Cafe place, and their wonderful salad bar for fat people… only to have my heart ripped in half by their disregard for serving said salad without rodent droppings.
“I’ll never eat at a deli/salad bar place again” I said to myself (I use slashes when I talk- that’s pronounced “deli slash salad bar”), that is, until I found Cafe Duke. From the outside it looks like your typical Manhattan lunch place. The name, the decor, the salad bar, buffet by the pound, rotisserie bar, sandwiches and paninis, wraps and of course the sushi bar. But, hidden in the back left hand corner is the real gem of the place… The Korean Food station!
That’s right, Bi Bim Bap, Bulgogi and Korean soup, being served in the back of a Midtown deli. Bastards! I can feel myself falling in love all over again…
The food porn, and +/- after the jump…
I don’t know if you noticed, but there is no cheap Korean food in Midtown. So what do you do when you’re in the mood for some Bi Bim Bap or Bulgogi? Well, now you have Cafe Duke. $7.95 is not the cheapest price in the world, but it will have to do- since there is no other option. I went with the Bulgogi (Korean Style marinated beef over rice), which I now see was a little bit of a mistake, since the meat they serve over the Beef Bi Bim Bap is the Bulgogi- so if you order the Bi Bim Bap you get all the extra vegeatables and the egg, but still get the meat (granted it’s less meat- but if you like variety, Bi Bim Bap is the way to go). They give you a pretty decent size portion, with rice and kimchee (fermented cabbage- which tastes exactly as it sounds).
I’m a big fan of kimchee, but the one they serve is a little disappointing… so don’t expect too much from that, but the bulgogi was pretty good- especially considering it’s from a fast food deli. The Bi Bim Bap is obviously the fresh version (no option of having it served in a hot pot). It’s served in a plastic container that normally houses a salad or sandwich- but it looked good enough. They also had these Soft Tofu soups that seemed to be pretty popular.
The best part is, you don’t have to convince your boring co-workers to go to some “weird” cheap Korean place. So while they’re munching away on their $6.95 salad bar, you can be enjoying your Korean lunch that you didn’t have to go all the way to 32nd street to get!
SIDE NOTE: If you are reading this, and YOU ARE the boring co-worker, Cafe Duke is a great replacement for Variety Cafe (and even a little bit nicer). The salad bar is pretty comparable ($6.95 for 6 toppings), and they have a fresh deli area (where they can make any kind of sandwich you want, with freshly cut meats), a “Cosi”-like bar where they make sandwiches on wood brick oven baked flat bread, a fresh sushi bar, a Rotisserie bar, soups, and wraps. They also have an Udon bar (the tempura shrimp Udon looked pretty good).
Everything is slightly more expensive then it should be (by maybe a dollar) but the place is really nice, clean and comfortable- plus there’s a nice seating area with a flat screen TV, although it gets filled up pretty quickly- so get there early, or be willing to wait.
THE +
- There’s something for everyone. Korean food for you, boring deli food for your co-workers
- Did I mention there’s Korean food?
- Cleaner then most Deli’s in the city, with a nice seating area that has two flat screen T.V.’s
THE -
- I know, I know… there’s better Korean food to be had just 20 blocks south in Koreatown- but not everybody can make it down there for lunch (For those who can, I will be reviewing Arang- a Korean buffet, next week)
- Everything is about a buck or two more then it should be, in order to be considered cheap
- The kimchee was not that good
- It’s a frickin’ deli in Midtown, and mediocre Korean food doesn’t change that
Cafe Duke, 140 W. 51st. (btw. 6+7th Ave.), 212-445-0010
Posted: August 3rd, 2006 under 51st btw. 6+7th, Buffet by lb., Deli, Korean, Salads, Sandwiches, Soups, Sushi.
Comments: 32
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Comments
Comment from Billy Bob
Time: August 3, 2006, 10:40 am
Any idea if Variety Care is affiliated with Food World on 46th b/w 5th and Madison? There pricing structure is strikingly similar, including the salad for $6.45 up to 6 toppings. Food World may be a place to review.
Comment from TribecaGril
Time: August 3, 2006, 12:02 pm
Can you validate the rumor about Starbucks offering free iced coffees at every location in the new york-metro area from 1-3pm today?
I can already see the sweaty lines.
Comment from starbucks
Time: August 3, 2006, 12:23 pm
re :starbucks.
found the flyer linked here:
Comment from korean gal
Time: August 3, 2006, 1:28 pm
when you go to ktown, try Woorijip–fast food korean takeout
and Kunjip–authentic korean food straight from mama’s hands.
oddly, i’ve never heard of Arang and i’m a ktown gal
Comment from FoodieChan
Time: August 4, 2006, 1:09 pm
I agree that Cafe Duke is one of the few deli, “by the pound salad bar,” sandwich joints that is actually good. My boyfriend recently discovered bi bim bap and hasn’t stopped raving about it since (”It’s got beef, it’s got veggies, it’s even got an egg!”). The salad bar has a great Americanized Chinese section (something I usually despise). They even have grilled cuttlefish, which is pretty good.
It is overpriced, and sometimes it’s hard to justify a $7 bowl of ramen (though they do have one with cheese!). I say stick to the Korean goodies and the salad bar. I do want to try the desserts one day, too.
Comment from bored korean in midtown
Time: August 4, 2006, 5:17 pm
The Global Kitchen on 52nd b/t 5 and 6 has bibimpop that is good, and mediocre bulgogi. Both are about 7 or 8 dollars.
Pingback from Midtown Lunch’s Fashion Week Guide to Midtown Lunch « Midtown Lunch
Time: September 11, 2006, 6:01 am
[...] Cafe Duke (41st btw. 6+B’way). The original location of the “deli” I love on 51st btw. 6+7th. It’s not as nice, and they don’t have the bulgogi, but the made to order Pad Thai looks pretty good, and their pre-made sushi to go looked fresh. Plus they’ve got the requisite salad bar, pre made sandwiches, and a buffet by the pound. [...]
Pingback from Tuck Shop (or the Hidden Jems of the CyberCafe- Part 1 of 2) « Midtown Lunch
Time: October 4, 2006, 8:42 am
[...] Nothing is more fulfilling then finding a hidden food jem in Midtown. It can come in all forms too. There’s the place that is well known, but literally hidden- like the Burger Joint, hidden behind a curtain at the Parker Meridien Hotel. Then there’s the place that looks like a boring deli, but has a hidden specialty- like the Korean food at Cafe Duke. And of course there is discovering that good food cart, which in Midtown is literally like finding a needle size hot dog, in a haystack size pile of gigantic sausages. [...]
Pingback from Cafe Duke Redux… Midtown Links… and the end of the week wrap up! « Midtown Lunch
Time: October 6, 2006, 6:09 am
[...] For most people who work in Midtown, lunch is dictated by laziness. More then two blocks away? Forget it! Plus, if you go with co-workers you all have to agree on a place. So, you probably eat at the same place multiple times a week, occasionally branching out so you don’t get too sick of eating the same sandwich or salad every day. For me, it’s a little different. I write this blog… so I try to go to new places every single week. Well, Wednesday I visited an old favorite. When I first wrote about Cafe Duke I spotlighted the Bulgogi. Today… meet the Bi Bim Bap. [...]
Comment from Rob
Time: October 13, 2006, 3:48 pm
Tried it. Meh. The charge too much for drinks, too. Fairly clean though.
Pingback from KFC (or… The Best Excuse Ever for Eating Fried Chicken) « Midtown Lunch
Time: November 9, 2006, 11:45 am
[...] I write about carts because there are so many of them, and it’s hard to know which ones are good and bad. Plus, a lot of people are scared of them… and would rather read about my suffering after eating at a bad cart- then experience it for themselves. I don’t usually write about the deli/salad bar places, because there is one on every block of Midtown- and they bore me. I will, however write about one if they are doing something different or interesting… like the Korean Food at Cafe Duke, or the Soups @ Dishes. [...]
Pingback from Fake Shrimp Scam (!?!?) and the ML Guide to Buffet by the lb. Eating « Midtown Lunch
Time: November 13, 2006, 9:48 am
[...] I don’t eat at these places too often, but there are two that I’ve eaten at and would recommend. On the West side, I’m still a fan of Cafe Duke (51st btw. 6+7th). It turns out a lot of these buffets use the fake shrimp… so I’m not too mad (and at least their version tastes delicious). On the East side, Azure (picture to the left) is better than most (3rd ave. & 51st). Both have a nice balance between quantity, quality and price. And of course, I have to mention Ho Yip the chinese buffet by the lb that is $3.75 if you go after 2:15pm! [...]
Pingback from Midtown Lunch » Bread Market Cafe (and the Plantain Burrito)
Time: December 11, 2006, 8:44 am
[...] Korean food at a Deli [...]
Comment from james
Time: February 9, 2007, 12:41 pm
This is a really good option for soondobuu. They make it spicy and it’s fairly fresh. The kimichi is awful though, they shouldnt even bother.
The bulgogi shouldnt be sold, i know the white’s like it…but come on people…
Comment from a reader
Time: March 29, 2007, 10:29 am
A few places offer the traditional bulgoki made with beef. But there is a deli on the west side of 2nd Ave, somewhere b/w 42nd and 44th Sts. that sells spicy Korean pork under the name “Mongolian pork.” The meat is made to order. The (huge) platter is under 8 dollars and comes with rice, salad, kimchee, and either a free fountain soda or chips. I eat here at least once a week.
Pingback from Midtown Lunch » At Lunch Now: Birthday Lunch Buffet by the Lb.
Time: April 3, 2007, 1:30 pm
[...] Korean food at a Deli [...]
Pingback from Midtown Lunch » Ambrosia (aka the best Bi Bim Bap in Midtown?)
Time: April 5, 2007, 7:44 am
[...] Korean food at a Deli [...]
Comment from reader
Time: April 25, 2007, 3:41 pm
how does cafe duke’s korean food compare to the bibimbap and korean tofu at del monico’s on 41st and Lex?
Pingback from Midtown Lunch » PROFILE: Midtown Lunch’er “Tam”
Time: May 1, 2007, 9:55 am
[...] A few months back I reported that Cafe Duke (51st btw. 6+7th) had introduced daily specials to their normal roster of Bulgogi, Bi Bim Bap and soups. Well, I finally got around to trying the Tuesday special. The Short Rib Stew ($7.95) [...]
Comment from Nancy
Time: June 6, 2007, 3:35 pm
I just checked out The Duke today, went for the Bi Bim Bap. My co-worker loves the veggie ramen soups. Maybe it is a change for the summer, the bap was served as cold a salad (lettuce, veggies and choice of meat) with the rice (hot) and kim chee in seperate containers. Very filling and delicious. I agree with your rating of the kim chee.
Comment from Christina
Time: June 29, 2007, 3:08 pm
Today I went to Cafe Duke for the first time and ordered the Bulgogi. As soon as I said what I wanted, they handed it to me, piping hot, in a sturdy container (that could be reused if washed out!). The kimchi for me was actually really decent. I asked for a second container of it and they gave it to me without any hassle. The bulgogi was good. Maybe it’s not like an authentic bulgogi, but it tasted good. I will go back to Cafe Duke for their Korean food daily specials. Thanks, Midtown Lunch!!!
Pingback from Midtown Lunch » PROFILE: Midtown Lunch’er “Shauna”
Time: September 25, 2007, 6:54 am
[...] Korean food at a Deli [...]
Comment from Jenny
Time: September 27, 2007, 3:14 pm
Love the bibimbap, can’t wait for the winter to have the udon. The bibimbap FAR surpasses that at Pro Bagel, which I tried yesterday.
Comment from Kasper
Time: December 30, 2007, 12:20 am
First I want to let you know that I’m Korean..
Actually I’m so happy when you guys like our food..
It’s such a touching to me…
I really appreciate it …
and I love Americans…^^
Comment from Leo
Time: February 5, 2008, 2:28 pm
Got fooled by the fake shrimp.
Called them to complain and the lady that picks up the phone had an attitude.
She said that
1. I had to ask – Ask who, there is no one you can ask around the food buffet.
2. Nothing is labeled
3. They make the fake shrimp same shape and size as real shrimps
Would not offer me a refund after I spend $ 10 on cheap fish instead of what looked like shrimps…
They are so busy have like 10K people there during lunch, there is no need to cheat customers… Will not go back unless given real shrimps of refund.
Pingback from Midtown Lunch » At Lunch Now: Preparing for Tonight’s Choice Eats Fest
Time: March 11, 2008, 1:04 pm
[...] more details here). So, I headed over to one of the few generic Midtown delis I can stomach (Cafe Duke on 51st btw. 6+7th) for some sushi (that’s about as light as it gets for me). I could do [...]
Comment from boggei
Time: March 30, 2008, 9:54 am
What a terrible place full of workers with attitude. Couldn’t they find better quality of those workers think everybody can’t understand their language. while I was waiting for my duke melt sandwich the guy working at the melt sandwich place was cursing a french woman because she was speaking English with a heavy accent.this place needs to be cleaned out from those street guys whom I do believe they are illegal workers
Comment from chowsue
Time: April 9, 2008, 1:30 pm
Tried the bulgogi today. Booooring. I had to beg a coworker I didn’t even know to give me some hot sauce it was so bland. For $10, not worth the money. Will not return here. Pro Korean is my new Korean fix. Cafe Duke sucks.
Comment from s dot
Time: May 21, 2008, 9:13 am
Spicy chicken is the way to go
Comment from Cindy
Time: May 26, 2008, 6:11 am
dirty place smells like grease. workers need to be replaced with more civilized people especially those third world rude cashiers. want to hear my word…. go to a real american place even if it cost more
Comment from Amanda
Time: August 29, 2008, 12:37 pm
I love Cafe Duke! It’s the only buffet in Manhattan that actually looks appetizing because it’s constantly replaced with fresh food. The Udon noodles are my favorite - but get them with Shumai. The vegetable dumplings just fall apart in the hot soup.
Comment from Mandee
Time: September 18, 2008, 1:07 pm
Sorry folks , I do not eat food prepared by hands of illegal aliens , see why@ http://www.newswithviews.com/NWV-News/news16.htm
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