Cafeteria in Chelsea. You Are. You Eat.

One of the restaurant's menu covers.

The website for Cafeteria sums up the delights of this popular New York City restaurant:

LIKE THE BEST IDEAS, IT'S QUITE SIMPLE

Start by serving exceptional American comfort food with a contemporary twist. Create an electric, modern, yet intimate ambiance where people can meet and gather in the heart of Chelsea. An the best part? Keep it all running 24 hours a day.

In the 13 years since Cafeteria first opened, this delicious brainchild of three New York City entrepreneurs has become a full-fledged phenomenon. From weekend brunches to late night noshing with inimitable style, Cafeteria is your only destination.

Simple.

Cafeteria at the corner of 7th Avenue and 17th Street (2007 photo). 

Grilled Chicken Paillard.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

This is my second time to dine here and my entree choice today was the Grilled Chicken Paillard ($16, with baby arugula, black missions figs, crumbled blue cheese, slab bacon and fig balsamic). It was filling and refreshing on this warm summer afternoon. I was curious about their "Mac Attack" ($14) tasting of all three Cafeteria Macaroni and Cheese dishes (with cheddar and fontina; smoked gouda and bacon; and truffle oil). But I would have save that it for next time along with a one of their signature mocktails.

If you can get a table at any time of day at Cafeteria, take it and enjoy. Definitely worth it to visit again.

Visit cafeteriagroup.com for more info and menus.

Cafeteria interior
(image: D. Joseph/NYC & Company)