Cafe 53 – American
This vibrant neighborhood haunt invites guests into a space where the comforting scent of toasted artisan bread and slow-roasted meats fills the air. The kitchen transforms the classic sandwich into a gourmet experience, layering bold ingredients like zesty sumac chicken and tender roast beef with creamy spreads and fresh produce to create a symphony of textures. From the tangy heat of buffalo-sauced poultry to the earthy richness of eggplant meatballs, every bite celebrates fresh, handcrafted flavors in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
East 53rd Street +17734931000 https://www.cafe-53.comRating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: American
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, halal, high-protein, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-sodium, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, aip, alkaline, renal, tlc, volumetrics, lectin-free, macrobiotic
Diet fit at Cafe 53
Dairy-Free at Cafe 53
Cafe 53 in New York has 1 dairy-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Cafe 53
Cafe 53 in New York has 7 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Grilled Cheese, Breakfast Bagel Sandwich and Cranberry Tuna Salad Sandwich. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Cafe 53
Cafe 53 in New York has 3 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Cranberry Tuna Salad Sandwich, Tuna Avocado Sandwich and Corned Beef Roast Beef Sandwich. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Cafe 53
Cafe 53 in New York has 2 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich and Espresso Bar Drink. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Cafe 53
Cafe 53 in New York has 4 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Grilled Cheese, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich and Espresso Bar Drink. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Heart-Healthy at Cafe 53
Cafe 53 in New York has 4 heart-healthy-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Cranberry Tuna Salad Sandwich, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich and Sumac Chicken Sandwich. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Sodium at Cafe 53
Cafe 53 in New York has 8 low-sodium-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Grilled Cheese, Cranberry Tuna Salad Sandwich and Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Paleo at Cafe 53
Cafe 53 in New York has 1 paleo-tagged dish on its current menu, including Espresso Bar Drink. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Cafe 53
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Honey BBQ Chicken Sandwich | 61.6 g | 66.5 g |
| Tuna Avocado Sandwich | 18.6 g | 59.4 g |
| Roast Beef Artichoke Sandwich | 5.4 g | 49.8 g |
| Salami Turkey Sandwich | 18 g | 48.7 g |
| Meatball Sandwich | 17 g | 47.9 g |
| Salami Sandwich | 76.1 g | 47.2 g |
| Corned Beef Roast Beef Sandwich | 35 g | 45.8 g |
| Turkey Lingonberry Sandwich | 39.2 g | 43.1 g |
| Garlic Chicken Sandwich | 85.5 g | 41.5 g |
| Chicken Pesto | 3.6 g | 40.3 g |
| Salami Avocado Sandwich | 0.3 g | 37.2 g |
| Turkey Avocado Sandwich | 31.2 g | 35.8 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners rave about the excellent food quality and fresh ingredients, frequently highlighting how every dish is consistently delicious and flavorful. Celebrated for its relaxed vibe and attentive service, guests appreciate the welcoming atmosphere that ensures a comfortable and high-quality dining experience. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly staff and fresh menu offerings, noting that the combination of great taste and a laid-back environment makes it a standout choice for a return visit.
Menu
Baked Sandwiches
- Sumac Chicken Sandwich - $11.99: Roasted chicken breast, red onions, olive oil, Mediterranean sumac spice, homemade cream sauce, lettuce, tomato Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Garlic Chicken Sandwich - $11.99: Roasted chicken breast, homemade cream sauce, spicy giardiniera pepper, lettuce, tomato Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Turkey Avocado Sandwich - $11.99: Turkey breast, dill Havarti cheese, fresh avocado, homemade cream sauce, lettuce, tomato Available at: dinner, lunch
- Roast Beef Sandwich - $11.99: Sliced roast beef, homemade cream sauce, lettuce, tomato Available at: dinner, lunch
- Honey BBQ Chicken Sandwich - $11.99: Roasted chicken breast, BBQ sauce, real honey, lettuce, tomato Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwich - $11.99: Roasted chicken breast, spicy buffalo sauce, celery, carrots, ranch dressing, house garlic sauce, lettuce, tomato Available at: dinner, lunch
- Turkey Sandwich - $10.99: Sliced turkey breast, homemade cream sauce, lettuce, tomato Available at: dinner, lunch
- Eggplant Meatball Sandwich - $11.99: Mediterranean meatball, panini grilled eggplant, green peppers, Asian sesame dressing, lettuce, tomato Available at: dinner, lunch
- Roast Beef Artichoke Sandwich - $11.99: Roast beef, artichoke, cheddar cheese, sweet Asian sesame dressing, lettuce, tomato Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Salami Turkey Sandwich - $11.99: Salami, turkey, provolone cheese, French dressing, lettuce, tomato Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Pesto - $11.99: Roasted chicken breast, pesto, provolone cheese, balsamic vinaigrette drizzle, lettuce, tomato Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cranberry Tuna Salad Sandwich - $11.99: Tuna, mayonnaise, parsley, lettuce, tomato, cranberries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Kufta Sandwich - $11.99: Chopped steak, Mediterranean spices, onions, homemade cream sauce, lettuce, tomato Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Meatball Sandwich - $11.99: Ground beef, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, spicy giardiniera peppers, lettuce, tomato Available at: dinner, lunch
- Corned Beef Roast Beef Sandwich - $11.99: Corned beef, roast beef, pepper jack cheese, 1000 Island dressing, lettuce, tomato Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Turkey Lingonberry Sandwich - $11.99: Turkey breast, cheddar cheese, sweet Swedish lingonberry sauce, Sriracha chili sauce, lettuce, tomato Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tuna Avocado Sandwich - $11.99: Tuna, cheddar cheese, onions, spicy giardiniera peppers, homemade cream sauce, lettuce, tomato Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Salami Sandwich - $10.99: Salami, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, cucumbers, lettuce, tomato Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pastrami Sandwich - $11.99: Dill Havarti, pepperoncini, garlic sauce, lettuce, tomato Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Sandwich - $11.99: Chicken, mozzarella cheese, pineapple, green pepper, lettuce, tomato Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cajun Chicken - $11.99: Roasted chicken breast, spicy cajun seasoning, ranch sauce, lettuce, tomato Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Salami Avocado Sandwich - $11.99: Salami, fresh avocado, provolone cheese, Italian dressing, lettuce, tomato Available at: dinner, lunch
Breakfast
- Breakfast Bagel Sandwich - $7.99: Assorted breakfast ingredients on a bagel Dietary tags: Halal, Macrobiotic Available at: breakfast, brunch
Kids Options
- Grilled Cheese - $6.99: Bread and melted cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich - $5.99: Peanut butter and jelly on bread Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal Available at: lunch
Desserts
- Gelato - $5.5: Assorted flavors Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC
- Pastries - $4.5: Assorted homemade pastries Dietary tags: Halal Available at: breakfast, brunch
Beverages
- Espresso Bar Drink - $4: Coffee based beverages Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Tea Selection - $3.5: Assorted teas
- Homemade Chai - $4.5: Spiced tea with milk
Frequently Asked Questions about Cafe 53
- Is Cafe 53 dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Cafe 53 has 1 dairy-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich.
- What can I eat at Cafe 53 on a dairy-free diet?
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich carry the dairy-free tag, out of 1 tagged dish on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Cafe 53 have vegan options?
- Yes. 2 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich and Espresso Bar Drink.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Cafe 53?
- Honey BBQ Chicken Sandwich, at roughly 66.5g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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