*This review is for the cafeteria only.*…read more
This is a large hospital and the area is sometimes referred to as Montefiore Country, since there are quite a lot of offices connected to this hospital for several blocks. Opinions vary on the actual hospital and while I'm sure some aspects are quite good, others are probably not. For example, if my intestines were hanging out, I'd probably attempt to put them back in myself rather than go inside this ER. In fact, you're probably healthier OUTSIDE Monte ER's than inside. If you want to spend an average of 12 or more hours, want to be uncomfortable, and risk sickness, then the ER is for you. But I digress.
I sometimes work in the area and decided to change up my lunch options and try the cafeteria - knowing that it IS a hospital cafeteria in the first place.
Depending on the time you go, you may or may not find seating - but there is plenty of it during a less crowded time. They do clean, but it's not as frequent as they should. It's very spacious, so you don't have to sit next to anyone if you prefer not to. There is also a charging station for your devices inside here.
The food itself ranges, but most is decent - the problem is the selection. Montefiore is a Jewish hospital, so the food is always prepared Kosher. Plus Montefiore is on their "health" kick, so you won't get the best beverage selection inside (unless you find the gift shop) and only what they deem as healthy (water, oj, diet/sugar free soda, etc). They go hard sometimes on their vegan specialties, so even if you're not a vegan have fun.
Depending on when you go, they have pre-made sandwiches available. Again, Montefiore prepares the way they deem it and not how a lot of others would normally like it, so be prepared. They do have a deli inside, but I haven't tried it yet to see the difference. The hot food menu is different daily and sometimes the options are decent. They also have a salad bar, but it lacks during less busy times.
The staff is usually ok.
They have more than enough condiments to satisfy most.
It's a little pricier than they have any right to be, but due to the limitations of food choices in the area, it's sometimes a safe bet and worth spending the extra few cents to eat a little healthier (when I want to Monte, not when YOU want to) at times. Also some of the businesses in the area don't have adequate seating for lunch options, so this is where the added value (to me) is.
Parking is horrendous. The area is busy and the main streets are metered. There is plenty of signage for alternate side and just general no parking, so unless you're on foot or use mass transit and are going to be in the area anyway, I'd never come here just for this place. Again, I sometimes work in the area, so it's ok for me. Monte's parking garages are often full and overcharge (even for employees).
So say what you will about the actual hospital and it's surrounding facilities, but as far as their cafeteria goes, it isn't a bad choice in the area at times.