Whenever I need a quick meal, this is my stop. They have a buffet with a mix of hot food and salad items on weekdays. Their items really run the gamut-everything from sushi and dumplings to fries and chicken wings. There's something for everyone. It's available for lunch and dinner but by dinner time, the food gets pretty stale. You take as much as you want, get it weighed, and pay per pound. It's an efficient system with brisk service so I never wait more than a few minutes even at peak lunch hours. It's a reasonable price- usually around or under $10 for a filling lunch. Food quality is mediocre but it's cheap, fast, and filling. Hard to complain! read more

Very brief review of morning rush: I am in Washington Heights once every 6 weeks or so, and I always stop at this deli for a Bacon egg and cheese. very quick, very cheap and good coffee. This review is brief, because i have been here a half dozen times, order the same thing (bacon egg & Cheese on a roll, with coffee), and they've not failed me yet. No comments on other offerings, nor their relatively large selection of food for lunch. But for breakfast, this place is great. read more

We rented an AirBnb right next door to this deli and went there almost every day for 5 weeks. Their buffet is so reasonably priced and has such a great selection of hot foods and salads. The hot foods feature a variety of cuisines, and being from Hawaii, we really appreciated the selection of both Asian and Western food. I loved the healthy choices such as baked fish, small fried fish (so tasty!), tofu, etc....as well as the "less healthy" comfort food such as pasta, casseroles, and pork dishes. The fried chicken was consistently good. The veggies and fruits were of excellent quality: kale salad and asparagus were my favorites. As for the personnel, they were very pleasant and accommodating. We needed to keep receipts and multiple times I forgot to ask for one. When I went back to ask, they would be nice about giving one to me. Soon they'd remember me and say "You need your receipt!" After over a month there, we went there for the last time and I admit I got teary saying good-bye and thank you to them. I wish we had a place like this deli on our island! read more

Breakfast On Weekends | Tried their Uptown Omelette to try their breakfast options during the weekend. Originally I was craving waffles however when I had ordered it, they informed it that it was only available on Fridays (of course I'll be back on Friday to try it). It would have been nice if they mentioned on their menu it was not available on Fridays. I ordered the Uptown Omelette platter instead of the sandwich which comes with a side of potatoes (hash or home fries) and toast. Omelette was delicious with the bell peppers, tomatoes and my favorite little sausage bits in every bite! But I was so upset there was no toast or home fries; hope they won't forget next time! read more

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This place gets the job done. When I'm hungry, strapped for time, and in Washington Heights, University Deli is the first place I visit. The cashiers are so efficient during the lunch rush hour (well, maybe sometimes a little too efficient because they tend to jam my change back into my hand and wave the next customer down...) and it's much appreciated. This place only takes cash, so make sure you have some cash money on hand. There's an ATM inside and several ATMs for major banks in the neighborhood. You won't need too much cash because this place is reasonably priced! That is, unless you haven't eaten for days and have turned into a ravenous monster. While the buffet bar is always surrounded by people and has very little space surrounding it, it is by far the quickest way to choose what you want. Ravenous monsters, this is your best bet. There are fruits, salad items, pastas, (Americanized) Chinese food, and lots of fried and grilled meats. Since I look out for you, reader, I will have to say that the buffet bar isn't necessarily all too sanitary. On occasion, I've seen people drop the tongs into the dishes allowing all of the germs from the handle to seep into the food, but that's almost with any buffet bar. On rare occasions, I've seen people take food from the buffet bar wearing scrubs and...gloves. FYI. When I come here, it's often to order their udon. They're a little salty, but for about $5, a giant Styrofoam bowl's worth of noodles, broth, and vegetable toppings will help me get through the rest of my day. University Deli also offers a number of hot and cold sandwich options, but don't order them if you don't have much time as they take a while to prepare. And if you're not hungry at all, you can still find bottled and canned drinks, chips, rice crackers, cookies, first aid items, and toiletries here. It's like a mini convenience store! Likelihood of another visit: I'll be back when hunger hits. read more

This place was such a life saver staying at CHONY with my newborn. Dealing with a new found dairy allergy is not an easy thing to do while living on food you can't cook yourself. They had great choices for people with dietary restrictions on the menu and as snack options. THANK YOU!!! read more

UD is awesome that it is always open. On the way back from a late night at 4am and you're thirsty? No problem, pop in to grab a Vitamin Water. Need a quick lunch? Get some of the hot buffet. Still, having spent time and money at UD over the months, I've come to realize its gustatory limitations. The hot buffet at nearby Shang-ri-la is a bit tastier, especially the fruit. However, go back to the first sentence in this review--UD is always open--and you'll realize its amazing utility in this stinkhole called Washington Heights. read more

This place gets at least 4 stars for the shear fact that I come here every. single. day. The staff even recognizes me now (le sigh). It basically provides the staples of my diet: soy crisps, pirates booty, clif bars, fruit, greek yogurt, drinks, candy and several asian snacks (yan yan, hi-chews, panda snacks). Also, good salad bar (chicken is dry though), cheapest place to get a full salad. I've had a panini here once - chicken was very dry. On wednesdays, they have pajeon (korean pancake). open 24/7, cash only. read more

This place is CRAMPED, always packed, causing me fits of panicky claustrophobia. Yet, I keep coming back. 1.) EPIC hot and cold buffet bar at a decent price per pound. 1a.) REAAAAAALLLLLLLLLY good Ranch dressing at the salad bar. Like, I'll shamelessly down the entire vat of it. 2.) G.T. Kombucha with chia seeds! 3.) Those little vanilla ice cream sundae cups caked with frozen strawberry syrup that I used to love for dessert after lunch in elementary school. 4.) Hot and cold sandwiches at prices comparable or cheaper to Jou Jou (...well, who am I kidding. ANYTHING is cheaper than Jou Jou) or Shrangi-La. 5.) Plenty of toiletries, et al, behind the counter; quicker to pick up there sometimes than running up to Rite Aid. 6.) It's a 24 / 7 operation, much to the joy of some of my fellow NYP workers banging out the night shifts. Just straight forward. Get your stuff. Go. Eat. Be happy. Yes, it's cash only, but shut up. There are dozens of ATMs in the area. (I have no sympathy for you. Haaa.) read more

Food is fresh. The bar is chaotic during lunch. Cashier ladies are nice and spunky. There's always someone outside, and sometimes inside, asking for change. Try to avoid during lunch rush. Don't go if you're super hungry or you will end up buying everything. Food is consistent and they have Fresca! That's pretty much everything. read more

I'm only giving this place 1 star because there's no way to give 0 stars. I will never spend another cent in this establishment. Today I went to buy water and a breakfast sandwich. I see everyone getting HANDED their food. Apparently, I don't deserve to get my food handed to me. Mine has to be thrown to the side and I'm instructed to go to the front. Not sure why I was the only one to have that but I'm surely not spending money at a place that thinks that throwing my food is acceptable. I overlooked previous infractions because I was more focused on getting my items but never again. Also, don't stand around thinking about what juice item you want. You may inherit a lurker who stands next to you acting like he or she is fixing or stocking shelves. It's happened at least twice. So enjoy university deli. I won't ever step foot in that place again. read more

YES BUFFET!! weighted, yes. I love their chicken. pork. fatty substances. the salad bar is beautiful to look at but I usually have unusual cravings for meat when I'm here. I told myself not to go there everyday, to try new places around the area, but I always found myself crawling back. Well, maybe not literally but... enough to make a scene. read more

I go here for lunch sometimes when I don't want anything too filling. I'll go to the buffet and get a few things. Some type of lo Mein or pasta, some fish and some vegetables in a small container. I get lunch for about $5 and it gets me through my day! It's usually pretty crowded at lunch but I still manage to get in and out really quickly. They also have a salad bar, paninis, sandwiches, grilled sandwiches, etc. Don't expect too much but it does the job! read more

Pretty good deli for the area. I'm sure the Columbia people and hospital workers keep it going strong. They have good sandwiches and nice nice looking spread, but overall nothing exceptional. The big plus is that it is 24/7. read more

Almost always a daily stop for me. This deli is right by work and it's food is consistent. The salad bar has a mixture of Asian, Italian, American, and some Hispanic cuisine. They do a decent job of creating a salad bar that, I think, serves the community's needs. There's a nice sit in area, although it is very cramped. The price is average for a salad bar (about $5 per lb.). The deli also offers an assortment of sandwiches. What is good about these sandwiches is that some are already pre-made, there is a menu you can also order from, or you can tell them what you want. They recently opened up a small Udon Noodle section where you can have tempura shrimp or chicken udon. It's decently priced for the size and it tastes good. The broth is good during these winter months here in NY. The service is quick and oderly. read more

I frequent this place at least once or twice a week to get my tea/coffee which is slightly more expensive than what you would get at one of those carts on the streets, but the employees are nice and polite and try to remember my order when I walk in. Their paninis are pretty good as I usually get their Cajun Panini. I had a few of their different varieties of options for the "hot buffet" they have during the week and they are not bad, but not great either. Last year they also added a japanese noodle soup bar (past the panini station) which I found very lacking in taste and ingredients. Never ordered the noodle soup again after that. They are also open 24/7 which is a plus since nothing else is open past 11-12 at night near the hospital. read more

I work around the area and have searched for a decent cup of coffee that also won't break the bank. University Deli meets those expectations. Coffee is good and pretty consistent in taste everyday. I usually come here super early (6 am or so) and the staff are not the friendliest but who can be so cheery at the crack of dawn. They have some good lunch specials so I'll definitely try and stop by to check out their lunch. read more

I can't speak to the hot/cold bar (I'm way too afraid to touch that), but let me tell you my experience with University Deli: on one occasion, the fruit I purchased (in a cup packaged by them, to the right as you enter the store) tasted like chemicals. Someone clearly sprayed some 409 on that one. I was a little happy when they got shut down by the health department for a few days -- maybe it has been cleaned up since. Of course, there are times when I'm in the hospital and need a Clif bar or Pop Chips... so it's convenient. And their frozen yogurt is fine. But based on my chemical-y experience, I can't recommend it to anyone. Shangri-La one block over should suffice. read more

Prices are fair and reasonable and they offer a good salad bar with a lot of variety. While their hot food was never something to brag about, I've noticed a decline from bad to worse. Especially with their chicken. Old meat that's either super dry, chewy or over fried. See the picture as to what they call the chicken ranch (minus the bacon) -flat bread -thin piece of chicken that's over fried -no ranch so they used mayo -brown mushy avocado read more

University Deli - -flat bread -thin piece of chicken that's over fried -no ranch so they used mayo -brown mushy avocado - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

I have got a cockroach in my deli box today. The most unfortunate part is, I found this when I almost finish it.... It's really really disgusting..... I do hope I can vomit all what I have had read more

University Deli - I have got this in my deli box today. The most unfortunate part is, I found this when I almost finish it.... It's really really disgusting.. - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

They great salad and smoothie options (up to 4 fruit options with no extra charge). However the line during lunch hours is insane! As the ready-to-eat station selling sandwiches is adjacent to the salad bar, you will never figure where the line start nor how it lines up to the cashier. But they accept cards, which is great. read more

As I was scarfing down my food, the chilled white bean sprouts with sesame seeds specifically (Korean style), I thought to myself.. holy cow this is four stars! I then proceeded to fork my tofu with scallions, red chili peppers, and vinegar soy sauce, barely lifting my head to come up for air, when a second thought surfaced.. how have I survived this long without Korean food?! That was me a few days ago. Upon retrospect, I have come to the conclusion that the buffet at U. Deli is four stars upon the time of consumption and three stars in the aftermath. The food is tasty, no doubt, with offerings similar to that of ShangriLa just a few blocks away (minus the boatloads of sodium - I feel hypertensive just thinking about it - and with better offerings of "Asian" food. U. Deli that is. Better than ShangriLa.) At U. Deli you will find (not inclusive of all buffet items): salad bar (peas, carrots, tomatoes, eggs, pine nuts, olives, cucumbers, and the like) stir-fry snap peas chilled broccoli, chicken, and pepper mix black bean salad pasta salad rice chow mein baked chicken in sauce white bean sprouts with sesame seeds tofu with scallions, red chili peppers, vinegar soy sauce udon (you choose what to add to your soup) If in the area, drop in to U. Deli. Otherwise? Stick to Korea town because honestly, how Korean is their selection if I can only name 2 Korean items? Cash only. read more

Horrible customer service. Sandwich attendant was literally annoyed about having to make my sandwich. The entire time had a sour look on his face. First time in this place and definitely the last! read more

HAHAHA I HAVE to review this place. I don't know how many times a week I go here anymore. My boyfriend and I are in here usually after 1 am buying sandwiches and tons of candy. Or I'm in here 6 am on a Saturday after a party. Im pretty sure the guys that work there think were such stoners or something. But anyways...I LOVE this deli!! Get the spyce wrap or the chicken parmagana panini. Or any sandwich, actually. I've had them all. The food is surprisingly good and the buffet they have out during the day is good too, but I rarely get to it. So when you need snacks, vitamin waters, and a panini at 4 in the morning. Go to University deli!! read more

I say, YES. They got good boar's head sandwiches. They got those crazy crispy potato chips. Not gonna change your life, but it's good for me & Spout. Hot food at bar during lunch, including a giant fish of some kind where you can see it's skeleton (we enjoy skeletons). Black & white cookies & do yourself a favor, get a cup of coffee next door and you can sit at their outside tables and watch the ambulances and other assorted nonsense. read more

They recently opened up an udon station! You could probably get better tasting (but more expensive) udon at Tamaya, but University Deli's definitely holds its own. You can add different meats (I chose the shrimp tempura) and veggies. Definitely a filling and satisfying meal during the colder months. read more

Being a Columbia Grad student, I've had my fair share of food from "U Del" and for the most part its not bad. It is firstly WAY more economical than its wannabe gourmet neighbor next door. Since I got at lunch everything is pretty hot but I've definitely gone at night and there is some funky stuff congealing toward the back of that salad bar. The items I have picked have been consistently good, and the lines go quick. Only drawbacks is that the salad bar is weighted, and thus a bit overpriced. I love carbs, and rice and potatoes and such, so I tend to shy away b/c spending like 5 bucks for a half plate of rice in addition to whatever else I get, it adds up in the lunch dept... I've resigned to sticking to salads, with lots of chicken and croutons, though I do really wish they labeled those dressings... read more

I've been getting my morning coffee here for the last few months. I gotta walk up the stairs to get into the deli, and there's a JooJoo's cafe right below them, but I still walk up the stairs every morning. I like to make my coffee at the coffee bar. They have choices of chocholate raspberry, hazelnut, french vanilla, toasted almond and pumkin spice. My favorite is toasted almond. I add two packets of sugar and some half & half, and I put in the straw in the cup (it's my ritual) and sip on the way into the job. I see the same cashier lady everyday. She doesn't talk so much, but she's efficient and always greets pleasantly. I don't think they'll make a lot of money from me buying only coffee from them, but I'll go there everyday when I have to go to work. read more

This is a great lunch place near the hospital. Their salad/hot food/fruit bar is great. They have tons of choices and are really fairly priced. I went in to get a salad the other day from the salad bar and paid under $5. Sometimes the sanitary conditions of the food bar leave a little to be desired, but overall it's a great value and they have a huge selection. Also, the check people out really quickly so even though there's a lot of people, you can get in and out pretty quickly. read more

Why do it. It's a rip off for your basic bodega when you can go 2 blocks on Audubon and get decent equal at bodega prices. Yeah they do have a salad bar.... Aka petry dish. I do congratulate them on finally achieving an A-food rating after being the only C rating I've ever seen in NYC. Oh and before being awarded the C rating, the DoH shut them down. Take a look on DoH website and see the rating system. You're afforded quite a few violations with an A rating, a C rating achievement is remarkable infractions. read more

I've got much love for the U Deli. As a nightowl grad student at Columbia, this place is responsible for keeping alive through my 5 years living in the Heights. It is what is is. Thoroughly mediocre but their hot sandwiches are good, deli bar OK during lunch, and they are open 24/7. read more

Even when its crowded it doesn't take long to get a sandwich, bagel or a cup of coffee. They are also open 24/7 which I like because I work different shifts and don't have to worry if the deli is open or closed. I'm not to thrilled with the salad bar. It really does seem to be hit or miss. I don't know maybe I need to grab the food when they first bring it out. It's a good place to get a quick bite to eat. read more

First time here and they are very overpriced. I was not paying attention and didnt look at the scale. I think he though he could mark my salad up due to that. I am positive he over charged me. I wont be going back here. read more

I only get the coffee here, which is very good. Buffet food is gone by the afternoon. Don't bother in the evening--your only food option are sad-looking wraps and paninis, that have sat at least a week. The grill is shut down at night, even though it is a 24-hr place. I asked for a hamburger. "Sorry mam." I asked for a sandwich with avocado. "No avocadoes." I asked for cheese--they forgot to put in the sandwich and charged for it. Do they deserve that B rating from the food inspection? No. read more

I went into today to order a plain tukey sandwich with lettuce and tomatoe. When I got back at my desk and bit into my sandwich, he gave me cracked pepper mill turkey. Not the worst thing in the world unless, like me you have, FOOD ALLERGIES!! I am allergic to certain spices so I get everything plain. I went back and asked if he could make me another sandwhich and the deli person DENIED MAKING ME THE WRONG SANDWHICH even though I was only there 5 minutes prior. The cashiers were nervous and did help me either. They gave me back the sandwhich saying that the deli person didnt give me the wrong kind. They also got a B rating by NYC and are not the cleanest place to eat but I still went there because of the limited amount of food choices in the area. If you have food allergies, do not go there! It's not worth a trip to the ER!!! read more

Don't recommend this place at all. I got sick from their buffet last year. I returned again this year just for some variety and thinking that maybe their sandwiches wouldn't be bad. I was ok for a while but after a week of going in for breakfast sandwiches, the cashier tried to charge me more. A price higher than the one posted, then she tried to justify it by saying that she didn't hear me even though I said it three times and pointed at the sign. When she said ok, she still didn't give me the correct change and gave me major attitude when I pointed out the mistake. While I waited for the my order, the next customer came to pay for his order and she told him "what you don't want to pay too?" Definitely not worth it. There are other places to get good breakfast sandwiches like George's Coffee and Shangri-La which are a block away. A place doesn't have to be friendly, but common courtesy and respect should be expected. Skip this place. read more