FLÉ FLA & BAGEL: Falafel Meets NYC Bagels in Chelsea
Store Overview
FLÉ FLA & BAGEL, at 254 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (☎ 646-454-0187), is a Mediterranean fusion eatery in Chelsea where Middle Eastern street food collides with New York’s bagel culture. With a 4.7-star Google rating from 40+ reviews, it’s already winning fans for its inventive concept.
The storefront is compact and casual, designed for quick service but with a welcoming vibe. Inside, the smell of freshly baked bagels and shawarma spices mingles in the air. The clientele is a mix of Chelsea locals, commuters from Penn Station nearby, gym-goers looking for protein bowls, and foodies seeking a fresh spin on falafel.
Their website (flefla.com and fleflabagels.com) allows for easy online ordering, with delivery via apps like Grubhub and DoorDash. Hours run daily from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM, making it a reliable option for both early breakfast and late-night dinners.
Menu & Services
FLÉ FLA & BAGEL bridges New York deli staples with Mediterranean street food flavors. Prices are approachable, $10–20 per person, with generous portions.
Menu highlights include:
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Falafel Bagel – $9.95, a fresh bagel stuffed with crispy falafel, veggies, and tahini.
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Pesto Chicken Bagel Melt – $9.95, melty and hearty.
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Fle Fla Smash Double Burger – $10.95+, a bold burger with Middle Eastern seasoning.
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Truffle Royale Burger – $10.99+, upscale twist with truffle sauce.
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Chicken Shawarma Bowl – A protein-packed favorite, praised for freshness.
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Beef & Lamb Gyro Bagel – Juicy gyro meat tucked into a bagel.
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Chicken Tawook Wraps & Bowls – Classic Middle Eastern marinated chicken.
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Sides: Fresh salsas, chips, and house sauces.
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Desserts: Churros, Tres Leches cake slices, and baklava-style sweets.
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Drinks: Tamarind juice, Jarritos, Cuban-inspired cocktails, smoothies.
They also offer catering trays (e.g., beef gyro platters) for offices and events.
Review Summary
Positives:
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Flavor & freshness: Falafel, shawarma, and bowls get consistent praise for tasting fresh and well-seasoned.
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Fusion creativity: Customers love the “falafel bagel” concept—uniquely NYC yet international.
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Friendly staff: Reviewers note helpful and welcoming service.
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Value: Generous portions at mid-range prices.
Critiques:
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Limited seating: Mostly geared toward takeout and delivery.
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Small footprint: Can feel cramped during rush hours.
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Still new: Menu is evolving; some dishes better executed than others.
Human Commentary:
This concept feels like something only NYC could pull off—a bagel shop that moonlights as a Mediterranean grill. It’s not a big sit-down restaurant, but that’s part of the charm: it’s quick, tasty, and a little unexpected. For Chelsea commuters and locals, it’s a refreshing alternative to typical delis or pizza slices.
Location & Accessibility
Situated in Chelsea on 8th Avenue, FLÉ FLA & BAGEL benefits from both local and through-traffic.
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Subways nearby: 1 train at 23rd St, C/E at 23rd St, and Penn Station just a short walk.
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Walking access: Steps from Chelsea gyms, offices, and apartment buildings.
Key Nearby Landmarks Driving Traffic
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Chelsea Market – Attracts food lovers, some looking for quicker bites nearby.
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Madison Square Garden / Penn Station – Huge commuter and event crowd needing fast, filling meals.
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Chelsea Piers – Gym-goers and sports players looking for healthy protein options.
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The High Line – Tourists exploring will detour for a quick, unique sandwich.
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FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) – Students craving budget-friendly, creative food.
This location lets the shop serve students, commuters, gym enthusiasts, and tourists in equal measure.
Genius Marketing Analysis
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GI (Genius Insight): FLÉ FLA & BAGEL wins on novelty + reliability—it’s fun, different, and quick, while staying affordable.
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MDA (Marketing Action):
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Market the “Falafel Bagel” as a signature NYC-meets-Middle East dish.
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Push catering trays for nearby offices.
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Build a fitness-friendly menu track for Chelsea gyms (protein bowls, light wraps).
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Highlight their late-night hours for Penn Station/Madison Square Garden event-goers.
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Partner with FIT students and Chelsea creatives for word-of-mouth buzz.
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Genius Ideas (10)
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“Falafel Friday” Deal – Discount falafel bagels every Friday to boost end-of-week traffic.
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Commuter Breakfast Special – Coffee + bagel + falafel egg wrap combo from 7–9 AM.
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High Line Picnic Pack – Bundle of wraps, drinks, and sides for tourists walking the High Line.
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Post-Gym Power Bowl – Target Chelsea Piers crowd with lean-protein meal deals.
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MSG Event Specials – Offer ticket-holders a pre- or post-game discount.
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FIT Student Discount – 10% off with student ID; drives steady traffic.
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Falafel vs. Bagel Challenge – Social media contest to create the best fusion dish.
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Multilingual Menu QR Codes – Helpful for international tourists visiting Chelsea.
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Seasonal Falafel Flavors – Pumpkin-spiced falafel in fall, herb-forward spring version.
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Cultural Nights – Partner with local musicians for Mediterranean-themed evenings.
Conclusion
FLÉ FLA & BAGEL is a Chelsea newcomer with an identity all its own. It successfully combines the comfort of bagels with the bold flavors of Mediterranean street food, carving out a unique niche in a city saturated with delis and falafel shops. With smart marketing and community engagement, it has the potential to become Chelsea’s go-to quick-bite fusion spot, beloved by commuters, locals, and tourists alike.
Q & A
Q: What are the hours?
A: Daily from 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM.
Q: Price range?
A: $10–20 per person.
Q: Do they offer delivery?
A: Yes—via Grubhub, DoorDash, and their own online ordering.
Q: What’s their signature dish?
A: The Falafel Bagel—a true East-meets-West NYC creation.
Q: Is seating available?
A: Limited—best for takeout, delivery, or a quick bite on the go.
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