Gourmet Square: A Mini-Market Deli Gem on the Upper West Side
Store Overview
Tucked into the bustling corner of 201 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023 (phone: 646-850-8050), Gourmet Square Mini Market & Deli has quickly become a neighborhood staple since opening in 2021. Located near 69th Street in the Upper West Side’s Lincoln Square area, this mini-market–meets–deli offers a vibrant mix of local charm and fast-casual convenience. Open until 1 AM daily, it caters to everyone from early risers to late-night snackers.
From the outside, the shop greets you with bright signage, clean glass displays, and the comforting aroma of grilled sandwiches and brewed coffee. Inside, the layout feels compact but well-curated: a smooth blend of deli counter, beverage coolers, and grab-and-go shelves. The staff are warm, quick, and often greet regulars by name—a hallmark of a true local favorite.
Menu & Services
Gourmet Square combines classic New York deli offerings with a global touch, including Middle Eastern coffee, homemade-style food, and a smoothie and juice bar. Menu highlights include:
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Chopped Cheese Sandwich – $6.99, a flavorful NYC essential grilled to order.
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Chicken Philly Cheese Steak – juicy, tender, and filling.
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Large Smoothies (20oz) – $8.00, in fruity combinations like mango, banana, or mixed berry.
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Fresh Salads and Yogurt Parfaits – refreshing, customizable, and light.
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Specialty Sandwiches – featuring Boar’s Head meats and house spreads.
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Hot Breakfast Plates – including eggs, bacon, and toast combos.
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Middle Eastern Coffee – bold and aromatic, a hidden gem on the menu.
They also offer fried foods, home-cooked specials, and fresh juices. Prices range from $10–$20 per person, making it an affordable yet elevated option in a neighborhood known for pricier cafés. Customers can dine in briefly, grab takeout, or order online via Grubhub, Uber Eats, or Postmates.
Review Summary
With an overall 4.1 Google rating (and a stellar 4.8/5 on Grubhub from 435 reviews), Gourmet Square has won over locals and delivery customers alike.
Positive Feedback:
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“Good food, prices, and service.” – Adam Frost, Google
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“I ordered a beef burger and potatoes and it is wonderful.” – King of Freedom, Google
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“Huge selection, great smoothies, and friendly staff.” – Facebook Review
Critiques: A few reviews note occasional inconsistencies with sandwich toppings or portion sizes. However, most agree that the quality and speed outweigh minor flaws.
Human Commentary: Gourmet Square shines as a reminder of how mini-markets can deliver major flavor. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a pressed sandwich and a smoothie one minute, and a hot coffee and salad the next—all without the chaos of a big-name chain.
Location & Accessibility
Situated in Lincoln Square, Gourmet Square benefits from steady foot traffic throughout the day. The 1, 2, and 3 subway lines at 72nd Street and Broadway are just a few blocks away, with buses running frequently along Amsterdam Avenue.
Nearby landmarks shaping customer flow:
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Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts – attracts theatergoers seeking a pre-show meal or late-night snack.
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Central Park West (via 70th St entrance) – joggers and families swing by for juices and smoothies.
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AMC Lincoln Square 13 – drives late-night crowds after movie showings.
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Beacon Theatre – nearby concertgoers often grab post-show sandwiches.
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Riverside Park – offers steady daytime picnic traffic looking for affordable takeout.
This combination of entertainment, residential, and commuter traffic keeps Gourmet Square active from morning through midnight.
Genius Marketing Analysis
GI (Genius Insight): Gourmet Square’s edge lies in versatility—it’s a deli, smoothie bar, and grocery all in one. The emotional hook is convenience with care: fast service that still feels personal.
MDA (Marketing Action): Highlight the store’s unique Middle Eastern coffee and smoothies on social media to stand out from typical UWS delis. Partnering with Lincoln Center or nearby fitness studios could drive targeted foot traffic.
Genius Ideas (10)
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Pre-Show Snack Boxes – compact meals for Lincoln Center audiences.
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Smoothie Loyalty Card – buy 5, get 1 free; encourages repeat morning visits.
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Late-Night Combo Deals – sandwich + smoothie for discounted prices after 9 PM.
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Local Artist Wall – display UWS art to create a community connection.
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Delivery Lunch Packs – office-friendly salad and sandwich combos.
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Central Park Picnic Kits – sandwiches, chips, and drinks in eco-friendly packaging.
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Student Discount Program – partner with Juilliard and Fordham Lincoln Center.
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Healthy Monday Specials – promote salad and smoothie sales at the week’s start.
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Coffee Tasting Days – feature Middle Eastern coffee and educate customers on its origin.
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Neighborhood Newsletter Feature – sponsor local blogs like iLovetheUpperWestSide for brand awareness.
Conclusion
Gourmet Square Mini Market & Deli captures the essence of the Upper West Side: cultured, convenient, and quietly sophisticated. Whether you’re grabbing a smoothie after a Central Park jog or ordering a chopped cheese for a late-night craving, Gourmet Square brings comfort and quality to one of Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhoods. It’s more than a deli—it’s a community stop that’s redefining convenience food with heart.
Q & A
Q: What are Gourmet Square’s hours?
A: Open daily until 1 AM.
Q: What’s the price range?
A: Most menu items range between $10–$20 per person.
Q: Does Gourmet Square offer delivery?
A: Yes, available on Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Postmates.
Q: What are their specialties?
A: The Chopped Cheese, Chicken Philly, and Fresh Smoothies are most popular.
Q: Is Gourmet Square vegetarian-friendly?
A: Yes, with salads, yogurt parfaits, and meat-free smoothies and sandwiches.
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