Krave Cafe & Deli: A 24/7 Upper East Side Favorite for Wraps, Juices & Smiles
Store Overview
Located at 1399 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021 (phone: 646-964-5256), Krave Cafe & Deli is one of the Upper East Side’s most beloved neighborhood gems. Open 24 hours, it’s that rare spot where you can grab a fresh salad, a breakfast wrap, or a late-night cappuccino with the same level of quality and care. With its clean storefront, inviting signage, and glowing interior, Krave exudes warmth even before you step inside.
The café’s atmosphere blends the best of a modern deli and a cozy neighborhood café. It’s spotless, well-organized, and filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling breakfast sandwiches. Customers include everyone from early-rising professionals to post-night-shift nurses from nearby hospitals, along with families and weekend brunchers.
Krave’s staff has earned a strong reputation for being friendly, fast, and genuinely attentive—something many reviewers call out as a standout feature. The café is part of a small family-run group that also operates Krave Pizza next door at 1393 2nd Ave, extending their local footprint with the same emphasis on quality and hospitality.
Menu & Services
Krave Cafe & Deli offers an impressive all-day menu, balancing healthy, hearty, and indulgent options. Highlights include:
-
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwiches – a NYC breakfast essential, cooked to perfection.
-
Breakfast Platters – customizable with eggs, toast, and sides.
-
House Special Quesadillas – stuffed with eggs, veggies, or meats.
-
Chicken Caesar Wrap – a local favorite, praised for its crisp lettuce and juicy chicken.
-
Fresh-Squeezed Juices – including pineapple, orange, and mix-your-own blends.
-
Salad Bar & Fruit Cups – rotating daily selections starting around $10.
-
Black Forest Gateau & Pastries – light, rich, and made for sweet-tooth moments.
-
Specialty Coffees & Cappuccinos – perfect for late-night study sessions or early morning commutes.
Prices range from $10–$20 per person, and Krave also offers delivery and takeout through platforms like Uber Eats. The café’s fresh-pressed juices and smoothies are among its most popular items, and the menu strikes the perfect balance between diner comfort food and modern café freshness.
Review Summary
With an outstanding 4.8 stars from 118 Google reviews, Krave Cafe & Deli stands out even in the competitive UES food scene.
Positive Feedback:
-
“Clean, well-run, friendly staff, delicious food, good prices.” – Gabriel Rives-Corbett, Google
-
“Very nice service and clean, tasty food and excellent customer service.” – Rouibah Raouf, Google
-
“Hands down my favorite chicken Caesar wrap in the UES.” – Weston White, Google
Critiques: Some diners mention limited seating and occasional wait times during peak lunch hours—but even those reviews emphasize the staff’s courtesy and food quality.
Human Commentary: In a neighborhood full of boutique eateries, Krave’s secret is its approachability. It’s the type of place that feels personal—where regulars are greeted by name, and food comes out both quickly and consistently delicious.
Location & Accessibility
Krave Cafe sits right in the heart of the Upper East Side, near 73rd Street on 2nd Ave. The Q subway line is just a short walk away, and several MTA bus routes run along 2nd Ave and 72nd Street. The area is dense with residences, schools, and small offices, ensuring Krave stays busy from dawn to midnight and beyond.
Nearby landmarks boosting its foot traffic include:
-
Hunter College – students stop by for wraps, juices, and late-night coffee runs.
-
John Jay Park – families and joggers frequent Krave for smoothies and light snacks.
-
Weill Cornell Medical Center – brings steady early morning and late-night traffic.
-
The Met Breuer – museum visitors often stop by for a casual bite after exhibits.
-
72nd Street Subway Station (Q Line) – connects downtown commuters with an easy pit stop for breakfast or dinner.
The mix of professionals, families, and night owls in this part of the UES makes Krave’s 24-hour model a perfect fit.
Genius Marketing Analysis
GI (Genius Insight): Krave’s emotional pull comes from comfort and community. It’s a place that feels reliable yet fresh, where regulars trust the food and first-timers feel welcome. The practical value is in its 24-hour service—a rarity uptown.
MDA (Marketing Action): Krave could elevate its online visibility with more Instagram content showcasing its juices and sandwiches, and by promoting late-night dining as a unique differentiator in the UES.
Genius Ideas (10)
-
UES Morning Rush Combo – Coffee + Bacon Egg & Cheese for $7 before 9 AM.
-
Juice Subscription Card – Prepay for 10 juices, get 2 free.
-
Post-Gym Smoothie Promo – 10% off smoothies for local fitness club members.
-
Krave Nights – Highlight the café’s 24-hour availability with special midnight meal deals.
-
Loyalty Rewards App – Digital stamp system for wraps, sandwiches, and coffee.
-
Weekend Brunch Box – Takeout kits with omelets, pancakes, and juice for two.
-
Community Wall Board – Promote local art or flyers, enhancing local connections.
-
Social Media Recipe Reels – Showcase how wraps and juices are made fresh.
-
Health Kick Mondays – 15% off salads and fruit bowls to start the week right.
-
“Krave It” Instagram Challenge – Customers post photos with their meals for a chance to win a free lunch.
Conclusion
Krave Cafe & Deli is more than a corner deli—it’s an Upper East Side comfort zone, where freshness meets friendliness 24 hours a day. From their signature wraps to perfectly brewed cappuccinos, everything at Krave reflects care, flavor, and local pride. It’s not just another deli—it’s a community staple that captures the warmth of NYC’s true neighborhood spirit.
Q & A
Q: What are Krave Cafe & Deli’s hours?
A: Open 24 hours, seven days a week.
Q: What’s the price range?
A: Most dishes fall between $10–$20 per person.
Q: Does Krave offer delivery?
A: Yes, through Uber Eats and other major delivery apps.
Q: What’s the best-selling item?
A: The Chicken Caesar Wrap and Bacon Egg & Cheese Sandwich are top sellers.
Q: Is Krave vegetarian-friendly?
A: Absolutely. The Salad Bar, Juice Menu, and Breakfast Platters offer plenty of vegetarian choices.
Comments
Post a Comment