Wu and Nussbaum: A Fusion of Bagels, Dumplings, and New York Charm Near Columbia
Store Overview
Wu and Nussbaum, located at 2897 Broadway, New York, NY 10025 (☎ 212-222-0040), is one of those rare New York spots that feels both unexpected and inevitable—a mashup that somehow makes perfect sense in this city. Sitting on the edge of Columbia University’s campus, this hybrid Jewish-Chinese café serves bagels by morning, dumplings by evening, and caffeine-fueled students all day long.
The atmosphere is casual, lively, and a bit quirky—part college hangout, part old-school deli, part neighborhood café. Exposed wood, chalkboard menus, and glass cases of baked goods welcome everyone from professors grading papers to night owls ordering dumplings past 9 PM.
The brand’s website, wuandnussbaumnyc.com, captures its identity perfectly: “We have bagels, dumplings, and more—all proudly homemade with a modern take on traditional recipes.”
Menu & Services
The menu at Wu and Nussbaum is what you’d expect from a New York cultural experiment that actually works—part Lower East Side bagel shop, part Chinatown dim sum café, all comfort.
Bagel & Breakfast Classics:
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Everything Bagel with Lox and Cream Cheese – $13.00
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Tuna Melt on Rye or Bagel – $13.50
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Whole Wheat or Plain Bagel with Olive Cream Cheese – $6.00–$8.00
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Crumb Cake Original – $4.50
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Black and White Cookie – $3.95
Asian-Inspired Favorites:
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Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings – $9.95
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Chicken & Cabbage Dim Sum – $10.95
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Vegetarian Noodle Bowl – $11.00
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Pork Soup Bao (Steamed) – $9.00
Drinks & Desserts:
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Freshly brewed coffee and espresso drinks.
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Homemade pastries and cookies (black-and-white cookie fans swear by theirs).
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Fresh juices, teas, and smoothies for the health-conscious crowd.
Services:
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Open daily from 7 AM to 9:30 PM.
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Dine-in, takeout, and delivery via Toast, Seamless, and Grubhub.
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Free Wi-Fi and dog-friendly outdoor seating.
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Catering options for Columbia events and local offices.
Review Summary
Positives
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3.8⭐ (Google), praised for its creativity and variety.
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Beloved by Columbia students and Upper West Side locals for affordable comfort food.
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Dumplings and lox bagels both receive strong praise—rare in one restaurant.
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Quick service and consistent freshness for breakfast and lunch.
Negatives
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Wait times can stretch during peak hours, especially mornings.
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Some find bagel quality inconsistent compared to specialty bagel-only shops.
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Limited seating during rush times.
Human Commentary
Wu and Nussbaum is a quintessential Upper West Side oddball success—a place that thrives because it doesn’t follow the rules. In a neighborhood built on tradition and academia, it’s a microcosm of New York’s diversity in edible form. Where else can you get dumplings and a black-and-white cookie at the same table?
Location & Accessibility
Transportation
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1 train to Cathedral Parkway (110th St) or 116th St–Columbia University Station.
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Multiple M4, M104, and M60 buses along Broadway.
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Located right in the heart of the Columbia University corridor, with steady foot traffic from students, staff, and locals.
Nearby Landmarks
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Columbia University – Primary customer base, from students studying to professors unwinding.
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Riverside Park – Attracts joggers and dog walkers who grab to-go breakfast or coffee.
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Tom’s Restaurant – The Seinfeld landmark just blocks away brings in tourists exploring the neighborhood.
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Barnard College – Expands the student audience and midday lunch crowd.
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Cathedral of St. John the Divine – Visitors often stop by before or after tours.
These landmarks bring a mix of academic, local, and tourist traffic, keeping Wu and Nussbaum busy from breakfast through dinner.
Genius Marketing Analysis
GI (Genius Insight):
Wu and Nussbaum’s biggest strength is its fusion identity—bridging cultures and cuisines while feeling authentically New York. It caters to two major NYC appetites: comfort carbs and curiosity.
MDA (Marketing Action):
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Market the brand as “The Original East-Meets-West Café” on social media and signage.
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Collaborate with Columbia University events for catering and student promotions.
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Introduce half-and-half meal combos (bagel + dumplings) as signature offerings.
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Highlight cultural storytelling in branding—e.g., “Where Broadway Meets Beijing.”
10 Genius Ideas
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“Bagel & Bao” Combo: A breakfast-lunch hybrid meal deal featuring both cuisines.
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Student Loyalty Program: Points or free drinks for repeat Columbia student customers.
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Late-Night Study Specials: Discounted food and coffee after 8 PM.
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Cultural Fusion Nights: Themed evenings exploring Chinese-Jewish food traditions.
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Collab Pastries: Create a sesame-honey black-and-white cookie as a fusion dessert.
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Mini Dumpling Happy Hour: Discounted dumplings from 4–6 PM.
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Campus Catering Partnerships: Build meal plan add-ons for Columbia students.
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Wu & Nussbaum Brunch Box: Sunday special with bagels, bao, and fresh fruit.
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Instagram Story Polls: Let followers vote on the next fusion menu item.
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“Upper West Side Originals” Series: Celebrate regular customers through social features.
Conclusion
Wu and Nussbaum is an only-in-New-York kind of restaurant—a place where tradition and innovation sit side by side, wrapped in the same sesame seed bun. Its bagels and dumplings tell the story of the city itself: layered, unexpected, and always evolving.
Located steps from Columbia University, it’s more than just a café—it’s a culinary conversation between two worlds, inviting customers to taste the blend that makes New York, New York.
Q & A
Q: What are the hours?
A: Open daily from 7 AM to 9:30 PM.
Q: Price range?
A: Around $10–20 per person.
Q: What makes it unique?
A: A creative mix of Jewish deli classics and Asian-inspired dishes—a true NYC fusion.
Q: Does it offer catering?
A: Yes, through wuandnussbaumnyc.com.
Q: Family-friendly?
A: Yes, with relaxed seating and outdoor pet-friendly space.
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