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Little Beet – Midtown East
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Little Beet – Midtown East
7.9
Little Beet’s Midtown East outpost is a vegetable-forward, gluten-free fast-casual spot where vegans can build bowls around ancient grains, miso tofu, and roasted seasonal produce. The line can get long at peak hours, but turnover is quick and the menu makes it easy to keep things fully plant-based.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso Tofu Bowl with Quinoa and Charred Broccoli, Brussel Hustle Bowl, Chef’s Soup Bowl with Seasonal Vegetables
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A long-running veggie-centric chainlet that makes building fully vegan grain bowls straightforward.
Who should go: Health-focused lunch regulars and gluten-free or vegan office crowds.
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner to avoid peak office rush.
What to order: Build a miso tofu grain bowl, add extra greens, plus soup.
Insider tip: Scan the toppings carefully; staff will help swap non-vegan sauces or proteins.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce during office hours; rely on nearby paid garages along 3rd Ave and 51st–53rd Streets.
Dress code: Come as you are—casual, office attire, or gym-friendly; it’s a fast-casual counter setup.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch; easy to hold a conversation once seated.
Weekend wait: Minimal to no wait; this location is primarily a weekday lunch hub.
Weekday lunch: Expect a 5–10 minute line at peak noon rush, but movement is fast due to counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—nearly the entire menu is vegetable-forward with plentiful vegetarian options.
Vegan options: Very strong—everything can be made fully plant-based, with vegan proteins and sauces clearly marked.
Gluten-free options: Excellent—Little Beet is 100% gluten-free across the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something casual and low-pressure. It’s fast-casual counter service, so not ideal for a romantic or lingering first date, but fine for a quick, healthy meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is shared and turnover is high, especially after the lunch rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-friendly for quick meals; no high chairs or kids’ menu, but simple bowls work well for older children who eat veggies and grains.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and clearer vegan/gluten-free labeling than many Midtown health-focused spots; ideal for customizable bowls and clean eating.
Skip if: You want a sit-down restaurant, substantial portions for the price, or a more atmospheric dining experience.
Little Beet – Midtown East
7.9
This 100% gluten-free, vegetable-forward counter spot inside the 320 Park concourse turns mix-and-match grains, greens, and proteins into customizable bowls. It’s a reliable option for office towers nearby, balancing clean flavors with enough portion size to feel like a full meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Harvest Turkey Bowl, Beet Falafel Bowl, Salmon Apple Fennel Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Fully gluten-free, build-a-bowl lunches in a busy corporate corridor.
Who should go: Office workers wanting gluten-free, veggie-heavy bowls near Park Avenue
When to visit: Mid-afternoon lull for shorter lines and easier seating
What to order: Harvest Turkey Bowl, Beet Falafel Bowl, Salmon Apple Fennel Bowl
Insider tip: Order online for pickup to avoid peak lunch queues stretching into the concourse.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in Midtown East during weekdays; rely on nearby paid garages along Park Ave and E 48th–50th St. No dedicated parking.
Dress code: Completely casual—office attire, gym clothes, and jeans are all typical.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch; conversational once the rush passes.
Weekend wait: Not a dinner destination; hours may be limited or closed on weekends depending on building operations. If open, waits are minimal.
Weekday lunch: Lines form from 12–1:15pm and can stretch into the concourse; expect 5–15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—many bowls can be built fully vegetarian with grains, greens, roasted vegetables, and beet falafel.
Vegan options: Yes—several bases and toppings are vegan, though protein choices are more limited.
Gluten-free options: Excellent—100% gluten-free kitchen with no cross-contamination risk.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's a fast-casual counter service spot with limited seating. Better for a quick meet-up than a full date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is first-come, first-served, and easiest outside peak lunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who like bowls and simple vegetables. No dedicated amenities like high chairs or stroller space; it’s designed for office-tower traffic.
Best For
Better for: Reliable gluten-free, customizable bowls with clean flavors and quick throughput—especially strong for dietary-restricted office workers.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, dinner service, or a more indulgent, chef-driven experience; this is a functional, fast-casual stop rather than a destination.