In Newark, my expectations are often abysmally low. Needless to say that the excitement felt at the opening of a new deli in the Gateway Center during my seemingly endless stints in Newark was completely overshadowed by my pessimism. BUT I have come to realize that in matters like this, low expectations almost always assure satisfaction, and it is certainly true in this case. Metro Cafe has a wide range of breakfast and lunch options, and is fairly priced. The food is fresh, warm and tasty. They have fresh deli meats, plenty of avocado (which I love) and they'll indulge in your specific requests when it comes to sandwich ingredients, such as sauteed onions or mushrooms or whatever they have and you want. I also recommend the soups, but most of all, their muffins. The bran muffin and the apple cinnamon muffins are a must. They are freshly baked, soft, not-too-greasy, not-too-sweet, and absolutely delicious.
Arnab M.Ithaca, NY
Looking for Cooked Food By The Pound? This is your place to go if you work in the Gateway Center business park of Newark.
Food by the pound is great for those who like to eat a plethora of items. It's also great for me for those times when I need to carbo-load days before a marathon.
Their sandwiches are nothing great, but the populace seems to love them.
Metro Cafe's hot & cold food bar isn't cheap, but they offer a good variety of choices and mix their selections up daily.
Hideki K.New York, NY
Go Figure - Most places in this area don't open until 6:30 am. It was 6:10, I was hungry and this was open (yeah) with this in mind my expectations were low and I was pleasantly surprised.
I ordered a breakfast sandwich and a small coffee for under five bucks! As I waited for my order I was reading through the specials posted -- So many specials for breakfast and lunch that would please all tastes. I received my order: Bacon, Egg and Cheese on a soft Kaiser Roll. The cheese was nice and gooey, the bacon nice and crispy. I stopped here a few times this past week since I passed it twice a day to and from the train.
Marian H.Peoria, AZ
Metro Cafe is located in the Gateway Center and easy to walk to from Newark Penn Station; just walk across the pathway between the two buildings.
Lunch and dinner are buffet style (you pay per pound) with a wide range of food. I can't complain about any of them, but nothing really stood out either.
Breakfast is really cheap. You can definitely get food and coffee for under $5.
I would not make a special trip to Metro Cafe, but it certainly is convenient.
George B.Mattapan, MA
Normally, if I have 10-15 minutes to wait at Newark Penn Station in the morning, I go to McDonalds for the quick service.
I had a slightly longer wait this morning, so I walked over to the Gateway area. Metro Cafe is at the end of the skybridge, across from Starbucks.
Nice enough cafe/deli. Seating available, past the cash register on the right. Coffee is self serve. I ordered a breakfast sandwich at the back counter. Came to $5.80. Counter help seemed nice enough, large lunch menu.
Jim B.Somerset, NJ
Very friendly staff. A wide variety of foods - deli, salad bar, pizza...but I come here for the juice bar...always freshly prepared and tasty.
Rajen P.Livingston, NJ
I really enjoyed my lunch at Metro Cafe. I especially enjoyed their Penne a la Vodka. I was very impressed with the wide variety of choices in their smorgasbord.
Froilan OManhattan, NY
Breakfast served all day and is above average at a good price. Western omelette was great and the salad bar was fresh with great variety.
Warren P.Falls Church, VA
We were staying at the nearby Hilton and not wanting to venture too far for dinner, we stumbled upon this place. We were there all by ourselves at the time (late dinner) but you can tell it is one popular place, serving the employees from the local businesses; lots of seating for a huge crowd.
This is not a fancy place - just good solid affordable food.
The man who helped us was great - at the time we were there, he was the only employee in the front of the house. Not knowing the portion size, we ordered way too much food. So, be advised, this is a place with large portions! Let’s just say that we did not clean our plates!
Jillian R.Santa Rosa, CA
Home made chicken salad - probably the best around. Solid selection on the salad bar. And, if you want a deal, it's hard to beat two slices of pizza and a drink for $5.00. Clean dining area and a very friendly staff!!!
John B.Rumson, NJ
