Lunchtime Alternative to Whole Foods (Union Square/E. Village area)

[lalagirl]

I love Whole Foods' salad bar and prepared food section, but I'm finding it difficult to stay within my lunchtime allowance at the $7.99 per pound rate. Anyone have any similar, but less costly lunchtime alrernatives? A place with self-serve, prepared foods, in the Union Square/East Village area would be preferred.

If only Trader Joe's had a salad bar...(that place would be even more of a zoo, though)

[meatme]

Ditto to the Food Emporium, especially if cost is important. It's cheaper and less crowded than Whole Foods and you get a free bottle of water or soft drink on salad bar purchases of $5 or more.

[LA1PP]

try the food emporium on 14th and park. It has a decent salad bar with seating. You should also try the deli's on University and 13th street. the deli's have salad bars and make good wraps/sandwiches that are very affordable.

[Scott V]

Go to Ennju on 17th. You selection is limited to Japanese prepared food, but it is more affordable.

[LloydG]

I second Garden of Eden, although I go to the 23rd St. branch. Walk a bit and go to Cafe Beyond, in the Bed, Bath and Beyond on 6th and 19th -- great salads, burritos, and fabulous gazpacho when they have it.

[calypsogirl]

tisserie
857 broadway at 17th st
-gret bakery that can get expensive, but you can find something for less than $8. they have amazing quiches and great croissant turkey sandwiches as well as spanish tortas

the adore
17 e. 13th st btwn 5th ave and universiy
-sandwiches (about $7-8) on a baguette are amazing; soups, tarts, quiches, pastry

rainbow falafel
26 e. 17th st btwn broadway and 5th ave

marquet
15 e. 12th St btwn 5t ave and university
-you can order to go: salads, sandwiches, soups. a lot of their bigger salads like the chicken orange cranberry one is pricey, but it's huge!

garden of eden
14th street at 5th ave
-it's a great grocery store, but they have a hot food section and a salad bar that's good

[relizabeth]

The Adore is smashing; their soups, salads, and sandwiches got me through design school, kidney infections, and bad dates. Brunch is equally divine. The upstairs seating is remarkably serene.