21 Berry Deli

I was honestly very stunned to see the low reviews on here. I started working in the Flatiron District for about a month and I stopped in here because of a recommendation from a friend. This has now become my go-​to spot for coffee.
One clarification: They accept credit cards on purchases over $ 10. There is also an ATM inside if cash is needed.
I’ve also been treated with nothing but hospitality while I am there, even during high-​volume traffic like breakfast time. They’ve never messed up my order either. The cashier at the front has never been rude or nasty to anyone. There have been times where I’m rushing to scrape up exact change at the bottom of my bag only to have the cashier tell me it was okay.
That’s more than I can say about a select few customers. They’re probably the ones giving a poor review. This morning, for instance, a woman came in with a confusing order– I think she wanted hot coffee with ice cubes in it, but then I saw her place the ice cubes in a plastic bag? The employees at 21 Berry Deli were thoroughly confused as well and the woman ended up being VERY rude and flippant. Her high-​demands were rather unreasonable and there was no excuse for her poor behavior.
Understand what you’re walking into: a small deli with a hardworking staff. They’re doing their best with what they have. Don’t expect 5-​Star service and top-​shelf ingredients.
PS– the buffet table is okay, but I’m just not a buffet fan.

Liquor store, mini-​market, deli counter, and your standard self-​serve NY deli buffet.
Customer service was minimal one day but super nice and pleasant the next.
I got an egg & cheese bagel one day, and a egg/​cheese/​bacon on a roll the next — both good (4.0 stars), but far from outstanding.
In essence, good stop-​gap if your close by or stranded.

The sandwiches are are good. However, pricier then the rest of the city.
If you do not have the exact change or more the Chinese woman at the cash register will not abide. If you’re 5 cents short she will profusely demand that you give her the money or you will not get the food.
Customer service is unacceptable. This deli is simply relying on the convenience of their location to save their business and has no interest in accommodating and increasing the return of customers.
Any question about their specials or food will get a meek response of «Just look there.»
Not returning.

It’s a traditional New York local deli. They’ve got sandwiches and a modest buffet and they take cash only. What do you expect? Top not culinary delights? Nope, you should be expecting servicable food that is moderately fresh and tastes better than the hot dog stand alternative.
The staff behind the deli counter are really friendly and always make sandwiches that don’t fall apart and are easy to eat yet still packed with all the veggies and toppings you request. The location is great and the hours even better.
The biggest drawback. Cash only. I’m a credit card guy, I want my points! But Berry Deli only takes cash :(

I just wish you were in my neighborhood! This is a good deli for breakfast sandwiches and platters, iced coffee, tuna sandwiches and other freshly made deli sandwiches. I personally don’t mess with the salad bar but it does seem popular.
My work life wouldn’t be the same with out you and you’ll always be Shine in my eyes!

I frequently visit this deli on my way to work in the morning, and occasionally partake of the buffet of lunch choices. The staff is tremendously friendly and mult-​lingual. The gentleman at the register knows just how I like my coffee, and the fellows on the grill know my 2 favorites. As far as NYC delis go, this is a great one.

Am I really writing a review for a bodega? Is it so bad that I’m actually taking the time to review a freaking bodega? It is. I am.
It looks like this place used to be called «Shine» and was beloved. Now it’s called something else and it sucks. If there are only 3 people in the store, somehow the line will be five people deep. It defies math and logic, but there you are. Why does EVERYTHING take so long here? I’ll tell you why: this is the only bodega for several blocks; they don’t have to try.
Seriously, if you want to buy a simple pack of crackers, and have exact change, it will still take you forever to get out of here. Plus, being so close to the tour busses, you’re usually surrounded by tourists, which makes it worse.
I’m going to start hoarding snacks in my desk drawer at the office.
You’ll go to this piece of crap bodega because there’s nothing else nearby, but at least you’ve been warned.

i really weally like you shine deli… and i miss being in your neighborhood a lot.
the guys at shine delivered my egg white, 1 slice of swiss on an english muffin with salt and pepper perfectly every morning for the time i worked there.
why is everyone hating the fabulous shine deli?

It makes me sad to see so many bad reviews for Shine. I’ve never had a bad experience with them. They’re at the corner of my street and I’ll stop by for a sandwich when I’m in the mood. My favorite is the 21 Berry. It’s turkey, apple slices, brie cheese and honey mustard. It’s hard to mess up, so it’s really yummy put together. A little pricey, but what bodega isn’t? I’m serious! There’s always a line there, and the breakfast, although greasy smelling, is a pretty good deal.
The people who work there have never been nothing but nice to me. I’d give Shine a chance. I mean, there’s worse places in New York!

This is a small overpriced deli. There are much better delis nearby so don’t waste your time. I won’t touch their food after over hearing a gentlemen telling his friend he purchased a sandwich there and found a bug inside. Eww. They also sold me a 44 cent stamp for 60 cents. When I corrected the guy he laughed at me and said to try the post office. Bad service and dirty food… no thanks.

I’m hovering between two and three stars for Shine Deli.
I don’t visit as often as I’d expect, given that it’s right around the corner from me. It would be useful if they had longer hours — maybe they stay open long enough to cater to the Flatiron/​Mad Sq business crowd, but they were shuttered one night when I tried to stop by and, spoiled by so many 24-​hr bodegas in NYC, I’m now always a little hesitant about heading over after dark.
I went in a little before noon one weekend looking for grilled egg and cheese; was told they’d already turned their grill off after breakfast. I pouted a little, and the guy hedged and said oh, maybe it’s still hot enough — and he made my sandwich, which I guess is what counts. Man who entered the deli about 5 minutes after me, not so lucky.
They do stock the higher-​end-​deli range of imported crackers and chocolates, which is nice. And when I pointed out recently that a jar of Smuckers cherry preserves had an expiration date of 2005, the guy behind the counter was quite sheepish, appreciative of the heads up — «oh thank you, that’s quite old.» The next time I stopped in, the stack of dusty jars was gone. So at least they’re responsive.
Shine is serviceable — but meh, I’ve experienced better.