Elman’s

Nice selection of wines.

Elman’s is conveniently located across the street from Baruch College and seems a more practical fit for Gramercy Park than the Kelly & Ping it replaces. I was on my way to the 6 to catch the Richard Serra exhibit at MoMA when the $ 5.50 grilled chicken caesar wrap special gave me an excuse to give this place a try.
Inside, they have an impressive selection of sandwiches ingredients and hot foods. The interior is clean and modest, off white with cherry wood accents. So why three stars? –1 for the service. I don’t need the people on the other side of the counter to kiss my ass, but I don’t want them to kick my ass either. Those guys didn’t look too happy. –1 for the wrap. Although it packed a lot of chicken in there, they could have packed more lettuce in there. Lettuce is relatively inexpensive anyway, and the dryness of the tortilla could have used the moisture and texture to balance it out.
I think deli’s really require something special for them to earn 4 or 5 stars. The truth is, if you’re nearby and you’re looking for a quick bite on the cheap, Elman’s is probably as good as any.