Kernel

A new plant based spot focused on sustainable practices using a mix of AI technology & robotics. Kernel offers fresh food made to order and conveniently placed in lockers for pick up. You order online and get notification once ready. Hit unlock through the link and you'll see a green light come up on the locker where your order is. Food is packaged to go as there is no seating inside. There is standing room bar style space if you choose to quickly eat while standing, but generally a grab and go kinda place. I didn't see a restroom. Located just near Madison Square Park.

The menu is fully plant based despite offering a chicken sandwich. This is a vegan chicken. Can be a bit confusing if you aren't aware it's all vegan. I tried the beet burger just to be safe. I found it to be a bit dry and could use a bit more flavor. Perhaps add a sauce of some kind. The kernel salad was great. My favorite was the side of carrots. The cookie was pretty good too.

Delicious, friendly and quick plant based food. Innovative concept with yummy food - try the sides and the cookies!

As soon as I heard about this place I knew I had to try it. The concept is incredibly simple- I'm not entirely clear on how they are using AI and robotics to make everything happen- but you place an order online, you get a notification when it will be ready, and then the notification directs you to a little cubby/locker where you pick your food up. This place has limited hours and is geared towards to go orders (there's a bar to stand and eat at, but no seating, no restroom either) and is also clearly for the office lunch crowd. It's great vegan food though for those who want something to bring back with them or just for a quick bite. I had the crispy chicken burger and it was excellent, definitely some of the best vegan fast food I have had in a long time. I wish the burger was customizable (I don't like pickles for example) but things you don't like are easy enough to remove. I also wish the menu had a description of what was in each meal although most of it is pretty basic and self explanatory. There was someone there who was present for ordering issues, explaining what's in the different options, and just to make sure everything was going as it should. Despite a few things that could be tweaked overall I think this place is a great concept and I hope it lasts and they can open more.