Sketchy, clean and moderately-priced, are three words I would use to describe this Midtown nail salon.

While on my lunch break, I decided to try out “Nail Plaza” because it is right near my office building. I am a New York City nail salon connoisseur, so I feel confident in comparing this one to others in the area.

For a midtown nail spot, the prices at this salon were to be expected. Manicures are $12 and pedicures are $25, which are the true prices. Unlike almost every other nail place in the city, Nail Plaza offers neither a mani-pedi combo deal, nor a mid-week special.

When I entered the salon and inquired about pricing, looked disappointed and then just asked for a manicure, the ladies were quick to offer me a $7 discount “just this one time.” AKA why I called this place sketchy, but hey, I am not one to turn down a discount. Further along into my manicure, the woman doing my nails, Esther, handed me a pink slip with their menu of services. A stamped message on the slip entitled me to 20% off waxing, mani’s and pedi’s every time I showed it…which be where this mysterious $7 discount came from. Though I appreciated the dip in price, I felt bad when the salon continued to charge everyone else the full $37. The other customers had blatantly heard them offer me a better deal and still had to pay full price.

As for the actual manicure and pedicure services, they were just okay. I went during my lunch break and the woman doing my nails knew I only had an hour, so this could explain why the job felt rushed. Nevertheless, this nail salon did not offer many extras like other salons in the area, like the free massages as your nails dry or your choice of scented oils during the service. Though my nail technician haphazardly threw polish onto my fingernails, they still look great. Also, I appreciated that Nail Plaza uses higher quality products, such as luxurious-feeling moisturizers and brand-name OPI base and top coats.

While I liked the final outcome and think my nails look well-polished, I would not pay a higher price again at Nail Plaza for less service than other salons in the area offer. It was definitely not a bad experience though, and I would return if I was in a pinch, needing a quick and reliable mani-pedi near my office.
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IF YOU GO
What: Nail Plaza Nails and Spa
Where: 831 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10022 (between 50th-51st)
When: M-F 9:30AM-8:00PM, Sat. and Sun. 9:30AM-8:00PM
Contact: (212) 980-2308
Cost: $12 manicure, $25 pedicure, $20 gel manicure, $35 shellac manicure and $10 polish change