I found a 'secret' coffee shop hidden in one of NYC's busiest neighborhoods. Here's why it's a remote worker's paradise.
Upon arriving, I discovered that there was a whole outdoor patio area — perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the fall weather.
The fridges were well stocked, and salad and sandwich selection was ample.
Since this is one of Au Bon Pain's more spacious locations in the city, there was a wide range of food available.
Even though I came in the afternoon, just a few hours before closing, I had my pick of food. While I don't think Au Bon Pain is going to win any awards for gourmet food, you'd be surprised how often coffee shops in New York burn through their food supply — even my local Starbucks is perpetually under stocked.
There was a wide array of seating, suitable for everything from a co-working group to families visiting from out of town.
If you have out-of-town guests in New York and running around Midtown, this could be a great spot to take a break.
There were 32 outlets in the store, making it a freelancer's paradise.
For remote workers, laptops are their offices — and that means they're at the mercy of their battery. After my day in transit, power levels were dangerously low. But pretty much every table at Au Bon Pain had ample outlet access.
Just steps outside of Au Bon Pain was a rare pocket of New York greenery, making it feel all the more hidden.
When I emerged from Au Bon Pain, I found myself in a rare green plaza — an anomaly in Midtown. It made the coffee shop feel all the more hidden.
And right across the street was NBC Studios and "The Tonight Show."
I didn't see Jimmy Fallon, but maybe that's a testament to how secretive this Au Bon Pain is.
Radio City Music Hall, which has hosted iconic concerts (and my college graduation), was right nearby — meaning you could hop straight from Au Bon Pain to a show.
If I had to run to a performance after work, Au Bon Pain seems like a great place to work remotely.
I would definitely return to this Au Bon Pain. As corporate outposts go, it met and exceeded all of my expectations. However, I'll still try to stick with local coffee shops.
The beauty of a corporate coffee shop is that you generally know what to expect, and it's not putting a significant strain on finances for you to camp out with your laptop.
Au Bon Pain offered all of that and more — I would definitely return for another productive day. However, I will still do my best to frequent local coffee shops, even if it means squeezing into an outlet-less table with the rest of Manhattan.
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