Au Bon Pain

Eeehh. There is plenty wrong with this location, as can be surmised from the previous reviews. Going here for a sandwich is asking for a wait, and forget if there’s a rush. It takes the staff and uncanny amount of time to make sandwiches/​to-​order items for some reason. The register line is usually long and sometimes takes a lot longer than one would assume it should. The soup selection is just ok.
Buuut, I find the workers to be friendly, although they can be snippy at times (but who wouldn’t be dealing with pushy commuters who are in a rush?). Also, their hot espresso drinks are reasonably priced at $ 1.99 for a medium. Other things can get pricey though, the soup, the sandwiches, even the pastries. But I do love their bakery items. AND OMG THE MUDSLIDE COOKIE. HAVE ONE. TELL THEM TO WARM IT UP AND HAVE ONE. SO GOOD! Just beware that you may end up waiting 5 – 10 minutes on the sandwich line to warm it up.
Go when it’s less of a rush. Also, pro tip: join their rewards/​online program. They give you a sandwich/​salad for your birthday, pastry on the anniversary you joined and some other random occasions. Plus you find out about any random promotions they’re having, free coffee, iced tea, cookie, etc.
So yes, this location can get on your nerves, but overall it’s still worth it if there isn’t another ABP near by.

I love Au Bön Pain, I’ve been frequenting the company (various locations) for years. Unfortunately after switching jobs this is the closest location to the office. The variation isn’t as extensive as the ones in the Financial district, but that could be simply due to size. However this morning I stopped in here for a breakfast bagel and coffee. There was a huge line to pay, which I didn’t mind because they seem to move it quickly; but at the bagel counter there was no one. When the person handling bagels is finally called out, he takes the order of the gentleman who was waiting before me and then mine. He actually repeated my order and preferences back to me. At that point I went to grab a cup of coffee while my sandwich was being prepared. I get back just as the gentleman who was before me received his sandwich. Then the woman who came after me received her food. I am still waiting. The person who should have already finished my sandwich turns to me and says «oh what did you order? I forgot» This is FRUSTRATING. This is the difference between me being five minutes early and potentially LATE. However the BEST part is he starts my bagel over, but gives the bagel that was ORIGINALLY MINE to someone else. Someone who blatantly asked him «Why would you give me this, when she ordered way before me?» Once that was mentioned I was livid, but of course I had to join the line that now wrapped around the soup station and when I did make it to the front ringing me up was the slowest process ever. This morning I was torn between Au Bön Pain and Le Bön Café, I’ll save myself the incompetency in the mornings and go there instead.

I am a huge fan of Au Bön Pain as the food is pretty good and the prices are affordable. However, this location is atrocious. We visited it on Sunday afternoon, it was not even that busy. First, they were out of basic items such as turkey and country white bread to make the Newport turkey sandwich. Second, the soups looked like they just scooped out the contents of yesterday’s soup pots and mixed it with the new one. Third, when we finally got our items and proceeded to the cash register, the dumb cashier managed to ring up my items and a lady who was behind me who was clearly separating her items and when I questioned that the charge was too high, 32 bucks for two soups, one sandwich and two drinks, the cashier said «I did not charge anything incorrectly», of course she did!!! There are much better places to eat at Penn, and we only stopped here because my son was craving their mac and cheese. Also, it’s very dirty, I was really disgusted to sit and eat there. Do yourself a favor and choose something else.

I have been a fan of this bakery since 1996. What I am not a fan of is how they almost NEVER have the Almond filled croissant. No matter which location it’s always the same … Not today, were out, it’s too hot out. The last time I had one was almost a year ago.
And I have been to about 3 locations this weekend and nothing! COME ON!!!

While waiting for the LIRR I always found it to be a nice place to get a grilled sandwich. NOT tonight. The server turned away the woman ahead of us in line and then refused to make a turkey sandwich. He said there was no bread. But I could see the bread and said any bread is ok. Then he said there was no lettuce. We said it’s okay just make the sandwich anyway. He refused to make the sandwich and said «don’t yell at me.» We left. I will not return. I just wanted any sandwich. Wasn’t in a rush. Bad business. Why is the server behind the counter if he can’t make a sandwich. We went to the pizza place instead.
This Au Bön Pain does not deserve even one star.

I ordered two (2) plain croissants and was charged $ 2.79, which is the fee for an Apple Croissant on one pastry while the other was charged the original price of $ 2.19! I should have only paid $ 4.38 for 2 plain croissants! I had an issue with this same cashier a couple of days ago when I tried using my gift card to pay for my items. She gave me a difficult time. And now this!!!
When I asked the cashier if that was the actual correct price for a plain croissant she said «Yes, that’s what came up.» This cashier did not even bother to double check her selection! I had to leave because I needed to get to work. When I arrived to work and reviewed my receipt it showed a charge for a plain croissant and an apple croissant!!! I followed up with a phone call to 1−800−765−4227 and explained my predicament to the woman on the other end and she gave me the correct phone number to call the branch in NYC at Penn Station (Store #216) to speak with a manager. I called 212−967−5276 three times but no one picked up. This store is not the best when it comes to customer service. The employees are extremely unpleasant and divisive when they are having a bad day.

There are no prices posted for most of the readymade items. When I brought two items up and asked the cashier how much they cost, he told me he didn’t know. Huh? I asked how I could buy it if he didn’t know what to charge me. He said one if them was about $ 8, but that the only way to get the actual price was to ring it up. But, I asked, what if I decided it was too much? He told me he would have to void it and his manager didn’t like him to do that. I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to not post prices, and I’m reporting it to NYC Dept. Of Consumer Affairs. I left and went to Pret down the hall, where prices were clearly posted and the staff were friendly.

This place has good pastries at affordable prices. Favorite is almond croissant. We went here while waiting for our bus. Very convenient location in the train station for a quick bite and coffee pick me up. Ordered tuna sandwich and chicken with fig and brie sandwich which were delicious. Sandwiches are made upon request. Too bad there’s only one location in the west coast and it’s far from us.

If i could give this place zero stars I would!!! Every single day they mess up my order or completely forget it! Worst Customer service I have EVER seen. You may ask why I continue to come back? Because frankly the food is good. But this location is an abomination!!!

I’ve visited this Au Bön Pain almost every day before work and every day it’s a new experience. Who will shoulder check me today because the space is too small? Will I be able to order a bagel and make my train in time today? Will I be charged for a coffee refill or will they charge me the price for a new cup of tea today? A new adventure each time.
I gave this place 3 stars so it’s not really ALL that bad. Sure the space is small, but it’s in Penn Stations and I always hit it during rush hour so it’s not entirely their fault. The employees who make the sandwiches are always extremely nice, but usually only one person is working there, which doesn’t make sense during the breakfast rush hour. And someone needs to tell the cashiers that just because I get tea in my coffee refill cup, I should still be charged for a coffee refill. It’s basic customer service.
I always enjoy the food I get there. The oatmeal and various toppings are my main go to. Sometimes I’ll have a bagel and cream cheese which is always fresh first thing in the morning. Their pastries and muffins are a good time too. I agree their prices are a bit steep considering what you are buying but that’s Penn Station for ya. They have a nice little seating area if you’re not rushing to catch a train.

Just left this place, which has a horrible night manager. My girlfriend was ordering her food and mine, and I wanted to use the restroom, but was confronted by rude manager. Definitely not worth our business if this is the customer service that this branch shows. Hope they replace this manager who thinks he can get away with arguing with ppl who may or may not be drunk.

Ok, I’m a rube from the ‘burbs, but I’m also a sucker for soup in the winter. Yesterday was a damp, rainy day and I did welcome the nice choice of soups available. If you are unsure, they offer small cups for tasting so you can chose your ultimate favorite. Prices are in line with what you expect in NYC– I paid 4.15 for a medium bowl of Pumpkin soup, which was delicious.
I find the help here to be friendly, and efficient. It is a small place, but seating is generally available. I will return.

When in a hurry or not on the mood for a full-​blown sandwich or meal, I always get the Spinach Cheese Croissant because it’s a perfect portion for a meal, it’s warm, and it’s delicious ! It’s also inexpensive.
Other than the pastries, I found the soups to be overpriced and the sandwiches and bagels to be mediocre.

They offer a healthy menu compared to the other eateries inside Penn Station. Salads and sandwiches are nothing special.
Above average coffee selections

To whom it may concern,
I commute to Manhattan every day and often stop by for a breakfast sandwich at the location within the Long Island Rail Road level of Penn Station. I have a few points to provide.
Cons to your location and your staff:
The location is small for the volume of traffic passing through the day
Some employees at rush hour seem to not be focused on their task while others are covering more than they should
Where are the managers? Previously about 6 months ago, I would see the manager greet people at the door. I don’t see that anymore
Customers are not sure where the line starts
Orders take a while longer than they should
produce is not available for the items listed on the menu. Example avocado, I came to find out after I had waited on line.
The deli section where the bread is displayed, there is a gap where people can touch the bread. This is extremely unsanitary.
Cleanliness at all times. Someone should be passing through and ensuring this is constant.
Pros of your location and staff
High traffic location
commuters have a limited amount of healthy, quality selection for food at Penn
You have a great selection for breakfast
Prices are reasonable for the location
The few that stand out, take it upon themselves to delegate. I don’t believe they are managers, but the team needs guidance and structure.
I hope my feedback is considered as I do still enjoy your store.

This review is for Au Bön Pain, but it’s mostly dedicated to the lovely man and women working behind the counter of the sandwich station. I can’t even imagine what they put up with being right in Penn Station and under an office building, and with everyone wanting their food NOW. There’s a good chance it’s stressful, but you really can’t tell — everyone there is just so nice! And, even better than nice, they’re quick! I’m a grab and go lunch kind of girl, and I’m always in and out in only a few minutes. And, even better than that (!), it’s always good! Sure, Au Bön Pain isn’t a five star restaurant, but they always make my sandwich right (I’ve been getting the same thing lately and when I said I wanted more sauce, the girl working already knew and told me she remembered — when is the last time anyone has said that to you in the food industry?!)
This has been my go to lunch spot for a while because a) I like what I order b) It’s consistently good and c) The sandwich station staff.

Do people really like these places? I guess their sandwiches are ok if you have the appetite of a 5year old girl. For grown folk, however, charging $ 8 for a chicken avocado wrap that is 95% lettuce… no thank you. Their breakfast and baked goods are decent, but everything else lacks substance.

An Au Bön Pain located in NY Penn Station. It is a small cramped store. The pastries look so sad whenever I walk in. Granted I am going at night time, when breakfast needs are definitely not in high demand. But still, the muffins look so sad and dilapidated I can’t find myself to buy them (and i LOVE muffins).

Out of the multitudes of places to grab a quick bite to eat at Penn Station this is not a bad spot. Not that great as it is a bit pricey, but not that bad.
Lots of sandwiches and prepackaged foods, salads, soups, and such. Small seating area.
Their bagels, croissants, and muffins are actually pretty good. The muffins use real stuff in them as I had a really tasty corm muffin with real corn kernels in it on my last visit here. Good hot coffee too.
Overall, it’s ok in a pinch while rushing to catch a train but nothing to go out of the way for.

I simply love Au Bön Pain, they carry some great stuff. I really like the variety of sandwiches, soups and salads offered here.
The jalapeño bagel with cheese is just dead awesome, this is only place where jalapeño bagel tasted so good. The love the location, it comes handy to pick up the food when on the go via penn station.