Looking for a fun place to have lunch in Manhattan? The Rockefeller Center has many things to do and see. There are over 100 stores and 40 restaurants! The center is located between 49th and 50thSt; and 5th Ave and Avenue of Americas. http://www.rockefellercenter.com/

Last time I was there I went to the Au Bon Pain. It is on the subway concourse level. The food is affordable and offers many tasty choices. I got their chili, which was very good. It also came with a roll. I then walked over to the windows that are right along the ice skating rink (in the winter) and was lucky to get a table right by the windows. (See Picture) I ate my chili as ice skaters whirled and sped by.

Au Bon Pain description from Rockefeller website -Au Bon Pain offers coffee, fresh baked pastries, bagels, breakfast sandwiches along with beyond the ordinary breakfast choices such as hot oatmeal with a choice of toppings, and signature items including the Smoked Salmon and Wasabi Bagel Sandwich. At lunch you can choose from a soup bar with eight choices daily, counter service for ordering sandwiches and the Harvest Rice Bowls, and a refrigerated case stocked with salads and pre-made sandwiches, perfect for customers in a hurry.

There is also a Starbucks close by if you need a pick me up to take with you as you continue to explore.

The Rockefeller observation area is called “Top of the Rock.” A ticket area and elevators are not far, so Au Bon Pain could be a great stop before or after. More about the Top of the Rock in a future blog.

Last time I was in NYC I actually stopped there twice for lunch and it was wonderful!