Where to have a work breakfast near Lincoln Center/John Jay in NYC?

February 18, 2011 3:54 PM

My boss and I are meeting in NYC next Monday morning and I need a place for breakfast near the 59th Street/Columbus Circle/Red Line Subway Stop.

We're both from out of town and he's asked me to pick the place. Is there any decent place for breakfast in the area? I'd like a sit-down restaurant with good food, pretty quick service, somewhat quiet (I don't have many chances to talk with him at length) and no more then $20-$25 per person. A 5-10 minute walk is no big deal but we're headed towards 10th Ave after breakfast, so in that direction would be great.

posted by victoriab to food & drink (14 answers total)

Bouchon Bakery is in Time Warner Center. It's kind of a semi-private food court style set-up, but fairly quiet and top notch food (Thomas Keller of French Laundry).
posted by Frank Grimes at 4:10 PM on February 18, 2011

(and Time Warner Center is directly above the Columbus Circle Subway station)
posted by Frank Grimes at 4:11 PM on February 18, 2011

2nding Bouchon Bakery. So good.

I took my meal out into Central Park which might be nice for privacy.
posted by beepbeepboopboop at 4:12 PM on February 18, 2011

Rue 57 is good.

Also, it's not the "red line"; it's the 1 line.
posted by dfriedman at 4:29 PM on February 18, 2011 [1 favorite]

I've enjoyed AQ Kafe a great deal. It's on the opposite side of Columbus Circle from the Time Warner Center. They've got a lot of seating, and I imagine that it's quiet on weekday mornings (although I'm usually there in the evenings).
posted by kimdog at 6:34 PM on February 18, 2011 [1 favorite]

I recommend Giorgio's Restaurant on 9th and 53rd. It's basically just a diner, but the food is good and the place has usual elan. And it's on your way.
posted by CunningLinguist at 7:36 PM on February 18, 2011

AQ Kafe, no question. Bouchon is good but not very filling.
posted by dame at 7:44 PM on February 18, 2011

Unusual. I meant unusual elan.
cripes.
posted by CunningLinguist at 8:18 PM on February 18, 2011

Another vote for AQ Kafe.
posted by safetyfork at 8:50 PM on February 18, 2011

Bouchon Bakery's sit-down cafe doesn't open until 11:30. (Counter service is open at 8:30.) AQ cafe will be open though.
posted by cmgonzalez at 11:00 PM on February 18, 2011

Norma's at the Le Parker Meridian hotel is great. Definitely a bit pricey, but they take reservations, it's sit down and only about a 5 minutes walk from Columbus Circle. Inventive menu too.
posted by slide at 8:07 AM on February 19, 2011

AQ Kafe is really good.
posted by lsemel at 8:56 PM on February 19, 2011

Thanks for the great suggestions and I think I'll go with AQ Kafe on this trip. The price seems perfect and I think the boss will appreciate the "artisanal pastry kitchen" vibe. It also seems to have a more limited menu which is perfect since I have trouble making decisions before coffee. I'll let you know how it goes.
posted by victoriab at 5:09 PM on February 20, 2011

Wanted to post a quick update that AQ Kafe was the perfect choice for my meeting this morning. I loved the space and it was extremely quite for the first hour we were there. Business started to pick up around 9:30 just as we were wrapping up. Anyway, it was yummy, affordable and helped get my entire day off to a good start. Thanks Mefites!
posted by victoriab at 8:37 PM on February 28, 2011