Early morning NY

April 12, 2007 8:30 PM

Where can I hang out in New York between 5am - 10am on a Monday?

I'm travelling to New York this Monday for an interview that's scheduled for the early afternoon. My bus, however, is dropping me off at the Port Authority before dawn. What are some decent nearby establishments that will be open? I'm looking for someplace(s) where I could rest, prep and possibly grab a bite.

posted by far flung to sports, hobbies, & recreation (10 comments total)

Where's your interview?
posted by suedehead at 8:52 PM on April 12, 2007

Europa cafe is just across the street from the Port Authority (8th between 42nd and 43rd I believe), although I can't really say anything that good about it other than its close and probably open early-ish cause they do have baked goods there.

Your best bet (for something that is open by 6) will probably be to find a Starbucks, grab a seat, a pastry and a cup of coffee and prep there.
posted by langeNU at 8:53 PM on April 12, 2007

That early, I'd say your best bet would either be to find a hotel in the area (e.g. Best Western on 48th and 8th) and chill in their lobby, or go to the Cosmic Diner (52nd and 8th) or the Tick Tock Diner (34th and 8th). A nicer place, more of a French bistro, is Pigalle on 8th Ave at 48th, but they won't serve food till 6:30 am. There will definitely be lots of places open, like Dunkin Donuts and such, but a diner or hotel might be more relaxing for you than a bright fast food place.
posted by xo at 8:53 PM on April 12, 2007

The Marriott Marquis has public restrooms, and will likely have breakfast and some newspapers available. You just have to take an elevator from ground level up to their real lobby, which is on the 8th or 9th floor.
posted by Tacos Are Pretty Great at 9:00 PM on April 12, 2007

suedehead, I think I won't have any trouble finding an open cafe around my interview place by the time I get there. I'm more interested in locations near the Port Authority that are open crazy early.

thanks to everyone for your suggestions.
posted by far flung at 11:26 PM on April 12, 2007

far flung, up until recently I lived three blocks from there. There's a 7-11 of all things on 42nd Street now between 8th and 9th and a Burger King with internet access a few doors down (I don't know if it's 24 hours though), a Dunkin Donuts at 42nd and 9th and a diner between 9th and 10th that may be open. The Theater Diner I think it is.

You'll really only need to kill an hour or two though before pretty much everything will be open around the PA. By 7 or 8 you'll have a lot more choices.
posted by JaredSeth at 4:01 AM on April 13, 2007

If the weather's nice, walk over to Bryant Park, 42nd between 5th and 6th and do some people-watching. Taking an early morning walk in midtown is a real treat, fascinating actually, to watch the city wake up ... much nicer than hanging out in the Dunkin Donuts near Port Authority (or pretty much anything else over there ... at that hour, you'll be stepping over the dregs of the night before).
posted by thinkpiece at 6:25 AM on April 13, 2007

I'm more interested in locations near the Port Authority that are open crazy early.

The problem is that the PA / Times Square area kinda sucks for hanging out. First thought that came to my mind, too, was "where are you going later" cause chances are if you go there first you'll have better options.
posted by allkindsoftime at 7:49 AM on April 13, 2007

Penn Station is way nicer than PA for chilling 24/7 (and has much better food choices 24/7). As you probably know, Penn is one subway stop (or a 10-minute walk) south of PA.

Another great option is the 24/7 Apple Store. Take the R from Port Authority (Queens-bound) to the 59th St/5th Av stop. Look for the clear building with the big white apple (or ask the doorman in any of the buildings around you, if it's not obvious). There you'll find benches and soft balls for sitting plus free internet access on all their display computers. (At that time of morning there will be no wait for computers.)
posted by allterrainbrain at 11:06 AM on April 13, 2007

The 5am bit is throwing me off but at 6:30am, Metro Marche opens. It's actually within Port Authority.
posted by spec80 at 11:34 AM on April 13, 2007