Le Pain Quotidien (Flatiron)

This charming, French-inspired café chain is one of the best spots to sip on your afternoon study pick-me-up! Le Pain Quotidien (French for “the daily bread”) has been my go-to bistro for bites in between classes since my days at Hunter, and now Baruch. From quick sandwiches to full-blown lunch salad bowls, Le Pain Quotidien is the perfect place for your next study-and-sip outing. Whether you’re craving a hearty tartine (an open-faced sandwich), a nourishing supergrains bowl, or just a buttery croissant with coffee or matcha, there’s something for every mood and diet.

Best of all? No matter where you are in the city, there’s almost always a Le Pain nearby—making it a reliable and cozy choice whether you’re rushing between classes, grabbing a solo lunch, or catching up with friends.

Ratings:

☕ Drink Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

🛋️ Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐

💻 Study-Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

💲 Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐☆

Drink Quality

Their lattes, teas, and matcha drinks are smooth and satisfying, though sometimes a touch on the pricier side. I love that most of the beverages are organic and pair perfectly with a pastry or light meal.

Atmosphere

Warm wood interiors, soft lighting, and communal tables give Le Pain a cozy, European vibe. It’s inviting enough for long study sessions yet lively with the buzz of city-goers coming and going.

Study Friendly

Plenty of tables and a calm energy make it a solid study spot. Just note that outlets can be limited depending on the location, so bring a charged laptop if you plan to stay a while.

Value for Money

It’s not the cheapest café in the city, but the portions are generous and the quality of ingredients—many organic—feels worth the splurge when you need a treat or a reliable study escape.

Locations 📍

🥖 Flatiron – 931 Broadway (at 22nd St) → Spacious, bright, and perfect for study breaks between Baruch classes.

🥖 Bryant Park – 70 W 40th St → A great spot to grab a latte and people-watch before heading to the library.

🥖 Central Park South – 7th Ave at 58th St → Ideal for a post-walk bite or cozy weekend brunch.

🥖 SoHo – 100 Grand St → Trendy and relaxed, perfect for catching up with friends downtown.

🥖 Upper East Side – 1240 Lexington Ave (at 84th St) → A quieter café feel, great for reading or solo study time.

🥖 Upper West Side – 50 W 72nd St → Neighborhood charm with lots of seating.

🥖 Battery Park – 2 River Terrace → Scenic views and a laid-back vibe by the water.