Europa Cafe at the Corner of 46th St and Sixth Avenue

Cafe Europa at the corner of 46th and 6th Avenue.

Rice Pudding, Pastrami on Focaccia and Pineapple Juice.(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

With 14 locations and growing in Midtown & Downtown Manhattan, Europa Cafe has become one of the most convenient location for sandwiches, pastries, salads and soups. Think Starbucks with a meal service.

There's a couple of Europa Cafes near my hotel. One is located right on Broadway in the heart of Times Square and the other a block away at the corner of 46th and 6th Avenue. Being nearly 5pm, I opted for the what I guessed would be the less crowded one on this Wednesday afternoon.

I was right. The tables were full of diners but there was no line to order food. When I'm in the city and see a matinee and evening performance on the same day, it often is a struggle to find someplace practical to have dinner where I can beat the crowds. Feeling a bit tired from my morning of sightseeing, I opted to pick up dinner and to enjoy it after returning to my hotel.

My order was comprised of a Pastrami Zesto Sandwich ($7.55; fresh pastrami, sauerkraut, spicy mustard and Swiss cheese on baked focaccia); Rice Pudding ($3.95; swirled with cinnamon and nutmeg and topped with raisins); and a bottle of Apple & Eve Pineapple Juice ($2.95).

The rice pudding was sweet and creamy and the sandwich which was made hot to order. The focaccia had a crispy crust which was balanced with the tender slices of pastrami and cheese and the restrained layer of sauerkraut.

Since Times Square is where I normally stay, this location of Europa Cafe is definitely a place to go back when time is limited and I'm in need of something quick and good.

Visit europacafe.com for more information. The 46th St/6th Ave location is open Mon-Fri 6:00am-9:00pm; Sat 6:00am-8:30pm and Sun 7:00am-5:00pm. Tel 212-575-727. Online and phone ordering available. Click HERE for online menu.

The 46th Street location includes a small dining area that extends to the left.