As far as the hospital goes, one of the better options. Used to be open into the evening which helped not just employees but people hospitalized here; now on short hours. A WARNING: Do not, for your own sake, buy & try to eat an "almond croissant." First of all, far from a croissant. Secondly, coated in a sickly sweet almond syrup and then stuffed with what tastes like pure almond paste, which is bitter and terrible. Even their strong coffee, drunk black, will not get the taste out. Just say no.
Samantha Bookman
Always short-staffed, and some of the staff who are there seem to be standing around doing nothing while one or two dart around doing everything.I stopped by to grab coffee & breakfast on Friday morning about 9:30. All of the coffee urns were completely empty. Both oatmeal stations were empty. One staff member behind the counter, frantically trying to prep lunch salads. A moment later the staffer ran from the back and apologized, pulling the empty urns two at a time and running back with a couple of fresh ones. As she put the empty urns under the coffee brewers another male staff member eased out of the back and watched her. "You could at least make the coffee," she said to him. He shrugged and said, "I don't know how."As that exchange took place, a new wave of customers started lining up in front of the sandwich counter. The male staff member disappeared in to the back room, leaving the woman to handle everything.I decided to just pay for my coffee and not bother with breakfast, but I had to wait several minutes while she dealt with the rush -- by herself. I counted three staff members but she was the only one actually working.I've never seen an Au Bon Pain so painfully understaffed and mismanaged. Kudos to that one staff member trying to hold it all together. Get her some competent colleagues, for the love of God.
VTwin
The person who has made my last few orders spends too much time talking (quite loudly) and he always gets something wrong … like “no tomatoes” (I’m allergic). He does not listen. He also takes several orders whilst the first one is still waiting…
Cheng Z.
This place has very limited food and drink options and very short store hours. The sandwiches (which are not particularly high quality) are more expensive than they're supposed to be. I spent $11 on a small caprese sandwich (without meat) and a sparkling water. If you have to eat lunch inside DHMC, I'd recommend Cravin's next door (or even the cafeteria).
Sarah
Everything bagel with plain cream cheese is the best!
Donovan King
It's a friendly place to get a sandwich and a coffee. It does get crowded and hectic around lunch, so I’d suggest you order and pay online so you can grab and go, avoiding the crunch around these times.I see the complaints regarding professionalism, etc. It’s a fast food restaurant, not a fine dining experience. The employees are juggling five or six orders in their head, while watching coffee pots and napkin bins and listening to our specific requests about tomatoes or Dijon mustard and trying to manage a crowd of people into a line; this on top of their own personal stresses, because they’re people. Try smiling and addressing your problem in a solvable way. They really will try their best, but sometimes, through nobody’s fault, things go wrong and can’t be fixed. It happens in every other room in DHMC, but here it’s just a sandwich.Stop in, grab a bite, and say hi. They’re all great people and really do want to leave every interaction on a positive note.
Melanie Y
During this pandemic you try to be as conscientious as possible especially when it comes to food service industry. I walked into the cafe to notice tons of signs, and was clearly confused as to where to order a fresh sandwich. There is only a huge sign over part of the counter that says pick up order here. When I politely inquired to the women who had their back to me at the counter where was the best place to order was I supposed to order on an app on my phone what would be the right thing to do to order, I was scoffed at and told that no I could order there what do you want? I asked for the turkey club okay and she turned her back from me. The young male cashier who apparently in my opinion may have been new so would you like to pay for that now while you're waiting, and I said if that's okay I'd like to look around the rest of the cafe in case I'd like to purchase something else to go with my sandwich. The girls were laughing and just interesting enough with sanitation and protocols in place I found it interesting that this girl, in a bright pink hooded sweatshirt, had her hair in a loose ponytail with her hair almost to her waist hanging over the Sandwich board while making my sandwich. And I've been in the restaurant industry for 26+ years as a corporate and independent restaurant manager and have been ServSafe certified for over 20 years. One would think, especially in a hospital that the management would have had her hair pulled back fully or in a hairnet. When I approached the cashier to ask if there was a manager available or a business card that I may contact Au Bon Pain with my experience of being treated very rudely he said no business card but yeah I guess I could go get the manager I said never mind. I'm also an Asian American here at the Dartmouth Hitchcock hospital and wondered if the girls had given me attitude for my race. I felt it was a very unprofessional experience and when I got to the little seating area in the hospital to eat my sandwich it was dry. That girl never requested any particular items condiments what else she could upsell for my lunch I actually wanted to get a hot cup of soup but the way I was being treated I just wanted to pay for an overpriced sandwich chips and a bottle of water for over $15 for a bad experience while waiting for my next doctor's appointment. I have been a patient for Darthmouth Hitchcock since 1990 and in high school. I've never had an issue with AU Bon Pain or any other vendor in this hospital. To clearly say that my experience was disappointing it was. As soon as I voiced my complaint to the cashier and after he cashed me out he went running into the back room and after I was handed my sandwich all employees went into the back room to discuss my frustration, in a polite way (I'm sure). At this point it wasn't even worth going back to ask for a packet of mayonnaise for my sandwich. Especially during this difficult year we've been in I have been trying to practice more kindness and respect for people and to be treated this way was highly disappointing. What is shows is lack of training in customer service and lack of a manager presence
Melanie Y.
During this pandemic you try to be as conscientious as possible especially when it comes to food service industry. I walked into the cafe to notice tons of signs, and was clearly confused as to where to order a fresh sandwich. There is only a huge sign over part of the counter that says pick up order here. When I politely inquired to the women who had their back to me at the counter where was the best place to order was I supposed to order on an app on my phone what would be the right thing to do to order, I was scoffed at and told that no I could order there what do you want? I asked for the turkey club okay and she turned her back from me. The young male cashier who apparently in my opinion may have been new so would you like to pay for that now while you're waiting, and I said if that's okay I'd like to look around the rest of the cafe in case I'd like to purchase something else to go with my sandwich. The girls were laughing and just interesting enough with sanitation and protocols in place I found it interesting that this girl, in a bright pink hooded sweatshirt, had her hair in a loose ponytail with her hair almost to her waist hanging over the Sandwich board while making my sandwich. And I've been in the restaurant industry for 26+ years as a corporate and independent restaurant manager and have been ServSafe certified for over 20 years. One would think, especially in a hospital that the management would have had her hair pulled back fully or in a hairnet. When I approached the cashier to ask if there was a manager available or a business card that I may contact Au Bon Pain with my experience of being treated very rudely he said no business card but yeah I guess I could go get the manager I said never mind. I'm also an Asian American here at the Dartmouth Hitchcock hospital and wondered if the girls had given me attitude for my race. I felt it was a very unprofessional experience and when I got to the little seating area in the hospital to eat my sandwich it was dry. That girl never requested any particular items condiments what else she could upsell for my lunch I actually wanted to get a hot cup of soup but the way I was being treated I just wanted to pay for an overpriced sandwich chips and a bottle of water for over $15 for a bad experience while waiting for my next doctor's appointment. I have been a patient for Darthmouth Hitchcock since 1990 and in high school. I've never had an issue with AU Bon Pain or any other vendor in this hospital. To clearly say that my experience was disappointing it was. As soon as I voiced my complaint to the cashier and after he cashed me out he went running into the back room and after I was handed my sandwich all employees went into the back room to discuss my frustration, in a polite way (I'm sure). At this point it wasn't even worth going back to ask for a packet of mayonnaise for my sandwich. Especially during this difficult year we've been in I have been trying to practice more kindness and respect for people and to be treated this way was highly disappointing. What is shows is lack of training in customer service and lack of a manager presence. PSA: it lists Panera bread for media. I was a Training specialist Manager for the first original franchise, for Panera bread allowed from the St. Louis Bread company. I will say this is not up to the standard for customer service, training, or food safety that Panera would expect.
Isvara Coutu
Absolutely amazing ! Super fresh and outstanding quality food . The bread is freezes as can be and very tasty for a white bread ! I always get the Turkey Club because the cheddar is perfectly sharp , with the bacon and crisp lettuce , topped off with this fresh & juicy turkey . It's mind-blowing , truly . Hahaha ! ??????♀️??? The Strawberry Lemonade is also to die for , definitely recommend ! Fairly quick service even when busy , and you can order ahead I believe .
lori keenan
I used to go there every morning for coffee and a bagel. Sidney is not a people person. She works behind the counter. I understand that they get busy. However they way she treats people is horrible. I spoke to the supervisor there..told her how I felt about the way I was treated. I'm thinking the supervisor must have spoken to Sidney. Because when I went in the other morning..Sidney was very very very rude to me. I still go there but only when Sidney is not working.
I've been a fan of Au Bon Pain since I was a teenager & my best friend and I would go to Boston for the weekend and we'd always be sure to stop at an Au Bon Pain somewhere in the city. I'm 48 now & the 9nly Au Bon Pain anywhere near my neck of the woods (rural New Hampshire) is this open, cafe-style one located inside Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. So any time I'm at DHMC for any reason, and I'm thirsty or hungry, I go here. Every sandwich they make is beyond delicious and they have great caffeinated beverages. What more could a girl ask for?
Dylan Wang
Delicious sandwiches but kinda small. Is it normal to start feeling full after three sandwiches or is it just me???
Sonja Stefan
Clean and quick! Good coffee and chocolate croissant was awesome!
Cynthia Winarski
Great food it is expensive though
Leonard Klepner
Didn't buy there. I stopped, looked and absorbed the hundreds of calories in their wonderful pastries. Cost was too much. Went down the hall for a bag of sesame sticks and a coffee.
As far as the hospital goes, one of the better options. Used to be open into the evening which helped not just employees but people hospitalized here; now on short hours. A WARNING: Do not, for your own sake, buy & try to eat an "almond croissant." First of all, far from a croissant. Secondly, coated in a sickly sweet almond syrup and then stuffed with what tastes like pure almond paste, which is bitter and terrible. Even their strong coffee, drunk black, will not get the taste out. Just say no.
Always short-staffed, and some of the staff who are there seem to be standing around doing nothing while one or two dart around doing everything.I stopped by to grab coffee & breakfast on Friday morning about 9:30. All of the coffee urns were completely empty. Both oatmeal stations were empty. One staff member behind the counter, frantically trying to prep lunch salads. A moment later the staffer ran from the back and apologized, pulling the empty urns two at a time and running back with a couple of fresh ones. As she put the empty urns under the coffee brewers another male staff member eased out of the back and watched her. "You could at least make the coffee," she said to him. He shrugged and said, "I don't know how."As that exchange took place, a new wave of customers started lining up in front of the sandwich counter. The male staff member disappeared in to the back room, leaving the woman to handle everything.I decided to just pay for my coffee and not bother with breakfast, but I had to wait several minutes while she dealt with the rush -- by herself. I counted three staff members but she was the only one actually working.I've never seen an Au Bon Pain so painfully understaffed and mismanaged. Kudos to that one staff member trying to hold it all together. Get her some competent colleagues, for the love of God.
The person who has made my last few orders spends too much time talking (quite loudly) and he always gets something wrong … like “no tomatoes” (I’m allergic). He does not listen. He also takes several orders whilst the first one is still waiting…
This place has very limited food and drink options and very short store hours. The sandwiches (which are not particularly high quality) are more expensive than they're supposed to be. I spent $11 on a small caprese sandwich (without meat) and a sparkling water. If you have to eat lunch inside DHMC, I'd recommend Cravin's next door (or even the cafeteria).
Everything bagel with plain cream cheese is the best!
It's a friendly place to get a sandwich and a coffee. It does get crowded and hectic around lunch, so I’d suggest you order and pay online so you can grab and go, avoiding the crunch around these times.I see the complaints regarding professionalism, etc. It’s a fast food restaurant, not a fine dining experience. The employees are juggling five or six orders in their head, while watching coffee pots and napkin bins and listening to our specific requests about tomatoes or Dijon mustard and trying to manage a crowd of people into a line; this on top of their own personal stresses, because they’re people. Try smiling and addressing your problem in a solvable way. They really will try their best, but sometimes, through nobody’s fault, things go wrong and can’t be fixed. It happens in every other room in DHMC, but here it’s just a sandwich.Stop in, grab a bite, and say hi. They’re all great people and really do want to leave every interaction on a positive note.
During this pandemic you try to be as conscientious as possible especially when it comes to food service industry. I walked into the cafe to notice tons of signs, and was clearly confused as to where to order a fresh sandwich. There is only a huge sign over part of the counter that says pick up order here. When I politely inquired to the women who had their back to me at the counter where was the best place to order was I supposed to order on an app on my phone what would be the right thing to do to order, I was scoffed at and told that no I could order there what do you want? I asked for the turkey club okay and she turned her back from me. The young male cashier who apparently in my opinion may have been new so would you like to pay for that now while you're waiting, and I said if that's okay I'd like to look around the rest of the cafe in case I'd like to purchase something else to go with my sandwich. The girls were laughing and just interesting enough with sanitation and protocols in place I found it interesting that this girl, in a bright pink hooded sweatshirt, had her hair in a loose ponytail with her hair almost to her waist hanging over the Sandwich board while making my sandwich. And I've been in the restaurant industry for 26+ years as a corporate and independent restaurant manager and have been ServSafe certified for over 20 years. One would think, especially in a hospital that the management would have had her hair pulled back fully or in a hairnet. When I approached the cashier to ask if there was a manager available or a business card that I may contact Au Bon Pain with my experience of being treated very rudely he said no business card but yeah I guess I could go get the manager I said never mind. I'm also an Asian American here at the Dartmouth Hitchcock hospital and wondered if the girls had given me attitude for my race. I felt it was a very unprofessional experience and when I got to the little seating area in the hospital to eat my sandwich it was dry. That girl never requested any particular items condiments what else she could upsell for my lunch I actually wanted to get a hot cup of soup but the way I was being treated I just wanted to pay for an overpriced sandwich chips and a bottle of water for over $15 for a bad experience while waiting for my next doctor's appointment. I have been a patient for Darthmouth Hitchcock since 1990 and in high school. I've never had an issue with AU Bon Pain or any other vendor in this hospital. To clearly say that my experience was disappointing it was. As soon as I voiced my complaint to the cashier and after he cashed me out he went running into the back room and after I was handed my sandwich all employees went into the back room to discuss my frustration, in a polite way (I'm sure). At this point it wasn't even worth going back to ask for a packet of mayonnaise for my sandwich. Especially during this difficult year we've been in I have been trying to practice more kindness and respect for people and to be treated this way was highly disappointing. What is shows is lack of training in customer service and lack of a manager presence
During this pandemic you try to be as conscientious as possible especially when it comes to food service industry. I walked into the cafe to notice tons of signs, and was clearly confused as to where to order a fresh sandwich. There is only a huge sign over part of the counter that says pick up order here. When I politely inquired to the women who had their back to me at the counter where was the best place to order was I supposed to order on an app on my phone what would be the right thing to do to order, I was scoffed at and told that no I could order there what do you want? I asked for the turkey club okay and she turned her back from me. The young male cashier who apparently in my opinion may have been new so would you like to pay for that now while you're waiting, and I said if that's okay I'd like to look around the rest of the cafe in case I'd like to purchase something else to go with my sandwich. The girls were laughing and just interesting enough with sanitation and protocols in place I found it interesting that this girl, in a bright pink hooded sweatshirt, had her hair in a loose ponytail with her hair almost to her waist hanging over the Sandwich board while making my sandwich. And I've been in the restaurant industry for 26+ years as a corporate and independent restaurant manager and have been ServSafe certified for over 20 years. One would think, especially in a hospital that the management would have had her hair pulled back fully or in a hairnet. When I approached the cashier to ask if there was a manager available or a business card that I may contact Au Bon Pain with my experience of being treated very rudely he said no business card but yeah I guess I could go get the manager I said never mind. I'm also an Asian American here at the Dartmouth Hitchcock hospital and wondered if the girls had given me attitude for my race. I felt it was a very unprofessional experience and when I got to the little seating area in the hospital to eat my sandwich it was dry. That girl never requested any particular items condiments what else she could upsell for my lunch I actually wanted to get a hot cup of soup but the way I was being treated I just wanted to pay for an overpriced sandwich chips and a bottle of water for over $15 for a bad experience while waiting for my next doctor's appointment. I have been a patient for Darthmouth Hitchcock since 1990 and in high school. I've never had an issue with AU Bon Pain or any other vendor in this hospital. To clearly say that my experience was disappointing it was. As soon as I voiced my complaint to the cashier and after he cashed me out he went running into the back room and after I was handed my sandwich all employees went into the back room to discuss my frustration, in a polite way (I'm sure). At this point it wasn't even worth going back to ask for a packet of mayonnaise for my sandwich. Especially during this difficult year we've been in I have been trying to practice more kindness and respect for people and to be treated this way was highly disappointing. What is shows is lack of training in customer service and lack of a manager presence. PSA: it lists Panera bread for media. I was a Training specialist Manager for the first original franchise, for Panera bread allowed from the St. Louis Bread company. I will say this is not up to the standard for customer service, training, or food safety that Panera would expect.
Absolutely amazing ! Super fresh and outstanding quality food . The bread is freezes as can be and very tasty for a white bread ! I always get the Turkey Club because the cheddar is perfectly sharp , with the bacon and crisp lettuce , topped off with this fresh & juicy turkey . It's mind-blowing , truly . Hahaha ! ??????♀️??? The Strawberry Lemonade is also to die for , definitely recommend ! Fairly quick service even when busy , and you can order ahead I believe .
I used to go there every morning for coffee and a bagel. Sidney is not a people person. She works behind the counter. I understand that they get busy. However they way she treats people is horrible. I spoke to the supervisor there..told her how I felt about the way I was treated. I'm thinking the supervisor must have spoken to Sidney. Because when I went in the other morning..Sidney was very very very rude to me. I still go there but only when Sidney is not working.
Restaurantji Recommends
I've been a fan of Au Bon Pain since I was a teenager & my best friend and I would go to Boston for the weekend and we'd always be sure to stop at an Au Bon Pain somewhere in the city. I'm 48 now & the 9nly Au Bon Pain anywhere near my neck of the woods (rural New Hampshire) is this open, cafe-style one located inside Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. So any time I'm at DHMC for any reason, and I'm thirsty or hungry, I go here. Every sandwich they make is beyond delicious and they have great caffeinated beverages. What more could a girl ask for?
Delicious sandwiches but kinda small. Is it normal to start feeling full after three sandwiches or is it just me???
Clean and quick! Good coffee and chocolate croissant was awesome!
Great food it is expensive though
Didn't buy there. I stopped, looked and absorbed the hundreds of calories in their wonderful pastries. Cost was too much. Went down the hall for a bag of sesame sticks and a coffee.