I recently had the opportunity to visit the Culinary Institute of America’s Apple Pie Bakery Cafe. I’ve wanted to go there for sometime because, first, the cafe’s menu is less expensive than its more formal sister restaurants; second, no reservations are required; and third, there’s no dress code.

Open 7:30am -6:30 pm, Monday through Friday, this pretty eatery was worth the wait. The lunch menu included terrific pastries, braised beef short ribs, and sourdough “Rueben” Panninis.

I was told that, since the students like to go there as well, the less crowded days are Monday through Wednesday.

Parking is available in a two story parking deck located in Anton Plaza.