For months we have seen signs for the almighty return of the automat to New York City. The concept of hot, fresh, insanely cheap food from a vending machine is a bit odd, but it was something I just had to try. After much anticipation, Bamn has finally opened its doors, illuminating St. Mark’s Place with a bright pink glow. It is a beacon of light for bar hoppers craving some fried goodness to help soak up the booze.
Fellow Tripwire writer Erin Chandler and I stumbled into Bamn after enjoying some beverages at a few of our favorite watering holes. Although you can order fries, drinks and ice cream from an actual employee, we opted to stick with the coin-operated vending machines to get the real automat experience. Erin spent a whopping $1.50 on a grilled cheese to get things started, while I went for the fried awesomeness of the mac & cheese croquette. For drunk food, it was mighty good. Of course, how can you mess up a grilled cheese?
After looking over the other options, we decided to try a few more eats, including the mozzarella sticks, pizza dumplings and finished it all off with donuts. Each snack sized munchie was equally good, especially when you are just looking for a quick bite on the go. I would never consider Bamn as a meal destination, but for a cheap way to fill up your stomach late at night, it is just right.
I would have to say that the mac & cheese croquette was my favorite… which tasted like a mac filled egg roll. It was damn delicious. Comfort foods from a vending machine may seem like a novelty, but when you are craving a late night snack, it totally hits the spot.
BAMN!
37 St. Mark’s Place – NYC
